New Review from Cafe of Dreams

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Review - Distant Thunder by Jimmy Root Jr.

Distant Thunder
By: Jimmy Root Jr.Paperback: 328 pages
Publisher: American Book Publishing (August 10, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1589825535
ISBN-13: 978-1589825536
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5 x 0.7 inches

Distant Thunder is the first book in The Lightening Chronicles with the promise of more engrossing stories to follow. I, personally, love stories based upon prophetic beliefs and ideas. I find it incredibly interesting to take an idea that has been tossed around for centuries and turn it into an almost true-to-life occurrence, such as Jimmy Root Jr. does here in Distant Thunder.

I found myself quickly and immediately absorbed within the pages and story of Distant Thunder. This is a story that will take the collection of "what-if" questions that flow through people's minds and bring them to life. I greatly enjoyed the author's style of writing and the way he is able to breathe realism into his characters and situations, placing the reader within the pages of the book.With the constant threat of terrorism, mother nature, and so many widespread catastrophes, one is often left to wonder if those long ago prophecies may be heading toward truth.

Distant Thunder takes the biblical prophecies and puts them in a light of current times with a non-stop, heart-pounding thriller that is sure to leave the reader up late into the night, flying through pages. Once the final page is turned, eagerness will consume, knowing that a new installment will be on it's way soon.I highly recommend this excellent book and cannot wait for the next in the Lightening Chronicles!

New Distant Thunder Book Review Sept. 14, 2009

Reviewed by Chris Phillips for Bestsellerworld.com

This is a work of speculative fiction; the events that occur here have not occurred in our reality, but they could. Root makes a very good case for that possibility and then shows how they could be prophetically fulfilled.


Ty Dempsey, a pastor in Plattsville, KS, is lead by God to begin teaching prophecy from Isaiah and Ezekiel. Moshe Eldan, a fighter pilot in the Israeli Air Force, begins to see signs of increased terrorist activity and is lead to the same passages in a different way. Both watch as ancient prophecies come to life. These two experience events on different parts of the Earth, but their experiences are strangely parallel and culminate in an explosive climax where the central prophecy is complete.


Throughout the story these two fight battles that, although not in the same war, are the same in tension and dramatic effect. From the handling of a pastor’s issues leading a congregation to a renewed closeness to God; to piloting a fighter over the Golan Heights and fighting intense dogfights there; Root masterfully develops the plot. Then, when least expected, he twists it bringing prophetic and spiritual issues to the front, challenging many believers to see prophecy in a new light.


The action is compelling, even edge-of-the-seat tense. The plot is consistent and well-executed. The two main characters are thoroughly developed even if the others are paper thin in comparison. Throughout the book many of the antagonists seem to be interchangeable and non-descript, names changed but nothing about them distinguishes them from each other.
Read this story and prophecy comes. The only let down to this reader comes at the end, when it becomes clear that this volume is but the first part of a series. Hopefully Ty and Moshe will come back defending right in the next book, and the other characters will get their deserved development, becoming more completely fleshed-out people, believable to every reader.

What Does Plausibility have to do With It?

Have you ever listened to a storyteller spin a yarn and all the while you were thinking, “This makes no sense?” The reason you came to that conclusion was either because that particular bard was terrible at telling a story or, the story itself didn’t promote plausibility.

As my fingers were sending sparks flying from my keyboard in the writing of Distant Thunder, every ounce of grey matter in my head was pulsating. It was shouting, “Keep It Plausible Stupid. Make it believable!” So, I took the headlines being broadcast on the news and projected my story into the world of current events and how they align to Bible prophecy. The trick worked. My story immediately took on a level of believability that captivates the reader.
How does a writer create plausibility?

I believe there are two distinct methods the writer can use in creating a tale that is plausible.
The first is the creation of a true-to-life scenario, with characters that reflect at least some elements of authentic human nature. Take for instance the popular series “Smallville.” The setting is a small Kansas farm town where Clark Kent got his start in life on earth. His character eventually transforms into Superman, but in the developmental years, Clark goes through all of the emotional ups and downs that the rest of us had to suffer. The only difference was that Clark could pick up a tractor and throw it across the county. What makes the story plausible is the realism of the setting and the human likeness in the future Superman. We all know there is no such thing as a Superman, but because we see he battles the same inner drama as the rest of us, we are willing to accept his fictional existence. We are easily pulled into his continuing saga. That is plausibility.

There is a second method of producing plausibility in a story. It has to do with how the characters see themselves and the setting in which they exist. For example, no one in their right mind believes there is a way to travel at ten times the speed of light. It is a physical impossibility, at least with our limited scientific knowledge. But the crew members of the USS Enterprise have believed it since Gene Rodenberry created them. Therefore, we join in on their adventures to go where no one has gone before, and we suck it all in as if we were there. Why? Because Captains Kirk and Piccard see every world they discover, every alien they face, and every circumstance they encounter as completely plausible. Only Spock has difficulty from time to time with plausibility. He can’t see beyond his logic. Logically speaking, warp drive doesn’t exist in the real world, but it does exist on Star Trek. One can easily see the concept. If it is plausible to the character, it is more palatably plausible to the reader.

As you write your story, ask yourself a couple pertinent questions. Does the near-reality of the story lend itself to plausibility? Is my story believable because of its reflection of authenticity? Is my wild scenario plausible to the characters I have created? If the answer is yes to any one of these questions, your story is probably quite believable.

New Review of Distant Thunder

Book Review: Distant Thunder by Jimmy Root Jr.
Posted on August 25th, 2009
by Simon Barrett in Book Reviews, Reviews


Book One Of The Lightning Chronicles


I read a lot of books and while I am not as cynical as the wag that suggests there are only 7 plots in the entire literary world and authors merely recycle these plots over and over, however I do feel that a good many books lack that spark that sets them apart. That is not the case with Distant Thunder, Jimmy Root Jr. has found a most unique angle to base his book around. The basis for his action/thriller novel are two rather obscure chapters from the old testament, Ezekiel 38 and 39. In these writings can be found a prophecy concerning the future well being of the Jewish people in Israel. Is Ezekiel predicting that at some point Israels enemies will rise up united against her?


Distant Thunder weaves two distinct story lines together. In the first we have a group of fanatical Muslim terrorists who have procured some portable nuclear devices from Russia. These devices were ‘liberated’ when the Soviet Union crumbled. Their mission? To destroy the west by detonating them in major cities. In the second story line Israel’s enemies have joined forces and plan to launch an Iranian made missile equipped with an Iranian made nuclear device at the city of Haifa.


Our main heroes are Pastor Ty Dempsey, a peace loving man residing in the small town of Plattsville, Missouri. His life is becomes shattered with the death of his brother serving in Iraq. It is this event that draws Ty into his bible and most particularly the book of Ezekiel. In his eyes there is a clear connection to the the woes befalling the modern world in this ancient text. When he reveals his fears to his congregation not everyone is in agreement and certain elements start to seek his removal from the church. His sermons have started to fragment this quiet community.


In Israel we meet Captain Moshe Eldan, a fighter pilot tasked with keeping the airspace free from intruders. It is through his wife that he learns of Ezekiel’s prophecy. That becomes of even greater importance after he is shot down over the Golan Heights and makes a horrific discovery.
I do not think it is appropriate to reveal any more of the plot at this stage. Distant Thunder is without doubt the hidden gem of the summer. I know it is cliché, but this book is a genuine page turner. I cannot profess to be much of a practicing Christian, the occasional wedding and christening, and as I grow older, funerals are my main occasions to venture into the world of religion. This plot though piqued my interest and for the first time in years actually picked up a bible and read what Ezekiel had to say. My wife almost had heart failure when she saw me do this!


I will now share a secret with you. Jimmy Root Jr. is indeed a pastor in real life. This fact eluded me until I read his biography at the end of the book. I guess I should not have been surprised as the biblical quotes are likely outside of the realm of a regular author. But the style of writing, and indeed the action, thriller plot just does not seem like something I would have expected from a man of the cloth.


There is one section in particular that sticks in my mind. The dieing thoughts of a suicide bomber. It is very thought provoking and ends with the phrase: "Then suddenly and with infinite impact, it dawned on him that the voice was his own, and it was not subsiding. So this was hell."


Great book, grab yourself a copy and take a ride on the wild side. I can not wait for book two in this series.

Distant Thunder is available from Jimmy Root Jr’s web site.
Simon Barrett

Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,Publishing,

Hard Work and Miracles

How I Got Published

A permanent fixture etched in my childhood memories is that of an ancient hymn. It was sung off key by parishioners seated in wooden pews with the harsh strands of an old organ dragging it along. But not only the gusto of the singing stuck in my mind, so did the truth of the words. “It took a miracle to fling the stars in space.” From that tender age onward I have been convinced that miracles happen.

There are those that believe the art of getting a book published rests solely on hard work. They are the real blood, sweat, and tears aficionados. They might even be classified as literary sadists. You know; those that believe an author must suffer through years of angst and nail biting just so that they can be classified as having “paid their dues.” But what happens when someone comes along and breaks the rules by way of a miracle or two?

After I had notched the last period on the manuscript of Distant Thunder, Book One of the Lightning Chronicles, I joyfully and expectantly began the search for a publisher. I was clueless, but clueless can be good, at least when it comes to that part about angst and nail biting. No one told me that I was supposed to plow my way through months, maybe years of rejection. No one coached me on how to write a query letter for submitting the manuscript. I simply pressed forward, formed what I thought was a decent query, implemented my Google search button, and began.

For those of you who are now beginning to shake your head in disbelief or click your tongue on the back of your teeth like a school teacher lecturing a wayward second grader, you have to realize I am totally given over to the miraculous. Yes, you heard it correctly. I believe in the miraculous. From the way God works with those who seek him, to the way cool things happen for those who persevere and believe, I believe in miracles. In the case of the publishing of Distant Thunder, hard work and a miracle worked hand in hand.

Over two hundred query letters were pecked out on my keyboard. Manuscripts were sent. Selected chapters, synopsis, outlines, and character sketches were divided up and handed out over the internet. It all happened in gleeful bliss. And then the responses began to flood in. No! Sorry! Not what we’re looking for at this time! Check with so-and-so. Nice idea, but not our style! We don’t publish new authors, ever! Over two hundred queries attracted over two hundred rejections. But something in the back of my mind said, “Don’t give up. This book is good.” So I folded perseverance into a prayer for a miracle! That is when it happened. I received a positive response in the form of a contract exactly four months after beginning the hunt. And then another contract arrived, and another. Three contracts in all. I chose the one that fit my needs the best, American Book Publishers, and Distant Thunder became a reality.

If you are getting discouraged in your hunt for a publisher, I have some advice. Keep looking. Learn from the rejections. Persevere! In the meantime, polish your work in every way. Then, when you are working your hardest, step aside from the angst and allow yourself to believe for a miracle. Miracles still happen.


Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,Publishing,

Fodder for an Author

Fodder for an Author
Jimmy Root, Jr.
Author of Distant Thunder: Book One of the Lightning Chronicles

For the storyteller, inspiration sometimes comes in unlooked for places and unexpected moments. Usable anecdotes and ideas for building true to life characters can happen just about anywhere. I have found it pays to keep my eyes open and with the intent of looking beyond the surface of what I see.

One type of epiphany comes in the form of a flash, the spur of the moment. For instance, inspiration came as I was brushing off a freshly formed cobweb from my dining room window one morning. I wasn’t thinking about much beyond getting my first cup of coffee and checking out the early news when a white flash in the back yard caught my attention. It was our young Jack Russell Terrier named Harley, and he was worked up into a frenzy. That’s a normal state for Harley and most Jack Russells, no matter what a dog whisperer might claim. But there was something different about the way he was running and throwing himself into the air. It appeared as if he were trying to get away from a swarm of bees, but it was something else, and it kept me from continuing on toward the coffee pot.

A brown, furry clump had attached itself to Harley’s head and was hanging on for dear life. I could see the whites of the little creature’s eyes, its mouth wide open in a silent scream. Its long tail wound all the way down and into Harley’s mouth. The scene was hilarious. He’d evidently caught the little rodent encroaching in his sacred territory and had grabbed it by the tail. Harley has hated squirrels ever since. I took all of three days to fit that story into a sermon portraying a life principle about how to properly treat our neighbors.

Another type of inspiration comes a bit slower, something that happens when an author takes what he sees then begins to ask questions that go beyond the surface. An example of this took place just the other day as I drove through South Carolina on an out-of-the-way route. The scenery had been pretty much the same through northern Florida and Georgia, but I’d noticed that the signage marking county roads had changed. One particular road was named “Lucas Ferry Road,” and riding off the highway onto it was an old African American man on a bicycle. Though I was driving down highway 17 at sixty miles an hour, something about what I’d just seen grabbed my attention. A story formed. Let me share it in its primitive form.

“The dust rolling up from behind Ed’s tires was beginning to clot in the back of his throat. He wanted to spit, but the sweltering heat had drained his body of any extra moisture. Worse, Ed was still six miles from Lucas Ferry, and then he’d have sixty yards of hauling to do before he reached the other side. But he wasn’t discouraged for he knew his wife Martha would be waiting at the door with a tall glass of lemonade and a kiss.”

That thought took place from one quick glance at a man riding up a country road in South Carolina. How much more could be developed by simply asking deeper questions about what I’d seen?

Both processes were implemented in the writing of Distant Thunder. Sideways glances at interesting personalities opened a world of depth in the characters. It worked the same for the settings I developed. I call it inspiration. Others may call it something else. All I know is it worked, and Distant Thunder is richer because of the process.


Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,Publishing,

Distant Thunder Review by Norm Goldman of Book Pleasures

Norm Goldman, B.A. LL.L, is the Publisher & Editor of http://Bookpleasures.com. He is also a top 500 http://Amazon.com reviewer.
Author: Jimmy Root Jr.
ISBN: 13: 978-1-58982-553-6: 10: 1-58982-553-5
Depending on your religious beliefs, Jimmy Root Jr.’s Distant Thunder is either likely to dazzle you or affront you. It is a Christian novel with an overt Christian perspective and message. Accordingly, many readers and predominantly those of faiths other than Christianity may be totally turned off. Then again, if you can avoid becoming too enmeshed with the religious aspect of the novel, there remains a well-written chilling yarn that will make you eager to stick around and enjoy the read.
Root creates two worlds or theaters of action, one in Plattsville, Missouri, just a stone’s throw away from Kansas City, and the other in Israel.
As our story evolves, Ty Dempsey, a pastor in Plattsville has recently lost his brother in the Iraq War. Ty gets into hot water with his Board of Deacons, as they are not too pleased with his sermons and the way he is preaching to his congregants. This was in reaction to one of his sermons where he told his congregants that the Lord had revealed to him through Isaiah chapter seventeen that the world as we know it is about to come to a spectacular end.
Ty goes onto explain that nuclear material will fall into the hands of people bent on the destruction of Israel and this will emanate from Iran, through Iraq and Syria. Israel will respond swiftly and obliterate and erase Syria from the map. And what follows will replicate the prophesy of Ezekiel, who predicted the destruction of several nations located in the Middle East and Russia pursuant to their aggression against Judah (Israel).
The novel’s second principal character is Captain Moshe Eldan, an intense thirty-four year old F-161 ace Israeli pilot whose wife Tasha has similarly suffered the loss of a family member, her mother. She has turned away from Judaism and has embraced Jesus Christ and would like her husband to join her in her new found religion.
Moshe is passionate in his defense of Israel and is constantly in danger guarding his country’s borders from its hostile and devious neighbors. One night, however, his luck runs out and he and another air force pilot are shot down by Russian migs. Moshe finds himself behind enemy lines in Syria where he is about to discover something very disturbing that could have dire consequences for his country.
Mixed into the plot are Arab terrorists that are preparing a hideous attack on the USA which is tied in with plans to destroy Israel by unfriendly Arab neighbors as well as Russia. Could this be what Ezekiel prophesied? Is this scenario happening today when we read the headlines concerning Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and other Arab countries? You have to admit this does give readers reason to pause and re-examine the state of world affairs, particularly as it concerns Iran and its foreboding threat to Israel. All of this, no doubt, will intensify your fascination because much of the novel is inspired by actual events that we are reading about in the media.
Root is not afraid to assume that you will follow him down controversial and sometimes frightening paths. His writing is imaginative, although some of the conversations between Moshe and Tasha are a trifle far-fetched, especially when the security of the State of Israel is at stake. What particularly makes you willing to stick with the story, despite its obvious religious slant, is that the author impressively brings life to his two main characters who both are caught up in overwhelming struggles. On the one hand, we have a devoted pastor who has a intense belief in his teachings and spurns any attempt by others to change them. On the other hand, we have an Israeli warrior who is zealously passionate about his country and will safeguard it at all costs. We can even feel Ty and Moshe's passions and emotions wishing that all will turn out for the good in the end. There is also a little romance thrown in as Ty falls madly in love with a beautiful blond. However, don't expect any steamy love scenes! This is after all a Christian novel.

Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,Publishing,

Interview With Reviewer Norm Goldman of Book Pleasures

Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest, Pastor Jimmy Root Jr. author of Distant Thunder: Book One “The Lightening Chronicles.”


Good day Jimmy and thanks for participating in our interview

Norm:

Could you tell us something about yourself and how you became interested in writing?

Jimmy: My pleasure, Norm. I am about as mid-western as a person can be, born in Kansas and raised in Nebraska, and instilled with the values known to the region. With that upbringing comes an enjoyment of the out of doors, sports, gardening, fishing, and being around lots of friends. My wife and I have been in the ministry for nearly thirty years, including a stint in Colombia, South America that lasted five years. But somewhere along the line I picked up a great love for writing. It has been a part of my life in the ministry for over thirty years, but it was only recently that I decided to scratch an itch that was driving me to write fiction. I am happy I took the plunge.

Norm:

Does your writing career ever conflict with your career as a Pastor?

Jimmy: I believe I have the best of both worlds. I love being a Pastor and just about everything that comes with it. It is my calling and my purpose. But I also have a passion to write. Juggling the two loves has been challenging at times, but the wonderful thing about the people in my congregation is that they are behind me one hundred percent. They come first for me and they know it. I think that frees them to allow me the leeway to write as often as I am able.

Norm:

One of your principal characters in Distant Thunder: Book One “The Lightening Chronicles” is Ty Dempsey who is a pastor like yourself. How much of you is in Ty?

Jimmy: My wife has accused me of having an alter ego. I don’t see Ty Dempsey in that light. If the truth be known, Moshe Eldan fits that side of me. However, much of Ty’s outlook and experience is filtered through my worldview. His roots are different. His style is different. But many of his day-to-day dealings with people were birthed within elements my own history. He is definitely more of a romantic, which also drives my wife crazy.

Norm:

How did you go about creating your other principal character, Captain Moshe Eldan? Is he based on any person you met or know?

Jimmy: I had no particular sketch in mind when I created Moshe, other than what I imagined a fighter pilot’s personality might be. I wanted him to have a semblance of the ordinary, but with a true potential toward the heroic. I believe that nature reflects the majority of those of us who consider ourselves ordinary human beings. So, I folded a true maverick’s nature into him, but I tried to keep it under the surface. More than anything, I wanted to Moshe to represent the nation of Israel as a whole. He is honest. He has an awareness of danger, yet has learned to live on the edge like most Israeli’s. He has reconciled within his mind the fact that Israel is practically alone in the world. I think that gives his personality a certain sadness.

Norm:

What do you want your book to do? Entertain people? Provoke thinking?

Jimmy: I really hadn’t set out to write a message-oriented book when I began Distant Thunder. However, the more I pursued the storylines the more a message began to surface. We obviously live in a world filled with peril, though many in the west seem to have fallen asleep to the danger of our post 9-11 world. I find that especially true among Christianity. The more I wrote, the more I found myself desiring to sound a warning of what is to come. My intent is not to generate fear, but to demonstrate that there is great hope if we will continue to seek the truth. But I believe the book, and series, are very entertaining and thrilling.

Norm:

Where did all the information come from concerning the Israeli Air Force and its air manoeuvres?

Jimmy: I have always held fighter pilots in high esteem. In fact, at the age of sixteen I visited with a US Navy recruiter to ascertain the possibilities of becoming an F-14 Tomcat pilot. That life never panned out, but I kept up with airborne weaponry and assets as best I could. When I began to build Moshe’s character it became a matter of researching the history of the Israeli Air Force, its military assets, and its incredible aerial history. Creating aerial flight and combat sequences happened on a flight simulator right on my computer. That may be why the crash scenes are so true to life. After the book was done I met a 9th Air Force combat instructor and F-15 ace who graciously reviewed the material. He gave it a full thumbs up, which is quite gratifying for someone who has never piloted a plane.

Norm:

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing your book?

Jimmy: The most surprising moments came when I allowed the story to form itself. I did very little outlining other than the development of my characters and the ultimate end game. The thrill came in actually allowing the storylines to happen naturally. I found myself laughing at times. I had a tear or two slip from my eyes, and I can hardly describe how my heart was pounding while I wrote the action sequences. It is something I never expected to experience.

Norm:

Do you have a local writing community or fellow writers that you look to for support and advice?

Jimmy: Not when I wrote Distant Thunder. I was blessed to discover a small writers group as I was writing the sequel, and they have been a huge source of support and enjoyment. I’ve heard horror stories about such groups, but my experience has been extremely positive.

Norm:

Can you tell us how you found representation for your book? Did you pitch it to an agent, or query publishers who would most likely publish this type of book? Any rejections? Did you self-publish?

Jimmy: I admit I was a novice at the whole enterprise of writing and publishing. When my manuscript was complete I began what I thought would be an easy process. I queried agents and publishers alike with over two hundred emails and letters. The few who responded offered little by way of encouragement. Most chose not to respond. Thankfully, I possess a nature that takes rejection and converts it into a challenge. You can imagine what a joyful day it was when three traditional publishers actually offered a contract. I chose the publisher that seemed to fit my needs, American Book Publishers.

Norm:

How do you celebrate a novel's completion?

Jimmy: This may sound crazy, but I celebrated by starting right in on the sequel. Again, I was a novice. The writing of Distant Thunder took exactly 60 days. No one ever told me it was supposed to take months or years. I just kept on writing. It wasn’t until the first copy of the author’s run came that I celebrated by taking my wonderful wife out for dinner. I suppose ignorance can be bliss in some ways.

Norm:

What is next for Pastor Jimmy and how can our readers find out more about you?

Jimmy: I am now in the editing stage of the second book of the series. It is titled A Gathering Storm. I am also about halfway through the finale called, Then Comes Lightning. After the Lightning Chronicles is complete I plan to write an extended historical fiction series based on the life of Old Testament prophet, Daniel. Readers can find out more about myself and what is behind Distant Thunder by visiting my website at www.lightningchronicles.com. I also write a blog on Biblical prophecy at www.prophecyalert.blogspot.com, and a blog to encourage new authors at www.lightningchronicles.blogspot.com. In the meantime, I will continue my day job of serving as a Pastor.

Norm:

Is there anything else you wish to say that we have not covered?

Jimmy: Just a word of encouragement to budding authors. Don’t give up your dream. Persevere, even when the writing is difficult and the rejections are mounting. It is your dream. It is worth pursuing.

Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors

Tour Stops for August 10 thru 17

The book tour for Distant Thunder contiues. I'm doing both onsite book signings and the Virtual Book Tour on the internet. Both are fun, one is less work. Which may be more profitable is still to be determined.

Below are this weeks tour stops. Some are interviews, others are guest blogs. Check them out and make a comment when you can. Creating an internet buzz is a must for new authors, and I will soon post an article chronicling all my experiences, both good and frustrating. Until then, WRITE ON!

Aug. 10 – The Story Behind the Book (guest post) http://thestorybehindthebook.wordpress.com/2009/08/09/distant-thunder-by-christian-fiction-author-and-pastor-jimmy-root-jr/
Aug. 11 – Divine Caroline (interview) www.divinecaroline.com
Aug. 12 – As the Pages Turn (interview) www.asthepagesturn.wordpress.com
Aug. 13 – Café of Dreams (guest post) www.cafeofdreams.blogspot.com
Aug. 14 – Home Sweet Home Writing Challenge (interview) http://homesweethomewritingchallenge.wordpress.com/2009/08/09/at-home-with-christian-fiction-author-jimmy-root-jr/

Distant Thunder, Lightning Chronicles, Writing, Jimmy Root Jr, Virtual Book Tour,Publishing,

BOOK REVIEW by Writers In The Sky

The first Book Review has come in for Distant Thunder. Check it out below.

Title of Document: Book Review
Book Title: Distant Thunder
Author: Jimmy Root, Jr.
ISBN Number: 978-1-58982-553-6
Publisher: American Book Publishing
Genre and Target Market: fiction, thriller, Christian
Publication Date: 2009
Book Length in Pages: 326

As in so many instances, life’s realities make for more interesting storytelling than the most imaginative piece of fiction ever could. I always have enjoyed literature that incorporates actual events into a storyline that shares the moment through the eyes of everyday individuals. Whether I am reading historical pieces about soldiers on the battlefield during the Civil War or the retelling of one family’s struggle on the frontier, I appreciate the research and creativity that goes into such writing. The events that are making headlines today also provide an endless supply of material on which authors can expand. We certainly can admit to a variety of perspectives on the root causes behind the current geopolitical situation in the world. However, regardless of who we choose to blame or victimize, most of us will agree that we are living in fascinating and dangerous times. In his new book Distant Thunder, which is the first release in a trilogy called “The Lightning Chronicles,” author Jimmy Root Jr. shares his perspective on the major events that are unfolding across the globe and how he believes that Biblical prophecy has predicted what we are now seeing on the nightly news.

Root, whose has spent his life in ministry, shares with his readers the lives of Pastor Ty Dempsey, who lives in Missouri, and Moshe Eldan, a pilot with the Israeli military. He skillfully presents these two men as everyday characters whose struggles with love, faith, family, and work can be understood by anyone who decides to sit down and open the book’s pages. By telling his story through the perspective of two such relatable personalities, Root makes the events in Distant Thunder even more startling. Through Root’s expert storytelling, readers are brought to the point at which they can see themselves as participants in the world’s most cataclysmic events.

Distant Thunder opens with an ancient scene in which the prophet Ezekiel foretells of the destruction of Israel’s enemies. The book then brings us to modern times as we see the prophecy of the Old Testament coming to fruition in a terrifying way. Root brings his readers through the plot development in short segments, switching between key locations around the world. Just as a scene reaches the moment of climax and you wonder if destruction is about to occur or one of our protagonists is headed for personal disaster, Root directs your attention elsewhere. These quick scenes give the readers the feel of the 24-hour news channels to which we have become accustomed in our post-9/11 world. Our global society is moving at a pace that is unprecedented, and Root powerfully argues that this progression is bringing us closer to the end times that were foretold in Biblical prophecy many centuries ago.

If you are a Christian who believes in the literal interpretation of the Bible, you will embrace Distant Thunder as an affirmation of your faith and a way to share the coming prophecies with others. Or, perhaps you have heard discussions about how current events are aligning with the messages shared in the Bible, but you have never studied the prophecy of end times or understood how it relates to what we see on the news every evening. In this case, Distant Thunder will serve as a wonderful book through which to experience through the eyes of “ordinary” characters the events which many Christians believe are soon to come. Whatever your motivation, I believe that you will find Distant Thunder to be a book that will make you think and desire to learn more.

An mp3 Podcast with Writers In the Sky will be posted next week....an interview that took place just a few days ago.

Writer's In The Sky REVIEW of Distant Thunder

This is the first review of Distant Thunder to come back. Check it out from WRITERS IN THE SKY. A Podcast interview will be up in about a week.

Title of Document: Book Review
Book Title: Distant Thunder
Author: Jimmy Root, Jr.
ISBN Number: 978-1-58982-553-6
Publisher: American Book Publishing
Genre and Target Market: fiction, thriller, Christian
Publication Date: 2009
Book Length in Pages: 326


As in so many instances, life’s realities make for more interesting storytelling than the most imaginative piece of fiction ever could. I always have enjoyed literature that incorporates actual events into a storyline that shares the moment through the eyes of everyday individuals. Whether I am reading historical pieces about soldiers on the battlefield during the Civil War or the retelling of one family’s struggle on the frontier, I appreciate the research and creativity that goes into such writing. The events that are making headlines today also provide an endless supply of material on which authors can expand. We certainly can admit to a variety of perspectives on the root causes behind the current geopolitical situation in the world. However, regardless of who we choose to blame or victimize, most of us will agree that we are living in fascinating and dangerous times. In his new book Distant Thunder, which is the first release in a trilogy called “The Lightning Chronicles,” author Jimmy Root Jr. shares his perspective on the major events that are unfolding across the globe and how he believes that Biblical prophecy has predicted what we are now seeing on the nightly news.
Root, whose has spent his life in ministry, shares with his readers the lives of Pastor Ty Dempsey, who lives in Missouri, and Moshe Eldan, a pilot with the Israeli military. He skillfully presents these two men as everyday characters whose struggles with love, faith, family, and work can be understood by anyone who decides to sit down and open the book’s pages. By telling his story through the perspective of two such relatable personalities, Root makes the events in Distant Thunder even more startling. Through Root’s expert storytelling, readers are brought to the point at which they can see themselves as participants in the world’s most cataclysmic events.
Distant Thunder opens with an ancient scene in which the prophet Ezekiel foretells of the destruction of Israel’s enemies. The book then brings us to modern times as we see the prophecy of the Old Testament coming to fruition in a terrifying way. Root brings his readers through the plot development in short segments, switching between key locations around the world. Just as a scene reaches the moment of climax and you wonder if destruction is about to occur or one of our protagonists is headed for personal disaster, Root directs your attention elsewhere. These quick scenes give the readers the feel of the 24-hour news channels to which we have become accustomed in our post-9/11 world. Our global society is moving at a pace that is unprecedented, and Root powerfully argues that this progression is bringing us closer to the end times that were foretold in Biblical prophecy many centuries ago.
If you are a Christian who believes in the literal interpretation of the Bible, you will embrace Distant Thunder as an affirmation of your faith and a way to share the coming prophecies with others. Or, perhaps you have heard discussions about how current events are aligning with the messages shared in the Bible, but you have never studied the prophecy of end times or understood how it relates to what we see on the news every evening. In this case, Distant Thunder will serve as a wonderful book through which to experience through the eyes of “ordinary” characters the events which many Christians believe are soon to come. Whatever your motivation, I believe that you will find Distant Thunder to be a book that will make you think and desire to learn more.

Jimmy Root Jr
Distant Thunder A Prophetic Fiction Thriller Based on Bible Prophecy

Virtual Book Tour Begins

It's on! Today is the day. My Virtual Book Tour with Pump Up Your Books Promotions begins today. No, I do not de-materialize in some cyberspace transporter to each location, only to re-materialize with an element of DNA missing. No, these are specific interviews and articles that will appear daily throughout August and September.

Here is how you can help. At each tour stop below you can read and comment. In fact, your comment will help raise the level of awareness for Distant Thunder. Go for it.

Here are the tour stops for this week.

Aug. 3 – American Chronicle (interview) http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/111839

Aug. 4 – Between the Covers (book spotlight) http://bookexcerpts.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/distant-thunder-by-jimmy-root-jr/

Aug. 5 – Let’s Talk Virtual Book Tours (interview) http://letstalkvirtualbooktours.wordpress.com/2009/07/25/talking-virtual-book-tours-with-prophetic-fiction-author-jimmy-root-jr/

Aug. 6 – First Chapters (book spotlight) http://firstchapters.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/distant-thunder-by-jimmy-root-jr/

Aug. 7 – Broowaha (interview) http://www.broowaha.com/article.php?id=5032

See you in Cyberspace.
Jimmy Root Jr
Distant Thunder, Book One of the Lightning Chronicles....A Prophetic Fiction Thriller
The story is fiction....the prophecies are TRUE!

Finding Time...Oh the Frustration!

If you are like me, and your life seems to thrive going from one urgent matter to another, time is a precious commodity. I confess I have not gotten a handle on this particular issue when it comes to writing. In most areas I am a disciplined person. I have to be. On the other hand, life as a pastor sometimes means I must drop what I am doing (maybe something I've disciplined myself to do) and handle the urgent. It's not like the guy heading for the emergency room can stop and wait for me to finish what I am doing. Let's not even talk about the pace that calls come into my office.

You might be one who is blessed with large blocks of time during the day for accomplishing your goals as a writer. I say, more power to you. If you are favored in that way, you need to make your gratitude evident by being disciplined with your gift.

However, if you are like me, you will need to use every free moment that comes along. That means making up for the spontaneity by being disciplined in other areas. For one, make sure you keep organized notes of your research. This is a must for the urgency driven writer. You must be able to get on track and do it quickly. To accomplish this I carry a small, pocket-sized notebook with plenty of pages. Ideally, a journal of that size works the best. I chronicle my research. I write down stray ideas that might come while I'm sitting in the hospital waiting room. I can assure you this little tip can save you a mountain of frustration when you are finally able to sit down at the computer and get back to writing.

Second, when you do find that little bit of time to work on your manuscript, I say let it fly. Don't worry about perfect grammar and spelling. Let the creative juices weave their way to the keyboard. You can edit and re-work your manuscript later, maybe in one of those larger blocks of time. This is how I accomplished the writing of Distant Thunder. You can do it too.

These two little tips for the writer who is unable to block out long segments of time to write are invaluable. Work at it. See what happens. Go with the flow.

Jimmy Root Jr

Distant Thunder, Book One of the Lightning Chronicles A Prophetic Fiction Thriller

Virtual Book Tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotions begins on August 3rd. Follow along on Titter and Facebook. http://twitter.com/jimmyrootjr/ http://facebook.com/jimmyrootjr/

Link to: http://virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/2009/07/distant-thunder-virtual-book-tour-09.html

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Finding Inspiration

Inspiration is an interesting word with Biblical roots. It literally means that something is breathed out by God. I would not put the fictional story of Distant Thunder in that category, but its foundation of Biblical prophecy certainly qualifies. Being a life-long student of Bible Prophecy, I found it a natural transition from teaching those prophecies to creating a story with prophecy as its basis.

One of the stunning aspects of ancient Old Testament scripture is how what was predicted over twenty-five hundred years ago has, and is coming true today. Ezekiel the prophet witnessed a vision that described the re-birth of the nation of Israel. He also related how a coalition of nations, soon after that re-birth, would gather to destroy the Jewish nation. I use the word stunning because Ezekiel listed the exact nations that are headlining today’s news as being mortal enemies of Israel. Is that a coincidence? I think not and therein the idea to write a fictional story based on current events was born.

Now, in the creation of Distant Thunder and The Lightning Chronicles, inspiration comes into play. I took two passions from my personal life, Bible prophecy and the military thriller genre, and blended them into what I am calling a prophetic fiction thriller. Using what is most familiar to my own purpose I began by creating a character based on the life of a Pastor. As with my wife, many have asked if Pastor Ty Dempsey, one of the two main characters in the book, happened to be my alter ego. The answer is a resounding no. Aspects of my daily life show up simply because that is what is familiar to me. But Ty is his own man. He is an ordinary individual that is confronted with an extraordinary and frightening circumstance. He portrays how heroism is alive and well, even though that heroism might go unnoticed.

The real work came with the second main character, something that was totally apart from my personal experience. Moshe Eldan is an Israeli F-16 fighter pilot. Although the thought of flying something so powerful and dangerous as a fighter jet has always been a dream, I have never been within a hundred yards of an F-16. So, I began with a series of questions that led me deep into the research of my character’s surroundings. That included studying the advanced military weaponry and tactics used by the Israelis and other national air forces. It meant buying an F-16 flight simulator and spending hours trying to figure out how the thing worked. I confess I had a blast, plus, the aerial dogfight sequences in which fighter jets are shot from the sky became quite realistic. Thankfully, the military aspects of Distant Thunder passed muster as a 9th Air Force Combat Instructor reviewed the material and called it “spot on.” From that point, the rest of the story was easy and just exciting in the writing as it will be for the reader.

I have read of authors spending weeks outlining a storyline in order to make their book come alive. But for me, the story seemed to flow from the very start. I found myself surprised and perplexed at the actions of my characters, and that is how it should be. They were as unpredictable and conflict-driven as any normal human being. That, to me, is the greatest inspiration of all.

Jimmy Root Jr
Author of Distant Thunder A Prophetic Fiction Thriller based on Bible Prophecy
www.lightningchronicles.com
www.prophecyalert.blogspot.com
Twitter .... http://twitter.com/jimmyrootjr/
Facebook ... http://facebook.com/jimmyrootjr

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Distant Thunder Virtual Book Tour has Begun

For those of you who've been watching my by-lines after each post, you've noticed my announcements about the coming Virtual Book Tour taking place in August and September.
Well, my Tour coordinator has graciously decided to begin a week early.

Here's the idea. For a book to reach anywhere near its potential in today's literary market it has to have an internet buzz. But how in the world does one create a buzz without blowing up a building our having a name like....Clancy?

Well, the Lord works in mysterious ways. Being immersed in cluelessness about such things, I found the best answer was a quick prayer. You know... HELP! Then I ran across a little add publicizing something called a Virtual Book Tour. Still struggling with cluelessness I clicked and inquired, and voila.....Virtual Tour begins.

What is it? Good question. A virtual book tour is a series of interviews and articles, hosted by numerous blog sites that explore and review new books that are hitting the market. Perfect! So, through August and September I will be answering interviews about Distant Thunder, Biblical Prophecy, and what it is like to be a first-time author. Cool, huh?

You can follow along and participate. I will be facebooking and tweeting about each day's Tour site. You can go to the site, read, and comment. If you've read Distant Thunder, your positive comments will send the book into a true "Buzz" mode as it nears and passes its release date. In fact, I would be greatly appreciative our your doing that very thing. You can go straight to my facebook profile page by going to:
http://facebook.com/jimmyrootjr
Or you can receive the tweets at http://twitter.com/jimmyrootjr It is that simple.

Then one more step. Send the tour sites to your friends to check out. Tell them you've come across the latest "world's most exciting book" that they really have to check out. Then give them the tour site. This is how you can help create a buzz that just might bring someone into true spiritual life, and that is what Distant Thunder and its sequels is all about.
Here is the first tour stop. http://tinyurl.com/klgrop
Check it out. Comment. Comment on these blogs too. You can do it!
Jimmy Root Jr
On TOUR now!
PS. For those of you that are headed to the Assemblies of God General Council in Orlando, Distant Thunder will be on sale at the Gospel Publishing House Bookstore. It will be signed and ready to go.

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The Storyline Part Three: Complex Braiding

NOTE: Be sure and enter the short story contest about half-way down the right hand column. Entry is due by September 1, and the prize is a signed copy of my new book: Distant Thunder.)

How do YOU tell a good story when you're sitting around gabbing with family or friends? Do you weave a graphic tail with multiple characters? Do your characters have a reason for being in the story i.e. part of the conflict or plot? I hope so, or your stories would be awfully boring.

The same holds true for writing a fast-paced, brain popping novel. There really should be several avenues of intrigue or conflict that intertwine themselves into with your main characters. This is something that many budding authors miss.

While I was tickling my keyboard in the writing of Distant Thunder, something happened that was completely natural. I added three different secondary storylines without outlining them to death. I let the story flow. I allowed those secondary characters to surprise and anger me. I ended up snuffing out their lives in the end and enjoyed doing it. But I was grateful to them none-the-less. Why? Because the prevented my main storylines and characters from getting bogged down. Writing became an exercise in intrigue, and that fact literally kept me coming back to the keyboard for more. The process of intertwining secondary plots and characters into your main story is called BRAIDING. (You know, like braiding those long pony tails on your daughter's head...or maybe even your own:)

Heather Sellers wrote, in a recent Writer's Digest article; "One reason so many books-in-progress die on the vine is because there isn't enough spark, enough energy in the original design, to drive the project all the way through the middle and close the deal. The middle of the book is often compared to a lonely and vast desert the writer has to hike across. It's easy to get lost. It's easy to give up.

To get across the middle, your work must involve some element of discovery--something you have to figure out as you write. Otherwise, your writing will feel canned, preplanned, flat. Like stale popcorn."

The idea is to have two or three things going at one time, and then bounce back and forth in short segments as your story progresses. This not only keeps the writing crisp, it keeps the reader seeking more. Multiple storylines are what creates PACE....and you definitely want a fast pace in order to hold the reader's interest.

Again, in writing Distant Thunder, I found that using the secondary characters to set the "hook" for the reader worked wonderfully. It only added to the value and direction the main characters were heading. My readers have commented that they hated those guys. And when the secondary characters ran head on into their demise, a sense of justice had already been birthed in the reader. For me, that was an accident. It was not planned. But good things happen to those who jump in and take risks. Write On oh storyteller!

Jimmy Root Jr

Author: Distant Thunder, Book One of the Lightning Chronicles... A Prophetic Fiction Thriller

www.lightningchronicles.com www.prophecyalert.blogspot.com

Watch for my Virtual Book Tour coming in August and September.

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The Storyline: Part 2----Tell a Good Story

First, Check out the writing contest in the right hand column about half way down. Good! Now continue on....

Look at this guy and imagine what kind of story he might be telling. Who is is audience? What about his story holds their interest? Where has he been in that crazy get-up?

I see him leaning forward, hand on knee, regaling a bunch of illiterate and partially drunken sailors about his stay at a famous roadside inn. He hasn't gotten to the good part and is just warming up to the crowd.

I think Joe storyteller here gives us a clue to good fiction writing. It's all about the story. You might have beautifully crafted and complex characters, but if they're not embroiled in a good story they are wasted effort.

Multiple-best selling author, James Patterson had a few things to say about making his material interesting as he talked with Diana Page Jordan in a recent Writer's Digest interview.

"I'm big on having a blistering pace. That's one of the hallmarks of what I do, and that's not easy. I never blow up cars and things like that, so it's something else that keeps the suspense flowing. I try not to write a chapter that isn't going to turn on the movie projector in my head."

Patterson has found the key to great fiction. IT MOVES. The story never stops. Introspection takes place within the pace. The characters are developed around the storyline, not the other way around. The pace adds plausibility as well. Ultimately, Patterson is more concerned with action and suspense than he is with technical precision, which ruins many a good story.

"A lot of writers fall in love with their sentences or their construction of sentences, and sometimes that's great, but not everybody is Gabriel Garcia Marquez or James Joyce. A lot of people like to pretend that they are, and they wind up not giving people a good read or enlightening them."

In other words, tell a good story. Make it one that leaves people leaning to the edge of their seats. Leave them begging for more. That's what makes a story memorable to the reader. This is precisely what I attempted to do in writing Distant Thunder. Not having the technical skills when I began, I found that just blistering the keyboard with a good story made the thing work. The good work of an editor cleaned it up, and by the process I amassed enough technical skill to make the story even better. Write a good story and it will be read.

Happy Writing,

Jimmy Root Jr

Distant Thunder A Prophetic Fiction Thriller

lightningchronicles.com

Watch for my Virtual Book Tour coming in August. Details to follow.

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The Storyline: Part One--Using the Mundane

What, no glamour? No adventure? How can you have a proper story without the fluff? That is a great question, and one that every writer has to answer at one point or another in their writing.

In my development of Distant Thunder, I found that placing the character within a world filled with everyday, seemingly mundane activities helped bring to life whatever emotion was being experienced. Yes, the Lightning Chronicles series is a work of Prophetic Fiction, filled with action, renewed terrorism, death, mayhem, and the fulfillment of Biblical Prophecy. But it was in between the action sets that the mundane opened the door to truly understand the character and his/her conflict. For example; Pastor Ty Dempsey will soon be facing the most dramatic event to ever hit the mainland of the United States...although he has no clue. The climax will be an epic moment, but to get there, I had to reveal how Ty's particular conflict was building in him the character to withstand the coming disaster.

How does a writer create 'feel' without using action? I confess, I'm no expert. Rather, I used ordinary moments in my own routine to draw out of Ty his inner conflict. At one point the antagonist, a board member in his church, is being a rather large pain in the.....neck. Ty finds himself working through the feelings of betrayal, manipulation, and hopelessness, all while thumbing through the Church's Child Protection Policy. Let me tell you, there is nothing more mundane and boring than a Child Protection Policy: necessary, but BORING! Yet Ty's emotions flooded the paragraphs of the page without anything adventurous actually happening in the storyline.

You can do it to. In fact, you can practice right now. At the top of the page I posted a picture of garden green beans. Why? Because just last evening I spent an hour picking the little stinkers while sweating out every last ounce of my body fluid in the extreme humidity of Missouri. (I love hyperbole!) Take a moment and place your character, conflict and all, in a garden. Have him or her pick some green beans. Something like this:

Jana tugged at a long, fat bean and lamented. Rust had marred the most tender portion, a little clump of dirt clinging to the end was the culprit. At least half the bean was tainted, ruined, scarred. A tear found its way down her cheek as she saw her own life staring back at her. She'd ignored how the scars had layered themselves upon scars. But now, there was no innocence left to mar. This one, rusted relationship had finished it off.

Pardon me, I got way too in touch with my feminine side there. Okay, maybe something humorous:

Bob knew he'd gone way too far. It was one thing to try to lighten a moment with laughter. It was quite another to act out in unabashed tomfoolery, but here he'd done it again. That one bean, out in the middle of the wet, raised bed had called to him. He couldn't resist. Now, his face was covered in muddy slime and a warty, obese toad had locked him eye to eye. Wait, was that a smile on the toad's face?

I never realized how picking green beans could actually be cathartic. Yes, it's raw. It's unrefined. But it uses something ordinary to create a climate for development of your character. Try it! Let me know what you do with this little green bean patch.

Jimmy Root Jr

Distant Thunder Book One of the Lightning Chronicles

Watch for the Virtual Book Tour coming in August.

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A Good Writer's Group Can Be Valuable

Opinions are varied, but for the writer just getting started, finding a good writer’s group can be of tremendous value. Such has been the case for me, though it was the last thing I was looking for.

A writer’s group, at times called workshop or critique group is a cadre of three to six writers. This group gathers on a regular basis to offer constructive criticism and support for each member’s work. These groups can have a variety of experience levels, ranging from the novice to the polished, published author. The purpose is simple, to improve the skills, motivation, and success of each member.

My experience in a writer’s group has been exhilarating. When I first began to write my series on Biblical Prophecy, I had no knowledge that such groups were available. Therefore, I had no idea as to how to search one out. I came upon my opportunity by pure chance. I was invited. I am a better writer for the experience and Distant Thunder is a better book. In fact, with the support of the group I found the publishing process much more enjoyable than I'd been led to believe.

Horror stories abound. Many published authors openly declare a disdain, even loathing for the writer’s group. The truth is, in many instances, they are right. A poorly designed group can steal the joy from a writer’s soul. Ego can be driven to the lowest depth. Motivation can be exorcised from an author by an overabundance of criticism. However, finding a properly functioning team filled with fellow authors who only want to get better, can make all the difference.

Here are some suggestions when deciding on a writer’s group.

First, the group must have clearly defined goals. This can be as simple as making sure each member has something new to offer at each session, to how and when an author might defend his writing to the critics. A group without purposeful parameters finds itself wasting time and energy, thereby draining the members of creativity.

Second, there must be rules for criticism. Good guidelines will allow the group to function with efficiency. Within the confines of my writer’s group, each of the four members will share the latest segment, chapter, or article. Both the strong and the weak points of the writing will be examined. Praise comes accordingly, as does the criticism. Remembering that quietly listening to a critique can be intimidating, a special rule has been adopted by the group. For each critical comment, there must be at least two, equally authentic praises. We call it “two pats for every slap,” and it works beautifully. A guideline should also be adopted to prevent a monopoly on criticism by any one individual. Criticism must always be constructive and shared.

Third, the group should meet regularly. This can be once a week, or once a month, but it must happen methodically to have value. If one is offering segments of a continuing story, regularity of meetings can keep the other members on track with the context. But motivation is the greatest benefit with a disciplined pattern of meetings. To show up without having put forth an effort to write is taboo. If nothing else, it teaches the individual to stick with the hard work of honing the craft. The idea is for everyone to participate.

Fourth, there should be a mechanism in place to remove unfaithful or unruly members. Occasionally, a person may fall into the category of someone who does not pull his or her weight. Either by consensus or by vote, the person must be politely removed, or the entire group will suffer and eventually fold.

Jimmy Root Jr
Distant Thunder Book One: The Lightning Chronicles
A Prophetic Fiction Thriller
Release Date: August 10, 2009
www.lightningchronicles.com

Watch for my Virtual Book Tour coming in August and September of 2009. Details to come.
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Beware! Writing Is Addictive

If your history was anything like mine, writing was simply one of those unmentionable facts of life. I wrote because it was part of my job. Reading and writing were part of my education, one that I'm thankful for. However, it was only the reading that actually gave me any pleasure.
But then one cloudy December morning, after the thermometer strongly suggested I stay nestled close to my keyboard, I discovered the wonder of telling a story with the ends of my fingertips. Staccato clicks and runs rattled the entire day. For the first time I ignored the 'backspace.' It was just me, my computer, and a massive mug of coffee. By the end of the day I was addicted. That addiction has led me to the doorstep of a Virtual Book Tour.
The writing of Distant Thunder, began that cold, dreary morning of December 2, 2007. Two months later I had a manuscript. Three months after that, Distant Thunder had a publisher. Miraculous? Absolutely! Since that fateful start, my addiction has swelled into three books and a completely separate series proposal. If I weren't so completely enthralled with my life controlling issue (addiction) I would be calling the nearest chapter of AWA....Addicted Writers Anonymous. Thankfully, there are no chapters in the lower forty-eight states. Write ON oh captured one!
Jimmy Root Jr

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