The Reluctant Author

I hadn’t gone looking to write a book. And although I love to write, especially poetry, and editorial responses of educational articles, writing can be arduous and was never cathartic for me. I would rather take pictures. My dream was to be a veterinarian, to heal, support positive training, and be the voice for those who spoke a different language. God had that same plan, albeit a very different path.

Life can be messy. It can flip your world upside down in an instant and force you into situations that could ultimately break you if you let them. My family experienced one such life altering event when my little brother, Bruce, was born. He wasn’t like David, my other brother, or me. You see, Bruce had down syndrome. While our parents struggled to come to terms with what this meant for their future and the challenges they would now

have to face, David and I saw our newest sibling for who he was – a special, wonderful gift.  I was an immediate advocate fighting to keep him from being given away and then for inclusion despite inconveniences

or discomfort for those, speaking a misunderstood language.  After sending my brother to live in a KenCrest Group Home, he slowly began to became an afterthought for my parents, and I didn’t want that to be the case with the rest of my family. He was involved in David and my life and we in his, and he was just as committed to us as we were to him. We all flourished alongside him, and I wanted to honor him and his story.

My plan to include Bruce with others was to open his world. We accomplished so much more, my baby brother and I. We opened theirs.

Living only a forty- minute drive from Bruce’s group home allowed for Sunday visits and family dinners with my daughter, husband and me, phone calls with his nieces living in Florida and France, and holiday visits with my son’s family when they visited from Florida. However, what I feared most, his becoming an afterthought, happened after my move to Florida. No one made time to see him, I was no longer there, the voice with whom to reckon.

Now with his death, I was more determined than ever to keep my brother’s memory alive so my children, grandchildren, nieces, and close friends who knew of him, but never met him would remember Brucie. Vail, Colorado, my home during the summer months was my refuge when Bruce was diagnosed with cancer, COVID preventing any visits to the hospital but guardianship offered constant communication with doctors and hospital staff. Nothing got done without my approval, constant support from the nurse and personal advocate from KenCrest readily available. I hiked those trails with a vengeance, miles of climbing, listening to The Killers, dancing with the forest nymphs, crying and reliving our life together. My Inspirational Moment took hold and I was driven to write this memoir about my life with my very special brother, filled with these stories from my memories and those closest to Bruce. That is when I also realized so many who had loved and cared for him, his KenCrest family, and now mourned his loss as well would have a way to share him, read about him, and hear his voice within these stories. The challenge, how to write a memoir that told the story in the most positive light while sharing painful experiences, the good, bad and ugly and not sounding resentful or bitter. Of course, there were angry moments and not sharing those would be dishonest, especially at my age of thirteen, reliving the beginning and feeling guilty having left David for college. Our parents were gone so I was not burdened with the fear of hurting them.

“Listen to Me” was Bruce’s mantra to be heard and understood as individuals with down syndrome struggle with an enlarged tongue preventing many words to be pronounced correctly. The subtitle, ‘How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life’ is in reference to the voice and passion I developed throughout my life because of Bruce. It was because of the continuous need to advocate for my brother when I was younger, I eventually learned to have a voice and advocate for myself. As an adult, I had passion and a drive to make Bruce feel as normal as he could, and through that I learned patience which ultimately led me to become a teacher, coach and Administrator with the School district of Philadelphia. I don’t know what kind of life I could have had if Bruce had been born normal, perhaps I would have become a veterinarian, but I doubt it would have been as purposeful as it turned out to be.

For more than fifty- three years, Bruce lived a life full of love, laughter, community, but also pain and hardship as he battled kidney disease and pancreatic cancer. He fought his diagnosis with a smile on his face, but ultimately, cancer won. I never meant to tell this story, to share the beginning of Bruce’s and my journey. My family knew the middle and, of course the end, but not what created the drive, the fire they admired to ensure his inclusion and my guardianship. But, sometimes something or someone touches your heart, your deepest soul, and you just know their story needs to be told. The angst of not telling outweighed everything else.  For those who have lived with, loved, and lost handicapped siblings and family members, I share your pain and revel in your joys. This is that story.

Dear Esteemed Authors,

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In the world of literature, where countless voices compete for attention, authors often find themselves seeking effective strategies to promote their work and connect with their readership. One invaluable tool in this endeavor is the practice of author interviews, and on the LitLinc platform, these interviews take on a whole new dimension. Let's explore how author interviews on LitLinc can enhance your online presence, increase your book's visibility, and foster personal connections with readers.

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Author Interviews: Illuminating the Minds Behind Great Books"

In the literary world, author interviews have always held a special place. They offer readers a unique opportunity to peer into the minds of their favorite writers, gaining insights into the creative processes, inspirations, and personal journeys that give birth to the books they love. In this article, we'll delve into the world of author interviews, exploring their significance, benefits, and the captivating stories they unveil.

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Author interviews are more than just a conversation; they are a window into the creative soul of writers. These discussions provide a platform for authors to share the stories behind their stories, offering readers a glimpse of the rich tapestry of experiences that shape their work.

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With the advent of the internet and digital media, author interviews have become more accessible than ever. Online platforms, podcasts, and social media have amplified the reach and impact of these conversations. Authors can now connect with a global audience, sharing their stories and perspectives with readers from diverse backgrounds.

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Author interviews are a treasure trove of literary insight and personal stories. They bridge the gap between authors and readers, offering a deeper understanding of the books that captivate us. In today's digital age, they are more accessible than ever, making it easier for readers to connect with their favorite authors and discover new voices in the literary world. So, the next time you pick up a book you love, consider diving into the world of author interviews to enhance your reading experience and gain a deeper appreciation for the creative minds behind the word

The Power of Author Interviews: Unlocking New Dimensions in Book Promotion

Author interviews have long been a staple in the literary world, offering readers a glimpse into the minds behind their favorite books. In today's digital age, these interviews have taken on new significance, serving as a powerful tool for authors to promote their work, connect with audiences, and enhance their online presence. Let's explore the multifaceted benefits of author interviews and how they can be a game-changer in your literary journey.

Personal Connection with Readers: Author interviews allow writers to connect with their audience on a personal level. By sharing insights about your writing process, inspirations, and personal anecdotes, you humanize yourself to readers. This personal connection can turn casual readers into loyal fans, as they feel a deeper engagement with both the author and their work.

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Opportunities for In-Depth Discussion: Interviews provide a platform to discuss your work in depth. Unlike book blurbs or short descriptions, an interview can delve into themes, characters, and the backstory of your creation. This depth of discussion can intrigue readers and encourage them to explore your work further.

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Networking and Collaborations: Interviews often open doors to new networking opportunities and collaborations. Other authors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts take notice of your work, which can lead to future collaborations, invitations to literary events, or even publishing opportunities.

A Tool for Reflection and Self-Analysis: The process of answering interview questions can be a reflective exercise for authors. It encourages you to think critically about your work, goals, and the journey you've undertaken. This reflection can be invaluable in shaping your future writing endeavors.

Author interviews are more than just promotional tools; they are a window into the soul of your work and an invitation to readers to explore your literary world. They are an integral part of building a successful author brand in the modern literary marketplace.

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I’m an old guy, a dreaded boomer, a curmudgeonly curmudgeon; someone who has seen it all and seen too much. I am a Woodstock baby, a bleeding heart, a dinosaur who doesn’t have a clue about how things should be done now. I am more wizened than wise and straddle the fine line between eccentric and obstreperous.

I hate the superficiality of social media. I hate it more that people love it. I hate it more still that people no one should know are famous for hyperbole and the superfluous use of the word epic.

I hate reality TV. My kids love The Bachelor. In my admittedly outré world, the happy couple would be forced to stay married at least ten years and work their crummy jobs while their luster faded. Should they fail, they would spend the remainder of the ten years in the same jail cell. Live and in color!

Well…

I have written eight books of fiction. No two are alike. I do not write in a single genre. I used to think this was a good thing. I have written social satire, sci-fi/fantasy, and Americana.

Despite such prescient limitations and consequent dyspepsia, I decided to write a love story, an honest-to-God, dyed-in-the-wool love story filled with hugging-and-kissing-and-houghmagandy (look it up).

I will, of course, be revealed as a sap, a quasi-whimsical romantic yearning for irretrievable youth, as opposed to the erudite elder statesman I yearn to be. So be it.

It gets even weirder.

Not only was my inclination to pen an epic tale of man-woman amour, I decided to write the whole thing in dialogue—an entire novel. Nearly 9000 lines. I recently wrote a short story collection in dialogue and had an epiphany that I was onto something—or else my Doritos came from ergot-infested corn.

I just hope Nora Roberts doesn’t puke in her oatmeal.

There you have it. Love in Words and Music. My paean to intransigence.

Ah, but what a lovely web I’ve woven, a lifelong affair filled with humor, affection, and abiding devotion. Spicy and sweet like the Honey Bar-B-Q at B-Dubs.

Ain’t life grand.

 P.S. Special eBook introductory price. A buck. What a bargain! Buy it. Make an old man smile.