Book Notes

We all need a little help from our friends

Writing books is like a walk in the woods at night without a flashlight or map. Luckily, there is usually somebody who has done it before and willing to provide guidance. In my case, sailing pal Janet Rupert, author of Howling Wilderness, has been instrumental in making my work better. And where did she get her insight? Her Brother Ed Nelson, who has written and published a whole library full of books. I mentioned one of them over on the reading list recently. Book One of the Richard Jackson Saga, The Beginning. Ed’s books are fun to read and will pay you back with laughs and good life lessons.

Before the summer reading season gets away, check out Baron, Book 1 of the Cast in Time series. An engineer finds himself in an alternate reality, Cornwall in the year 715 A.D. He awakens in the body of a young baron.

Retired Lieutenant General James Fletcher, former head of the Army Corp of Engineers, has led a full life. He is a decorated veteran of World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam.

His love of engineering has him taking university courses his entire life. When his health falters, and he can no longer continue his education, MIT awards him an honorary PhD in Professional Studenting.

After a long illness, he lies dying. His last thought is, "What a waste of such wonderful knowledge."

As he fades to black, the fun begins. He is to build a modern civilization without being burned as a witch!

While working on my first book, I collected a pile of reference materials and photographs. Some of it might be of interest to the reader, especially those who’ve never been to Philadelphia.

Notes from Regard for the Dead