I had the opportunity to talk with Greg Sandora about his new book  ”Jack Canon’s American Destiny.”  The book follows the life and times of a young, talented politician determined to be elected President of the United States.

The American Destiny is billed as fiction, but my gut tells me you had a real life politician in mind, past or present, when you developed the story line and characters. Can you tell the readers a little about him and why you chose him?

Ron, Jack is really a conglomeration of all the politicians I’ve known about – he’s charismatic like JFK, decisive like Ronald Reagan, and on and on. Most importantly Jack believes the presidency is the best vehicle to reach his goal of helping others.  

In my review, I say that in my opinion, the book tells two different stories and like “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” provides the reader with two views of the main character. Am I right?

I wouldn’t say that, although you have definitely picked up on the sinister side of politics. Jack Canon is kind, and resourceful, but he and his dedicated friends “work the system” to obtain power for the greater good.

I have a feeling many of your readers will be surprised by the ending of your book and maybe even shocked.  Do you agree?

By design. You’ll want to pull the covers and draw the shades! Some readers might even wonder if it’s legal to read.  I would. I thought the book might even be banned by some libraries. We can only hope, right?

While you were writing the book did you ever consider a different ending for the book?

Never. This is the story I wanted to tell. I have never heard of anything like it.

As a retired USAF fighter pilot with some A-10 “Warthog” time I have to ask you about Jack Canon’s experience with the aircraft.  Do you fly yourself?

 I worked with the ground crew of a major airline while in college and I loved it.  I was a load planner for 727’s. We did basically everything from starting the APU’s in the morning to de-icing. That was back in a simpler time.

All the women in Jack Canon’s life are intelligent, hardworking, and beautiful and, because they are in love with him, are available in their own way. Which is your favorite?

Sandy is my personal favorite, I enjoy seeing her enter a room.  I like Daphne also and she has a much larger role in the sequel. You’re right that all the women are intelligent and beautiful, they help Jack get to the White House, and he has a deep respect and friendship with each.

Your description of life in Jack Canon’s office and the interplay with other government officials and their offices has a ring of authenticity.  Did you ever work on the hill?

 No, but I’ve always been interested in history. I have a particular interest  in the inner workings and strategy of campaign politics. I have been very fortunate to meet people who have worked around the president. For example, much of what I learned about the Secret Service… (Deleted), and a company I worked for was heavily involved in promoting a candidate for …(Deleted) I think details like these are best left under the cover of fiction.  This is meant to be humorous, I don’t want unmarked Chevy SUV’s parked out in front of my house. LOL

Writing a book is hard work, and requires discipline and adherence to the rules. You have to deal with pesky editors and publishers who want to mess with your story. What has been your experience in the writing business far?

 I have a great publisher, and an editor who worked closely with me to get the book ready. She didn’t change the story at all. My favorite part is when someone reads the book and enjoys it.

Authoring is like good drugs, once you have one book, you have to have another! What is the next book going to be about?

Jack Canon will return in the sequel, Women of the House, Love Lust and Loyalty – which is due for release later this year.  I asked a reviewer to take a look at the pre-release and she said it a lot better than I could – “This is one of those stories that possess the ability to seize your attention from the first few lines till the last. With the entire realistic political spectrum, the heart-thumping action and the overflowing glamour, it doesn’t only glue you to your seats but makes you greedy enough to finish it in one go.”– Gladys Nicolas, Gladys Book Nook 

I’ll just add it’s a wild ride, maybe too bumpy for some. But, I wanted the sequel to push the envelope, so I pulled out all the stops. I don’t if maybe I went to far. My 5 second elevator pitch is – “Think the Wedding of the Decade meets the Crime of the Century. International Espionage, Global Terrorism, Staggering Wealth, and a Cabal of Greed that threatens our way of life.  In addition there’s Romantic Entanglement that’s impossible to ignore. Warning – May cause blushing in some readers.

Note: I am currently working on Gabby, Angel of God.  Briefly, an angel comes to earth for a two week adventure. She’s beautiful, powerful, and here to help.  Please watch for the release in 2014.

Postscript: I suspect that we will be hearing more about this writer in the near future.  And in particular, I look forward to reading the sequel to”American Destiny”  as well as “Gabby, Angel of God.”

Greg Sandora
Author
Jack Canon’s American Destiny
Read Now – http://bit.ly/VYf6pO
Twitter – @gregsandora