​Yeesh. Sorry about this. Been rather busy the last week with the paperback release of my novel, Fool’s Gold. Perhaps you’ve heard of it. My friends on social media certainly have. My favorite comment:
 
“Someone is learning Photoshop.” (See above)
 
Makes me laugh just thinking about it. But for the sake of full disclosure, I am using an application called Pixelmator (yet another application I have paid for but have no real idea of how it works).
 
For reviews on my latest, check out Amazon reviews or GoodReads. All I can say about that is, so far so good.
 
My Romantic Comedy continues to make the rounds, and my agent, manager, and I await word.  Most likely, it is going to be after the holiday, but who really knows what with an entire industry attempting to regain use of their limbs?
 
Happy Hanukkah.

​Okay, I have my picture. I have my YouTube video for the icing on the cake. But nothing to go in between. I guess now would be the perfect time to thank all of those who supported me over the past year as the story of Fool’s Gold finally took shape.
 
First and foremost, to Tom McComb. There would have been no story or book if Tom had not read a story treatment and urged me to finish it. To Blair Silver for introducing me to the concept of IP and suggesting that the screenplay would make a good novel. For my wife and her best friend Jone for spending their free afternoons editing. And to all the rest of you. You know who you are, thank you!
 
I set out to write a Treasure Island-style adventure story and hopefully accomplished it. One thing is certain: it would have never happened without the support of friends and family.
 
Hillary Duff was right, it does take a village to write a book. 
 

​Years ago, I lost track of a very talented friend. He was a huge influence on me in so many ways. I missed him. So, in Son of Ravage, I named one of the many gods of a Scientology-type religion after him.
 
To summarize the novel’s sequence, the leader of this band of seafaring cult members recruits zealots for a treasure hunt. The conclusion of the weird tirade is as follows:
 
     “The exact location will become obvious when you reach the center of the cosmic vortex that is the beacon of Xenu’s best friend.”
     “Etchmo,” the assembled chanted. 
     “Etchmo,” the Commodore repeated.
 
     My friend and I have since reconnected, and he has been reading my collective works, where he happened to come across the above section.
 
     It inspired a bit of artwork, and I must say that, as always, I am very impressed.
 
     And with all that said, 
     “May Etchmo bless your Thanksgiving.”
     “Etchmo,” the diners chanted.
     “Etchmo,” the Commodore repeated.

​The campaign for Operation Fool’s Gold has officially commenced. A stellar group of volunteers has been recruited, and promotional podcasts have begun. Kindle presales have begun, with a launch window of November 25th.  On December 7th, a day that will live in infamy (not so much for Pearl Harbor, but for the original release date Star Trek: The Motion Picture), the paperback book will arrive. 
 
Fingers crossed. 
 
I did my first International podcast today for Books 101 with Daniel Lucas. Danny is an enthusiastic host who not only makes his guests feel at home but will also, at the drop of his hat, share his podcast ratings from around the world. Suffice it to say, all had a good time. I will post the broadcast as soon as it airs, which will be sometime soon.
 
Next podcast: Tell Me About Your Book with Oaky Tyree.
Special love and thanks to all of my reviewers. You know who you are. I hope to see you all soon on the Amazon product page.

For Immediate Release:

From the author of Son of Ravage and The Holographic Detective Agency, a new novel in the tradition of great adventure stories of the past.
 
J.P. Linde’s Fool’s Gold is a sweeping adventure story set in the wild days of the Yukon Gold Rush, as a desperate Wyatt Earp pursues author Jack London, a boy and his scrappy terrier, and a grizzled prospector in a thrilling life-and-death race for a legendary Alaskan Gold Mine.
 
From surviving a murderous mutiny aboard a Russian whaler to speeding down the side of a mountain atop a treacherous log flume, Jack London and his crew must stay one step ahead of a scheming dentist, his toothless henchman, and the treacherous lawman if they have any hope of reaching the golden prize alive.
 
Presales begin Friday, November 24th and will be available December 1st. Paperback copies will be on sale just in time for Christmas on December 8, 2023

(Note: Still on the lookout for henchmen, scalawags, adventurers, and reviewers to assist in launching the new book on Amazon December 1st. Read last week's post for details.)

In the meantime, "Hand Me Down That Can of Beans."

​The following blog is a paid advertisement.
 
Hey, Reader,
 
I am looking for 50 readers for my new book, Fool’s Gold. Yes, you read that right. Fifty readers, brave and true! Well, hey, you say, what’s in it for me? Well, that’s a damn fine question. Starting November 13, Every reader who signs up will receive a PDF copy of my manuscript. Submit your review by Black Friday on the book’s Amazon product page, and you will receive a paperback copy of the book as soon as that option is up and running. I expect that will be around the first of the year. Please keep in mind, that only those reviews posted on Black Friday, November 24th, will be eligible for the autographed copies.
 
There are several ways to sign up. One is on this website in the comments section. Just tell me who you are and let me know what you want to read, and I will send you a PDF (of the actual Kindle draft) when the prelaunch begins. 
 
You can also send me a note at jplinde55@gmail.com or on Facebook or Linkedin.
 
Remember that you will need a tablet, computer, or phone to read. And no cheating; reviews must be substantial with a knowledge of the material to qualify for the signed copy.
 
Good luck, and may the best reader win!

A few years back, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dwayne Epstein about his book, Lee Marvin Point Blank.  It was a great interview, and it was nice that Dwayne took time out of his busy schedule to talk about the book and writing in general. You can find this interview in the archives section of (8/24/2019) 
 
Now Dwayne has a new book about one of my favorite subjects, Lee Marvin, titled Killin’ Generals. The reviews have been outstanding, and there is even an audiobook that is read by Stephen Bowlby.
 
And if that wasn't enough. Coming in 2024, the new 4K restoration of Paint Your Wagon, in which Dwayne will assist in providing the commentary track. 
 
All very good news for Dwayne as well as anybody interested in one of my favorite subjects. 
 
Buy this book! Hey, I even made it easy for you. Just click on the button below.

There are many ways for a writer to relax. My favorite happens to be going to movie theatres that are running Taylor Swift’s movie, ERAS, dancing my heart out, and taking a picture in front of the movie screen.
 
We can learn from this enthusiastic new practice for the Swifties and should put it in practice for all motion pictures scheduled for the year. 
 
Why think of how much better Cinerama would have been if patrons had taken their picture in front of that enormous screen of How the West Was Won during Debbie Reynold’s performance of “Raise a Ruckus Tonight.”
 
Other motion pictures that could have benefited from the screen selfies:
 
Oppenheimer
 
Zulu. (A selfie with some guts behind it.)
 
Citizen Kane
 
The Sorrow and the Pity
 
Bachelor Party 
 
I would propose a new category at the Academy Awards: Best Selfie in a Motion Picture.   
 
In short, thank you, Taylor Swift for bringing young people back into the theatre again. I look forward to seeing all you Swifties at Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon.

Ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight? Well, no, I can’t say I have. But I have looked myself up on the internet. Actually, I didn’t. A friend of mine did. And he found photos of me dating back from my stand-up comedian days, Now, if you ask, I think these are extremely overpriced at "Best Offer." But who am I to argue with the current market value of press photos? So, knock yourselves out. From the looks of it, supplies appear to be limited.

​As Pug and Rhoda Henry were fond of saying, “I think we have time for a shorty.”
 
To put it bluntly, I have a lot going on, and I hope you do too!  I will not get into any worthless lecture regarding time management, but if you are not making the most of your time, you are likely already comfortable wherever you’re at. 
 
If there is good news, it is this. Production companies are looking for content. While agents and managers sift through the pile of hopeful applicants, development people are looking for the next script that assists them in becoming a Vice President. Use it, Padawan.  
 
Some companies might not be looking for what you have, but don’t be afraid to ask what they need. Believe me, they’ll let you know.
 
There will be rejection and heartache, but stay loose and stay busy. In the words of Jamie Lee Curtis in the movie Physical. “Use it before you lose it.” At least, I think it was Jamie Lee Curtis. It might have been Joe Namath.