Blog Archives
Time in the Turkey Woods
In Tales From the Roost, you share with readers a collection of both heartfelt and humorous tales taken from decades of time spent sharing the experience of hunting with friends. Why was this an important book for you to write?
As with the other turkey hunting storybooks, it is a capture in time. It is an important period as many changes in life had taken place in that period. It has altered my perspective, and how I experience my time in the turkey woods and I hope that my readers see that in this collection of time in the turkey woods.
Is there anything you left out of this book that you now wish you had included? Any anecdotes?
My initial response to that would be no, but as I give it a little bit of thought, I might have captured more with how I rough out my writings now. Voice-to-text is something I am using to make it more immediate, maybe a bit rawer emotion. From there I can edit and apply more nuance that I strive for. Any delay in capturing the experiences for me tends to gloss over or omit many finer details.
Why was it important for you to use a conversational tone when writing Tales From the Roost?
It goes all the way back to my first book, Hills of Truxton as I was greatly inspired by Tim Herald’s book Gobblers I Have Known that came out in 2001. It reminded me so much of the conversations at the local diner, or at the back of a pickup truck at a gate.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Two long-term projects are next to finish up. Empire Limb Hangers is wrapping up. It’s a wild turkey records book for New York, and a data-intensive, with and lot of moving parts to finish. The second big project is D.D. Adams: Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer, which is a biography of the famous turkey call maker, and again, it has many moving parts to it, and several setbacks that occurred. Both projects have been interrupted due to career and life changes I have had, but it will be a great thing to complete both of them.
I have other titles in various stages and will be coming out with my first novel in 2026. In addition, I am working on a wild turkey cookbook with my wife and several interesting novel concepts with my cousin in Australia!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Tales From the Roost: Roost’n Time Tales
Mike Joyner’s Tales from the Roost is a heartfelt, often humorous, and nostalgic collection of turkey hunting stories pulled from decades of woods-walking, gobbler-chasing, and camaraderie among fellow outdoor enthusiasts. This book is about the moments that make up a hunter’s life. Each chapter offers a fresh snapshot of Joyner’s exploits across the U.S., from foggy Maine mornings to sun-drenched Texas pastures. Through it all, Joyner captures not only the thrill of the hunt but also the quiet reflection that comes with time spent in nature.
Joyner’s writing is conversational. He doesn’t hide behind fancy words or inflated drama. Instead, he tells it like it happened—funny, awkward, successful, or not. I found myself laughing at his misadventures (hello, Whack O’ Mole) and nodding along during his more poignant moments of introspection, especially when he reflected on aging, loss, and the irreplaceable bond with his hunting friends and family.
The sheer volume of stories could feel a bit overwhelming at times, and some tales tread similar ground in terms of setup and outcome. But honestly, that’s how campfire storytelling goes. You don’t critique your buddy for retelling the same tale—it’s part of the ritual. What kept it fresh were Joyner’s sharp observations, his eye for detail, and his emotional honesty. He doesn’t shy away from talking about personal health scares, the passing of loved ones, or the bittersweet ache of time slipping by. That vulnerability is rare in books about hunting, and I appreciated it more than I expected.
I’d recommend Tales from the Roost to anyone who’s ever sat under a tree waiting for a gobble or just dreamed of doing so. Die-hard turkey hunters will see themselves in Joyner’s predicaments, and those new to the woods will come away with a genuine feel for what makes this pursuit so addictive. It’s not a technical manual or a how-to guide—it’s better. It’s a tribute. This book is for the storytellers, the memory-makers, and anyone who knows the joy of a quiet sunrise and a bird that finally answers back.
Pages: 287 | ASIN : B0F1MLQNMH
My Dream Dog
A Dog for the Red Gods provides readers with a glimpse into your life and the special bond you shared with your Labrador Retriever. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted to provide a lasting tribute to the memory of this once-in-a-lifetime dog. He was so amazing and I loved him so much. I wanted to share the incredible journey he and I shared together.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I think the connection between hunter and dog is not often explored. I found it incredible when I realized he and I were thinking the same thoughts and I know others must have experienced this closeness but never put it into perspective. I wanted to tap into those bonds my readers maybe never considered.
What is one of your favorite memories of Breaker, and why do you think your bond was so strong with him?
The hunting adventures were a blast but I’d have to say my favorite times with Breaker were when it was just he and I doing the random things best friends do together-fishing, building a duck blind, sitting together on the steps while I read the newspaper. He was my dream dog. I always wanted a special Labrador and he was beyond what I ever imagined.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
That Breaker was the best dog there ever was!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
A Dog for the Red Gods
A Dog for the Red Gods, by Shawn Bennett, is a heartfelt memoir chronicling the author’s touching connection with his retriever, Breaker. From the outset, the narrative highlights Breaker’s impressive pedigree and the immediate bond between man and dog. Readers are taken on a vivid journey through various hunting trips and training sessions in eastern North Carolina, a region renowned for its hunting traditions. Bennett skillfully captures the intricacies of the hunting world and the expertise required to train a top-notch retriever through detailed anecdotes. The narrative underscores the mutual trust and companionship between man and dog, portraying Breaker as more than a pet—a loyal partner.
As Breaker matures, Bennett reflects on the inevitable passage of time and the theme of loss. The latter part of the book delves into the profound impact of Breaker’s presence and explores the theme of grief. Bennett’s reflections offer a moving conclusion, celebrating Breaker’s life and the deep bond they shared. In just 200 words, this memoir serves as a beautiful tribute to Breaker’s life, exemplifying the deep and meaningful connection between a hunter and his dog. It resonates with anyone who treasures the special bond with their canine companions.
I found the book both lovely and informative, with touches of humor. Bennett’s simple yet eloquent writing style immerses you in the story, evoking the sensations, smells, and beauty of the settings. He shares his early love for the outdoors, nurtured by experiences with his father, and describes the process of selecting and training a hunting dog. It’s a tale of true loyalty and companionship between man and dog.
A Dog for the Red Gods, by Shawn Bennett, is a well-written story that made me fall in love with the author and his dog. The last two chapters particularly moved me, leaving a sense of sadness and nostalgia. Rarely do I feel so transported into the places and moments with the author, but this book accomplished that beautifully. The writing, surpassing all boundaries of love, was the best part of this book, followed closely by the extraordinary bond between Bennett and Breaker. This memoir, packed with beautiful moments and evocative words, will make you nostalgic for your own past and fleeting encounters.
Pages: 144 | ASIN : B0CQKJ39RB
Antitheus
A short, yet deliciously terrifying read can be found between the covers of Antitheus by G.A. Minton. A secluded inn, a group of religious leaders on a retreat and a well-timed blizzard set the stage for this thrilling horror story. When the aging innkeeper stumbles upon a badly mangled body that used to be one of his guests, the world he knew comes crashing down. Once the town sheriff comes to the inn to investigate our cast is complete. The horrors that await the soon-to-be stranded group evolve into a madness of biblical proportions. What could possibly be hunting them in the blizzard? Who murdered the minister and scrawled such a distasteful message in blood? These are the questions that will be answered in this compacted tale.
There is no shortage of gore and violence in this horror story. The graphic detail Minton puts into his storytelling is captivating while being slightly gruesome. It is not overdone, however, which can happen in tales like this. Not a drop of blood is out of place and the murders occur within a carefully crafted plan. This classic whodunit gets a twist while the characters try to flee for their lives. As each murder occurs it is clear that something is lurking in the blizzard and it very much wants to devour them. The infusion of religious content with traditional horror blends nicely. The religious aspects fit the story and they aren’t overdone or excessive.
The story begins strongly; captivating the reader and pulling them in. But there is the addition of a supernatural occurrence that doesn’t fit the story. The book would have been fine without it and while it serves a purpose, it seems like an afterthought. There is some concern with continuity: the characters refer to what is hunting them as ‘intelligent’, yet the trap they set is mundane. There is some clarification later on, but the tale is slightly marred by this. The ending feels rushed, which is a contrast to how meticulously the opening was laid out. G.A. Minton is a fantastic writer, I just wish that greatness was on display consistently throughout the book.
If you’re looking for a quick read and horror is your genre of choice, this is a tidy little book that will hold your interest. The majority of it has the makings of a terrific horror story; however it could have used some ironing out. There is magnificent potential and the reader will be able to tell that the G.A. Minton put thought and effort into the telling of Antitheus.
Pages: 198 | ASIN: B0744XJ11K
LITERARY TITAN 