Blog Archives
Overcoming Bad Decisions
American Jukebox follows a young boy and his father, Dancer, a baseball pitcher whose life takes an unexpected turn, leading them to a small town where he learns life lessons about shattered dreams and the challenges of growing up. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My first novel, American Past Time (published in 2014) is the prequel to American Jukebox. American Past Time is primarily Dancer Stonemason’s story – his fall from grace, and his recovery. It ends in 1973 when Clayton Stonemason has just returned from Viet Nam. American Jukebox, revisits those early years, but from Clayton’s perspective as a boy growing to adulthood. The second half of the novel follows Clayton on his journey.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I think so. Clayton was a challenge. He had idolized his father as a young boy, and when Dancer was disgraced that wounded Clayton, and he didn’t want anything to do with his father. He didn’t want to be compared to him, but as he grows up it is obvious that he is much like his father and despite his protests he doesn’t hate him. He loves him. The challenge was showing his evolution from wounded child to an adult who through his own bad choices and failures comes to understand that no one is perfect.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
All of the Stonemason stories – not just American Jukebox, but also the prequel, American Past Time, and the third book in the trilogy, Everyone Dies Famous are about people making bad decisions and their struggle to overcome those decisions. In Jim Stonemason’s commencement address to his high school, he finishes with this exhortation:
“When we fail, it doesn’t have to be forever. We have to forgive ourselves. Let me repeat that. We have to forgive ourselves. As long as we’re still breathing, we have a chance to make things right. But we can’t if we’re spending all our energy blaming ourselves. So when you stumble, give yourself a break.”
Forgiveness. Perseverance. The opportunity for redemption if we keep trying. If we stay in the game. I guess I would call those the themes I explored in all of these novels.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The novel I am working on now is titled, “Nothing Left to Lose” and it is the sequel to my novel, “Freedom’s Just Another Word…” which are lines from the late, great Kris Kristofferson’s classic song, “Me and Bobby McGee”. I am hoping it will be available next fall, but I have a lot of work to do.
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Clayton Stonemason idolized his father, a hometown hero in their small Missouri town. But when his father’s life unravels, Clayton loses his way, too. He tries to escape his father’s legacy but discovers he can’t run from his destiny.
AMERICAN JUKEBOX, a story of small-town America in the last decades of the twentieth century, explores the many ways our relationships, hopes, and dreams can alter the course of our lives.
Red Herrings
Torment – A Harper Jones Novel follows a detective haunted by the unsolved murder of his former partner who winds up investigating a gruesome crime leading him to suspect a serial killer is on the loose. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of my all-time favorite series is Criminal Minds, and I have always been fascinated by how/why an evil mind works the way it does…the motivations/experiences that contribute to a person’s character. Nature vs. Nurture?
I felt this novel’s supporting characters were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
I would have to say I enjoyed writing for Medora. She was cast as both a victim and a vigilante/antagonist. Somewhere in her captivity, a switch flipped, and she became empowered and independent. Her methods of retribution and revenge were obviously not preferred, but they allowed her to achieve her goal of revenge.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story; where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
You pretty much nailed the most difficult part, which is giving enough to tease the reader without giving away the ending. My biggest difficulty was that I wanted to offer enough “red herrings” to keep the reader guessing, while at the same time not making the storyline too convoluted to where the reader gets frustrated or confused. I tried to walk this line by having a lot of dialogue, and have the characters “think out loud.”
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
Pawns is about half-written. It revolves around a series of political murders in Wolf Hollow, as well as delving into Harper’s past, with an old foe from his military days coming back to haunt him, endangering those that he cares about. At the same time, Harper and Angie’s romantic rebirth will be tested as the tension in the seaside town begins to ratchet up.
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On an early fall morning, the sleepy oceanside town of Wolf Hollow awakens to a gruesome crime. Alison Newton, an innocent young woman who was senselessly murdered six months ago, has been dug up and brutally violated.
Veteran Detective Harper Jones, the lead investigator in her murder, is called upon to track down the offender, and he quickly realizes that this isn’t some random act. Instead, he discovers that a ruthless serial killer has descended upon Wolf Hollow with his own cruel motives.
Harper and his new partner, Medora Dunning, must track him down quickly before he strikes again, all the while slowly learning that not everything and everyone in this unsuspecting paradise is what they seem.
American Jukebox
American Jukebox, by Len Joy, is a heartfelt exploration of childhood, family, and the bittersweet transition into adulthood. Set in mid-20th century America, the story centers on Clayton, a young boy, and his father, Dancer, a baseball pitcher whose life takes an unexpected turn. Through snapshots of Clayton’s childhood, the narrative delves into his relationship with his father, who eventually leaves baseball and faces a series of personal and financial hardships. As Clayton navigates the complexities of family life, he learns tough lessons about shattered dreams, harsh realities, and the inevitable challenges of growing up. The story vividly portrays small-town life and the struggles families face when their aspirations falter, weaving a tale of resilience and emotional growth.
In this literary fiction piece, Len Joy captures the essence of how personal choices, family ties, and unforeseen events shape one’s future. Readers are taken on Clayton’s emotional journey as he wrestles with his father’s downfall, his mother’s endurance, and his own coming-of-age. The book’s nostalgic tone, coupled with its vivid depiction of 1950s and 60s America, paints a picture of a time when baseball symbolized not just sport, but hope and heartbreak. Each chapter is concise, making it an easy read, yet packed with emotional depth.
The theme of a dysfunctional family makes for a poignant and, at times, difficult read, with Clayton’s relationship with his father serving as the novel’s emotional core. Dancer’s fall from the pitcher’s mound to working in a factory is a tragic arc, one that resonates with anyone who’s experienced the disillusionment of seeing a parent’s dreams crumble. Clayton’s idealization of his father is gradually dismantled as he confronts the painful truths of adulthood. This depiction of family turbulence and childhood disillusionment is delivered in a subtle yet powerful manner. Joy’s writing is simple yet descriptive, offering vivid imagery without over-complication. Clayton’s emotional growth is paced perfectly, making his journey feel both intimate and relatable. The book touches on universal themes: the fleeting moments of childhood, the bonds within a family, and the inevitable loss of innocence.
American Jukebox is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with relatable characters and a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged. Len Joy’s storytelling brings to life the joys and sorrows of growing up in a world where dreams and reality often collide. It’s a touching and simple read, deeply resonant with anyone who’s ever grappled with the complexities of family and the passage of time.
Pages: 326 | ASIN : B0DF5B3QV4
Torment – A Harper Jones Novel
In the quiet town of Wolf Hollow, Alison Newton’s grave is desecrated in the dead of night. Detective Harper Jones, still haunted by the unsolved murder of his former partner, Anders, is called upon to investigate. The scene is eerily familiar, dragging Harper back to the brutal events surrounding Alison’s original murder, where Anders had lost his life. As Harper digs deeper, old memories resurface, and he begins to suspect a chilling connection between these violent crimes, separated by time. Could a serial killer be lurking in the shadows of this seemingly peaceful town?
Jeffrey Butler’s Torment skillfully combines the intensity of a crime thriller with the allure of a psychological mystery. The novel’s cat-and-mouse chases are interwoven with a foreboding atmosphere, drawing readers into a world where danger and suspense simmer beneath the surface. From the very first page, the plot grips the audience, opening at a harrowing crime scene and unrelentingly pulling them into a web of intrigue. Butler’s vivid analogies and sharp descriptive prose reflect the twisted mind of the criminal, amplifying the tension. The narrative deftly alternates between Detective Jones and the perpetrator, offering a dual perspective that adds complexity and depth to the story as it unfolds. The gradual layering of clues and perspectives keeps readers enthralled, as each new piece of the puzzle pushes the plot toward its chilling climax. Butler’s ability to maintain suspense while deepening the mystery ensures that Torment is both captivating and satisfying, especially for those who love piecing together crime thrillers.
For fans of gripping crime fiction, Torment delivers on every front. It offers not only the thrill of solving a case but also the emotional depth of a detective grappling with personal loss. Jeffrey Butler has crafted a must-read that keeps readers guessing until the very end. If you’re ready to walk in Harper Jones’ shoes and confront the dark truths of Wolf Hollow, this book will not disappoint.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0D6L529TB
Pinch Hitting
Morris Hoffman’s Pinch Hitting is a heartfelt tribute to baseball, woven into a narrative that explores the profound struggles of disability, grief, trauma, and loss. The novel artfully blends the emotional weight of these themes with the exhilarating intensity of baseball, creating a compelling and multi-layered story. The structure of Pinch Hitting is particularly intriguing, as it features a story within a story. The novel’s central character, Joe Skelton, becomes an unlikely narrator when he is diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor. This tumor manifests in an unexpected way—Joe begins narrating a vivid and original story in his sleep, surprising both himself and his wife, Katherine. They start documenting this tale, which evolves into Tales of Harold. As Joe races against time to finish Harold’s story before his own life ends, an invisible clock ticks away, adding tension and urgency to the narrative.
At the heart of Joe’s tale is Harold Fungo, affectionately known as the “Joltin’ Janitor.” Harold is a disabled janitor who unexpectedly finds himself thrust into the national spotlight as a professional baseball player, thanks to his remarkable pinch-hitting abilities discovered by a minor league team. The reader is taken on an emotional journey through Harold’s life, from his challenging childhood with a loving, deaf mother to the discrimination and betrayal he faces as an adult in the world of professional sports.
Hoffman enhances the storytelling with each chapter, beginning with a newspaper clipping that updates the reader on the latest happenings in Harold’s baseball world. This clever device adds authenticity to Harold’s rise in the sports world, while the alternating narratives of Joe and Harold create a rich, layered experience. The emotional journey of Joe and Katherine as they confront his illness is paralleled by Harold’s tumultuous path in baseball, where themes of racism, discrimination, and the deep bonds of teamwork come to the fore.
Pinch Hitting, by Morris Hoffman, offers something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to its deeply touching emotional core or the gripping excitement of baseball. Even those with little interest in the sport will find themselves captivated by the novel’s powerful storytelling and complex characters. This is a book that will resonate with readers, winning hearts regardless of their familiarity with the game.
Pages: 349 | ISBN : 978-1685134389
Everyone is Capable of Growth
Beneath the Smiling Moon follows a twenty-nine-year-old woman tormented with mental illness and addiction who struggles to pull her life together against all odds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Right out of the gate, I wanted to create a flawed but relatable main character, one that an audience can’t help but cheer for. Painting a realistic picture of contemporary struggles that center around addiction and mental illness were important for me to portray. The main character in Beneath the Smiling Moon chose to deal with her issues and elevate the conversation in an open way. Even though this is a work of fiction, the hope is that the novel can bring attention and awareness to these internal struggles that are so commonplace in today’s society.
Izzie struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, as well as a strained family relationship; despite this, she wants to get help and move forward in life. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
When deciding what kind of plot I wanted to develop for this novel, I was very interested in the Rebirth plot line. It entails: a threat/struggle that sets in, recedes, comes back in full force, the rebirth of a character occurs, and then all is well. Showing an evolution of Izzie’s lived experiences with respect to the plot line illustrates to readers that the main character embraces change for the better while reminding the audience that everyone is capable of growth no matter how dire the situation may be.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One goal for Beneath the Smiling Moon was to highlight the human experience. With that in mind, I felt that it was important for me to explore themes of love and loss so that my target audience and readers of literary fiction felt connected to the story from the start. My theory is that at some point in life, most adults have faced one if not both, emotions. The elements of love and loss that are threaded throughout the narrative will hopefully keep the text relatable and enjoyable. I also wanted to utilize motifs such as lightness and darkness throughout the novel. The darkness the main character feels when she’s at her lowest, versus the light and hope she feels at the end, speaks to the ebb and flow of the human experience and how light cannot exist without darkness and vice versa.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I’m working on is a Southern Gothic tragedy. It will follow three daughters who discover their mother’s journal hidden away in secrecy after her death. The journal and its contents will change everything the girls thought they knew about their mother and their own lives. I have an outline of what I want to accomplish with my next piece, and I’m hoping to focus on the character development with nice plot points throughout, similar to Beneath the Smiling Moon. I plan to dedicate time this summer to begin writing and working on my next project. Follow along for updates on my website at devonjvaldes.com!
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But things take a drastic turn when Annie is involved in a tragic accident. When the truth is finally revealed, Izzie is left not knowing how to cope or what to do. Can she handle the truth, or will it destroy her for good? She must decide if she is going to fight for her life or allow the darkness to overtake her.
Beneath the Smiling Moon is a novel of rebirth that explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and family. Ultimately, it is a story about the human experience and how internal struggles shape who we are destined to become.
All The What-Ifs
All The What-Ifs, by T. A. Reese, intertwines elements of suspense and romance within its contemporary fiction framework. The protagonist, Mae, reevaluates her life and past decisions as she finalizes her divorce from an abusive marriage of five years. Seeking a fresh start, she returns to her childhood home in Eldrock, where she reconnects with her first love, Miles. This reunion sparks a journey towards self-discovery and happiness. However, her newfound peace is threatened when her ex-husband, Judson, follows her to Eldrock, determined to uphold their marital vows to any extreme.
Reese’s narrative style is captivating, maintaining engagement with a balanced pace throughout the novel. In her debut work, she effectively conveys themes of hope, renewal, and the importance of self-forgiveness. Particularly compelling is the use of first-person perspective, which provides a deep dive into Mae’s internal conflicts and growth. The inclusion of detailed flashbacks serves as a poignant method to explore Mae’s traumatic past without depicting real-time abuse, adding a layer of sensitivity to the storytelling. While Mae’s journey is thoroughly explored, I feel the novel leaves readers eager for more details about her life after the pivotal second encounter with Judson. This anticipation speaks to the engrossing nature of Mae’s story and the readers’ investment in her character. I believe extending the narrative to offer a deeper glimpse into her post-conflict experiences could enrich the resolution, providing a more rounded and satisfying exploration of her newfound stability and growth.
All The What-Ifs is a promising debut that successfully delves into the complexities of revisiting old wounds and the challenging path toward healing and empowerment and is a highly recommended read for anyone looking for an uplifting tale laced with the perfect blend of suspense and romance.
Pages: 140 | ASIN : B0CSV9T24P
True Community and Connection
Godspeed, Cedar Key follows a group of people stranded on an island after a mainland is destroyed who now have to learn to rely on one another without any technology to survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Godspeed, Cedar Key is my debut novel. I have primarily been known as a playwright for the past decade. My last two plays premiered off-Broadway in New York City, and those two plays and several others continue to be produced regionally. There is a running joke among people that follow my writing, and I’m happy to be in on it. I only ever really write about one thing–the power and deep relevance of the extended families we create for ourselves. For this novel, I wanted to create a premise that would give me a vehicle to write about the incredible community I have witnessed living in Cedar Key. I am fairly obsessed with the island’s wild history and the common theme that runs throughout it–community. True community and connection that is so often promised in the modern age but seldom delivered. Wars, natural disasters, and calamities of all kinds have laid siege to Cedar Key over the past 180 years or so; no matter the challenge or the age, the little island persevered because folks looked out for one another. I like to call Godspeed, Cedar Key an anti-dystopian novel because, as your sharp review pointed out so compellingly, this story is about love and friendship pushing back against the darkness.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
Because I began my writing career in the theater, I learned quickly that any artifice in the characters I create and in the things they say or do would be exposed. Audience members and readers are too smart to accept anything that doesn’t ring true to them. Of course, I hope to create elevated characters that face meaningful trials a reader can see reflected in their own lives, but if the characters ever move outside of their fundamental motivations, even for a small bit of dialogue or a passing moment, the whole world I have created will tumble around them. I respect the reader’s time and interest in my story too much to give them anything but the truth–good, bad, ugly, or indifferent.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The essential need for human beings to live in true community with others.
Love and friendship as the only reasonable response to a world gone crazy.
The beauty of people living in close harmony with the natural world.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
There is a one-paragraph Epilogue at the end of the book that portends a continuation of the story. I have another novel in the works now called Trailer Park Elegy. I wrote a play of the same title and was so drawn in by the world and characters of that story that I wanted to flesh it out in novel form. Just after the release of Trailer Park Elegy, I intend to complete the second of a hopefully three-part series set on Cedar Key in the wake of societal collapse.
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Cedar Key is an island dangling off the western coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. On a chilly February morning, the horizon across the bay is enveloped in a microsecond of piercing light, and in an instant the old world is gone forever. Fires burn on horizons around the planet but the heat eventually gives way to the creeping monotone of the skies. The gray sets in overhead and all around, determined to keep the sun away from the land and waters.
In the new world, 300 islanders must learn to survive in the footprints of their forebears, battling invaders from the mainland, disease and natural disasters, and the compounding dread of hearing almost nothing from the wider world. This anti-dystopian novel is a quiet ode to the essential need for humans to live in true community with one another. Despite the loss of most technologies and modern comforts, the islanders persevere in the face of hardship and death– burying their loved ones in the morning and planting spring vegetables in the afternoon.
The deep friendship between the island’s mayor and an eccentric clam farmer underpin a story spanning three centuries of Cedar Key history. The triumphs and failures of past generations echo into the new world, as the islanders learn to lean on each other and their shared history.
The Gulf’s rich bounty and destructive power are a thrilling setting for a life-affirming story where love and friendship push back against the darkness.
LITERARY TITAN 