Sharing Stories With Like-Minded Readers

The pending release of my eighth book made me think about why I've spent literally thousands of hours over the last fifteen years struggling with what to write and how to best say it. It's important to me that readers find what I write interesting, but it's also very important to me that what I write enhances the reader's knowledge of a topic and thus their appreciation of that topic. For instance, I'm proud of the fact that my three best selling books - the Michigan and Ohio motorcycle touring books and Grace & Grit - have sold over 20,000 copies. Not because I made lots of money from the sales (I didn't, what proceeds resulted were used to research subsequent books). I take pride and satisfaction from the success of those books because I've heard back from many hundreds of readers who told me how much they enjoyed reading them, and, equally important to me, how much they learned by reading those books. I write non-fiction and the primary reason is to share knowledge. My motorcycle touring books aren't just about motorcycles - they're primarily stories about the fascinating natural and cultural histories of the subject states. It's just that I think that the best way to explore the wonders of America is from atop a motorcycle, rather than being isolated and separated inside a cage (car, RV, truck, etc.).
It helps that my stories are based 100% on factual information as seen and experienced by me, the author of the books. They're not based on hearsay or experiences I heard about from others. So it is with my latest book, Not For God And Country. The reason I wrote it is to share the story of thousands of young Americans who were caught up in the maelstrom called the Vietnam War. I want very much to honor them with this book by keeping their story alive and by educating readers so they know and appreciate the truth. That's the least those vets deserve.
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