Welcome to APOOO, Don!

In 140 words or less, tell us a little about you.

I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. With a few very noteworthy events like White Flight, Black Power and the Newark riots, I lived through three separate and distinct phases of that city. It was a priceless education.  From Newark, I joined the Air Force and spent almost 21 incredible years in the intelligence field doing things that I never thought possible. After retiring from the Air Force, I joined a Department of Defense Intelligence Agency and have been working for them ever since.  I am married with three amazing children and two grand-children. I will tell you that time does not slow down!  In addition to writing, I run my own Web development company, Altaira-Muse (shameless plug). My dream is to be a DJ playing nothing but old school music to an appreciative audience.

In 140 words or less, tell readers why PARADISE: The Angelic Upstarts – Book One would make a great addition to our personal library.

Hmmm, of course I might be a bit prejudiced, but I believe the Angelic Upstarts would be an excellent addition to anyone’s library because it reflects passion—passion in our people, our history, our relationships, and our capability. Albeit fiction, I would hope the story inspires us all to be a better people and to seek and   secure the often forgotten principles of brotherhood, sisterhood, citizenship and kindred. Although I kept the primary theme relevant, consistent and plausible, I spiced up the AU by incorporating science and technology along with mystery and a dash of romance and fantasy. In the end, I think you have a great storyline that   will make the reader proud, hopeful and uplifted.

When you wrote PARADISE: The Angelic Upstarts – Book One, what did you develop first–the plot or the characters?   Why?

I began writing the “plot” first for the AU. It wasn’t really so much a plot as it was a reaction to several negative racial encounters. The characters almost started writing themselves after that.

What’s the main message you want readers to take away from PARADISE: The Angelic Upstarts – Book One?

I guess the main message I’d like everyone to take from the AU is connection and strength. We’ve got the strength, we just need the connection. As I wrote in my preface, “…the concept behind the Angelic Upstarts may be part of a very large wish list, but I believe this very same list was stuffed into at least forty million Christmas stockings last year.”

Autumn is HERE, when you think of this season, what’s one memory that stands out?

I remember one autumn day in the ’60’s when my mother and I had to pick up my godmother who worked as a domestic in Cherry Hills, New Jersey. The scenery was like a framed watercolor painting; beautiful colors, huge houses, children playing in piles of fallen leaves and yes . . .black lawn jockeys. Seeing the black figure wasn’t offensive at that time because I didn’t understand racism.  If you don’t know, you don’t know. My mother explained it to me, but only after we were  back in Newark. She was too afraid to talk about in Cherry Hill or even on the turnpike.

Complete this sentence, the best way to spend a beautiful, fall day is______________?

…a day off from work, a worn-in Lazy-Boy recliner, a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream and a TV remote

How do you plan to spend your Thanksgiving holiday?  Whether you cook or not, what’s on the menu?

We will probably go to the Hometown Buffet this year. The food is excellent and there’s no dishes to wash.

How would each of these individuals describe you:

Your spouse/significant other–Moody (especially when I’m writing)

Your BFF or a good girlfriend–Funny

Your Boss—Innovative

Your Kids–Generous

Your Parents–If they were still alive, I think they’d say mischievous

Describe the make/model and features of your dream car.

1972 Buick Deuce and a Quarter (Electra 225) coupe, or a 1972 Lincoln Mark IV!

Name one thing that you wish you would receive this holiday season.

The much clichéd Peace on Earth, but if not, then one of the above vehicles.

Thanks Eric for taking time out of your busy schedule to hang out with APOOO.

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