The Faqs
and just the facts.

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     New inquires come in over time suggesting an update to my FAQs page. So, here’s the September 17, 2009 update on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

1. How many books have you written?
     Two. The first novel is Hawk Dancer covering a time period from 1934-2003. The second novel, Cloudburst is a companion novel that both overlaps the first and then runs as a sequel bringing us to March 25, 2009.

2. What about future books?
     There are two books in the making at this time. We recently completed the manuscript of our third book, Birch Clump Portfolio. The art work is ready and we are just shoring up final items such as a cover design before we officially approach our publisher, Publish America.
     This third book is made up of poetry and short stories, mostly of the North Country, but not all are centered on the Village of Birch Clump. These stories are generally set in the time period of 1964 to the present.
     The fourth book is not yet titled. We simply refer to it as the 4th book for now. The idea for that book is the brainchild of our illustrator, Kathy Johnson.
     Johnson suggested a book of short stories that would let readers know more about many of our favorite characters, such as Trudy, Flo, Randy, Erik and Cecelia. Her suggestion would also satisfy some of the email and letters I receive asking about some of the characters in the novel.
     A special book is practically put together and will be released as bonus gift book featuring mostly Johnson’s art work. You can Google search The Saw Dust Factory, Washburn, Wisconsin to see and learn more about Kathy Johnson’s art studio, “Katherine’s World” at the Saw Dust Factory.

3. Why is Hawk Dancer $34.95?
     It’s a big book, 519 pages. When you consider that many books in the 200-page range run twenty dollars and up, you can see my books are a real bargain. Do the math: stack up two and a half regular novels of recent vintage and their totals could run forty to sixty bucks combined. My books are a lot less expensive by comparison.
     Shop around for a deal. Our publisher offered either novel for only $8.99 this past July 2009. Check for used copies in the internet, and watch for coupons and specials from Barnes and Nobles and other major book sellers. I sometimes can obtain my own books at special discounts and will be happy to pass on the savings to those who want signed copies. Cloudburst is $27.95 and I suspect our third book, Birch Clump Portfolio to be even less. I won’t know for sure until it’s published.

4. What prompted you to write?
     I actually have a page on this site answering a fair portion of your question, “Why Write.” Basically, I like to tell stories. Uncle Charlie says some of them are real whoppers. I guess that’s a family trait coming from his side of the family anyway.
     As with many authors, I had long wanted to write a book. I’m forever spinning tales in my mind as I observe others, or hear a witty remark, learn from other people, listen to their stories, hopes, disappointments, dreams and accomplishments. A sarcastic response given in jest, just in the passing sets my mind to writing an imaginative story.
     Check out the main menu on the home page to find out more of Why I wrote these novels.

5. Is Joshua your real name?
     Funny no one has come straight out and asked me if Joshua is a pen name or a cover up for a sinisterly past. Yes, it’s my real name.
     Perhaps I can qualify that claim in case some of those who asked are suspicious with good reason that Joshua might be an alias. I was born with the name “Tim.” I took the name Joshua when I took public vows as is customary for many of us in religious monastic styled life.

6. Did you grow up in a small town or on a reservation?
     No. I grew up in the northern suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. Most of my close relatives live in small to mid size towns in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin. Very, very few of what is called in Western tradition as “close” relatives lived on a reservation, and even then not for their whole lives. However, I have frequented those northern areas on family vacations and personal camping trips my whole life to see relatives in places mentioned in my novels, or in places of similar ambiance.

7. Why do you attack the Church?
     I do just the opposite. I am very supportive of inculturation, of Church policy on Peace and Justice and of those in the Church that make an effort to listen to Indigenous People and who remove obstacles so that Native People can promote their culture and find greater freedom in the society at large and within the Churches as they find fitting to do so on their terms. This has not been a smooth or pleasant journey, and this is pointed out in the novels. However, I feel the over all treatment these books have on such topics is treated positively and with a message of hope for the next seven generations.

8. What do you mean when you say your novels respects and support family values?
     There’s no smut in my books. The stories are not all soft and cuddly with perfect outcomes. There’s treatment of some violence, but not overtly graphic and gory. Yet, the over all factor is that decent living and family values are promoted and desired. We all know where the little babies come from, so I found no need to enter the bed rooms of my characters and describe the gift of new life.
     These are books you can leave anywhere around the house and not worry about scandalizing a curious child who might pick it up.

9. You mention smoking and drinking in your novels. How does that fit in with family values?
     I also describe getting punched in the face, delinquency and criminal activities.
     Non-religious use of tobacco and drink are not promoted, nor are the deviant violent behaviors. These are works of historical fiction in which there was a time that it was socially acceptable for adults to smoke and to drink responsibly. My treatment of tobacco and alcohol is limited and nonchalant with regards to responsible adult use in accord with the given time periods. None of the youths in my stories smoke, or at least does not engage in such activities where circumstances suggests the probability.
     Those young people who have had occasion to wrongfully consume spirits in my novels suffer the consequences and eventually seek help to straighten out their lives. There are but few references to these indiscretions in the books. As such, I feel my books’ treatment of spirits, tobacco, drugs and violence acknowledges the real problems we have in society and in a manner that lends to healing, the mending of broken lives and the power other youths have to help their age peers over come wrong living.