Do you remember how you felt when you were learning to drive? You were nervous. You were scared. Your heart was racing and your mouth was dry. You were so frightened by failure that you wanted to call it quits. . .except that you were more thrilled by the chance to experience something that could lead to freedom.Justin Cane, a Mississippi farmer's young boy in the summer of 1959, feels the same way as he learns about driving and about life. Justin's mentor is his father's trusted black farmhand, Able. Able comes across as an incredibly strong man, both physical and spiritually. As Justin and Able take a road trip together through the low lands of the Mississippi Delta, the boy learns not only to drive on the open road but, more importantly, about the wonder and cruelty of life.
As a fiction writer I enjoy the freedom to move through a story and build my characters to my satisfaction. I am a storyteller by heart. I teach 4-5 year-olds in church and love it. I've done that for over 25 years and find that this experience has helped improve my skill as a writer. There are similar techniques that have to be used for any audience to keep a storyline alive. (so that is my secret)
I have many hobbies that I enjoy on the side but little of that comes out in my books. I enjoy creative things such as working with stained glass, landscaping (because I am a landscape architect) playing rock'in roll in a great band. I even dabble with a CNC for those who might know what that is. I built my own and I am very proud of it. That was probably the most challenging project I've ever attempted... but how can I leave out my old Harley? It's fun to ride and fun to just look at.
I am married to my same high school sweetheart and have 3 wonderful children, with new grandchildren arriving each year.
God has blessed me with great health and good common sense. "I will never run for political office." I love my friends that I think I have too much.
I have written two novels to date and one children's book. I have a series of children books planned. The first was Catfish Cowboy & Mr. Turtle. I hope to build on that story.
My first novel was CANE AND ABLE. This is a great novel with much humor springled throughout the pages of the book, but becomes very serious as it nears the end. It is a "down home" southern book.
My next novel, THE HUNT, is almost a true story in part (if that makes sense.) I was fortunate to come across court records that stirred my interest for the book. Later, I was able to interview the local sheriff that investigated many of the crimes. From there I had enough to build a tense thriller with actual locations weaved in and out of the story. This book has just been pre-released and will be found on Amazon and other bookstores soon. Pre-released copies are available from my website now. Visit: http://www.cheekbooks.com
