Hello readers!!!
Today I will be posting my interview with author Dan Jackson, who writes Rainbow Bridge, which comes out October 6th and published by Mirador.
Pub Date: Oct. 6th, 2020
Isbn: 978-1-913264-71-0
Ebook Isbn: 978-2-913264-72-7
Pages: 262
Size: 6 x 9
List Price: $13.99/$5.95 Ebook
Publisher: Mirador Press
Genre: Fiction
Publicity: MindBuck Media
Rachel@Mindbuckmedia.com
Nathan glanced at the last cage on the right. In the corner sat a black-and-white mixed breed, which looked to be fifty pounds. Its fur was patchy and portions had been ripped away from the skin. It was shivering, its eyes desolate and pleading.
About the book: Set mostly in Arizona and spanning 30 years, Rainbow Bridge tells the story of Nathan Wilkinson’s life through the lens of his dogs: At each juncture of Nathan Wilkinson’s life, he experiences friendship, guidance and personal growth from his canine companions. Frisco the border-beagle. Shiloh the German shepherd. Lindsay the mini schnauzer. Georgie the Belgian Malinois and military war dog. Labs Zooey and Boomer. Jackson captures the truth that every dog in our lives is different, and achieves greatness in unique ways. Nathan shares countless adventures, love and companionship, throughout his life with his dogs, and ultimately, the heartache of loss. An unexpected tragedy provides him the opportunity for a brief but joyous reunion.
Advanced Praise:
This epic, beautifully told, tale is for everyone who’s ever looked into their dog’s eyes and seen something timeless and mysterious, who has asked their pup from the bottom of their soul, Just who are you, and how did I get you?! And beautifully, Jackson’s answers keep the mystery intact, just as our dogs always have.”
—Doug Green, author of The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead
“Coming through loud and clear throughout the pages of Rainbow Bridge is how well the author knows dogs. How thoroughly he understands the unique and special bond that is forged between dogs and their humans. How the excruciating pain of losing a dog is like no other. Ditto how important it is to NOT abandon your dog to the vet when it’s time for them to leave you, and that you really do owe it to your faithful companion to be there and comfort them in their final moments.”
—Kristine Lowder, reviewer for Pages and Paws
Interview:
Quotablebooks1:What was your inspiration behind Rainbow Bridge?
Dan V. Jackson: More than anything else, my inspiration for this story blossomed from my love for our canine companions. I have had the great fortune of enjoying the love, companionship, loyalty and devotion of a succession of dogs throughout my life, and I simply cannot believe that our bond with these magnificent creatures ends on that unavoidable day when we have to say good-bye. I have lost several dogs over the years, most recently my beloved schnauzer Norman, and I take comfort in the belief that they all await me on the other side. Rainbow Bridge was written in part for those who have lost a pet, and it is my sincere hope that it will provide all readers with that same sense of comfort and reassurance.
Quotablebooks1: What is your favorite part about writing/being an author?
Dan V. Jackson: I find two aspects of being a writer that I would consider fulfilling. The first is the creative control I have over my content – I choose the characters, the settings, and events, the conflicts, the resolution, and the ultimate message of each of my stories. In that sense my books become a reflection of my inner self, and the stories are told the way I want and intend.
Second, I am always overcome by a sense of pride and accomplishment when I finish a manuscript. Even in this era of computer-based word processing, I love to print out a hard copy of each completed manuscript, so I can keep it on my desk and leaf through it at my leisure. And the feeling I get the first time I hold the printed hardcopy in my hand – it makes all the effort, all the hours of effort and sacrifice worthwhile.
Quotablebooks1: Was there anyone or anything that influenced you to become a writer?
Dan V. Jackson: I’m not sure there were ever any external influences that spurred me to pursue writing. It was more along the lines of wanting to follow my internal calling. Our world is composed of a glorious diversity of talents – from engineers, to protectors to caregivers, politicians and so on. I firmly believe that you are most happy, and most successful, when you do what you were born to do. It may be a cliché to say, “do what you love and you will never work a day in your life”, but it also happens to be true. And I feel that I was born to be a writer.
Quotablebooks1: What is your favorite genre to read and why?
Dan V. Jackson: Though I have always been a fan of “mainstream” fiction, my taste in genres has evolved over the years. As a boy, I loved science fiction – Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clark, Isaac Asimov – and I still keep those tattered old paperbacks in my study. Upon reaching adulthood, I became more enamored with thrillers and dramatic fiction, from Tom Clancy to Jeffrey Archer. Now that I have a family of my own, I have taken to reading and writing stories oriented in family and relationships. But one thing has always remained constant – I love an imaginative story, relatable characters, and satisfying endings where the good guys win.
Quotablebooks1: Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Dan V. Jackson: Absolutely. I wrote my first novel as a teenager, though it never saw the light of publication. Over the years I wrote only intermittently, as the dual challenges of career and family absorbed most of my energy and attention. Finally, I achieved success when I published my first novel, The Forgotten Men, in 2012. And now with my children grown and my professional career plateaued, I have more time and energy to pursuing a full-time career as a writer through the Rainbow Bridge series.
Quotablebooks1: What were the challenges?
Dan V. Jackson: The first challenge for any author is an obvious one — to actually write the manuscript. Turning an idea floating around an author’s head into a full-blown manuscript can take years of effort, sprinkled with periodic bouts of self-doubt about whether the story will prove popular or interesting. Then, upon completion, the author must find a willing publisher. To do this the author must overcome both a tidal-wave of competition and the myriad of rejections, either active (the classic “thanks but no thanks” response) or passive (i.e. no response at all), all in order to find that one publisher who is willing to take a chance on publication. And finally, the published book must somehow break through the thousands of other titles to become one that is popular and successful enough to reward the time and effort the author has devoted to its creation. I experienced all of this in writing Rainbow Bridge, and it has further increased my respect and admiration for all who pursue their dreams of becoming published authors.
Thank you to Dan V. Jackson for this great interview! And thank you to Rachel at Mindbuck Media for reaching out to me!!
About the author:
Dan V. Jackson is a writer, a family man, and dog owner. He enjoys running, golf, and football, and is a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. He earned his BA in 1982 and an MBA in 1984,both from the University of Chicago, and has over thirty-five years’ experience as a financial consultant. Mr. Jackson lives outside of Dallas, Texas, in the fast-growing community of Frisco, with his wife, Cheryl. Fortunately, his three dogs, Abby, Bella, and Sammie, are there
to provide companionship and entertainment. Rainbow Bridge is his second novel. His first novel, The Forgotten Men, was published by Mediaguruz in 2012. Learn more about Dan and his beloved dogs at DanVJackson.com.
Author Websites:
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