I am extremely excited about the release of my new novel - What a Crowd. This is my third novel; however, it is my first traditionally published novel (Moonshine Cove Publishing). Last year, I decided to write about the sport of football which has been a big part of my life. Let's be honest- I am a football coach who has started writing. All of the experts say you should write about what you know.
My writing journey began many years ago when my favorite college professor tried his best to convince me that I needed to write. At the time I didn't think much of his "crazy suggestion". Fortunately for me, this wonderful professor's influence on my life kindled an emotional fire which inspired me to begin my writing journey much later. Later is always better than never. I self-published my first novel in 2021. Presently, I am having fun writing, meeting new authors, and connecting with readers of all ages.
This particular novel (What a Crowd) was inspired by my experiences as a high school football coach. When I first started coaching (many years ago) I was very fortunate to be a part of several successful teams where college coaches from all over the nation came to our high school to recruit athletically talented players. At the time, I did not appreciate some of the legendary coaches that I encountered. Some of them were already legends- some became legends later in their careers. All of those great coaches had a profound impact on my life which I will never forget. Because of their positive influence, I decided to write about some of the great men that I encountered.
What a Crowd is a fictional account about some of College Football's greatest coaches. It is also a story about the relationship of a young high school assistant football coach (Stephen Blake) and his star player (Frankie Lake) - who happens to be academically challenged. When Frankie is deemed the number one college prospect for the 1985 football season, Coach Blake finds himself caught in the middle of a national recruiting war. The novel also dives into the relationship between Coach Blake and his boss (Coach Bill Hanover). Coach Blake who is an African American first believes that his older white boss is a racist redneck. Coach Blake eventually finds out that his preconceived notions about Coach Hanover were not correct.
The main theme of the novel revolves around the college recruitment of Frankie Lake two years before the NCAA gave Southern Methodist University the "death penalty" for recruiting violations. Frankie's decision about which of the major college football programs he chooses is the backdrop to a tale which reveals local history, a kidnapping, the importance of service to others, and an unexpected love affair.
I hope that you will enjoy reading this novel as much as I have enjoyed writing it. As always, I look forward to any feedback from reviews as well as meeting readers at book events. If you enjoy this or any of my work- please share with your family and friends. Thank you so much.
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