A MESSAGE TO BOOK CLUBS, LIBRARIES,
ORGANIZATIONS & ASSOCIATIONS:

Not every author believes this. But for me it is true. ONE OF MY GREATEST JOYS is speaking to readers.

To include those that have read my books as well as those who are thinking about reading them. In the past ten years, since the publication of my first book, Winter’s Bloom, I have spoken to Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, church groups, at public libraries, veterans groups and many men’s, women’s and couple’s book clubs. I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one of these gatherings, where readers can ask me all sorts of questions about the book, my career as a professional soldier, my writing style, my reasons for writing, etc.

WHAT LISTENERS ARE SAYING ABOUT MY PRESENTATIONS:

“On behalf of the Pentwater Township Library and everyone who attended your presentation, thank you so much for joining us to share The Cut. Your enthusiasm, thoughtful storytelling, and personal reflections made for one of the most engaging and memorable author talks we've ever hosted. You brought your book to life by weaving in its historical context and offering a behind-the-scenes look at your writing process. The way you connected with the audience—asking questions, sharing insights from your remarkable career, and including them in the conversation—created a truly special atmosphere. We are so grateful for the time and care you put into your visit. It was also a genuine pleasure to meet your wife. You make a wonderful team, and her support added such warmth to the event. We were delighted to host you both and sincerely hope you’ll consider returning in the future. You have many new fans here in Pentwater!”
– Mary S. Barker, Director, Pentwater District Library

“John has penned six very readable novels, set in Michigan, dealing with several issues difficult to discuss, let alone live through. John and wife Diane treated Battle Creekers to an appearance last week, where John described his writing and publishing process. We can tell you this: knowing and listening to this “local” author lends color, zest, and enjoyment to reading him!”
– Nelson D. Kloosterman

HERE IS MY OFFER TO COME TALK TO YOUR GROUP:

If you are a book club, public library, church, service organization, veterans organization, or a non-profit organization located within 50  miles of my home in Onekama, MI, I do not charge a speaker's fee or mileage.  I request that your organization allow me to offer my books for sale following any presentation I may make to your group.

If you are a book club, public library, church, service organization, veterans organization, or a non-porift organization located further than 50 miles from Onekama, MI but still within the state of MI, I charge a speaker's fee of $75 and request to be able to offer my books for sale following any presentation I may make to your group.

If you are a book club, public library, church, service organization, veterans organization, or non-profit organization located outside of the state of Michigan, I charge a speaker's fee of $75.00, mileage at a rate of 70 cents per mile, and reimbursement of overnight accommodation charges unless your organization can provide such..  I also request that I be allowed to sell my books following any presentation I may make to your group.

If your organization is for-profit, regardless of location, I charge a speaker's fee of $200, mileage reimbursement at 70 cents per mile round trip, and reimbursement for overnight accommodation charges unless your organization provides such. I also request that I be allowed to sell my books following any presentation I may make to your group.

Here’s a list of some questions that I have been asked, so you can imagine where your groups discussion may go, (but your group is certainly not limited to these):

• Why do you write? Was there a single triggering event that made you write?

• Where and how do you write?

• How much of your writing is based on your experiences and how much is just a product of your imagination.

• I’ve always wanted to write, but I don’t know where to start. What do you recommend?

• If someone wanted to buy one of your books and make it into a movie, how much involvement would you want in the movie’s production?

• Are your books at all autobiographical?

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?