Book Title: Trials and Trails by Jim Halverson
Category: Adult Fiction, 276 pages
Genre: Western, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Gail Force Publishing
Release date: January 2019
Tour dates: March 4 to 29, 2019
Content Rating: PG (The only “bad” word is the phrase “shit for brains” and it is used a single time. No sex scenes)
Book Description:
With a past of slavery and compliance, LeRoy has learned to pick his battles carefully. Johnny B, a quick-tempered Sioux, is still learning to control his anger. When dangerous circumstances bond them together, the pair learn to navigate Reconstruction Era America and all its prejudices. They save an innocent man from hanging, reunite two old friends, assist in an honorable death for an elder Indian, and discover their worth as they steadily assimilate self-respect into their lives.
From Jim Halverson’s debut novel comes a tale of adventure, purpose, and the pursuit of self-actualization. Cowboys and psychology ride hand in hand, traveling a journey from living life on the edge to finding a place of belonging, joy, vulnerability, and distinction. Through trials along their trails, LeRoy and Johnny B transform people they meet, brand the world a better place, and reap the benefits.
To read reviews, please follow the tour on Jim Halverson’s page on iRead Book Tours.
Jim Halverson grew up in the rural, gold-mining town of Mokelumne Hill, CA and received his MBA from Golden Gate University. He spent part of his life on a ranch and is an avid student of psychology. He recognizes the struggles of all men and women seeking equality and respect. Jim and his wife, Gail, spend their time traveling from their small farm in Forestville, CA.
Interview With the Author
Q: The manuscript references The Great Divide, why?
A: The Great Divide references the physical separation of the North American continent, a rock solid monumental and distinctive natural entity. It also signifies the time and place John and Lee separate themselves from the burdens of their past. Their physical travels carried them from the lowlands of Louisiana, across the plains and finally to some of the highest altitudes on the continent. They progressed from slavery, persecution, and racism. They struggled to attain food and shelter, safety and security, love and affection. On the great divide, introspection reveals their self-worth, value to themselves, each other, and the world. Above all else, they attained self-esteem. The change in their attitudes is symbolized when they modify their given names.
Prior to attaining the great divide Johnny B and LeRoy ‘watched their steps,’ ‘knew their place,’ and ‘proved themselves’ just to be accepted. By accepting help, maintaining their dignity, and helping others on their travels, they grew into men that would accept nothing less than the equality they sought. In their deliberations on the great divide, they committed to a life free of their psychological shackles.
Maslow’s theory of human psychological growth references a ‘pyramid of psychological needs.’ He sequenced the needs, meaning that each need required attainment prior to ascending to the next need. The needs: Food and Shelter, Safety and Security, Love and Affection, Self Esteem, and Self-realization. He also recognized that the distinctions between the levels would often overlap and that movement up the scale would never be a smooth transition. I wrote the book because, although I can see elements of Maslow’s theory in my own life, I wanted to see it played out from start to finish. With artistic license, I wrote the story to fulfill the theory.
Q: Research
A: I have driven to or by every name place in the book, but did not drive into Hartville, Wyoming and did not personally visit the Medicine Wheel. However, an interview with a Native American who had been to the Medicine Wheel, a sacred place, proved insightful. I own, ride and train horses. Additionally, studying history and psychology provided a background for the book. Most importantly, I always try to understand and respect minorities and under-privileged people.
Q: What’s the book about?
A: Trials and Trails traces the travels, trials and trails, of two men of color as they climb a hierarchy of human needs. John and Lee overcome prejudicial insults and injustices with dignity and good-will to find their own value and self-esteem. From life on the edge they find a place of belonging, joy, vulnerability, and distinction. On their way, John and Lee transform people they meet, brand the world a better place, and reap the benefits. Although the story is set in 1873, the trials and benefits are timeless.
Q: Writer’s block
A: When the words don’t flow, there is a reason. If I have a mechanical problem, waiting won’t fix it. A lack of original thought creates a more serious problem. When that happens, I quit, and either open another document, or go spend time in the garden. It’s amazing, the ideas that stream forth when you’re pulling weeds or pruning a tree.
The process to complete Trials and Trails required years. The initial draft required little more than a month, but to make it work I needed a major test for both men. Overcoming fear worked for LeRoy, and discovering that living in two worlds was a blessing not a curse worked for Johnny B. It required reworking, rewriting, and my best thinking over time.
The last chapter required the complete deletion of two previous attempts. Aside from what I considered an original format for the chapter, two or three chapters had to be condensed and I suffered some writer’s block even that close to the end.
Q: Last great book?
A: Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman was the last book I read that will have a lasting impact on what and how I write. A psychologist, Daniel Kahneman delves into his research to explain how we think and react to outside stimuli. Personal experiences, research projects, and good writing provides insights to how our brains work. I consider this book essential reading for anybody who wants to understand the process of decision making.
I took away from this book a better understanding of why and how knowledge plays a critical role in not only what decisions we make, but how we make those decisions.
Q: On Rituals
A: I don’t write with one hand in a potato chip bowl. I like to cook, usually simple foods. Things like tasty sandwiches, my own potato salad, and good sausages are my favorites. As you can imagine, with a diet like that you can’t do it very often. So, to keep my weight reasonable, I only delve into those delicacies on special occasions. The rest of my life with food is greens, beans, and fresh vegetables. Boring for the most part, but I relish the good stuff.
I usually write in my recliner with my laptop. When the ideas flow, I can spend most of the day there nonstop. Then it’s time to celebrate with one of my favorite foods. Some writing days end early, perhaps only some original notes that I will consider later, perhaps from the garden or while driving. I am always amazed at how much time I spend rewriting something.
When I get stuck with a difficult passage, calculations, or logic problems, I get out a paper and pencil. Sometimes an outline helps. Sometimes I draw pictures or do simple math. I failed to do this in one passage of Trials and Trails and my editor found and corrected a horrific error.
Q: What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
A: I encourage readers to consider the coping skills developed by the main characters. Then immerse themselves in scenic descriptions, psychological situations, and follow the physical trail that parallels John and Lee’s psychological growth. A trail that flows from the lowlands of Louisiana to the top of the great divide and on into the promised land.
2 Comments
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Historical fiction and Indian lore make this story authentic. Incorporating Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs reminds me of nursing school and all those theories awaiting in real life.
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This sounds like an exciting book.
Marilyn
