Ben Kushner, the author of Shattered Lion and the founder of Ben's Book Shack. My journey began at the age of 5 with my very first foray into Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The day I opened that book for the first time I understood the power of a good story. Since then, writing and reading have formed who I am as a person. From fantasy to history to mysteries and thrillers, nothing can match the feeling of sinking down into a large armchair, ready to dive into a brand new book. My writing first took off when I began my first novel, Shattered Lion. After more than 5 years of writing, editing and rewriting, I decided that I was ready to publish--that I was ready to share my writing with the world. However, as I contemplated how I wanted to publish, I realized that a traditional publisher didn't feel quite right. After many hours of head scratching, I came up with Ben's Book Shack, a place where I could sell all my writing in one place, maintaining control over both the writing and publishing of all my content. In addition to books, I am passionate about soccer, hiking and music. I hope that you enjoy what Ben's Book Shack has to offer you. In addition to writing, I am the editor of my student newspaper, and I am also the host of the Ben's Book Shack podcast, available on most major podcast apps. https://bensbookshack.com James V. Irving was born and raised in Gloucester, Massachusetts. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia (UVA), where he majored in English. He holds a law degree from the College of William and Mary and is a member of the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and Massachusetts. After completing his undergraduate studies at UVA, Mr. Irving spent two years employed as a private detective in Northern Virginia, where he pursued wayward spouses, located skips, investigated insurance claims and handled criminal investigations. In his early years as a lawyer, he practiced criminal law, which along with his investigative experience and trial work, informs this fictional account of Joth Proctor. About Friends Like These: Joth Proctor is an under-employed, criminal defense lawyer with a marginal solo practice in Arlington, Virginia, where a mix of southern charm, shady business dealings, and Washington, D.C. intrigue pervade the story. Upon the suspicious death of the wife of a close friend, Proctor enters a web of drug and alcohol abuse, family real estate deceit, and friends of questionable character whose intentions are not to be trusted. An ex-athlete, Proctor is cynical but principled, world-weary and still preoccupied with Heather Burke, the woman who jilted him years ago and remains a crucial player in his professional life. Everyone he knows and meets seems willing to bend the law and compromise their ethical standards in the pursuit of individual self-interest. Proctor places his reputation at risk as he navigates a world of strip clubs, corrupt cops, con men and crooks, including the sinister Jimmie Flambeau. Increasingly isolated, Joth must live by his wits in the midst of volatile circumstances and unpredictable twists of fate that place his career, his life and the lives of those he loves in jeopardy. https://www.jamesvirving.com/ The Douglas Coleman Show now offers audio and video promotional packages for music artists as well as video promotional packages for authors. Please see our website for complete details. http://douglascolemanshow.com If you have a comment about this episode or any other, please click the link below. https://ratethispodcast.com/douglascolemanshow
