I was excited to be on my first radio interview for “Monumental Encounter.” In the most fascinating place, New Orleans on The Jeff Crouere Show – Ringside Politics.
Since Jeff has such a very large following it was my honor to be interviewed on his show. Jeff is such a terrific guy he makes everyone feel comfortable the moment he begins talking. He talks facts on various topics, writes about politics regularly and interviews people from various categories of interests. I’m proud to call Jeff a friend.
My husband and I met Jeff Crouere in New Orleans and had lunch with him a year ago.
When I say nice, I mean he is a true southern gentleman in the heart of Nola. The subject of history came up because Jeff knows I love history. Mt. Rushmore is a vital part of our history and it is the focal point of Monumental Encounter. The build-up in Afghanistan sets up the imminent attack on our own soil and one of our most sacred monuments.
Jeff asked me how this book happened! My answer:
The book initially remained an idea for four years as I struggled to think of the perfect scenario for my first action book. Our military and history joined together was the epitome of my intentions. I did not want to settle for just anything to write because it had to be respectful and a tribute to the brave men and women in uniform who defend our freedoms and security.
MonOne day my husband said I should think about Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota as a setting. It is one of our most favorite places to go to in the summer since we live only three hours away. Fireworks went off in my head! That was exactly the setting and my mind went to work.
Divine inspiration was my catalyst for this storyline because I wrote, researched many facts and finished the book in less than four months. Monumental Encounter had become so much a part of my life that I was absolutely consumed with the story, the progress, the family element of the Lakota Indians and the historical monument.
As a history enthusiast, the creation of the Tripoli attack, ordered President Thomas Jefferson, immediately came to the forefront of my mind. He sent the Marines in to stop the attacks on our ships for money in return for safe passage. Two previous Presidents had allowed the attacks and payments, but Jefferson had never agreed. This was the beginning of the term “Leathernecks” so they didn’t get their throats slit! The pirates were stopped and the grudge held as my book took form. Our military protects our freedoms and security, often at too high a price, but they do it.
The parallels of this book to today’s political stage is staggering!
I had no idea at the time of writing how relative this book was going to be to our current times. The elements of the Lakota family’s “old ways” and the actions Max Paxton’s Lakota family took to help were a highlight to making this book totally awesome!
To all that is good,
Barbee Kinnison