Alan L. Trock's Blog
January 3, 2018
Best Seller in 2017
2017 was a busy year for me - professionally wise as an attorney - so I haven't been as active on Goodreads. However, my novel, 36 Hours to Save the President, was quite active - in sales that is.
I'm pleased to announce that my novel was the #1 book sold in November 2017 at Pipe & Thimble which is a wonderful store in Lomita, California that sells books by indie authors. Their website is: http://www.pipeandthimble.com.
And that's not all. Of all the books sold at this shop, my novel is #4 of their Top 10 Books sold in 2017!
Being an indie author has its challenges when competing with the Amazons and Barnes & Nobles. But at Pipe & Thimble, they've helped this type of author get noticed, and most of all, have their books sold.
I'm appreciative of all Barbara Lieberman & Ellie Lieberman, owners of the shop, have done to promote not just my novel, but others as well.
Please put my novel on your To Read list. And stop by their website for more information on the novels they sell.
I'm pleased to announce that my novel was the #1 book sold in November 2017 at Pipe & Thimble which is a wonderful store in Lomita, California that sells books by indie authors. Their website is: http://www.pipeandthimble.com.
And that's not all. Of all the books sold at this shop, my novel is #4 of their Top 10 Books sold in 2017!
Being an indie author has its challenges when competing with the Amazons and Barnes & Nobles. But at Pipe & Thimble, they've helped this type of author get noticed, and most of all, have their books sold.
I'm appreciative of all Barbara Lieberman & Ellie Lieberman, owners of the shop, have done to promote not just my novel, but others as well.
Please put my novel on your To Read list. And stop by their website for more information on the novels they sell.
April 16, 2017
Wonderful review by a terrific journalist Mike Taibbi
5.0 out of 5 stars
What if John Wilkes Booth had failed in his mission?
By Mike Taibbi
Alan Trock is an attorney by profession and an historian by lifelong passion, and in this time-travel imaginarium his careful lawyerly mind is liberated on a journey through history to consider an exquisite possibility: that the 16th president might be saved from the the assassin's bullets fired by John Wilkes Booth. For the reader, the willing suspension of disbelief leads not only to a story whose resolution seems more compelling with each turn of the page, but is also an opportunity to meet some of the principals in the narrative of those awful last days of President Lincoln's life. The author knows his Lincoln lore in fine detail, has been a student of the great man's life since his adolescence, and it shows. The journey his fictional alter-ego protagonist pursues is one he'd imagined over the years in a variety of iterations, and now he's put those wonderings on the page. If you like history, if you admire the legacy of the Great Emancipator, you will enjoy this story.
What if John Wilkes Booth had failed in his mission?
By Mike Taibbi
Alan Trock is an attorney by profession and an historian by lifelong passion, and in this time-travel imaginarium his careful lawyerly mind is liberated on a journey through history to consider an exquisite possibility: that the 16th president might be saved from the the assassin's bullets fired by John Wilkes Booth. For the reader, the willing suspension of disbelief leads not only to a story whose resolution seems more compelling with each turn of the page, but is also an opportunity to meet some of the principals in the narrative of those awful last days of President Lincoln's life. The author knows his Lincoln lore in fine detail, has been a student of the great man's life since his adolescence, and it shows. The journey his fictional alter-ego protagonist pursues is one he'd imagined over the years in a variety of iterations, and now he's put those wonderings on the page. If you like history, if you admire the legacy of the Great Emancipator, you will enjoy this story.
October 17, 2016
Timeless Episode Review - The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
Hi everyone,
I was asked to write a review of the television show "Timeless" and in particular the episode that featured the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
If you are not familiar with this new show, it revolves around three individuals who time travel to stop the sinister Garcia Flynn from changing history.
My review appears at the link below. I was asked to write this review as I've got a great deal of interest in this topic for you see my novel "36 Hours to Save the President" is about a time traveler who is given the chance to stop the Lincoln Assassination.
I hope you'll enjoy the review and also think about purchasing my novel which is available at my website: http://www.AlanTrock.com.
Here is the link to the review: http://timetravelnexus.com/timeless-e...
I was asked to write a review of the television show "Timeless" and in particular the episode that featured the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
If you are not familiar with this new show, it revolves around three individuals who time travel to stop the sinister Garcia Flynn from changing history.
My review appears at the link below. I was asked to write this review as I've got a great deal of interest in this topic for you see my novel "36 Hours to Save the President" is about a time traveler who is given the chance to stop the Lincoln Assassination.
I hope you'll enjoy the review and also think about purchasing my novel which is available at my website: http://www.AlanTrock.com.
Here is the link to the review: http://timetravelnexus.com/timeless-e...
August 6, 2016
Read the 5 Star Review by @Potus_Geeks
The original journal entry is: http://potus-geeks.livejournal.com/74... . But, you can read it below:
In his 2016 story 36 Hours to Save the President, author Alan Trock mixes history and fantasy in equal proportions as he tells the story of a California dentist and Lincolnphile who is magically transported back to April of 1865 and is given the opportunity to prevent history's most famous assassination. The story's protagonist, Alex Linwood, bears a strong resemblance to the author, extremely knowledgeable and well-read in all things Lincoln. In the story he enjoys a vacation to some of the nation's most prominent historical locales, retracing some of Lincoln's most famous steps, before fantasy intervenes and he finds himself in Washington on the day before Lincoln's assassination, given the assignment set out in the book's title.
The author has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Lincoln, and this comes through loud and clear when reading this book. (I wish I had read this book before visiting Springfield, Illinois several years ago, as I now know that I missed some of the more interesting places). The book combines suspense with a retelling of the events leading up to what occurred in Ford's Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865, as Alex Linwood navigates the unfamiliar world of 19th century Washington D.C. while trying to work out how to accomplish the daunting task he has been given. It is no easy problem to solve, as the story discloses, and as the reader wonders how the dilemma will resolve itself, the story builds to its unique ending.
This is a pleasant, enjoyable and non-laborious read that will especially appeal to those with an interest in Lincoln and his assassination and those who appreciate when historical fiction has been well-researched for contemporary accuracy. The author's passion for his subject comes through very strongly, and we even learn how that passion came about. For those of us who enjoy history as well as intelligent science fiction, this book fits the bill perfectly.
In his 2016 story 36 Hours to Save the President, author Alan Trock mixes history and fantasy in equal proportions as he tells the story of a California dentist and Lincolnphile who is magically transported back to April of 1865 and is given the opportunity to prevent history's most famous assassination. The story's protagonist, Alex Linwood, bears a strong resemblance to the author, extremely knowledgeable and well-read in all things Lincoln. In the story he enjoys a vacation to some of the nation's most prominent historical locales, retracing some of Lincoln's most famous steps, before fantasy intervenes and he finds himself in Washington on the day before Lincoln's assassination, given the assignment set out in the book's title.
The author has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Lincoln, and this comes through loud and clear when reading this book. (I wish I had read this book before visiting Springfield, Illinois several years ago, as I now know that I missed some of the more interesting places). The book combines suspense with a retelling of the events leading up to what occurred in Ford's Theatre on the night of April 14, 1865, as Alex Linwood navigates the unfamiliar world of 19th century Washington D.C. while trying to work out how to accomplish the daunting task he has been given. It is no easy problem to solve, as the story discloses, and as the reader wonders how the dilemma will resolve itself, the story builds to its unique ending.
This is a pleasant, enjoyable and non-laborious read that will especially appeal to those with an interest in Lincoln and his assassination and those who appreciate when historical fiction has been well-researched for contemporary accuracy. The author's passion for his subject comes through very strongly, and we even learn how that passion came about. For those of us who enjoy history as well as intelligent science fiction, this book fits the bill perfectly.
June 11, 2016
Sneak Preview of the Prologue
PROLOGUE
A feeling of calm was beginning to descend over the White House. The Civil War had finally come to an end. Although Abraham Lincoln assuredly experienced a keen sense of relief in the knowledge that he no longer had to deal with the horrors of the war, the melancholy that was his constant companion since the death of his son, Willie, had not diminished. He also had to continually bolster his wife Mary’s spirits whenever her thoughts turned to their dearly departed son.
However, all was not downcast within the Executive Mansion. With the winning of the war, Lincoln was now at the pinnacle of his power and popularity with the citizens of the North. There was not only the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, which he deemed his crowning achievement, but also the recent passage of the Thirteenth Amendment outlawing slavery throughout the land. Lincoln was so grateful and relieved that his hard work had led to its adoption, that he had taken the most unusual step of actually signing the amendment, something that was neither required nor customary. He could finally look forward to having the opportunity of being the president of all citizens of the United States.
His focus now turned to the people of the South and the monumental task of Reconstruction. The president wanted to assure the Southerners that he was worthy of their trust and that he intended to put into practice the words he had spoken at his second inauguration. It was his plan to exhibit no malice to the rebellious states and to welcome them back to the Union with charity so as to bind the nation’s wounds and achieve a just and lasting peace.
The conclusion of the war also had a profound effect upon Mary Lincoln. She delighted in the fact that she could finally act as the type of White House hostess she had always envisioned. Now she could arrange for the lavish dinners and levees befitting her position, without fear of continued criticism from the newspapers that she was foolishly spending money on soirées while the boys on the battlefields went without blankets.
But most of all, Abraham and Mary could now look forward to spending their remaining years in peace and tranquility, including making plans for life after the presidency. They often spoke of travelling to California, Europe and the Holy Land and it appeared that they could now actually consider such plans.
However, neither could possibly imagine what lay in store for the president in just a few short days. The nefarious plot being hatched by John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators would be the death knell to the Lincolns’ optimistic and longed-for goals. Now, only divine intervention or an inexplicable presence could alter the course of history and permit Abraham Lincoln to live through his second term.
Alan L. Trock
A feeling of calm was beginning to descend over the White House. The Civil War had finally come to an end. Although Abraham Lincoln assuredly experienced a keen sense of relief in the knowledge that he no longer had to deal with the horrors of the war, the melancholy that was his constant companion since the death of his son, Willie, had not diminished. He also had to continually bolster his wife Mary’s spirits whenever her thoughts turned to their dearly departed son.
However, all was not downcast within the Executive Mansion. With the winning of the war, Lincoln was now at the pinnacle of his power and popularity with the citizens of the North. There was not only the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, which he deemed his crowning achievement, but also the recent passage of the Thirteenth Amendment outlawing slavery throughout the land. Lincoln was so grateful and relieved that his hard work had led to its adoption, that he had taken the most unusual step of actually signing the amendment, something that was neither required nor customary. He could finally look forward to having the opportunity of being the president of all citizens of the United States.
His focus now turned to the people of the South and the monumental task of Reconstruction. The president wanted to assure the Southerners that he was worthy of their trust and that he intended to put into practice the words he had spoken at his second inauguration. It was his plan to exhibit no malice to the rebellious states and to welcome them back to the Union with charity so as to bind the nation’s wounds and achieve a just and lasting peace.
The conclusion of the war also had a profound effect upon Mary Lincoln. She delighted in the fact that she could finally act as the type of White House hostess she had always envisioned. Now she could arrange for the lavish dinners and levees befitting her position, without fear of continued criticism from the newspapers that she was foolishly spending money on soirées while the boys on the battlefields went without blankets.
But most of all, Abraham and Mary could now look forward to spending their remaining years in peace and tranquility, including making plans for life after the presidency. They often spoke of travelling to California, Europe and the Holy Land and it appeared that they could now actually consider such plans.
However, neither could possibly imagine what lay in store for the president in just a few short days. The nefarious plot being hatched by John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators would be the death knell to the Lincolns’ optimistic and longed-for goals. Now, only divine intervention or an inexplicable presence could alter the course of history and permit Abraham Lincoln to live through his second term.
Alan L. Trock
May 26, 2016
Up for a little time travel?
I am pleased to see that after just three weeks since launch, my book has moved up on the time travel category for Amazon.
Amazon Best Sellers Rankings: #885 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Time Travel and
#1002 in Kindle Store > Science Fiction & Fantasy >Time Travel.
Check out a preview of the book's opening chapters at https://www.amazon.com/Hours-Save-Pre...…
36 Hours to Save the President
Amazon Best Sellers Rankings: #885 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Time Travel and
#1002 in Kindle Store > Science Fiction & Fantasy >Time Travel.
Check out a preview of the book's opening chapters at https://www.amazon.com/Hours-Save-Pre...…
36 Hours to Save the President
May 22, 2016
What made you write this type of story?
There are over 15,000 books about Abraham Lincoln. What sets my story apart from those is that I thought it would be interesting to examine the dynamic between Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth in the hours leading up to the assassination. The introduction of a fictional third person examines the interaction between Booth and Lincoln almost as if the three of them were entwined in a type of dance.
As the morning of April 14th dawned, no one could have foreseen the events leading up to the murder of the President later that evening. In fact, throughout the entire day, the activities of both Lincoln and Booth were fluid and variable.
Lincoln’s plans originally had him at another theater, but Mary Lincoln wanted to see Our American Cousin. General Grant and his wife were invited to be their guests but turned down the invitation. Would Grant’s presence, and perhaps an attache assigned to the General, instead of Major Rathbone and his fiancé, have made a difference?
Booth originally wanted to kidnap the President but missed his chance to do so several times – all because Lincoln’s plans were altered on those occasions and as such, he was not where the conspirators thought he would be. Now upon learning the Lincolns were to appear at Ford’s Theatre on the evening of April 14th, would Booth be able to carry out his diabolical plot which had changed from kidnapping to murdering the President?
On that fateful day, with one not knowing what the other was doing, the time traveler allows the reader to peek behind the scenes as the momentous hour approached.
Alan L. Trock
36 Hours to Save the President
As the morning of April 14th dawned, no one could have foreseen the events leading up to the murder of the President later that evening. In fact, throughout the entire day, the activities of both Lincoln and Booth were fluid and variable.
Lincoln’s plans originally had him at another theater, but Mary Lincoln wanted to see Our American Cousin. General Grant and his wife were invited to be their guests but turned down the invitation. Would Grant’s presence, and perhaps an attache assigned to the General, instead of Major Rathbone and his fiancé, have made a difference?
Booth originally wanted to kidnap the President but missed his chance to do so several times – all because Lincoln’s plans were altered on those occasions and as such, he was not where the conspirators thought he would be. Now upon learning the Lincolns were to appear at Ford’s Theatre on the evening of April 14th, would Booth be able to carry out his diabolical plot which had changed from kidnapping to murdering the President?
On that fateful day, with one not knowing what the other was doing, the time traveler allows the reader to peek behind the scenes as the momentous hour approached.
Alan L. Trock
36 Hours to Save the President
