Calvin Dean's Blog
January 10, 2023
Reviews & Ratings
A heartfelt thank you to the folks taking the time to rank and/or review Geriatric Delinquents at Goodreads. #cozymystery #humor Released 1/1/23. Check it out:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
January 7, 2023
The Back Story
Do you know anyone who opposes something simply because you support it––a contrarian? Or maybe you know someone so hard-headed that they’ll never admit they’re wrong? If so, you already know some of the characters in my new book.
Geriatric Delinquents is about a state-wide marijuana proposition and two sisters who plot to defeat the initiative––at least in their fictional community. Unfortunately for them, their older brother who happens to be a famous rock star uses his gravitas to support legalization. When he reunites with his old bandmates to host a benefit concert back in his Mississippi hometown, his sisters counter with sanctimonious resistance. Like all of us, the sisters have secrets to hide, which cause a world of trouble.
Along the way, you’ll meet a stereotypical evangelical preacher who opposes legalization, an executive from a marijuana freedom group who supports legalization, and other home-spun characters from small-town Mississippi who play important roles in the story.
I wrote this thirty-thousand-word work of fiction in 2016 but set it aside never expecting the legalization of marijuana to become a serious issue in Mississippi. To my shock, Initiative-65 found its way onto ballots in 2020.
Well, now. Suddenly, I’m facing a dilemma. Do I publish the book in its original form? Or do I sit down at my computer and re-write entire chapters to reflect the reality of the situation? I decided to do the right thing and re-write. Of course, I couldn’t help but find humor in the events that transpired, so I employed comedy and a heaping helping of good ole southern parody. Because…why not? I’m happy to tell you that my fictional story which suddenly became non-fiction is fictional again. Whew!
When I consider who might read this book, I looked across the USA and realized marijuana legalization is a growing issue. Many states already sell pot for recreational use. Other states are placing the issue before their voters. Wall Street tycoons, even ordinary mom-and-pop investors can now purchase cannabis stock on the New York Stock Exchange. Just about anyone of legal age can get their hands on the stuff. So, I figured if marijuana is this popular, why not write a story? People are interested in the topic even if it is a fictional account. And why not poke fun and create characters who behave exactly like someone we know. I have it on good authority that pot smokers enjoy a good laugh now and then.
Let me add that I didn’t pick political sides on the issue of legalization when I wrote this book. In fact, I did my research to find out what both sides had to say about the product. I did my best to sprinkle these points throughout the book. While I intended to poke fun and have a few laughs, I also wanted the story to be factual, and appeal to people on both sides of the argument. Of course, being from Mississippi and living through the emotional debate that happened in 2020, I knew plenty of people who frowned on legalization, so I told the story from their point of view. If you’re looking for a “how to” book on this topic, this ain’t it. This book is purely for entertainment.
As you read the story, keep in mind that I envisioned someone like Shirley McClain and Goldie Hawn playing the parts of the two sisters, and someone like Mick Jaggar playing their famous rock-star brother. (Okay, so what if Mick Jaggar doesn’t have a southern accent!)
Someone asked me why I write. I’ll be honest. As an aspiring independent author, I don’t get my hopes up too high with illusions of fame and fortune. To be honest, I’m a bit of an introvert. When I see a spotlight, I run the other way. It’s just that I’ve been intricately involved in a creative medium my entire life. I worked in radio as a teen, television as a young man, and video production later in life as a writer, producer, director, and editor. I’ve done it all––mostly corporate stuff for firms like FedEx, Kellogg’s, Kroger, and others.
In fact, in the 1980s I was fortunate enough to work with enormously talented people who produced ZZ Top music videos, animations for The Beatles Yellow Submarine, and sound engineers for Bob Dylan.
Now I write books because I enjoy writing. Geriatric Delinquents is my fourth book, and there’s a fifth book in progress––not to mention a couple of unpublished children’s books and screenplays. It’s enough for me to know that someone enjoys my stories enough to write a nice review from time to time. So how about checking out Geriatric Delinquents? Here’s a link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPMBWSVV
Give it a test run and let me know what you think on Amazon and/or Goodreads. I look forward to your comments. In the meantime, follow me here:
Twitter: @jcalvindean
Facebook: Calvin Dean – Author
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Calvin-...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Geriatric Delinquents is about a state-wide marijuana proposition and two sisters who plot to defeat the initiative––at least in their fictional community. Unfortunately for them, their older brother who happens to be a famous rock star uses his gravitas to support legalization. When he reunites with his old bandmates to host a benefit concert back in his Mississippi hometown, his sisters counter with sanctimonious resistance. Like all of us, the sisters have secrets to hide, which cause a world of trouble.Along the way, you’ll meet a stereotypical evangelical preacher who opposes legalization, an executive from a marijuana freedom group who supports legalization, and other home-spun characters from small-town Mississippi who play important roles in the story.
I wrote this thirty-thousand-word work of fiction in 2016 but set it aside never expecting the legalization of marijuana to become a serious issue in Mississippi. To my shock, Initiative-65 found its way onto ballots in 2020.
Well, now. Suddenly, I’m facing a dilemma. Do I publish the book in its original form? Or do I sit down at my computer and re-write entire chapters to reflect the reality of the situation? I decided to do the right thing and re-write. Of course, I couldn’t help but find humor in the events that transpired, so I employed comedy and a heaping helping of good ole southern parody. Because…why not? I’m happy to tell you that my fictional story which suddenly became non-fiction is fictional again. Whew!
When I consider who might read this book, I looked across the USA and realized marijuana legalization is a growing issue. Many states already sell pot for recreational use. Other states are placing the issue before their voters. Wall Street tycoons, even ordinary mom-and-pop investors can now purchase cannabis stock on the New York Stock Exchange. Just about anyone of legal age can get their hands on the stuff. So, I figured if marijuana is this popular, why not write a story? People are interested in the topic even if it is a fictional account. And why not poke fun and create characters who behave exactly like someone we know. I have it on good authority that pot smokers enjoy a good laugh now and then.
Let me add that I didn’t pick political sides on the issue of legalization when I wrote this book. In fact, I did my research to find out what both sides had to say about the product. I did my best to sprinkle these points throughout the book. While I intended to poke fun and have a few laughs, I also wanted the story to be factual, and appeal to people on both sides of the argument. Of course, being from Mississippi and living through the emotional debate that happened in 2020, I knew plenty of people who frowned on legalization, so I told the story from their point of view. If you’re looking for a “how to” book on this topic, this ain’t it. This book is purely for entertainment.
As you read the story, keep in mind that I envisioned someone like Shirley McClain and Goldie Hawn playing the parts of the two sisters, and someone like Mick Jaggar playing their famous rock-star brother. (Okay, so what if Mick Jaggar doesn’t have a southern accent!)
Someone asked me why I write. I’ll be honest. As an aspiring independent author, I don’t get my hopes up too high with illusions of fame and fortune. To be honest, I’m a bit of an introvert. When I see a spotlight, I run the other way. It’s just that I’ve been intricately involved in a creative medium my entire life. I worked in radio as a teen, television as a young man, and video production later in life as a writer, producer, director, and editor. I’ve done it all––mostly corporate stuff for firms like FedEx, Kellogg’s, Kroger, and others.
In fact, in the 1980s I was fortunate enough to work with enormously talented people who produced ZZ Top music videos, animations for The Beatles Yellow Submarine, and sound engineers for Bob Dylan.
Now I write books because I enjoy writing. Geriatric Delinquents is my fourth book, and there’s a fifth book in progress––not to mention a couple of unpublished children’s books and screenplays. It’s enough for me to know that someone enjoys my stories enough to write a nice review from time to time. So how about checking out Geriatric Delinquents? Here’s a link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPMBWSVV
Give it a test run and let me know what you think on Amazon and/or Goodreads. I look forward to your comments. In the meantime, follow me here:
Twitter: @jcalvindean
Facebook: Calvin Dean – Author
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Calvin-...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
January 1, 2023
Giveaway: 100 Winners
During the month of December, Goodreads and Amazon offered a giveaway of my new release, Geriatric Delinquents. 100 eBooks were given away on Jan. 1, 2023, and the winners announced via email. I want to personally thank everyone who entered the drawing. I appreciate your interest. Of course, 100 winners means many others did not win. But here’s the good news. You can buy a copy for only 2.99. Just follow this link:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPMBWSVV
Geriatric Delinquents is almost a true story about a fictional marijuana referendum. I originally wrote the story in 2016, but then set it aside for a few years. Low and behold this work of fiction became non-fiction. Initiate-65 appeared on the ballot in my home state. I had to rewrite the story to reflect the new details. Of course, I decided to poke fun and include plenty of parody. You can read all about it in the book’s introduction.
I'd also love to read what you think of Geriatric Delinquents. Leave a review on Goodreads and/or Amazon.
I’d love to keep in touch with each of you. Please follow me here on Goodreads for the latest. I’m also on Twitter @jcalvindean, and Facebook at Calvin Dean-Author.
December 31, 2022
Giveaway Ends Dec. 31
100 copies of Calvin Dean's new release, Geriatric Delinquents, will be given away January 1. The last day to enter the drawing is December 31. Click the link to put your name in the hat now!https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
December 30, 2022
New Year's Black-Eyed Peas & Cabbage
Serving black-eyed peas and cabbage on New Year's Day is a staple at my house. I grew up with this tradition said to bring good luck, and passed it on to my kids.According to the Library of Congress, peas symbolize coins while the green leaves of cabbage share the color of paper money. The dish can be flavored by adding bacon, ham bone or pork neck bones while cooking. I simply use chicken broth.
Cornbread is a common side dish here in the deep south. Cooked golden brown, cornbread represents gold, another reference to prosperity.
Skeptics might claim the tradition is discredited due to the last few years of Covid followed by inflation. But I say imagine where we'd be if we'd not kept this New Year's Tradition.
Now, run along to the store and get plenty of black-eyed peas, cabbage, and cornbread, and may 2023 bring you and yours plenty of good luck.
December 28, 2022
Giveaway Ends Dec. 31
Goodreads and Amazon are giving away 100 copies of my new lease, Geriatric Delinquents. In this cozy mystery two sisters risk their reputations to defeat a marijuana proposition that their rock-star brother supports.If you haven't entered to drawing, do so now. Just click the link:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
Why I Write
Someone asked why I write. I started working in a creative field at age 15. As a young radio disc jockey I wrote advertising spots for local retailers -- even won a state-wide award at age 18.From there I worked for an in-house advertising agency for a large department store. The man who hired me wrote advertising copy for Macy's in New York.
Next came television promotions and production. My campaign helped improve the ratings for the 6 PM and 10 PM newscast. We went from a poor #2 to #1.
I spent much of my career in video production, and was fortunate enough to work with creative types who's resumes include ZZ Top, The Beatles Yellow Submarine animations, and sound engineering for Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks album.
Working in a creative field is all I have ever known. Even in high school I wrote poetry and recited my work to friends. Maybe someday, I'll publish those early poems.
Writing novels didn't come easy for me. My first book took 5 years to write. I'd write and then rewrite -- set it aside for long periods of time, and then write and rewrite again.
Long story short, I have a need to be creative. Hopefully, a few of you will find my stories entertaining enough to read, and then recommend them to others.
December 26, 2022
Get Kindle for Smartphone
Download the free Kindle app and start reading instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Just click this link to get started: https://www.amazon.com/gp/browse.html...Once installed download one my books here:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Calvin-...
December 25, 2022
Giving Away 100 eBooks
Goodreads and Kindle are giving away 100 copies of Geriatric Delinquents on New Years Day. Click here to enter the drawing:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
Geriatric Delinquents by Calvin Dean With a proposition to legalize marijuana on the November ballot, two sisters risk their reputations to keep the community drug free. But when Thad, their infamous rock star brother brings his gravitas to town along with nefarious plans, Agatha and Clarabeth counter with sabotage and sanctimonious resistance.
"You will be chuckling all the way through and burst into laughter on occasion."
Almost a true story, Geriatric Delinquents is a rollicking southern parody featuring a folksy cast of characters who face scandal and public humiliation. The small town of Summerdale may never be the same.
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
Geriatric Delinquents by Calvin Dean With a proposition to legalize marijuana on the November ballot, two sisters risk their reputations to keep the community drug free. But when Thad, their infamous rock star brother brings his gravitas to town along with nefarious plans, Agatha and Clarabeth counter with sabotage and sanctimonious resistance."You will be chuckling all the way through and burst into laughter on occasion."
Almost a true story, Geriatric Delinquents is a rollicking southern parody featuring a folksy cast of characters who face scandal and public humiliation. The small town of Summerdale may never be the same.
Free Download Ends Today
REMINDER: A Door Unlocked is a free download until midnight Pacific Time on Christmas Day. Just a few hours remain. Click the link now:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FI6USIA
