#RRBC Back-To-School Book and Blog Block Party – Interview with John J. Cannon

~ John W. Howell

 

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Welcome to Fiction Favorites! Today, I am thrilled to be participating in Rave Reviews Book Club’s Back-to-School Book and Blog Block Party from Port Aransas, Texas  USA You can visit the entire tour and locations by clicking HERE.

In addition to learning a bit more about me and my book My GRL while you’re visiting, I hope you will leave a comment. If you do, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance at a ten-dollar Amazon Gift Card.

All you have to do for a chance to win is leave a comment. There will be a drawing, and the winner will be selected at the end of the day on September 15th, and announced on September 16th! For more prize opportunities visit the RRBC website.

Interview with John J. Cannon

Today I am pleased to welcome John J. Cannon to Fiction Favorites. For those of you who are unfamiliar with John let me give you a brief introduction.

John is a litigation attorney who lives in San Francisco. He has taken a leave of absence from the law firm to pursue his dream of becoming a charter boat captain. John currently resides in Port Aransas and is the protagonist in the thriller titled My GRL.

FF: Welcome John to Fiction Favorites

John: Thank you. It is so nice to be here. I’m pleased to be with you.

FF: Let’s dive right into the questions. I know you want to become a charter boat captain but I have to ask why you would give up a successful career in law?

John: I have been practicing for twelve years without a vacation. Honestly, I need a change of pace. In addition, I’m not giving up the law I’m just taking a leave of absence.

FF: Okay glad you cleared that up. We understand your boss is not very happy with you asking for a leave of absence.

John: Yeah, he has expressed a little disappointment but the fact remains it is corporate policy and I have qualified for the leave. I think he is worried about the revenue I won’t be brining into the firm.

FF: So he granted you the time off?

John: To be clear he granted me six months off. I asked for a year.

FF: My goodness sounds like trouble back at the ranch.

John: No. There’s no trouble. I simply have to request another six months when the time is done.

FF: What if he says no?

John: He won’t.

FF: I understand you bought a boat.

John: I sure did it’s a beauty. It is a sixty-five foot Hatteras Sport Fisherman. I named her My GRL.

FF: That must be some boat to navigate.

John: I took some lessons in how to handle her. She’s like an old friend.

FF: How soon will it be before you become a licensed captain?

John: I have about two months in and it takes a year so about ten more months.

FF: So you aren’t making any money yet?

John: Money is not the reason, but you’re correct.

FF: So tell us about the woman who sold you the boat.

John: Gerry’s her name. She was killed by some people who wanted to make a point.

FF: Yes Gerry. I remember you were found unconscious next to her body.

John: Yeah I was.

FF: Did the police think you did it?

John: I think they thought of me as a person of interest rather than a suspect. I had no gunshot residue on me or any other evidence that I was the perpetrator.

FF: Did they find out who did it?

John: There’s not a suspect. Gerry was killed by a professional who is still free so far. We do know who hired the hit, though.

FF: You say we like you were working with the police.

John: Well I did give a little advice and was eventually involved in the case.

FF: So who hired the hit?

John: I don’t have enough evidence to say publicly. I’ve a suspicion but would rather keep it to myself.

FF: You mentioned Gerry was killed to make a point. What was the point?

John: I think she was being punished for talking too much about certain people.

FF: Some that you don’t want to identify.

John: Yes, that’s correct. I wish I had the evidence but I don’t.

FF: Are you in any danger by talking to us in this interview?

John: I don’t see how. I haven’t said anything the police don’t know.

FF: Well that’s good.

John: I would like to say to those people who shot an innocent person, Gerry, that they’ll not get away with it and someday they’ll pay.

FF: Are you married?

John: No I’m not. As I said, I have been working a lot and no real-time for anything else. I suppose I could say my boat is my relationship right now. I guess that’s why I named her My GRL.

FF: You’ve been described as an ordinary guy caught up in unusual circumstances. How do you like that description?

John: Who says that?

FF: Reviewers

John: On one hand I’m flattered since it appears they know my personality. On the contrary, I would like to be seen as a hero. At least one time. Of course, it’s not my choice I’m more of less predestined to be what  ever I turn out to be.

FF: Once you get your captain’s license will you keep chartering or go back to the law firm.

John: I really think that is a hard question to answer. Do you know what I mean when I say fourth wall?

FF: Well yeah it’s a term used to describe the fine line between fiction and reality. It’s a term from the theatre. A stage has three walls and on the other side of the fourth is where the audience is.

John: So when I say break the fourth wall you know it is a blurring of fiction and reality.

FF: Yes that’s correct.

John: Okay to answer your question about whether I’ll go back to the law firm you will have to ask the guy who authored My GRL if he has a story line that includes returning to the law firm. You could also ask if I’m going to find love and happiness. I would like to know myself.

FF: I do know him so next time we chat I’ll ask.

John: I appreciate that. I’m not sure he will take suggestions for his precious plot. In the meantime, I’ll keep an eye on those responsible for Gerry’s murder.

FF: John this was an interesting interview if somewhat different. We’re so glad you could spend time with us. Please come again.

John: Yes, it was a pleasure for me as well. Who’s the us you’re talking about?

FF: All of us here at Fiction Favorites including our boss John W. Howell.

 

122 thoughts on “#RRBC Back-To-School Book and Blog Block Party – Interview with John J. Cannon”

  2. John, I love character interviews, and this one has your marvelous touch. I mean you, John, not John the character, though I’m sure he could interview you with great style. 😀 Oh gosh, I’m giving myself a headache. Or maybe that’s because I have to go back to the office in just a few minutes… At any rate, loved this interview! Mega hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. “Yes, Gerry. I remember you were found unconscious next to her body.” So nonchalant, John 🙂 And I love how you made the character, John, put the pressure of his future plans back on his creator. Great post, John! Have an awesome blog party day! And since I follow your blog, I was one of the first to get here even though the link isn’t live yet 😉 Just saying.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Nope, John’s link wasn’t live until about half an hour ago, but it is now! And sometimes, links won’t be live when some think they ought to be, but we eventually get there! Either way, we’re all here, safe and sound, enjoying John chat with John! Make it a great day, all!

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  7. I guess it’s a tad early to break out the martinis… sigh! I loved the interview FF – you got our protagonist friend to open up nicely – he’s got a sense of humour too! I’m a big fan of character interviews and I like the job you did with John J. Cannon. Have a super day on you block party, John!!

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  10. Good ole John C – he’s a hero, simply for following his dream and to hell with the day job, let alone all the tough guy stuff! 😀
    Now, John H – where’ve you stashed the margaritas? I’ve brought a party bucket of chips, so point me bar-wards 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Yeah, this is the second one of these I’ve read lately and it just convinces me that I need to do one soon with my narrator and his wife, who are the heroes of my series. Great job!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. How come John H.? I have been waiting at your door to be let in since this morning, to finally step in to an almost full house. Well, I’m happy I finally made it in. 🙂 Yes, My Girl was a great read. Fast and intrepid. I enjoyed it. Have a wonderful party, and fun.

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  22. John H., I will have to say that for a moment there, I thought it was all TOO REAL! I couldn’t wait to finish reading to email you to ask all sorts of questions. And I, like Kathy Gates, was wondering if we all would be in danger, just posting here (because if so, I was going to tip out quietly, as if I’d never been…LOL). That my dear, is clever, grand writing! It was so enjoyable. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

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  23. Great interview, John! I’ve heard an interview is a splendid way for an author to get to know his/her characters better. Did you prepare something similar prior to writing your thriller??

    Liked by 1 person

    1. While writing the three books John and I had a number of very tense discussions. I finally had to take him outside to make my points. he always wanted to fire a 9mm at the bad guys. I finally gave him one scene in the last book. (I was always afraid he would hurt himself)

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  24. Great character interview, John. I love the fourth wall and turning it back on you 🙂 Did I hear there’re chips n margaritas on the go? It’s 4pm over here in the UK, so does that mean I can imbibe without our lawyer friend giving me a tough time? 🙂 Have a great party, John! It’s always nice to stop by your place 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Hi John. Nice blog. “My Grl,” huh? Hatteras is just up the road from me. I haven’t gotten around to it yet, but it waits patiently on my Kindle. “I suppose I could say my boat is my relationship right now.” Yeah, I understand. My boat – is – my grl. Have a great party. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  40. Hi John. I’m so glad you are part of the Back To School blog tour! I love visiting your blog, but with everything going on lately I have not had the chance to stop by. So today was a treat for me. I absolutely loved My GRL, & greatly enjoyed this behind the scenes with John. I can’t wait for the sequel! I hope you’re having a wonderful day. *Hugs*

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  41. Hold it! Wait! Is FF and John one and the same? I was confused. And is this based on a true story? I got the book on my TBR list now I have to push it to the front. This is a wonderful interview and I love that you did it. Your prize has my name written all over it. Congratulations John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Shirly. No, it’s totally fiction. FF stands for Fiction Favorites (the blog title) That snarky remark by John Cannon was his way of trying to weazel a different outcome for the series.

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    1. John does it all the time. I have learned to more or less give him some of the things he has asked. When he wanted to carry a firearm I drew the line. Thanks Yvette for the comment and visit.

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  45. Wonderful interview, John. Can’t wait to read your book, which is now pushed up on my list. Enjoy the PARTY! (BTW, I posted earlier, but it never appeared so I’m rewriting….my apologies if I now have two!)

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  46. Hi John, I thought I commented earlier but I must have forgotten to click on ‘Post’. Cute ploy to draw attention to your book. Very creative. If the same imagination is at work in My Grl, then it’s sure to be a seller. Have a great blog party.

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  50. I love the fact that each blog post for the tour is so different! I loved the unique interview format, but I wanted to know more about the title! i hope you had a great tour day! Now get out on that boat tomorrow!

    Liked by 1 person

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