I invited John J. Cannon onto Fiction Favorites since it has been a while since we’ve talked. I would normally have a conversation with him in private but decided that it is about time for him to step out of his comfort zone and share some details of his life. As you may be aware John Cannon is the protagonist of the Trilogy that bears his name. So without much more introduction I present John Cannon.
“Thank you, sir. It is a pleasure to be here.”
“You call me sir. Any reason?”
“To be honest just two. One you are way older than me and two you are my creator.”
“Uh oh. Going to slip the fourth wall are you?”
“It’s pretty hard not to since everyone knows I’m a figment of your imagination.”
“I suppose you are right. John, you have been described as an everyday kind of guy. Do you see yourself that way?”
“I would love to believe I’m a superhero but have to be practical. I am more comfortable simply being myself.”
“Describe you.”
“Boy, pretty direct aren’t we. Well, I’m thirty-eight years old. I have practiced law for over ten years. I have, to be honest, and describe me as pretty typical of someone looking for something different?
“How so?”
“I worked all those years and finally took a vacation. I fell in love with the sea and as a result decided to take a leave of absence.”
“To become a charter boat captain, right?”
“Yeah, that’s right. Didn’t happen, though.”
“Those of us who have read the books know what did happen. I want to stay away from spoilers and ask you how you felt being a typical person thrust into extraordinary circumstances.?”
“I’m not sure what you mean but let me say, I always felt a little ill at ease being the central character.”
“Why is that?”
“I think there were expectations put on me that kept me in the spotlight when there were times I would have been just as happy in the background. Besides, I don’t have superhero skills.”
“Yes but I recall a serious discussion we had where you wanted to be more of an action hero.”
“I remember. In your wisdom, you gave me a taste of that, and I decided I wasn’t particularly fond of that role. Of course, I never had a position in the background so who’s to say I would like it.”
“What have you been doing in your spare time?”
“Spare time? You know there is no such thing in your books.”
“I’ve been told that before. I have a question about one of your quirks in each of the three books.”
“I can imagine it is about the coffee right?”
“You amaze me sometimes, John. Yes, tell us about this thing with the coffee.”
“Well, as you know, the antagonist Matt Jacobs has searched the world for the finest coffee beans. He has them roasted and blended into a unique cup of coffee. He continually offers me a cup, and I continually accept even if he is thinking about killing me.”
“Sounds a little odd.”
“You would think so except this is a way for Matt and me to meet on neutral ground and the whole idea of the coffee is just a way to maintain a level of contact. Matt is very pleased when I enjoy his coffee, and so I’m able to use this feeling to try to get an advantage.”
“I’m surprised he falls for it.”
“I think you know from writing the books that it is a little more subtle than simply falling for a scheme. I’m surprised you made that comment.”
“Let’s just call it a journalistic license. So what would you say to anyone who hasn’t read one of your adventures?”
“I think I would hint that they are missing out on some fun times.”
“Fun times?”
“Yeah. I think anyone who reads the books has a fun time.”
“That is an interesting way to put it. Thank you, John, for joining me today, and perhaps we can do this again sometime.”
“It was a pleasure.”
Fiction Favorites 
An ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. That’s how heroes are made.
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Thank you, Pam. 😀
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This was a fun exchange, John. Having read the trilogy, I loved hearing from Cannon about his experience as the protagonist, as well as his understanding of you as creator/writer. Brilliant!
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Gwen. Was borderline author crazy but fun. 😀
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Thanks John…………and John.
Hugs
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Thanks David. 😀
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Great to learn more about John. I’m still in search for that “spare time.” Happy Thursday, John!
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Thanks, Jill. Not to worry. We will be here for a while. 😀
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Definitely get the humility here. That coffee quirk is rather curious. I love the explanation too. Normally, heroes just accept out of fear or thirst.
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I like that. Fear or thirst. I have had a number of people ask about the coffee so I thought I would explain. Thanks, Charles.
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Fun when people catch the small quirks.
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Fun when they care enough to ask about it.
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Awesome chat, John and John. It’s a pity you missed my standing ovations and the sprint to the coffee machine (before returning to write this comment). 😀
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Ha ha ha, Karen. I thought i heard something though. 😀 Coffeeeeeee Yum.
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Nice interview you guys.
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Thank you, Craig. 🙂
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Ordinary is fine, unless we’re in the bedroom…lol…then extraordinary is better.
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Makes one wonder as to what makes up the difference. LOL 😀
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Great character interview, John… and John. Have a thriving Thursday. Mega hugs
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Thundering Thursday to you, Teagan. Thank you. Hugs
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Many a great revelation has been made over a cup of coffee. Speaking of, time to grind some beans…
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*sniffs air* MMMM. 🙂
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Well – coffee-drinking is a sociable ritual in the Middle East, so I can see how Matt Jacobs is gratified by John’s approval of his special blend! 😀 It would be nice if JC could maybe combine his law career with his sea-faring inclinations – maybe he should think about specialize in maritime law and get a nice job on the coast and relocate to a marina-based community….? 😉
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Good idea, Jan. I can see the stories building right now. A ship adrift on the sea loaded with oil. A good guy boards her and declares his ownership siting the law of the sea. The real owners bring suit as well as some rough stuff. Seems the boat was carrying more than oil. John is the lawyer for the good guy. Yes, this could work.
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Trust me to land you in some freebooting fun!!! 😛 🙂
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I will give you the dedication once it gets to book form. I just finished Freebooting, loved it and am writing the review right now. 🙂
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Thanks, enjoyed the insight.
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My pleasure. Thanks for stopping by, Larry. Did you get a margarita? 😀
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“Spare time? You know there is no such thing in your books.”
I LOVED this! And it’s so true, LOL.
BTW, I enjoyed the coffee quirk throughout the books. Nice touch in a dynamic series. Wishing you many new fans, John.
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Thank you, Mae Clair. I enjoyed the quirk myself. Got the new book A Cold Tomorrow and can’t wait. I’m moving it up the stack and it’s next after the current read.
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Wow, thanks, John. I hope you enjoy the tale…and keep your own coming both on your blog and in ebook! 🙂
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Guaranteed. (Well as long as God is willing and the creek don’t rise)
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Great interview, John. I like Mr. Cannon. I’d characterize his adventures as a little south, or perhaps north of “fun times” but they are certainly worth reading.
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I think you are right. thanks, Dan
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I know I had a fun time reading the books – and he’s right. The man has no spare time.
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Thanks, Teri. 🙂
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Great idea to interview your protagonist. I am thinking of having Billy interview me–after all, he is/was a journalist.
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I think that would be terrific. He could ask some really good questions. I look forward to this one.
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Nicely done, John Howell. You too, John Cannon! I enjoyed this a lot – so do it again soon!
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Thank you, John.
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Hmmm, I guess I missed the refreshments… again!
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Love this interview, especially the honesty of this answer: ““I think there were expectations put on me that kept me in the spotlight when there were times I would have been just as happy in the background.”
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Thanks L. Marie. It was fun to do. John is still not comfortable in interviews but he will get there. 🙂
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What a clever way for an author to draw out his character! It brings him to life even more. The coffee was a nice touch too in the book. Well done!
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Thank you, Jo. 🙂
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Not all heroes wear capes…
Very nicely done, gentlemen.
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Thank you, Hook. 🙂
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Great interview, John! You did a superb job jumping from John to John. 🙂
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Thank you, Jan. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog.
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S.w.e.e.t. interview. For a guy who doesn’t like being in the spotlight, John Cannon doesn’t do too badly. 😀
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I threatened to put him in a Romance Novel if he didn’t co-operate. 🙂
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Ha ha. No wonder he co-operated. You’re a tough task master.
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*Sound of a whip* You bet. 🙂
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😀 😀 Ouch.
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Yeah, poor John.
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