Honorable Profession
by Andy Kutler
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GENRE: Contemporary Fiction (Political)
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BLURB:
Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics is a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics.
After resigning from his agency under an ethical cloud, 46-year-old Dan Cahill commits himself to rebuilding his relationship with Megan, the college-aged daughter in Las Vegas he has long neglected. She persuades a reluctant Cahill to join the student-led campaign of a popular professor competing in the Nevada presidential primary against impossible odds. As they face powerful forces conspiring to clear the field, Cahill's deep-seated disdain for electoral politics collides with Megan's higher ideals. Each of their faiths are tested by political allies and adversaries, all desperate for victory, no matter the costs.
Crafted by award-winning author Andy Kutler, Honorable Profession is an absorbing, modern-day political drama filled with authentic and indelible characters, each struggling with their own loyalties and principles as they duel with unscrupulous rivals and the meaning of public service.
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EXCERPT
Her eyes were pleading. “You have to win next week. Let me help you.”
“You are helping me, Hope. And I appreciate your good intentions. Your passion to fix what ails your brother, desperate for any solution, I’ve been there. I know what that pain in your heart feels like. But I didn’t get into this race to destroy others. I never wanted to be in a competition among rivals and enemies. I wanted to be in a competition of ideas. Ours are better, that I am certain of. And if this election proves I’m the wrong messenger, I want to see an army of others, like you, who will carry our movement forward. And make the Cure Initiative a reality.”
Hope stood, unenthusiastic, but at least offering a grudging nod as she lifted her tripod again.
Walter smiled at her. “Your integrity, my dear, and my conscience, will remain intact. But fear not, the Vice President will one day learn the same inescapable lesson I am now experiencing.”
“What’s that?”
“As the Buddhists say, there are three things that cannot long stay hidden. The sun, the moon, and the truth.”
A Word With the Author
Any weird things you do when you’re alone?
I sing in the car, which I have to do when I’m alone, or someone might kill me.
What is your favorite quote and why?
The great screenwriter and director, Lawrence Kasden, said, “Being a writer is like having homework every night for the rest of my life”. It is so spot-on. I write virtually every day, mostly because I fear all sorts of consequences – falling behind schedule, losing momentum, writer’s block – if I don’t. I know that sounds like a negative, but it’s not. It’s what keeps writers moving forward.
Who is your favorite author and why?
I’m a fan of Jeff Sharra, because I love historical fiction, and I love his unique storytelling style of telling the same story from different perspectives.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
I actually think some authors tend to overwrite. They’;ve gone to the thesaurus one time too many. I had a college writing instructor who told us again and again to simply write what we mean. For fiction, I think one key is making your characters relatable to readers. They have to have flaws, doubts, insecurities – that’s what humanizes them and makes their stories compelling.
Where did you get the idea for this book?
The entire story is sort of my indictment of our current political system, which is drowning in toxicity and dysfunction. It’s also where I want us to go. The young idealist in the story – that’s who I was once. The middle-aged cynic – that’s who I am today. And the sage, old teacher, who wants to shun all the political BS and get back to the basics of how we govern, I guess that’s who I want all of us to be.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Andy Kutler is a writer and author of two award-winning novels, The Batter’s Box and The Other Side of Life. Andy has also written extensively for The Huffington Post and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Over a 28-year professional career, he has worked in the United States Senate, the U.S. Secret Service, and the national security community. A Wisconsin native, Andy lives with his wife and two children in Arlington, Virginia.
CONNECT WITH ANDY
Website: https://www.andykutler.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andykutlerfanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndyKutler
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Honorable-Profession-Novel-American-Politics/dp/1684338891
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/honorable-profession-andy-kutler/1140042789
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
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ReplyDeleteI love the cover. How much say did you have it choosing it?
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry - thanks for the kind words about the cover. I have a terrific publisher (Black Rose Writing) with a very talented graphic designer. He and I collaborated on the cover - mostly my idea and his brilliant execution. Cheers! - Andy
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the excerpt and the interview and Honorable Profession sounds like an interesting book for me to read! Thanks for sharing it with me and have an awesome weekend!
ReplyDeleteWhat inspires your ideas for book plots?
ReplyDeleteHonorable Profession sounds interesting. I enjoyed your interview.
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ReplyDeleteI like reading the interview. I find it interesting to learn stuff about the author. The book sounds fascinating.
ReplyDeleteHere's to an amazing weekend!
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ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite type of music?
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ReplyDeleteHere's to a marvelous Monday?
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ReplyDeleteHappy, happy Monday!
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