Interview with Jim Perakis, Author of Fighting for Peace

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Fighting for Peace?

I wanted to remind people that the Vietnam War was a terrible US mistake that was unnecessarily lengthened by two presidents. Protestors were ridiculed for their mostly peaceful demonstrations as the country was told a set of lies by politicians.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Fighting for Peace, what would they be?

For Tom: “Lawyers, Guns and Money” by Warren Zevon. For Kate: “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I have always enjoyed light fiction – from the Hardy Boys when I was very young, to John D. McDonald, and more recently Michael Connelly and Elmore Leonard – all thrillers of some sort. What I enjoy the most is writing comedy – and I hope to find time for more of that.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I don’t have a pile of books to read, but I have dozens of eBook samples in my Kindle reader that pile up. I usually read three or four books at a time, skipping from one to another depending on my mood, finishing the ones I find interesting, and giving up on a lot part of the way through.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The dogfight that opens the book. I spoke with several fliers, some who had flown in dogfights over Vietnam and made kills. Some were very patriotic, others were upset over what they later learned about the war.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I listen to classical music in a closed door room without windows, stopping for a short break at 45 minute intervals. My favorite place to write is alone at a lunch table at a local department store.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Never attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by stupidity.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Fifty-eight thousand American fighters, mostly young men, died in an unwinnable and politically lengthened war. Chemical weapons – napalm and agent orange – were used by the U.S. and horrific acts of violence and cruelty were committed by both Vietnamese and American fighters.

Jim Perakis is the author of the new book Fighting for Peace

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