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 lengthened by two presidents. Protestors were ridiculed for their peaceful demonstrations as the country was told a set of lies by politicians.

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 young, to John D. McDonald, and more recently Michael Connelly – all thrillers of some sort. What I enjoy the most is writing comedy – and I hope to find time for writing more of that.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I don’t have a pile of books to read. I have dozens of eBook samples in my Kindle that pile up. I usually read three or four books in parallel, 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.

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 freely and horrific acts of violence and cruelty were committed by both Vietnamese and American fighters.