It took five years of writing and revisions, but the book that emerged was well worth the time and is something first-time author Jack Nolan is proud of.
I’d always had the urge to write a novel and I carried along with me different scenes and different ideas, said Nolan, of Saratoga Springs. `As they developed, it almost developed as a movie script in my head and when it came down to writing the story, I had some strong elements to pull on,` said Nolan.
`A Drink Precedes A Story` hit shelves three weeks ago and spans generations, cultures and countries to weave a tale of love, violence, friendship and history.
Set in the 1960s, Nolan describes it as `a coming-of-age story of two teenaged boys, one white, one black, and their journey to adulthood` and combines events from Ireland, Troy, North Carolina and Southeast Asia.
`There were many political and ideological turmoil that took place [during that time] and because of all those it was an interesting time in that whole decade and you could draw on many different historical events,` said Nolan.
The story takes place during the Vietnam War but Nolan said it’s not distinctly a historical fiction novel.
`There are elements of mystery, intrigue, romance love, religion, politics and race,` said Nolan. The book takes no position as it touches on those topics but rather chronicles how they came into play in the lives of central characters.`
It’s a character driven novel and while Nolan doesn’t insert specific personal experiences, any type of writing is bound to contain glimmers of reality.
`Part is personal experience and part is definitely just the creative process,` said Nolan. `It’s very difficult to write and not pull on your personal experiences but it’s definitely not autobiographical, though it certainly does bring in some aspects of life as I experienced it.`
The storyline flits from topic to topic but there is one theme that’s constant throughout.
`One thing woven throughout the story is an Irish theme,` said Nolan. `The title itself is an Irish proverb and each chapter begins with an Irish proverb that mirrors what will take place in that chapter.`
Nolan works full-time for a health care and pharmaceutical company so writing sessions were random and sometimes unconventional.
`I have a lake house in the Adirondacks; I like to spend as much time as possible there, it’s one of my favorite places to write. Cross country plane trips are another great place to get some writing done,` said Nolan. `At various times I’d get up at 4 a.m. and write for a couple hours before I started my day.`
Nolan said every writer’s goal is to take readers to an alternate world and if `A Drink Precedes A Story` accomplishes that, he’s done his job.
`When you read a book you journey to another time and place and you depend on the author to take you there and make you feel like you’re part of the story,` said Nolan. `At the end if the reader says ‘This was a very worthwhile read’ then I’m pleased.`
Early reviews have praised the book in its entirety but it’s the epilogue that gives it that final kick.
`The story is one thing but the epilogue is a final piece that comes into play totally unexpectedly,` said Nolan. `Readers have been very complimentary about how it has taken them by surprise and impressed them and touched them in a certain way.`
Nolan has already started working on his second book, which will be set in Saratoga Springs.
`A Drink Precedes A Story` is available at The Book House in Stuyvesant Plaza, Market Block Books in Troy, Crafters Gallery in Saratoga Springs, Celtic Treasures in Saratoga Springs, Delucia’s in Malta and will soon be listed on amazon.com.
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