Tribute

This past Saturday, my wife and other family members attended a celebration of life for my brother-in-law who passed away about one year after his wife, my sister Mary. It was a small gathering of friends and family, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.

Three of his children, now grown ups and successful in their own right, spoke. They spoke of lessons learned: driving, getting through college and the military, setting goals and following through on them. They spoke of his laughter, his pranks, his determination. 

There were stories that brought tears and laughter. While there was obvious sadness and pain, there was also a thankfulness and joy. Much of the reminiscing was joyful. 

Through it all and ever since that day, I’ve been thinking about what my two daughters might say about me upon my passing. 

In 2014, at our son’s celebration of life, Hannah spoke about the lessons she learned from Wil. She made us laugh as much as she made us weep. Emily chose not to speak, but instead, found a beautiful poem that was read by the celebrant. I talked about living your life- not someone else’s life, not someone else’s dream of a life, but living your life. And with it, making a positive difference in the lives of others. 

But what might Hannah and Emily say about me? What kind of impact- if any- did I have on them? 

It’s important for them to know that I love them fiercely and would head into a fire barefoot if it would benefit them. It’s important for them to know that I’d fight the toughest hombre with bare hands if I could protect them. 

But would they feel that way about me? Did they, would they, recognize that in me- in my words and in my actions? What adjectives might they use to describe me? Hopefully positive ones, meaningful ones.

And as I reflected on that celebration of life and on my upcoming celebration of life whenever it occurs, it occurred to me that if I have doubts about how they see me and how they might remember me, perhaps I need to make sure from this minute forward, that the life I lead, the words I choose, are positive, and loving, and ones that build up, rather than negative and hateful words, and actions that tear down. 

Do I need to change my life, my words, my thoughts, to reflect what is in my heart or am I good to go- in all that those three words imply? Because if not, I need to change now before it is too late. Something to think about … 

Live Your Life, and Make A Difference! 

For My Readers: 

If you like what you’re reading and find a benefit from it, you can check out my other posts on my Website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com under the Inspirational Blog tab. You can find all nine books, their descriptions, and links for purchase at the same site. 

Pleases Connect with Me on Social Media: 

Website https://www.jrlewisauthor.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557592103627

Author Blog https://www.jrlewisauthor.blog

TikTok @josephlewis5566  

Tribal @jrauthor85  

Substack https://tinyurl.com/2m5ckdvh  

Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) is available for preorder NOW and ONLY at https://www.blackrosewriting.com/mystery/blackyeii If you purchase Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) prior to the publication date of January 2, 2025, use the promo code: PREORDER2024 to receive a 15% discount. 

 

For those of you who are interested in receiving a signed copy of Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) or any of my other books, I will have author copies to sell and sign at the Following Upcoming Events: 

Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Riverside Park, 701 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, Virginia. 

Porter Branch Library on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at 2001 Parkway Blvd. Stafford, Virginia. 

Salem Church Library on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at 2607 Salem Church Rd. Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Howell Branch Library on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at 806 Lyons Blvd. Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Or, simply message me and I will get a signed copy to you. 

Intro Photo by Demure Storyteller and Unsplash

Book Cover Photo by David King and Black Rose Writing

 

An Exhale

I think Labor Day is the unofficial start of fall, don’t you think? Yes, I know. The Autumn Equinox is September 22, but I think most of us equate Labor Day as the beginning of fall, since that’s that last of the “vacation weekends” we get for a while. With school beginning for many, it just seems to fit.

Fall might be my favorite season, right there with summer. Football. Henleys, flannel, and sweatshirts. Jeans and sweatpants. Trees shedding their leaves of red, yellow, and rust. Falling gracefully to the ground. The crunch of them under feet. The chill in the morning and evening air. Fires with family and friends. Bowls of chili with cornbread. 

But there’s more to it than that. Or at least I hope there is. 

A writer I met on Substack, Chloe Hope wrote in a recent post, “Fall is an exhale.” A beautiful line and I wish I had written it. I think of fall this way. Perhaps, I always thought of fall this way, but it wasn’t until she capsulated it so nicely for me. 

From the hurried pace of summer with vacations and travel to the quietness of fall, we get to exhale and breathe again. We get to exhale and relax, and with that, we take stock of all that we had done, and where we are going- maybe not right away, but eventually. Soon, but not too soon. 

As the chorus says in the Carole King classic, “Winter, spring, summer or fall …” Fall is at the end, I think, for a reason. It is the ending, an ending, and like Chloe wrote, “Fall is an exhale.” 

But for every ending, there is a beginning, isn’t there? Life doesn’t abruptly end. I mean, yes, eventually we leave this earth and our soul leaves our bodies, but there is still life after we leave, after a loved one has left. The rest of us travel on in our earthly bodies and we live on after one has passed. 

But first, we exhale, we breathe, and we take stock. 

Take stock of where we were, and where we are now. We take stock of what we’ve done, and what we might do next. And if we exhale enough, if we breathe enough, and rest enough, we might find the answers to what we’ve asked ourselves. I mean, after all, this is what “thinking” people do. We think. And after thinking, we feel, and after we feel, we do. (A little Rudolf Dreikurs, for you.) 

Think. Feel. Do. In that order, each time, every time. 

Each of us faces fall, a new season. We take stock, and we exhale. We think, we feel, and then we do. What is it you will think about at the beginning of this new season? What feelings do these thoughts conjure up? And what will these feelings propel you to do? Something to think about … 

Live Your Life, and Make A Difference! 

For My Readers: 

If you like what you’re reading and find a benefit from it, you can check out my other posts on my Website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com under the Inspirational Blog tab. You can find all nine books, their descriptions, and links for purchase at the same site. 

Pleases Connect with Me on Social Media: 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557592103627

Author Blog https://www.jrlewisauthor.blog

TikTok @josephlewis5566  

Tribal @jrauthor85  

Substack https://tinyurl.com/2m5ckdvh 

Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) is available for preorder NOW and ONLY at https://www.blackrosewriting.com/mystery/blackyeii If you purchase Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) prior to the publication date of January 2, 2025, use the promo code: PREORDER2024 to receive a 15% discount. 

For those of you who are interested in receiving a signed copy, I will have author copies to sell and sign at the Fredericksburg Fall Festival this Saturday, Sept. 21 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds at 2400 Airport Avenue, Fredericksburg, Virginia. 

I will also be at the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Riverside Park, 701 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, Virginia. 

Or, simply message me and I will get a signed copy to you. 

As several reviewers wrote about Black Yé’ii (The Evil One):

“On one side, unconditional familial love supported by the camaraderie of law enforcement. On the other? Guns, drugs, and hatred. Black Yé’ii stages an epic battle between good and evil.” Cam Torrens, award-winning author of the Tyler Zahn thriller series.

“The Bottom Line: A must-read small town crime thriller that will please new and old fans.” Bella Wright, Reviewer/Editor BestThrillers.com.

Intro Photo Courtesy of Eric Muhr and Unsplash

Book Cover Designed by David King at Black Rose Writing

 

 

   

Dreams

 

When I was in elementary school, I wanted to play pro football and be on the Packers. Jim Taylor and Hank Gremminger were my two favorite Packers back then. Taylor was a hard running, bruising fullback and complemented Paul Hornung, the halfback who doubled as the punter. I liked Taylor’s style and when I played football, I tried to emulate him.

Gremminger was not the most popular defender the Packers ever had. Willie Wood, Herb Adderley and Ray Nitschke were far more popular. But there was something about Gremminger that stuck out to me. I even sent him a letter once, and he was kind enough to answer back. 

In middle school and through high school and early college, I wanted to be a singer-songwriter. I was the drummer and lead singer in a fairly popular local band, but because I did most of the lead vocals, I was moved up front and we got a different drummer for the band. 

I went to a boarding school for high school, sang solos in the school’s music group, and even did some local commercials. The bug hit me when I performed at a charity event and the main attraction, Joe Feeney, the soloist for the Lawrence Welk Show, called me backstage to his dressing room and told me to audition for the show.   

Oh man, I thought I was going big time- even if it was the Lawrence Welk Show. But, I was rejected because my song choice and style didn’t fit their show. Bummer! 

It didn’t stop me, though. I cut demo tapes and sent them to Ampex Recording Studio. I don’t even think they exist any longer. They asked for another demo tape, and then another, but they rejected me too, because I wasn’t writing my own material. Another bummer! 

In my first year of college, I decided I’d major in music to be a choir/chorus teacher. Sadly, I wasn’t interested in or gifted enough to learn six different instruments the major required, so I switched majors, thinking psychology was a good fit for me. That changed, too, since in order to use that major, I would need at the least a master’s degree or a doctorate. I wasn’t interested in pursuing that – yet – although I stayed in social studies and earned a teaching certificate. 

I liked history, especially western history and the civil war, but what I really liked was the possibility of coaching. To be honest, I probably wanted to coach more than teach, but to make a decent living, I had to teach to coach.

I coached and taught for a number of years and the pull of psychology led me to earn a master’s degree in counseling. Eventually, I set aside the teaching and coaching and became a counselor, and I loved it. Probably the best decision I ever made. 

And the worst? I left the counseling office and became an administrator. Discipline. Attendance. Meetings. Paperwork. All of it took me away from kids.

It seemed to be a logical progression, though, and with Kim and me having a young, growing family, the increase in income helped. 

It’s funny how we make life choices. From young and somewhat immature to older, wiser and seemingly more mature. Yet, are those choices satisfying? Do they make us happy? 

The answer for me is no. 

Instead of singing, I write. Nine books published with number ten dropping around the first of the year, but available for preorder well before that, and I’m currently working on number eleven. It fills a void created when I gave up the singing dream. And after twenty-four years as an assistant principal and principal, I semi-retired and went back to teaching part time. Now, I’m finally back to where I was the happiest- as a part-time counselor. 

I think bigger homes and fancier cars and making more money doesn’t always make us happier. It’s like eating frosting without the cake. I should have listened to my heart instead of my head way back when, especially knowing and feeling like I do now that I’m back in the counseling office. Dream big and chase them, but follow your heart. I think you’ll be happier if you do. Something to think about …

Live Your Life, and Make A Difference!

For My Readers: 

If you like what you’re reading and find a benefit from it, you can check out my other posts on my Website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com under the Inspirational Blog tab. You can find all nine books, their descriptions, and links for purchase at the same site.  

Pleases Connect with Me on Social Media: 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557592103627

Author Blog https://www.jrlewisauthor.blog

TikTok @josephlewis5566  

Tribal @jrauthor85  

Substack https://tinyurl.com/2m5ckdvh   

Here is the cover of my newest book, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One).

This must might be my favorite cover of my books, and I have to thank David King, the design guy for Black Rose Writing, my publisher. I’ve already received significant early reviews for the book, and that obviously makes me happy. Here are a couple:

“Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) is a psychological thriller based in a small town in Wisconsin, featuring a group of young men recovering from traumatic events a year ago. Unfortunately, the past is coming back to haunt them, and hunt them down. This thriller features complex characters and relationships that evolve throughout the story, leading to a stunning conclusion. Lewis delivers in this story of police trying to protect the innocents from the evil that is hunting them.”

-        Gary Gerlacher, MD, MBA, author of Last Patient of the Night, Faulty Bloodline and Sin City Treachery

“I believe this is my favorite so far! In his latest crime thriller, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One), author Joseph Lewis gets readers’ attention with a shocker of a start — a brutal double murder. He keeps that going as law enforcement works to identify the person who orchestrated this and other violence, especially since it is apparent innocent people, including an acclaimed author and a family of adopted brothers, are in danger. Here is the next, and hopefully, not the last, riveting adventure for the intriguing characters Lewis has created for his books.”

-        Joan Livingston, author of the Isabel Long Mystery Series

“On one side, unconditional familial love supported by the camaraderie of law enforcement. On the other? Guns, drugs, and hatred. Black Yé’ii stages an epic battle between good and evil.”

-        Cam Torrens, award-winning author of the Tyler Zahn thriller series

“Introducing characters both new and old, Black Yé’ii takes on the darkness as it threatens to overcome all that is good. Seamlessly winding culture, commitment, loyalty, and love, Lewis’ newest is an exciting and thrilling addition to his family of reads.

Weaving family and friendship with gangs and murder, Lewis has a flair for packing high-octane action into his world of high school boys, brothers, and small-town Wisconsin. With a personal vendetta and more lives on the line, the suspense jumps from the page as a fabricated truth takes center stage. 

Never one to shy away from action, death, and despair, this latest read brings with it new, yet familiar pulse pounding villains as author Joseph Lewis stuns once again, in this his tenth book.

Jill Rey, Reviewer: For The Love Of The Page Blog  

Here is the synopsis (book blurb) for Black Yéʼii (The Evil One):

The police fabricated a story about the night four members of MS-13 died in a tiny home on a quiet city street almost two years previous. George Tokay and his friends were not supposed to share the secret about what really happened that night. No one was to know the truth. But someone talked, and now MS-13, ruthless and wanting revenge, is back in town, and people are dying.

Can Detectives Graff, O’Connor, and Eiselmann find the killers and put a stop to the killing before anyone else dies?

--

Fairly soon, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) will be available for preorder, and I’ll keep you posted.

Photo courtesy of Jamie Handley and Unsplash.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andy and Chris

Many moons ago, when I coached high school basketball, I spent summers working basketball camps at colleges and universities. It was a nice paycheck for a week or two spent doing something I enjoyed doing and working with kids from elementary age through high school. I did it, not only for the extra pay, but because I learned from the coaches I worked with, as well as from the kids I coached. I got to work with Dick Bennett, Bo Ryan, and Tom Asbury, just to name a few. Many of the coaches were like me, high school and college coaches helping kids learn the skills to put them in position to make a difference for their respective teams. 

One summer working at the Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Camp, I coached middle school boys and on my “team” were two kids, Chris and Andy. Same drive. Almost the same height, though Andy was a tad smaller and skinnier. But both had the same drive and intensity.

As was my custom, I would grab a quick lunch and then head to the gym to work with any kid wanting to spend some extra time on their game. Usually, it was shooting, and usually, it involved up to a dozen kids, more or less, and some would be from other age groups. I enjoyed it because I felt I could help the kids. 

Chris was a lefty- and I mean a lefty. He had no right hand to speak of. Ask him to move to his right, he would use his left hand instead of “naturally” using his right. It was a struggle that week. But all in all, he was a terrific little player, with talent that was much untapped. 

Andy, as I said, was smaller, built a little differently. He didn’t have the strength Chris had, but he could and did use both hands effectively. Andy had a nice first step to the basket and was an eager listener and learner. Andy also had the same drive. 

It was about midweek when we went to the gym and I noticed Andy sitting against the wall by himself as I worked with the other kids who were there. He was watching Chris intently, but Chris didn’t seem to notice, or if he did, Chris just minded his own business. 

I sat down next to Andy and said something like, “What’s up? You seem down.” 

Andy lowered his head and when he looked up, he had tears in his eyes. He said, “I’m not as good as Chris.” My response was, “Yet.” 

He looked up at me, puzzled by my comment. I said, “Watch Chris closely. What do you see?” 

He watched for a moment or two and his first response was, “He’s bigger, stronger, faster, and he has a better shot.”

I said, “Look more closely. What do you see? If you played against him, how would you guard him?” 

He watched again, frowning, and said, “I’d take away his left hand and force him to his right.” 

I smiled and said, “How would he guard you?” 

He shrugged and tears filled his eyes and said nothing. 

I said, “What’s wrong?” 

“He’s better than me.” 

I put my arm around his shoulders and said, “For now.” After a bit, I said, “In time, you’re going to get stronger, faster, and quicker. I’m interested to see what happens next year when you and I come back to camp. I’m interested to see how much you improve, that is, if you want it bad enough.” He assured me he did.

Throughout the week, the kids and I kept working on their game, but I took a little more time and put in a little more effort with Andy. By the end of the week, his improvement was noticeable to the other kids and the other coaches. No, Andy didn’t grow two feet taller, and he didn’t suddenly make three-point shots (we didn’t have them in those days, anyway), but he improved. And Andy was no longer the quiet kid down on himself, either. 

On the last day, when parents came to pick up their kids, Andy wanted me to meet his mom, and I was happy to do so. He was proud of his evaluation from me. I noted his improvement, his effort, and his intensity. I gave him some “homework” for the rest of the summer. And, he asked for my address and phone number. I normally didn’t give those out to campers, but I did for Andy. 

The next week, I received a thank you card from him. Sometime later, he called “just to say hello.” We talked some and before I said goodbye, and I invited him to one of my team’s games when basketball starts in the fall. 

Over time, Andy came to several games, and I traveled to watch him play. I ate dinner with him and his parents, and we went to a Badger game or two together. 

Fast forward to high school. Andy became a star on his team. A captain and a leader. He wasn’t flashy and both of us knew he wouldn’t play college ball since he was on the short side. 

He called me one night during his high school years and told me his father had died. Andy was the one who had found him dead from a massive heart attack. We talked long that night, and I went to his father’s wake and funeral. We stayed in touch for a long time, but sadly, like many friends and acquaintances, we drifted apart. 

I never knew what became of Chris. After camp that one summer, I never saw him again. 

I learned much later that Andy is in the finance world, married with two girls of his own. Maybe he has another child or two. I don’t know. I know, however, he ended up being a better golfer than a basketball player. Good for him. He was able to carve out his own niche. 

I don’t think I had much to do with his success. As I wrote earlier, he had the drive, intensity, and the “want to improve” attitude. All I did was show interest in him and encourage him. I guess that was enough.

All of us, kids and adults, need to have hope. All of us need encouragement, someone to point us in the right direction, maybe even give us a little shove to get us started. So much good can come from a smile, an arm around a shoulder, a pat on the back, and a kind word. We need more of that in the world, don’t you think? Something to think about … 

Live Your Life, and Make A Difference!

For My Readers: 

If you like what you’re reading and find a benefit from it, you can check out my other posts on my Website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com under the Inspirational Blog tab. You can find all nine books, their descriptions, and links for purchase at the same site. 

Pleases Connect with Me on Social Media: 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557592103627

Author Blog https://www.jrlewisauthor.blog

TikTok @josephlewis5566  

Tribal @jrauthor85  

Substack https://tinyurl.com/2m5ckdvh   

Here is the cover of my newest book, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One). 

This must might be my favorite cover of my books, and I have to thank David King, the design guy for Black Rose Writing, my publisher. Fairly soon, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) will be available for preorder, and I’ll keep you posted. I’ve already received significant early reviews for the book, and that obviously makes me happy. Here is the synopsis for the book: 

The secret of how four members of MS-13 died was supposed to keep them safe. That is, if no one spoke of it. But someone did, and now people are dying. 

The police fabricated a story about the night four members of MS-13 died in a tiny home on a quiet city street almost two years previous. George Tokay and his friends were not supposed to share the secret about what really happened that night. No one was to know the truth. But someone talked, and now MS-13, ruthless and wanting revenge, is back in town, and people are dying.

Can Detectives Graff, O’Connor, and Eiselmann find the killers and put a stop to the killing before anyone else dies?

--

Photo of the little boy courtesy of  Vitolda Klein and Unsplash

 

  

  

Two Dates

Each summer, ever since 2015, my family takes a week’s vacation together, all staying in the same house. Sometimes we invite extended family to join us, and sometimes we invite friends. Each time, whether it is just us or with family and friends, the vacation is memorable. 

There have been three favorite destinations together. The most recent, and probably our favorite, is the Outer Banks of North Carolina. But right behind OBX was our trip to Charleston, South Carolina and to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We loved all three and a few others, but OBX is probably our favorite. It is at least for me.

We share cooking duties and grocery bills, and we share many of the same activities together. We try to stay in a house with a pool. It’s nice to step out of the house and wade into the pool, but the beach is always there for long walks and laying in the sun. Sometimes, we catch dolphins playing off the coastline. One ritual that has become a staple of our vacation is our week-long game night. Competition mixed with plenty of laughter is constant. All good-hearted fun. 

While on the vacation, the first date we celebrate is Kim’s and my anniversary. We were married on July 11^th in 1992 in her small village of Valders, Wisconsin, in the small church that is shaped like an up-side-down Viking ship. Appropriate, because the village is filled with Norwegian and German folk. The house she grew up in is directly across the street from the church. Of course, her hometown is small enough that everything is within walking distance. 

Our family grew. Hannah was born in November 1993, two weeks before my birthday, and William, who was adopted at age seven from Guatemala, came to us one month and one day later in December of the same year. In some respects, it was like NASCAR or the Indy 500 when the announcer says, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” Our little family took off and grew. Emily was born in 1998, one month before we made the move from California to Wisconsin. Two weddings and the birth of our first grandchild, Mason William, added to our happy family. 

On the night of July 11th, Kim and I spend the evening doing something together. This year, we went out to eat at a restaurant made famous on a show hosted by Guy Fieri. We enjoyed it, but I think we enjoyed our time alone just as much. There is nothing like family, but spending the time, just the two of us, is pretty special, too. 

The second date we honor- not celebrate- is July 12, the day after our anniversary. One date is joy and the other date is painful.

 In July 2014, Kim and I traveled together for a school conference to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I was a high school principal and was asked to attend by the district, and fortunately, Kim came along. During the day, I’d attend my conference sessions, while Kim would explore the city.

On July 11^th, we celebrated our anniversary with a night out of dinner and sightseeing. Honestly, I remember little of what we did that night. It was completely and totally overshadowed by what took place on July 12^th. 

At 12:33 AM on the very early morning of July 13^th, Kim and I were awakened by a phone call. We thought it was someone trying to reach a friend at the same hotel, but we were wrong. It was the sister of my daughter-in-law calling to inform us that our son, Wil, was shot and killed at 3:38 PM on July 12th, a bright, sunny Saturday afternoon as he innocently walked down a Chicago street. Wil was unaware he was caught between one gang, determined to kill a rival who walked just ahead of our son. In fact, the intended victim used Wil as a shield in order to get away.

Wil had no chance against a .45 with an extended magazine, but it only took one bullet to rupture a vital artery. Wil died two blocks away from his new apartment. 

Vigils, interviews, and Wil’s celebration of life consumed the rest of the summer, and to this day, neither my wife, a PE/Health teacher, nor I, as principal of a large high school, can figure out how we functioned in the new school year. That year was completely, totally lost.

So, two dates: on July 11^th, we celebrate our anniversary, and happily so. On July 12^th, we honor Wil, sadly so. Two dates inescapably entwined in our family’s life history. One happy, one sad. One joyous, one horrific. Inescapable from one to the other. Something to think about …

Live Your Life, and Make A Difference!

For My Readers: 

If you like what you’re reading and find a benefit from it, you can check out my other posts on my Website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com under the Inspirational Blog tab. You can find all nine books, their descriptions, and links for purchase at the same site. 

Pleases Connect with Me on Social Media: 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557592103627

Author Blog https://www.jrlewisauthor.blog

TikTok @josephlewis5566  

Tribal @jrauthor85  

Substack https://tinyurl.com/2m5ckdvh     

I was a featured guest on the Meet The Author Podcast with Rob and Joan Carter this past week. In case you missed it, here is the link to catch up:

Video: https://youtu.be/vw9LoS2E2t4

 Audio: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/caught-in-a-web-episode-165-joseph-lewis--60723992

I have completed two edits on my newest book, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One). The cover is almost done, and I can’t wait to share it with you. I’ve received three prepublication reviews, each giving it 5 Stars! The release is scheduled for January 2025, but it will be available for preorder in a few months and I will have author copies for sale and signing. I’ll keep you posted.  

Here is the synopsis for Black Yéʼii (The Evil One): 

The police fabricated a story about the night four members of MS-13 died in a tiny home on a quiet city street almost two years previous. George Tokay and his friends were not supposed to share the secret about what really happened that night. No one was to know the truth. But someone talked, and now MS-13, ruthless and wanting revenge, is back in town, and people are dying. 

Can Detectives Graff, O’Connor, and Eiselmann find the killers and put a stop to the killing before anyone else dies?

While you wait, check out my earlier book, Caught in a Web because Black Ye’ii (The Evil One) is a sequel of sorts. 

Caught in a Web  

“This important, nail-biting crime thriller about MS-13 sets the bar very high. One of the year’s best thrillers.” –Best Thrillers 

“…the right blend of tension and intrigue …” -Midwest Book Review 

A PenCraft Literary Award Winner

The bodies of high school and middle school kids are found dead from an overdose of heroin and fentanyl. The drug trade along the I-94 and I-43 corridors and the Milwaukee Metro area is controlled by MS-13, a violent gang originating from El Salvador. Ricardo Fuentes is sent from Chicago to Waukesha to find out who is cutting in on their business, shut it down and teach them a lesson. But he has an ulterior motive: find and kill a fifteen-year-old boy, George Tokay, who had killed his cousin the previous summer.

Detectives Jamie Graff, Pat O’Connor and Paul Eiselmann race to find the source of the drugs, shut down the ring, and find Fuentes before he kills anyone else, especially George or members of his family.

https://amzn.to/2GrU51T

Photo Courtesy of Lewis Family

 

   

 

 

It's Okay

I enjoy watching shows like The Voice, America’s Got Talent and American Idol. I secretly wish one of them would showcase old, fat, balding guys, and if one did, I would consider auditioning. I don’t know if I’d win, but I’d give it a go.

I was in a rock and roll band in middle school and we were pretty popular competing and doing well in Battle of the Band competitions. I started out as the drummer and singer, but because I was doing more of the lead vocals on songs, I moved to the front and we brought in a different drummer. I didn’t mind, but it took some time getting used to being without sticks in my hand and sitting behind my red sparkle drum kit. 

In high school, I was a soloist for the school chorus and did a commercial or two. I even cut several demos for a recording company, but because I didn’t write music, they took a pass. However, that didn’t stop me from singing. 

I sang for weddings and funerals, and throughout my years in administration, I performed in school talent shows. For commencements/graduations, instead of giving a “principal’s address” I would pick a song that fit the class or the time period or a song that meant something to me, and I would sing it to the grads. Often, I did this with students who accompanied me and who sang backing vocals. Kids and parents would greet me on the street or in a grocery store or gas station and remark about how they still remembered “their song” from their commencement.

If I appeared on Idol or one of the other competition shows, I doubt I would ever reach the level of glory or fame Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson did after their appearances on Idol, but there have been other winners of those shows that did little, either. The music industry is a rough and tumble world and the road to stardom is paved with dashed hopes and broken dreams. 

In June 2021, there was one performance among many I’ve watched over the years that still stays with me. It came from a thirty-year-old woman from Ohio, who showed up alone and sang an original song titled, It’s Okay. She performed under the name Nightbirde. When asked if she has been performing lately, she smiled and said, “No, not much.” Howie asked her what she did for a living, and she said told them she has cancer, but that she’s doing well. When pressed further, she explained that cancer was in her lungs and in her liver, but that it was “okay.” 

“It’s okay.” 

Simon wished her well, and she performed her song. Her voice was sweet, warm, and enduring, and it was surprisingly strong. She moved the judges to tears, even Simon. When the judges went through their critique, in response to a positive comment from Simon, Nightbirde said, “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.”

That’s such a powerful statement, so I want to repeat it: “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” 

That statement could have come from several biblical characters, most notably Job, Jeremiah and Paul, and their writings point to it, but they never came out and said it that bluntly. Rather, it came from a smiling thirty-year-old woman who sang a wonderful song of hope and joy and self-realization, and who also had cancer. Simon gave her the golden buzzer. 

Nightbirde performed well on the show, but decided to withdraw before the quarter-finals due to worsening health. Sadly, she passed away in February 2022, not even a year from her audition. And her statement, “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” that was important. She said something else that almost went unnoticed. She said, “It’s important that everyone knows I’m so much more than the bad things that happen to me.” 

“It’s important that everyone knows I’m so much more than the bad things that happen to me.” And “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.”

In my mind as I write this post, I picture Nightbirde sitting on a blanket under a tree playing her guitar and singing her song, It’s Okay. She’s smiling and happy and her voice is soothing and strong, sweet and warm. There’s a bird or two above her head listening and encouraging her. Warm sunshine and a blue sky with fat puffy clouds float overhead. Yes, Nightbirde. Sing it. I’m listening. We’re all listening. And yes, you are so much more than any bad thing happening to you. Like Nightbirde said, “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” Something to think about …

Live Your Life, and Make A Difference!

To My Readers:

If you like what you’re reading and find a benefit from it, you can check out my other posts on my Website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com under the Inspirational Blog tab. You can find all nine books, their descriptions, and links for purchase at the same site.  

Pleases Connect with Me on Social Media: 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557592103627

Author Blog https://www.jrlewisauthor.blog

TikTok @josephlewis5566  

Tribal @jrauthor85  

Substack https://tinyurl.com/2m5ckdvh    

I will take part in a podcast, MEET THE AUTHOR with Rob and Joan Carter Wednesday, July 17 at 7:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. They can be found on LinkedIn. Look for the promo and the link as we get closer to it. 

For those of you in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area, I will be selling and signing my nine books at the 4^th of July Fredericksburg Craft Fair in Downtown Fredericksburg from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. I hope to see you there. When I receive my booth site, I will post an update on Facebook and on my other Social Media sites.

Later this month, my newest book, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) goes into publication production. The release is scheduled for January 2025, but it will be available for preorder in a few months and I will have author copies for sale and signing. I’ll keep you posted.  

At the end of Caught in a Web, an agreement was made between law enforcement and four victims who were the loan survivors in the house that was overrun by MS-13. The agreement was to be a secret kept so that MS-13 wouldn’t seek revenge and come back to do harm to those four survivors. 

Here is the synopsis for Black Yéʼii (The Evil One): 

The police fabricated a story about the night four members of MS-13 died in a tiny home on a quiet city street almost two years previous. George Tokay and his friends were not supposed to share the secret about what really happened that night. No one was to know the truth. But someone talked, and now MS-13, ruthless and wanting revenge, is back in town, and people are dying.

Can Detectives Graff, O’Connor, and Eiselmann find the killers and put a stop to the killing before anyone else dies?

I will keep you posted on its publication progress and date.

While you wait, check out my earlier book, Caught in a Web because Black Ye’ii (The Evil One) is a sequel of sorts. 

Caught in a Web  

“This important, nail-biting crime thriller about MS-13 sets the bar very high. One of the year’s best thrillers.” –Best Thrillers

“…the right blend of tension and intrigue …” -Midwest Book Review 

A PenCraft Literary Award Winner

The bodies of high school and middle school kids are found dead from an overdose of heroin and fentanyl. The drug trade along the I-94 and I-43 corridors and the Milwaukee Metro area is controlled by MS-13, a violent gang originating from El Salvador. Ricardo Fuentes is sent from Chicago to Waukesha to find out who is cutting in on their business, shut it down and teach them a lesson. But he has an ulterior motive: find and kill a fifteen-year-old boy, George Tokay, who had killed his cousin the previous summer.

Detectives Jamie Graff, Pat O’Connor and Paul Eiselmann race to find the source of the drugs, shut down the ring, and find Fuentes before he kills anyone else, especially George or members of his family.

https://amzn.to/2GrU51T

Photo Courtesy of Unknown- Nightbirde Website