Joseph, Welcome to Authors by Sasha! As a prolific political blogger and vlogger, what serves as the inspiration for writing the book TERROR STRIKES?
Well, I actually began writing this book back in 2006, and then with the COVID hysteria all other News practically stopped being reporting, including Terrorism, so last year I felt it important to finish and get out as many who have said NEVER FORGET have indeed seemed to have forgotten. Just hoping Terrorism won’t strike you, is not a strategy!
The book's genre is fiction and non-fiction. How were you able to strike a balance between integrating historical facts with fictional elements to convey the book's message which focuses on life (and living) and those (foreign & domestic) that would deprive someone of that Life, Liberty and Happiness?
Yes, I certainly did not want to sit down to write a dry, almost history book, like a manuscript. I thought it would be well received if I blended fact and fiction.
The words terror and terrorism are perceived differently by civilians in society. Some people view terrorism from an ideological perspective while others perceive it from an emotional stance. Based on your life experiences and understanding, how do you define terrorism?
Usually, Terrorism or Terrorists, to me, is mainly reserved for those who are un-uniformed combatants that often target Citizen targets. And it is important to point out that this book has many sub-themes…
SubThemes in the book:
Caring about one's neighbors (Love over Hate)
Politics (it is part of their targeting us)
Suicide prevention (help save a Life)
Comic Relief (a chapter name! Chapters: Link) PTSD (Flashback chapter)
Survivors Guilt (9/11 chapter)
Suicide prevention
Love Vs Fake Hate (a chapter name! Chapters: Link) HELL (no, not that one, HELL MICHIGAN (Chapters: Link)) Many related books and movies referenced in my book (terrorism, bias, more)
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| Credit: Joseph M Lenard |
TERROR STRIKES presents a story within a story, Terror Tracks, a book being developed by Marten which weaves a tale of factual and fictional portrayal of a hypothetical scenario of a soon to take place on Americans in the heartland to send a message that no one is safe from the actions of global fundamentalists. Why does Marten rationalize to name his book Terror Tracks? Does the track, literal or metaphorical, of terror ever end under any circumstances?
Yes, TERRORIST TRACKS is the book within the book and is a double-play on terms (and there several other duality word-plays in the book). Both tracking down Terrorists and in that many Terror Strikes are on passenger rail, that run on Tracks, Terrorists favorite targets. But being a former Information Technology guy, and knowing no-one under the age of 40 knows life w/o the internet and are familiar with what a blog is and so I provide Marten’s blog on 9/11 in the book as part of his reviewing that fateful day.
As a theist hosting interest in psychology, how do you interpret the behaviors and scare tactics that fundamentalists project onto the global citizens?
Fear is a major motivator of probably a majority of society. And as Franklin said ‘those looking to forsake freedoms for a sense of security deserve neither.’ And more-so, those with Children are most vulnerable to manipulation based on their fear(s) in order to control them, often foolishly believing that if they just appease their enemies they will want to coexist. It is clear the GIJIA have zero desire to coexist, unless you anoint them your Master and you their Slaves.
There's a chapter dedicated to Al Aldieaya that translates to propaganda/marketing. How do institutions from the global powers to fundamentalist groups leverage propaganda and marketing to achieve their desired goals?
It mainly goes back to George Orwell and the false “Ministry of Truth'' to control the masses. And the book not only addresses propaganda abroad, but that of many main-stream-media outlets that try to pretend to be impartial and just reporting facts, but instead mostly now peddle spin to advance their political agenda.
Joseph, Global Islamic Jihad Interim Army (GIJIA) is referenced in TERROR STRIKES. What type of parallels exists between GIJIA and the NAZIs? Are there any precautionary measures society can exercise to contain the GIJIA population's influence on the global stage?
I coined the term GIJIA, like we used NAZI during World War 2 for the National Socialist Deutchsland Abeiter Party, which stands for Global Islamic Jihadists Interim Army. And both fascist. The GIJIA want a fascistic global caliphate where they hold power over all to dictate every aspect of our lives.
Based on your writing experiences that explore political ideologies and global issues impacting citizens, how can individuals pursue a quality of life without becoming enslaved by the presence of terrorism?
We cannot let our fears get the best of us, so we must continue to go about our own personal pursuits, but still being mindful and alert to our surroundings. As Theresa, in the book, finally realizes that she was far more and ostrich in these regards than the mama-bear she needed for her daughter. Burying one’s head in-between the train tracks will not prevent itself from being run over by the train coming.
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| Credit: Terror Strikes, Joseph M. Lenard |
TERROR STRIKES caters to an inclusive audience where as the book's story represents views from a variety of political, religious and culture viewpoints, to name a few. Were there any ideologies / factors left out when crafting the story for the sake of simplicity, or other reasons?
Yes, the book goes beyond just those foreign to us that want to kill Americans, but that too of those domestic. I did stick with the three main Religions, while yes they want to kill anyone that will not bow to their dictates including any and all other faiths, but they mostly focus on Christians and Jews.
How is humor applied as a source of comic relief in the book writing process? What type of humor do you enjoy in your personal life?
I can never pass on an opportunity for a bad pun. Life is indeed so serious these days, but we need to keep a sense of humor and laugh, even at ourselves, at times. If we don’t laugh occasionally we’ll be crying all the time.
The story references a few locations (i.e. Spain, UK, Canada). Were these locations chosen because of their history with terrorism, or because they hold a special meaning in your life?
Good question, and the answer is BOTH! Being in the Detroit area we are very intertwined with our neighbors to our north, and when I was younger I spent a good degree of vacation opportunities north of Toronto. But, too, yes, each location is important to understanding the threats we must always be on alert for.
As a writer, Joseph, how have your views and writing style evolved from the early days of blogging?
It actually hasn’t changed me at all, as to my views. And my writing-style has always been “different” and I push on the “norms” and take great enjoyment in avoiding the classic “formula” of book writing. Which is why I am about 99.9% certain I am the first to constitute the notion of not only the book within a book but blog within the book as a story delivery method.
When you're not writing or thinking about global affairs, what activities do you like to engage in?
Sports. As a former amateur hockey player, I always watch as many NHL games as I can.
You're a proud Michigan native with roots tracing back a few decades.
What do you believe Michigan does so well when serving its citizens unlike other states?
Do you have any activity recommendations for first time visitors experiencing Michigan?
Well there is the obvious with Michigan bordering three of the Great Lakes, and beyond that the many small lakes we have across the State, great for visitors recreation. But as far as them “serving” I think Michigan is as bad if not worse than some others, though I am very happy and remain a resident of Wyandotte which has had its own Power and Water company operations which does serve us well, usually when government gets involved in anything it gets more expensive and inept, but these services have stayed fiscally responsible and we save money on the costs of those things over other communities.
Is there a life mantra you live by? How has it improved your emotional, mental and spiritual development?
“Remember: Things can always be better, but they can often be worse!” And while I share that with everyone, it sure doesn’t prevent me from complaining when things could most certainly be on the better side of things. That and humor. It is important to laugh and help others laugh for our mental well-being.
Joseph, you're a writer that has penned poems and music aside from blogs and a book. Are any of these writing experiences more therapeutic than the other? Why?
They are all very helpful and great for mental-health by providing a sense of accomplishment when one comes together. Sadly, though, I have not picked up a Guitar in about two decades, because today it is so much easier to market music digitally through the internet these days and I’m missing out.
What new projects do you have unfolding on the horizon?
For now it is all about promoting TERROR STRIKES, and some time going forward I will likely begin dedicating time to my next book.
Please share with audiences how they can support your work.
I sure hope, of course, first-and-foremost will consider picking up a copy of TERROR STRIKES at any book-store or online. If online, while you’re there, stop by my online articles/blogs location of http://tinyurl.com/JLDArticles. 
