It’s a November to remember. It’s Blog Post 106. Thank you to everyone who sent messages and questions. I asked for questions and was a bit overwhelmed by how many I received. Over the next three blog posts, I will answer some of your questions about writing and the novel, Jonah Chooses Amazing. I won’t be answering any spoiler questions until the new year.

The Great Xmas Push

George Michael Memorial Day is not far away. Here’s a quick reminder that I am donating a dollar from every book sold to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada until December 26^th. Consider this when buying a copy for every friend and family member on your Xmas list. Help me reach my goal of $200.00.

The Questions

Without fur or a dew, here’s your questions answered:

Where did the idea for Jonah Chooses Amazing come from?

It didn’t really come from one idea. It was more of multiple ideas. I listened to a humorous story on a podcast about someone who was to take on a ridiculous amount of difficult new year’s resolution. I combined that with a friend who had lost a lot of weight after letting himself go a bit in his mid 30s. He said that people reach a certain age and they think it’s too late… it’s not too late. My friend is now an ultra-marathon runner in his late 40s.

What’s next for you?

I’m looking to turn the novel into a screenplay. Since I know nothing about writing screenplays, there’s a learning curve that will take time. It could be a while. I’ve also started my next book called ‘The Regrets We Can’t Have’. It will be a series of short stories that I hope to release in late 2025.

What do you think of A.I. in the world of writing?

Great question. I believe A.I. will replicate and even exceed the writings of humans so far. It will follow a formula and do it better than we do… at a much faster and more productive rate. The good news is that I believe it will lead us writing humans to get more creative, challenge the rules a bit more, and really lean into the art of writing. I would say we need to think outside the box but really what we need to do is question whether we need a box, if there is a box, and whether we are over-thinking vs thinking. There is no spoon.

Are you happy with your sales?

Tough one. The answer is yes. I enjoy writing and I’m selling my books and putting my work out there. Would I like to be selling thousands? Yes, but that would likely require marketing campaigns, endless postings, appearances, videos, and maybe having to have a publishing overlord to answer to. I’m good… but still buy my book. Did I mention it makes a great gift under the tree?

How can you not believe in the Bible?

Woah, woah, woah. I believe in the bible. I’ve seen the book and held it in my own two hands. I believe the bible is a book of inspiration, guidance, and adventure where good defeats evil providing valuable life lessons… just like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Jonah Chooses Amazing.

How come you never blog about travelling anymore?

This is going to be a bit personal. I’ve been ill. My health has really taken a hit the past couple of years. I’ve gone from being a regular runner and gym goer to a weak, overweight shadow of my former self. Doctors don’t know what it is and the symptoms have been debilitating. I can’t recall the last time I could honestly say I felt good. So, with that, I just haven’t been travelling and instead staying closer to home. Here’s a photo I took this month near home.

I’m still very hopeful of recovering my health and getting back out there travelling the world. I’ll update more on here over the next year.

Thanks for all your questions. There’s more but I’ll get to them next month. Keep sending them to my email, roygmundheim@gmail.com. Also, if you want your book signed, there is a book signing party in Vancouver on March 2^nd. Email me and I’ll send you the details.

Words of Wisdom

1. Don’t take your health for granted. If you have good health, enjoy it, use it, and maintain it as long as you can.

2. Don’t leave things until the last minute. Procrastination can lead to problems which I’ll explain more in my next blog.

3. Choose amazing and buy that special book for that special someone on your Xmas list. Don’t leave your shopping to the last minute.

Thanks for reading this month’s blog and for sending your messages and questions. Keep them coming. It’s now time for the ending jokes… with explanations that were requested via email. Enjoy.

My friend and I are both learning Spanish so we’ll ask each other questions.

I asked him, “What’s the Spanish word for octopus?”

“Ocho-pus?”

*Ocho is the Spanish word for eight. The answer is not ocho-pus.

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The Canadian government just announced new tools to help people plan for retirement.

It’s a package containing a Line of Credit, a credit card, instructions on filing for bankruptcy, and a tent.

*It’s becoming more and more expensive here.

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A conversation between me and my wife where I knew she wanted to go out for dinner instead of staying home and cooking a meal.

Me: “I know what you want to do.”

Her: “What you talkin’ about, Willis?”

Me: “You want to go out for dinner. I can read your Circle of Willis.”

Her: “Huh?”

*’What you talkin’ about Willis?’ is a catchphrase from a 1980s American sitcom called, Diff’rent Strokes. It’s used when something is shocking or something is happening that is a surprise to a person. ‘The Circle of Willis’ is a junction of arteries in the brain. Saying that I could read her Circle of Willis means that I could read her mind while also incorporating a “Willis”. This showed how clever I think I am.