Josh Jackson Author

I’m extremely excited to announce the publication of my first-ever novel!

I’m so happy to share this new full-length work of fiction with Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and the world!

It’s been a goal and dream of mine since age 13, when I first stated writing. I always wondered, after writing many short stories, whether I had a novel in me, and it’s wonderful to discover that I did!

Oregon is a running state, home to Pre and Nike, and the Fort Rock Sandals, the oldest shoes on earth. Runners of all stripes, not just in Oregon, but everywhere, will certainly relate to the events of the book, especially those attempting a return to fitness later in life.

This story will absolutely rile emotions, spur debates and stir controversy. It’s a cautionary tale for everyone. There are lessons to be learned and truths to be confronted, about how we live our lives, treat our neighbors, or respect our homes and hometowns. From community issues such as noise or blight, to inept and corrupt government, to animal control, self-defense, homelessness, and gun control, Run, Interrupted covers a lot of ground.

Buckle up and hang on, this run starts deceptively slow and smooth but gets bumpier and more intense by the mile.

About the novel:

Self-described as “not an exercise kind of guy,” local insurance agent Tom Kregman grudgingly takes his doctor’s orders to walk daily for health. But this son of a notorious hard-nosed local brawler finds himself unable to resist the challenge of going farther, faster.

He starts running on his own, and then, with his MD’s advice to also diet, loses his extra pounds and gains more athleticism than he ever dreamed– especially at age 57. Along the way, every walk, jog, or run, is interrupted by his city’s many problems. He learns more about the darker side of his once-small town than he ever expected.

Run by run, Tom finds himself increasingly frustrated by menacing dogs, dangerous bicyclists, volatile homeless, and the blighted, hostile, uncaring town. He begins fighting back. But no matter how many dogs he pepper-sprays, no matter how vocal he becomes, or even how many people are assaulted, nothing changes.

The riverside town of Mewett, Oregon won’t relent, won’t improve, and won’t give in, even as Tom progresses on his mission to become a seasoned runner and enjoy middle-aged fitness. And like his father, he can’t back down from the town’s challenge.

Tom finds making changes in his life to be only a matter of no longer making excuses. Of simply sticking to it, showing up every day. But what would it take for Mewett to finally change, and for the better? More spraying, more fists? Lawsuits, criminal charges?

Or does someone literally have to die?

Run, Interrupted is available now for Kindle on Amazon.com or for any eBook reader on lulu.com, and soon in eBook retailers around the world, for just $2.99!

Also check out my previous books:

Too Many Bigfoots

Don’t Go Outdoors

There’s Always Ants (nonfiction)

Thanks for reading!