When I decided to write Jolt: a rural noir, my intent (simply stated) was to change the world. The decision to attempt such a gargantuan feat followed a conversation with Colonel William Dickerson, instructor-oncologist. It took place at the close of a weeklong class in Bethesda, MD, which he taught and I attended on the Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation (MEIR).

It is important in this discussion to consider the time. It was, if I recall accurately, early 2002, just shortly after the events of 9/11. New York, my home state, was still in shock. As for myself, I was determined to learn all that I could to save my friends and family and to share it with them in the event there was to be a follow-up to 9/11.

I had started my quest earlier with the MEIR course having been preceded by a prior week-long intensive course on Weapons of Mass Distruction (WMD) which more appropriately although somewhat euphemistically referred to as 'mass events.' After all, rather than weapons of intent, such happenings could as easly be the result of neglect, accident, or severe climatic or seismic events--recall Katrina, Fukushima, or more recently Irene. Not to mention the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant currently in litigation over whether it can or cannot be closed by the State of Vermont without the consent of the Federal Government. And so, as you may have noted, when such clarifying and innocent information is taken into consideration, the appropriateness of the use of the term weapon is negated in the search for a neutral, all-inclusive vocabulary choice.

At this time, however, my ten-year mission has evolved from a solitary enterprise into what has become a combination of getting to know all kinds of wonderful people--writers, publishers, artists, musicians, and booklovers from around the world--most of whom I would not have met had I not ventured first into the world of writing followed by self-publishing then blogging and finally the happy posting and publishing of others works--ALVA Visiting Writers' Page and the publication of Kristen Henderson's marvelously passionate book of poems in Drum Machine come January. Still there lurks beneath the surface of my various ventures and dalliances my sincere desire that you will not only read Jolt: a rural noir, but enjoy and benefit from having read it.

As for my interest in learning about effective response and survival while serving the greater good, come January 19-20, 2012, I shall again, as a member of the Dutchess County Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps participate in a sixteen hour course on Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Why? Because learning about how to effectively respond in emergency situations, whether they be natural disasters or WMDs of a CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive) nature or MEIR (Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation) not only gives me the sense I can be of greater service in the world, it calms me.

And that dear reader is the reason why I do hope you will order yourself a copy of Jolt: a rural noir in eBook, paperback, or hard cover form at http://alvapressinc.com. Jolt was more than five years in the writing and all who have read it to date say it proved both entertaining and informative. Hopefully it will for you, too.

All best wishes for a Safe, Fruitful, and Happy New Year!

Roberta in Po-Town