Everyone Needs a Mentor

You’re asked, “Who has made the biggest difference in your life?” Do you have an automatic response? Are you fortunate to have that one name that pops into your head? Has someone impacted you and made a noticeable difference in your life path?

For many people, their mother or father played this pivotal role. For others, perhaps it was a teacher, a coach, or a pastor. Celebrities and the examples that they set in their profession and personal life also influence us, for better or worse. How many young girls want to be just like Hannah Montana and how many grown men wish they were Peyton Manning?

In my second novel, Finish Line, readers are introduced to teenage boys Justin Ventimiglia and Keith Pucchio. They are enjoying an aimless summer and their lack of constructive activity leads them to vandalize a neighbor’s house.

Enter Curt Schroeder. He is the manager at Prairie Winds Golf Course and the man who is given the task of supervising Justin and Keith as they work to pay for the cost of their bad decisions. Through his own battle with cancer and his unbeatable work ethic, Curt becomes a role model for the boys. He teaches them about the importance of not giving up before the job is complete. In other words, always reach the Finish Line.

I imagine if I write a book one day that takes my readers twenty years ahead in the lives of Justin and Keith the two men will both admit that their summer with Curt influenced how they act to this day.

Each of my three published novels—Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course—has a social message to share with readers. I hope you enjoy them and maybe take away some food for thought as well.

The stories parallel life in America.