There was a brief period in my misspent youth when
I honestly thought that the path to fame, fortune, and a life well lived was to be found on the rodeo circuit. It quickly became apparent that it WAS a good life, especially if you didn’t plan on living long. More often than not, especially when trying to balance the need to meet a deadline and the need to keep beans on the table and gas in the tank, I reflect on those wild and woolly times as there are some very distinct similarities between the life of the bronc rider and the writer.
Both require an ability to stay in the saddle long after everyone else has hung up their spurs. Both require a great deal of faith coupled with an understanding that there is little chance of reward for at least a season or two. Both provide endless opportunity to meet interesting and inspirational people. Both require the ability to take a beating and to keep on ticking. Both require crushing schedules if the reward is to be reaped (on the circuit it is long drives to the next rodeo, with writing it is the press of deadlines). And both really do have the potential to provide for a good life, provided you don’t measure reward with the size of the bank account. I have no regrets about my “John Wayne” period of life, nor do I regret pursuing the simple quest of becoming a writer. Of course, I have always found more enjoyment in the adventure and the quest than in the false sense of security that a steady job provides.
A full house for a presentation at the Colorado River Historic Society and Museum in Bullhead City Arizona.
I am currently deep into the writing of what just might be my most interesting book to date. With most all of my endeavors, from illustrated walking tours in the historic business district of Kingman, Arizona for the Promote Kingman initiative to presentations I strive to add depth and context to subjects. This project will definitely broaden the scope of Route 66 beyond mere neon and tail fins.
The Illustrated Route 66 Historical Atlas
Only 12 first edition copies left of this "must have" addition to the library. Historic sites, military locations, crime scene and disaster locations, and film and celebrity associated sites are concisely detailed in this heavily illustrated volume.
$40.00
I touched on some of the content in this new book when writing The Illustrated Route 66 Historical Atlas. In this book I was able to provide a bit more of the “meat and potato’s” as well as an array of original stories that explore the dark side of the Main Street of America for the last hundred years or so. I am confident that the book will be popular with Route 66 enthusiasts as well as the reader that has interest in a bit of mayhem, murder, conspiracy, and disaster.
This is quite a deviation from most of my Route 66 related work including travel guides such as 100 Things To Do On Route 66 Before You Die, and a blending of guide with introduction to the people that make a road trip on this iconic highway memorable in Route 66: America’s Longest Small Town. I will keep everyone posted about the book as it nears completion, and once a date of publication is announced.
Route 66: America’s Longest Small Town
Join author Jim Hinckley for an adventure on the most famous highway in America, and meet the people beyond the renaissance that is transforming Route 66 into a living, breathing time capsule.
$24.00
100 Things To Do On Route 66 Before You Die
The ultimate bucket list - from restaurants to photo ops, from time capsule motels to attractions here are 100 of author Jim Hinckley's favorite places on Route 66
$22.00
