Virtual NBtM Tour - Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics by Andy Kutler

Welcome to my stop on the virtual NBtM tour for Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics by Andy Kutler. This tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as an insightful interview with the author. There's also the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $50 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to visit the rest of the stops on the tour for more content. Enjoy!

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Title: Honorable Profession

Author: Andy Kutler

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

Publication Date: December 30th 2021

Print Length: 370 pages

Genre: Contemporary Political Drama

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Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics is a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics.

After resigning from his agency under an ethical cloud, 46-year-old Dan Cahill commits himself to rebuilding his relationship with Megan, the college-aged daughter in Las Vegas he has long neglected. She persuades a reluctant Cahill to join the student-led campaign of a popular professor competing in the Nevada presidential primary against impossible odds. As they face powerful forces conspiring to clear the field, Cahill's deep-seated disdain for electoral politics collides with Megan's higher ideals. Each of their faiths are tested by political allies and adversaries, all desperate for victory, no matter the costs.

Crafted by award-winning author Andy Kutler, Honorable Profession is an absorbing, modern-day political drama filled with authentic and indelible characters, each struggling with their own loyalties and principles as they duel with unscrupulous rivals and the meaning of public service.

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EXCERPT:

A waiter removed the unfinished salads and set down their main courses. Tilapia for him, penne pasta in arrabbiata sauce for her. Neither reached for a fork, and Anna sat expressionless, her eyes burning into him. Finally, she moved her plate aside and rested her chin again on her folded hands.

“Forty minutes now, we’ve known each other. Every political instinct in my body is telling me to laugh off your question. Tell you you’re misreading things and assure you I’m going to Washington because I believe I can do more good there, and better serve the people of my state.”

It was like he hit a nerve. “I didn’t mean to suggest you don’t care about people. You have—”

“I’m far from perfect, Dan, and I have my share of shortcomings. But dishonesty isn’t one of them. I’m going to Washington because I believe I can do far more good there, and for far more people.”

She paused, taking a long sip from her wine as she contemplated her next words.

“And yes, you’re right, there’s more to the story. But sharing that with a stranger would be more than reckless. Just like it’s unwise, if not self-destructive, to continue this conversation.”

“And yet we’re still talking.”

“And yet we’re still talking.”

“Vic is a phone call away.”

Anna leaned forward again, her eyes exploring his. “What is this between you and me? Or do you not have any idea what I’m talking about?”

He knew exactly what she was talking about. “I – I don’t know.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andy Kutler is a writer and author of two award-winning novels, The Batter’s Box and The Other Side of Life. Andy has also written extensively for The Huffington Post and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Over a 28-year professional career, he has worked in the United States Senate, the U.S. Secret Service, and the national security community. A Wisconsin native, Andy lives with his wife and two children in Arlington, Virginia.

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Goodreads * Twitter

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW:

- Tell us about your publishing journey.

How much time do you have? It’s been a long road, as I’m sure it has been for many writers. I’ve been very fortunate – three for three on publishing contracts, with some very nice awards along the way. But publishing is a tough business – you have to have thick skin and infinite patience. I’m zero for two on that score.

- What's the funniest thing to happen to you along your road to publication and what was the most exciting?

Not sure there has been anything all that comedic, but nothing beats the exhilaration of receiving that first publishing offer. Knowing the numbers – how many people are out there pitching manuscripts versus how many are actually offered contracts – there is this incredible sense of accomplishment and validation. And a huge sigh of relief that you didn’t just waste two years of your life at the keyboard.

- What has been the most challenging thing related to publishing you've had to deal with on your journey?

Non-responsiveness from prospective agents and publishers. I get it, they are drowning in literally hundreds of queries every single week, and no professional could possibly get through that much materials on a timely basis, no matter how many interns and robots are sifting through it. But even with that understanding, it doesn’t make the weeks and months that you’re waiting for an answer go by any faster.

- Who is your favorite author, and what are you currently reading?

Historical fiction is my wheelhouse, and I’m a big fan of Jeff Shaara and his unique storytelling style that alternatives perspectives. I’m currently re-reading “The Corps” series by W.E.B. Griffin, an exhaustive narrative of the Marine Corps during World War II. First read the dozen or so books more than a decade ago, and am taking a second pass now. I’m a sucker for virtually any novel set against the Second World War.

- If your novel was made into a movie, who would play the role of your hero and heroine?

For “Honorable Profession,” I’m going with Tom Hardy and Eva Longoria. Who wouldn’t want to see that?

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GIVEAWAY:

Andy Kutler will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to one randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Good luck!

(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prize. Goddess Fish Promotions and the author assume all responsibility for this giveaway.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway