NEW BOOK FINISHED!

Hi folks,

A bit of news today… I finally finished a novella I’ve been working on for at least two years. I’m pretty sure my agent had given up on it (and me) months ago. I don’t believe in writer’s block—no, wait—I didn’t use to believe in writer’s block… but man!—this puppy has brought me to my knees. It’s based on the first short story I ever wrote and had published—Hard Times—which I wrote when I was 13 and which got a Pushcart Prize nomination and is included in my short story collection, Monday’s Meal. My agent, Svetlana Pironko, read it a long time ago and a few years ago told me it had haunted her ever since. She urged me to expand it into a novel, which I couldn’t quite do, but did manage to get it to novella length.

I had a good friend who I won’t name just yet, who’s just become head of a publishing company who’s been after me for a book—actually several books—and I was happy that Svetlana sent it to him yesterday. What’s really cool is that his company pays actual advances that are decent and their books end up on bookstore shelves and aren’t POD but actual books. I am trying to remain cool about this, but it’s hard.

And now, since I finally got through this book, I can begin writing three books I’ve put on hold that I’ve been itching to get to. This just feels like freedom!

Also, here’s some new reviews of Adrenaline Junkie. It’s been difficult getting reviews because I find myself at 76 fairly poor—SS and my online class are my only sources of income—which means I can’t afford to buy copies of my book and send them to folks for reviews and I suspect my friends are probably as poor as I am and can’t afford to buy a copy either, but thankfully, some have. I can’t begin to tell those people how much I appreciate it! Anyway, like the first ones, these folks seem to have liked it, too.

Alec Cizak

5.0 out of 5 starsThey Don't Make 'Em Like This Anymore

February 13, 2019

Format: Paperback

Reading Les Edgerton's Adrenaline Junkie is a lot like sitting in a bar listening to a guy tell you stories you refuse to believe are true (spoiler alert: The stories are true). His writing is straight-forward and wastes no time with filler. Frankly, he doesn't have the space to waste. Edgerton packs so much information into a single paragraph, it gets dizzying. The most valuable aspect of this book, however, is its demonstration of an unrestrained approach to life I fear is going to become a thing of the past as unbridled attempts at free living are deemed unacceptable. This is a document, a testimony to spending your brief life the way YOU want to, as opposed to the way the spineless masses would prefer.

Liam Sweeny

5.0 out of 5 starsLong Strange Trip

January 20, 2019

Format: Kindle Edition

I've been a longtime fan of Les Edgerton's. Now, if you've ever read any of his work, you probably love all that gritty-yet-approachable narration, that "life on the edge" grimoire that you have a hard time putting down. This book is like the Genesis chapter of the Bible of all his other works. This is the memoir of the marauder, and Les writes it in a way that isn't painting heroes and antiheroes. Is it a little sexy? Sure, but it's as glorious as the big score is right before the flashing red-and-blues smack you in the face from your rear-view mirror.

I was graciously given an advanced copy. Membership has privileges, folks.

Livius Nedin

5.0 out of 5 starsA terrific ride

January 20, 2019

Format: Paperback

Adrenaline Junkie feels like an open and honest look back at one's life. Les is an interesting guy with great stories to tell

Chloe

5.0 out of 5 starsHold your breath - this ain't your typical memoir!

February 21, 2019

Format: Kindle Edition

I'm a longtime fan of Les Edgerton's brilliant writing, and must say his pulp noir is so enthralling, when reading those I always felt I was riding shotgun alongside the characters, and long after completing said books, remembered lines and situations. Few authors can write with such depth, readers actually recall portions of the novels days/weeks/months after they've put down the book.

Adrenaline Junkie is not a tale, albeit reads like one. I put it on my Christmas list, and then caught a virus that took me out for a month until I finally felt like reading again. I've already Re-gifted my book to my sister, who grew up near Freeport, TX, and is the same age as Les. She will enjoy it as much as I did b/c we are southern ladies but we have Grit.

Unlike his amazing fiction (some based heavily on his life and some only lightly) Adrenaline Junkie pulled me in as I was curious about the real man writing such memorable and in-your-face books. If you've read The Rapist in which Edgerton takes readers into the mind of a psychopath, you wonder what influenced him. This memoir enlightened me on so many unanswered questions and there is nothing as refreshing to me as Edgerton's brutal honesty.

If you can't handle the good, bad, and ugly, surely you will appreciate the wit infused at necessary times to get you through this rather bizarre tale that shaped this author's unique life.

Ronald Hampton

5.0 out of 5 starsAn examination of ones life opens doors!

February 9, 2019

Format: Paperback

Les was a high school buddy of mine.
To read his life story left me stunned . Very few of us experience a calamity of deeds that Les reveals. Violent crime, a plethora of sex and romance. Then a simple act allows Les to redeem himself! Followed at the end by an uplifting revelation of who he really is and who was his real father!
Powerful reading!

Thanks, everyone! Your taking the time to write a review means the world to me.

Blue skies,

Les

BOOK PEOPLE INTERVIEW

Hi folks,

Here's a new interview by Scott Montgomery for the independent bookstore in Austin, Texas, Book People. For the complete interview go to  https://mysterypeople.wordpress.com/2019/01/22/married-for-the-material-an-interview-with-les-edgerton-about-his-memoir-adrenaline-junkie/

Blue skies,
Les

GREAT REVIEWS!

Hi folks,

The reviews are beginning to come in! Here's the ones on Amazon (US) for Adrenaline Junkie and they're all fives. There are others on Amazon UK and other sites and so far, those are all fives as well. I appreciate every single one of them! Thank you!

Blue skies,
Les

Ger Crotty

5.0 out of 5 starsSelf willed freedom
December 14, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Les Edgerton has a story to tell and it's not based on celebrity or fame. Instead it's fuelled by a self willed freedom, an Outlaw spirit and a whole lot of sex,drugs and some prison.
A rough childhood, adventures in the Navy,incarceration, hairdresser supremo, a whole lot women,drugs, mafia, prostitution, crazy killer women, family and maybe redemption ? What's not to like ?
All done with the technical grace and verve of a master storyteller

Janey Mack

5.0 out of 5 starsBOLD, BADASS AND BRAVE
January 16, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
A memoir that reads like a thriller. Brutally honest--heartbreakingly so at times, Les Ederton's unflinching story of self is a potent cocktail of adrenaline, self-actualization and humor.

A joy to read, and an honor to know the man himself.

PrintBoy

5.0 out of 5 starsA Fascinating Life!
January 19, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Part time capsule, part confessional, this gripping memoir explores a fascinating life with unflinching honesty. Even those shocked by some of the deeds portrayed will be moved by the redemptive nature of the story.

Jack Getze

5.0 out of 5 starsFascinating Autobiography
November 23, 2018
Format: Paperback
Author, ex-criminal, and former prison inmate, Les Edgerton knows what makes all of us tick, and how, with not much of a shove, any one of us could end up behind bars. One of the most fascinating autobiographies you will ever read: from professional thief and pimp to award-winning author and teacher.” —Jack Getze, author of the award-winning Austin Carr Mysteries

Joseph Trigoboff

5.0 out of 5 starsA great work by a great author
January 5, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Les Edgerton’a memoir, “Adrenaline Junkie” is well-written, but what it is most of all is exciting. A terrific writer, who is also a teacher, Les has much to teach all of us, like myself, who live dull, predictable lives. A superbly written book, with all the excitement most of us could ask for. I can’t wait to read his next book. This one read like a James M. Cain Jim Thompson novel, and what’s even better is that all of it’s true.

To conclude: Brit Ekland? Brit Ekland?...Brit Ekland!!

Amazon Customer

5.0 out of 5 starsGritty, witty and real.
December 13, 2018
Format: Paperback
Ever get tired of living in the real world of everyday life with its endless grind and tedium? Ever want to just say the h... with it and cut loose? Les Edgerton has lived the life most guys just fantasize about. In a painfully honest book, Les lays it all bare, the good, the bad and the ugly of a rampant, hedonistic lifestyle. mercifully redeemed in the end by the love of a good woman.

429 - Les Edgerton Interview

429 - Les Edgerton Interview

427 - Adrenaline Junkie by Les Edgerton

427 - Adrenaline Junkie by Les Edgerton: So this is the second time we're reviewing a memoir, which is always an odd proposition, because you're essentially agreeing to review someone's life. I think this turned out pretty nice, and we'll be interviewing Les in the coming weeks as well. Check it out and come back next week for another book - An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen.

MY "NEW" DAUGHTER!

Hi folks,

Just got some pictures of my "new" daughter Maria. She, her husband Joe and her daughter Nikole (my "new" granddaughter!) came down from South Bend to our home in Ft Wayne, and all my other kids were there as well--Britney, Sienna and Mike--along with their spouses and Mike's girlfriend
Victoria (who's like a daughter). It was a wonderful, wonderful day!

Here are some photos from that day.

Joe, Maria and Nikole

Me and all my kids--Britney, Sienna, (me) Mike and Maria

Mike and Victoria

Me and Mary

My grandson Logan (Sienna's son), Sienna, Britney, Mike, Maria and Nikole.

Sienna's boyfriend, Jamie (cut in half, alas!) Britney and her husband Ray.

Here's the story of how Maria came to find me:

A Thanksgiving Miracle

A woman who had been adopted 51 years ago was suffering from some physical problems and decided to submit a DNA sample to Ancestry.com in hopes of discovering who her birth parents were for the possibility of getting some of her health history for her and her daughter.

Maria’s search turned up my name and she Googled it and found out my memoir, Adrenaline Junkie, had just been released. She obtained a copy of it and read:

(From Adrenaline Junkie)

About a week later, a detective dropped by the apartment while Sherry was at work and told me I would probably walk on my charges, get probation like my lawyer’d said. He said I’d beat them. Then, he dropped a bomb on me. He said that even though I had a good chance of walking, they were going to go after Sherry and would make sure she got sentenced and did time at the Indiana Women’s Prison. He told me some things about her past that convinced me the judge probably would give her at least six months in the joint. The detective said the only way I could save her ass was to plead guilty and if I did that, they’d drop the charges completely on Sherry. He also spent a lot of time telling me what would happen to her down at the Women’s Prison in Indianapolis. Things other inmates would do to her with broomsticks, stuff like that.

This stuff got to me. Sherry was pregnant with our child and this guy kept telling me our kid would be born in prison and end up in foster homes being abused. Stuff like that.

I decided to plead guilty. The deal was, I would cop to one count of second-degree burglary and they would drop all the other burglary counts, plus all the other charges, the armed and strong-arm robberies. I might still get probation, I was told, but even if I didn’t, the most I’d get would be a two to five-year sentence or maybe a one-to-ten on the burglary thing.

That was a laugh. They weren’t even considering probation. As soon as I pled guilty, I was let back out on my original bond for two weeks while they did the presentence investigation and when I went back, I ended up getting a two to five and sent over to the jail to await paperwork and transportation to Pendleton Reformatory.

During the two-week period of the presentence investigation, Sherry and I got married and I made arrangements for my sister Jo and her husband Jim to take Sherry in during her pregnancy in case I got sent up. They lived in Lakeville and had two kids of their own, but both of them had big hearts and didn’t even hesitate when I asked them to take her in. Sherry hadn’t wanted to get married, but I didn’t want our kid being born a bastard.

Once I in Pendleton, Sherry visited a couple of times and then I didn’t see her any more. Her letters stopped as well. Normal shit for cons. Then, I got a letter from a lawyer asking my consent for a divorce. I wouldn’t sign it, and then my sister wrote me a letter saying they had had to kick Sherry out. It seems she was eight months pregnant and one day my brother-in-law Jim was painting the living room and she walked up to him on the ladder and grabbed his johnson and told him she wanted to screw him. He was a righteous dude and told her to get fucked and also to pack her shit and leave their house, which she did. Jo apologized over and over for having to kick her out, but I thought she showed remarkable forbearance, as did Jim, for what she’d done. I signed the divorce papers, but a few months later, I was served with some more papers asking if I’d  allow Sherry to put the baby (it was a girl) up for adoption. I refused to sign them, and wrote my sister to see if they would consider keeping the baby until I got out and could care for her. They immediately agreed—great sister!—but Sherry told all of us to get fucked and put the baby up for adoption anyway. It turned out they didn’t need my signature to do that, even though I was the legal father. You forfeit all such rights when you’re in prison. So our little girl was adopted and I’ve never seen or heard of her since.

When I got released a couple of years later, I went to a minister and told him my story. I wanted to know if he thought I should try to locate my daughter and get her back. He advised me to leave things the way they were. “She’s in a good home now,” he said. “Parents who love her and who she thinks of as her mom and dad. You can’t take care of her at this time, so leave her alone. She’s better off.” I saw he was right and did as he suggested. Many times since then I have wondered if I did the right thing. I also wonder if she’ll ever try to look me up. I hope her life turned out all right. I hope if she ever does look me up she’ll understand why I didn’t try to find her.

(End of excerpt)

She found my email address and mailed me this:

Hi, I recently did my Ancestry DNA and apparently we are closely related. I was adopted at birth. I have no biological family information, including medical history. I don’t know if you have or are willing to give me any information on who I am, but if you are I would appreciate it. Thank you. Signed, Maria

We emailed back and forth and soon established that she was my daughter. Then, she said something that meant the world to me:

I was so overjoyed to read in your book that you wanted me and that you tried everything to keep me. That it was in there, without your ever knowing if I would read it, means that it was how you really felt and that means more than if I had been told that my birth parents named me this or did this or that.

Maria

Since then, we’ve met in person, Maria has met her two sisters and her brother and we got to meet my granddaughter Nikole when they all came to visit yesterday.

I don’t know if I’ll ever make much from Adrenaline Junkie but I’ve already realized a miracle worth everything from its existence.

And that's our story. Kind of amazing, I think. What's also interesting is that Maria and I look alike and maybe more than any of my other kids!

Anyway, it's made this holiday season a very, very special one.

Blue skies,

Les

CLASS MEMBER HAS BOOK PUBLISHED

Hi folks,

One of our class members from out our online novel-writing class has just had her novel published to rave reviews and is selling like crazy!

We're all super excited to see this novel in print--we've all watched it grow and develop over many months in class. This is a truly exciting book! It's based on a true story of one of the airmen on the plane that dropped the atom bomb on Japan.

I heartily recommend this book not only for yourself but for Christmas gifts.

Blue skies,
Les