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They say life is short and to follow your dreams. So, in the summer of 2019, I did exactly that and started writing Just a Normal Day. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect the direction my writing journey would take me, or that my life would dramatically change (for the better).
A year into writing, I left a dead-end job and moved an hour south to the small town of Prescott. I bravely endured more rounds of COVID lockdowns, continued to write, briefly drove a school bus, did a stint at the Brockville Walmart (one of the best employers ever!), kept on writing, and seven drafts and too many editing challenges later, Just a Normal Day was, WHEW!, finally ready for the printer. Without a doubt the hardest, and most rewarding, experience of my life.
Just a Normal Day is now available on Amazon and in many Ottawa and Peterborough area bookstores and bars, along with Eastern Ontario Public Libraries. And that's not even the life-changing part.
That part is where I am today. Yes, I am a published author, one heck of an achievement, but more importantly, I have found my true calling. I am writing my next book, Tara, based on my school bus experience, developing a sequel to Just a Normal Day, and teaching writing and helping aspiring writers/authors achieve their goals and dreams.
Mark Twain said, "Write What You Know".
Well, I would like to add to that.
"Live What You Know."
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Just a Normal Day by Craig Baumken is a perfect read for those who enjoy crime fiction. Pete Humphries is an ex-cop who is not doing so well financially. While in his favorite bar, he is approached by a stranger with an irresistible offer - pay Pete $50,000 to find his sister, Sara. What Pete doesn’t know is that he has crossed paths with Teddy Polson before and an encounter several years ago has had a strong impact on their lives. Despite the red flags, Pete is enticed by the offer and the bonuses that come along with it. Little does he know he is being set up. He quickly discovers that he is a piece in solving a cold case involving the deaths of Teddy’s parents. Pete runs into bad guys, gets into unpleasant situations, and pursues the truth, but will he help Teddy close the door on a painful past by facing his own past?
While the story is not explosive in terms of action, it contains most of the elements that readers look for in crime thrillers. The protagonist is an ex-cop driven by greed, a tragic flaw that will compel him to face himself after hurting many people. He is so blinded by his need for money that he fails to see Teddy for what he is. The internal conflict is expertly written and I enjoyed the way the author portrays the psyche of the two key characters in the story. Craig Baumken writes in gorgeous prose and creates scenes that are focused and emotionally rich. Just a Normal Day is a delightful read with memorable characters, a spellbinding tale about revenge and redemption.
