I talked to Dave Lange at the Ohioana Book Festival.

Yes, the title is a double-entendre. The book is about what happened to me and what happened with the country

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I have been a journalist for my entire career (40 years). When I was retiring, I decided to write my own story. My book is about the Vietnam war but it’s not a war story. It is a coming of age story. It is about what it was like growing up in that era, the experiences of children and teen agers and what they were like then, and what was happening in the world that was impacting our lives.

How long did it take for you to write the book?

Four years.

What is your writing schedule when you are writing?

I didn’t have a specific work schedule. I was working part time in the newspaper business. Once I completed my paid job, I spent time on the book, writing and researching.

What is your interesting/unique writing quirk if you have one?

I don’t think there is anything unique about my writing style. I think my story is unique.

What is the most surprising thing you learned when writing this book?

When I did the research, I was surprised what was happening in the political world, the military, and right near me that I didn’t know about.

Where can a person buy your book?

Amazon, and local bookstores in the greater Cleveland area.