Local author of over 40 novels hosting book signing in Pocatello
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POCATELLO – Accomplished Pocatello author Kirby Jonas is hosting a book signing on Dec. 21 and he’s inviting you to attend.
It’s happening at Idaho Unlimited, a coffee shop at 215 East Cedar Street in Pocatello, from 1-3 p.m. He’ll have copies of his latest books on hand for a gift or to keep for yourself.
Jonas, who has written over 40 books set in locations throughout eastern Idaho, is spotlighting four of his new novels.
Jonas’ first new book is Bar None, the 10th in his popular “Savage Law” series. This series is set in Lemhi County in the early to mid-1970s. The central character, Coal Savage, is the county sheriff. Recently widowed, he has returned home with his four young children after being forced to resign from his job with the FBI in Washington, D.C., to take over the vacated job as sheriff before the coming election.
Bar None delves into the 1970s issue of child abduction, as wandering cowboy Jody Evans, hiding a dark past, is accused of attempting to abduct a local girl. Branded a threat by the Lemhi Valley community, Jody’s fate rests with Savage, who must decide whether to trust his instincts or act on the damning claims of the local press and ranch owners.
Jonas is a former firefighter and law enforcement officer and draws inspiration from his experiences. One of his passions is his classic car collection, and that also plays a big part in the Savage Law series.
“Check out the photos on my Facebook page to see some of the cars I’ve collected so far, including a 1968 Thunderbird, 1968 Chrysler Newport, 1968 Mustang coupe, 1968 Camaro, and two 1978 Trans Ams — one black and the other inspired by ‘Smokey and the Bandit,’” Jonas says.
Jonas plans to write 10-15 more books in the Savage Law series, saying, “I get emotional when I think about how this series will end.”
Two of the other new books are the beginning of a new short series. “High Warning” is about a young boy living in Oakley, whose name is the series’ title. In the book, Jonas says the boy almost magically connects with a wild pinto stallion and miraculously manages to tame it when no one else can.
The “High Warning” series follows young High through many misadventures on his journey to adulthood. During the Great Depression, he takes his trained stallion on the road across eastern Idaho, earning money to support his family.
The final book, still to be written, will bring readers to the poignant end of High’s adventurous life as he reflects on being the last surviving member of those he once held dear.
As a published author since 1994, Jonas, who moved to Shelley in 1971, wrote his first mini-novel of 49 pages in the sixth grade when he first discovered his love of writing.
Jonas is best known for his Western novels. One of his early novels, “Death of an Eagle,” set in southeast Idaho, became the country’s best-selling Western.
However, Jonas has also succeeded in different genres. Among them is a science fiction book called “A Final Song For Grace” and a fantasy fiction book called “Samuel’s Angel.” It’s set in Shelley during the 1970s.
Jonas has inspired many aspiring authors and shared his key advice for writing memorable characters.
“Make your main characters people you’d like to know in real life. All my characters seem real to me, and that’s how your readers will feel,” he says.
With over 40 published books, Jonas shows no signs of slowing down.
“I’ve already outlined 70 or 80 more books,” says Jonas. “When there’s a book inside of you, you need to get it out.”
With so many book ideas swirling around in his head, Jonas said sometimes it’s hard to separate real life from fiction.
“I can smash my thumb working on my car or overhear a stranger’s conversation in a restaurant, and it’ll end up in a book. Real life makes for great sensory detail,” he says.
In addition to being a prolific writer, Jonas is also a singer, songwriter, cowboy poet, and artist. He has written over 200 songs and illustrated many of his book covers. Many familiar with his work consider his talents an Idaho treasure.
Jonas enjoys meeting his readers in person. For those who can’t attend the book signing, books can be purchased here or on Amazon.