Alternating Current: A Tesla Novel (27 page)

John
Agostino was born on September 3, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York. As the son of
Italian immigrants, he effortlessly translates this robust culture and uses it
as a rich, but subtle backdrop in his novels.

John's
tenth grade English teacher, Ms. Carmichael, spotted him as a true writer when
she read his Thanksgiving essay written from the turkey's perspective. He
waited many years before heeding her advice to make writing a profession, but
his perspective is still both haunting and hilarious.

Reality
dominated the years between those early works and today. According to John,
it's been a good reality---one not completely dissimilar from that of the
loving and bewildered protagonists in his stories. John and his wife are the
proud parents of four children.

His
reality is fine; however, his passion involves escaping reality. This is what
makes John an effective fiction writer. Readers grab his stories and hang on,
much in the way we all navigate life at times.

John says
his qualifications for the writing profession are the ingredients of a happy
life, an overactive imagination, and a willingness to work hard.

Mostly
though, he loves to write.

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Also by
John Agostino

“
Distant
Relatives
”

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I
would like to start by thanking my wonderful wife, Bonnie. Without her, I would
be a blundering fool wandering aimlessly throughout the earth. I would also
like to thank my children; Christie, Michael, Michelle, and Alyssa, you may not
know it, but you are my inspiration. And my grandchildren, Hayden and Elle
Kade, who keep me young in spirit.

Also
a big thank you to my sister, Vickie, who is the biggest fan of my writing, and
her husband, Ron. Along with my brother, Joey, and the rest of my siblings and
their children and grandchildren. Thank you to all my friends on Facebook who
endure all my posts promoting my books and all those who spread the word and
pressed the “Like” button. Thank you all for your support!

Here
are a few behind the scenes notes about “Alternating Current.”

Nikola
Tesla was a real person. The greatest scientist the world has ever known.
Google him!

Tesla
really has a grandnephew named William, who goes by the nickname, Terbo. He is
the curator of The Tesla Memorial Foundation in the United States.

Phillip
Washington’s character was inspired by a young Denzel Washington playing the
part of Dr. Phillip Chandler in the hit TV show “St. Elsewhere.” Hence the
hybrid name.

Michael
Lawson and Corey Arnold are actually two car salesmen who worked for me at a
Toyota Dealership. Lawson is actually a good-natured fun loving guy while
Arnold is staunch and sophisticated and really drinks a lot of Red Bull.
Millard Jones is also a former co-worker. All are good men and good friends of
mine.

And
Michael Armaly is an old friend who taught me how to sell cars way back when.
He is really from the Bahamas.