"Brave in Season" Author Jon Volkmer on the Sunbury Press Books Show

Inspired by real events, author and educator Jon Volkmer takes readers back to his native Nebraska for his new novel, "Brave in Season." What happens when an African-American railroad crew is dropped off in a tiny, close-knit rural farm community? Will friction build up to an all-familiar tragedy, or will a game of baseball possibly inspire hope and understanding?

On this episode of the Sunbury Press Books Show, Volkmer discusses his upbringing in Nebraska City, the changing of American railroads and the need to prepare them for the new diesel engines. He recounts how the small town of Julien was the backdrop for a fast-pitch softball game, and inspired his new work.

Jon Volkmer is a professor of English at Ursinus College; his chance reading of Jack Kerouac sent him off on a hitch-hiking tour of the nation. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Colorado, an MA in Creative Writing from Denver University and his PhD in Literature from the University of Nebraska. His works include a Young Adult biography of baseball great Roberto Clemente, a collection of poetry involving grain elevators, and a travel work, "Eating Europe." His work has appeared in Commonweal, Cimarron Review, Maine Review and Prairie Schooner. 

"Brave in Season" is available through Sunbury's Milford House Press imprint.