Interview with Author Donald T. Iannone, Ph.D.

 

1.      What inspired you to write this book?

The inspiration to write America's Dream at the Crossroads: The 2024 Presidential Election and Beyond emerged from my growing concern about the state of American democracy and the increasing polarization that threatens the nation's future. Reflecting back, the motivation came from witnessing years of gridlock in Washington, the erosion of trust in government, and the decline of civil discourse. As these tensions have intensified, it became clear to me that the 2024 presidential election is a pivotal moment, representing a turning point for America's leaders and citizens to address its most pressing issues. The book was born out of a desire to offer a deeper analysis of these systemic problems and propose a path forward, blending my longstanding passion for public policy with a personal sense of urgency to rekindle hope in the American dream. After writing the book, my personal view is that because of his desire to stand above the law, his inflammatory style, and great tendency to spread misinformation, Donald Trump is a serious threat to our democracy and is unfit to serve as president. While Kamala Harris has sizable shortcomings, she stands head and shoulders above Donald Trump to serve as our next president. I would encourage Harris to strike a more meaningful balance between America’s social and economic priorities and explain how she will provide sound fiscal management of the federal government without engaging in deficit economics.

 

2. What exactly is it about and who is it written for?

My book delves into the critical juncture at which the United States finds itself, examining the deep-seated divisions and systemic challenges that threaten to derail the nation’s future. At its heart, the book casts the American dream as the central character—a powerful yet fragile ideal that has inspired generations but now struggles under the weight of political polarization, economic inequality, and cultural upheaval. Through a comprehensive analysis of these forces, it explores how the dream has evolved, what it means in today’s society, and why it appears increasingly out of reach for many Americans.

 

Written for policymakers, civic leaders, students, and concerned citizens, the book aims to spark meaningful conversations about the state of the nation and the urgent need to rebuild a shared vision for the future. It discusses the factors contributing to the erosion of trust in government and institutions, the growing sense of disconnection felt by everyday Americans, and the policy decisions that have shaped, and often limited, opportunities for progress. By exploring both the history and the present struggles, it challenges readers to reflect on how to not only protect but also redefine the American dream, turning it into a realistic and unifying aspiration for the coming decades.

 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

I hope readers will come away from my book with a renewed belief in the importance of not giving up on our government and political system as foundational institutions that shape our collective future. The book aims to encourage people to carefully weigh the complex issues at stake, understand the root causes of division, and recognize the urgent need for thoughtful, informed engagement in the democratic process. While the challenges may seem daunting, I want readers to feel empowered to participate actively, to see that their voices matter, and to use their votes as tools for positive change. By voting in an informed way and demanding accountability from leaders, we can begin to repair and strengthen the fabric of our democracy, ensuring that the American dream remains a viable aspiration for generations to come.

 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?

 The title was chosen to capture the critical moment the country is facing, where major decisions will shape the future of the American dream. It reflects the idea that we are at a turning point, with the upcoming election serving as a crossroads for addressing the deep challenges we face. The cover design was carefully crafted to symbolize this pivotal moment, featuring imagery that evokes both hope and uncertainty. The visual elements aim to inspire reflection on where the nation is headed while emphasizing the power of informed choices in shaping that direction. Together, the title and cover create a sense of urgency and possibility, encouraging readers to engage with the issues at hand.

 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?

 To fellow writers, I’d say, yes, sometimes you may feel like running for the hills, but resist the urge! Embrace the ups and downs of the writing journey because every word you struggle with is a step closer to finding your voice. There will be days when the blank page stares at you like a stubborn mule, refusing to budge—on those days, write anyway, even if it’s nonsense. Remember that writing is not about perfection but persistence; it’s about showing up and letting the process take you somewhere unexpected. Most importantly, don’t forget to laugh along the way. Writing is hard work, but if you approach it with curiosity and humor, you’ll find that the stories you need to tell have a way of coming to life, sometimes when you least expect it. So, keep going—you're not alone in the struggle, and the world needs your words.

 

6. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?

The experiences in my personal life and career have profoundly shaped the writing of this book, which delves into politics and public policy. Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s in a family that placed little value on education or civic understanding, I faced early challenges in gaining insight into the political, economic, and social issues confronting our nation. My family's fundamentalist church often hindered the pursuit of education and critical engagement with society. However, during my high school years, I embarked on a journey of self-education, reading widely and actively participating in meaningful discussions to foster my intellectual growth. This quest continued through college, where I deepened my appreciation for civic engagement and critical thinking. My four-decade career in economic development and public policy further provided a grounded understanding of the American dream and how economic development can empower people, communities, and businesses to pursue it. Throughout my life, I have valued a thoughtful understanding of the issues shaping our world, and at my core, I am both a teacher and a writer, driven to share these insights through my writing.

 

7. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing like?

 I would describe my writing style as clear, thoughtful, and aimed at making complex ideas accessible, encouraging readers to reflect on deeper issues in their own lives. I focus on taking intricate, multifaceted topics and presenting them in a way that invites exploration and insight. My nonfiction work shares some similarities with writers like the New York Times journalist David Brooks, who delves into cultural and societal trends, often examining how modern life shapes human experiences and values. His book The Road to Character is an excellent example, exploring the development of moral character through humility and self-reflection. Another writer I resonate with is Atul Gawande, whose works challenge readers to think critically about everyday topics, like aging and healthcare, as seen in Being Mortal.

 

In poetry, my style is akin to James Wright, who captures the struggles and beauty of ordinary life through vivid free verse. His work often reflects the human condition and life's harsh realities with a profound, meditative quality, as is found in his Above the River: The Complete Poems. Similarly, Billy Collins' poetry turns everyday moments into insightful reflections, as shown in his collection Aimless Love, where he finds depth and humor in the mundane. Mary Oliver, known for her deep connection to nature, writes with clarity and grace, inviting readers to see the extraordinary in the natural world. Her book Devotions is a great entry point, offering poems that celebrate the beauty of life and explore life's defining moments with both simplicity and depth. Together, these influences shape my approach to writing, as I strive to communicate ideas in a way that engages and resonates with readers.

 

8. What challenges did you overcome in writing this book?

 Writing this book presented several challenges, starting with the need to transform the original draft, which was more of a rant, into a balanced and thoughtful examination. It went through six edits to ensure that it remained factual and fair, especially in discussing America’s challenges and the two presidential candidates. Striking that balance often wasn't easy, as it required constant effort to avoid bias and give each side a fair representation. Another challenge was keeping the American dream as a central character throughout the narrative, ensuring that it wasn't just a background theme but an active, guiding force in the story. This required weaving the concept into various aspects of the discussion while still addressing the hard realities facing the country. Despite the difficulties, I’m happy with how the book turned out and feel that the effort paid off in creating a work that encourages readers to think critically and deeply about America's future.

 

9. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

If you're going to buy or read one book this week or month, mine should be at the top of your list because it offers a well-researched and accessible look at the key issues shaping America's future. It goes beyond being just another opinionated political book by providing a balanced and understandable portrayal of the two candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, along with the primary challenges the country faces. The book serves as a primer on the pressing matters at hand, outlining practical actions needed to address them, while also examining what makes a president truly qualified to lead. Although it’s particularly relevant to the 2024 election, its insights extend well beyond the campaign, offering an action agenda that any future president can adopt to steer the nation in the right direction. It’s a timely and timeless guide for anyone who cares about America's future.

 

About The Author: Don Iannone is a highly respected author and expert in economic development and public policy. His bestselling book, “America’s Dream at a Crossroads: The 2024 Presidential Election and Beyond,” has gained widespread attention. His forthcoming book, “The Civil War Yesterday and Today, A Poetic Journey,” uses poetry to creatively explore America’s history of systemic racism, political extremism, and social and economic disparity since the mid-19th century. Don has worked in economic development and public policy for four decades as a nonprofit executive, university administrator and professor, and strategy and policy consultant. He has served over 100 public and private sector clients in 32 states and internationally. His clients included federal agencies, state development agencies, and local and regional economic development organizations. He has testified before Congress and state legislatures and spoken widely on economic and public policy issues. Don served as a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute for many years and now teaches graduate business students at European Union-based Transcontinental University. As a writer, he has authored five nonfiction books, ten poetry collections, and ten photographic essays. Don actively participates in various literary and civic organizations and serves on several boards, including Seeds of Literacy, a Greater Cleveland nonprofit advancing adult literacy. He holds a doctorate in philosophy. Don and his wife, Mary, live in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. For more info, please see: https://www.donaldiannone.com/

 

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2024. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).  This award-winning blog has generated over 3.9 million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and director of publicity positions at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.