I am a retired university professor. I grew up in Southern California planning to become a marine biologist, but that did not quite work out. I did become a successful scientist and have traveled widely. Now an old man, I cannot help but reflect on both the high and low points of my life, and what would have happened had I turned right instead of left at some critical juncture. Writing novels gives me a chance to play out such scenarios. I rely heavily on things that actually did happen in my life, and then throw in a twist that sends my protagonist off in a completely new direction. My life has been enriched by love and companionship, humor, science, music, exposure to different cultures and environments, good food, good sex (eventually), and some wonderful mentors. I try to weave these components into my various literary efforts.
I have written three novels in this way which together form The JB Trilogy: The Sex School (adolescent sex education), The Odyssey of Jason Baudelaire (finding love when you are a field biologist), and The Old Folk’s Sex School (facing up to senior life). In effect, these three novels constitute a slightly fictional autobiography: events from my youth are described in The Sex School, those in middle life woven into The Odyssey, and my current situation providing the fodder for Old Folks. I did write a real autobiography several years ago, but these books are much more fun!
In addition to the novels, I have written a number of essays on politics, sex, and science and one short story revising a classical Biblical tale. These are available on this website.
I am not a fan of social media, which I find exploitative, but have an email: jjwinham381@gmail.com