My grandfather, Arlie Hascall, was from David City. He took me gopher hunting and called me Skipper Pete all the time. I thought he just didn't remember my name. The endearing name stayed with me and, the truth is, I love the name, Skipper Pete. So, that's the name I have for my website and my works. Thanks Grandpa Hascall.
What's your next project?
My next novel is Rodeo Clown--Emmett, a goofy ranch-hand, is in a constant semi-combative state willing to brawl with anyone and always looking for the rodeo bronc or bull no mortal can overcome. He may have met his match in a humble New Yorker, William, who sees something more in Emmett, his imminent death.
I'm working on Skipper Pete, YA fiction. The Adventures of Skipper Pete which will have four books; the adventures take place in North America. A young boy, Skipper Pete, crosses The Bridge of Transition ruled by a beast, "The Creek Monster" The story is steeped in Native American mythology and North American mythological creatures. Book I, II, and III are done. Book IV, "Battle in the Gray" - I'm working on the story and look forward fall of 2025.
Yes, I have two YouTube channels; here are the direct links: Skipper Pete Books or Skipper Pete Travel or Michael Lachance
Where do you get story ideas from?
From life, from my wild imagination, from people watching and saying to myself, "what if?" What if that guy waiting near the jetway door looked around him at a fever pitch. Every movement from people's legs, to pets paws, to the janitor by the bathroom picking his nose caught his attention. And then, the police show up. He fidgets, hands wringing one over the other, and then he shouts, "they are following me!" There ya go...;)>.
What are your four favorite books, and why?
My favorite books are: While England Sleeps by David Leavitt. I think it perfectly told a slice of life story and I loved the characters. The Boys in the Brownstone by Kevin Scott was a great character read. The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst was set in 1983 (the year I graduated HS!); it also hit home that while I was in the Air Force, Regan was President and there was no way a man on active duty could be anything more than just a man, a straight man. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller was a triumph and, I felt, uniquely told about the years of Achilles and Patroclus; I love the story of The Iliad and felt that this novel added spice.
For dates on book signing, appearances?
Please check the events calendar.
Describe your desk.
My desk is a mess; I used to keep everything in its place, but I find that's harder with a growing collection of paper notes, new books, and my thoughts that there's a pile for it.
Who are your favorite Authors?
My favorite author is David Leavitt and his book, "While England Sleeps". I'm also keen on Madeline Miller - Song of Achilles and Circe.
Do you prefer a particular genre?
My favorite genre is romance. I love historical stories where, against incredible odds, love prevailed.
What are your thoughts on censorship and book banning?
I am against book bans and censorship. I believe we, as a whole world of people, have to mature and trust our fellow readers to know what to do about material that foments hate toward a specific group of people or how to make a bomb. I do not believe we've reached the apex of reading maturity.