Denver Bronco, Business Owner, Teacher, And Now, Author

Aug. 1, 2012 - PRLog -- Westcliffe, Colo. - Harvey Goodman has traveled what was, at times, a circuitous career path. The former professional football player, bartender, drummer, turkey plant supervisor, construction worker, business owner, teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent has now re-invented himself once again as an author of Western fiction, recently releasing his second book.

"I attended the University of Colorado (Boulder) on a football scholarship (1972, 73, 74), played there, but did not take the academic side of things very seriously and did not graduate. Instead, I went on to play 32 NFL games that included the 1976 season for the Denver Broncos," said Goodman.

"After my brief career, I did a little bit of everything for several years. Eventually, I opened my own business, building and installing oil-field vessel buildings in the badlands of N.D., Wyo., Mont., and Colo.," continued Goodman.

When the oil industry collapsed in the late 1980’s, Goodman re-evaluated his professional life and felt drawn to education, "To me, public education is critical in helping our young people develop their intellect and skills to become informed, independent thinkers who participate wholly in this great American democracy."

With the support of his high-school sweetheart and wife, Gabrielle, Goodman, father of three sons, decided to return to school and finish his college education at the University of Northern Colorado. "I took it all very seriously and worked very hard at my studies - something I hadn't done with my first collegiate opportunity," says Goodman.

Following graduation, Goodman taught high school history for five years while coaching football and track, then served as high school principal for five years, and finished as a school superintendent before retiring in 2007.

After retiring in 2007, Goodman was again at a crossroads, "Like my decision to go into education, writing a book came upon me as a calling, a challenge. My decision was rather sudden; unlike many authors, writing was not something I had thought about for any length of time."

"As a lover of history, the Western genre, to me, represents a time and place in America that is the essence of the frontier spirit and courage that forged the backbone of this country. People who came West were self-reliant spirits that wanted and expected nothing more than a chance at life. There was nobody to call on for help except neighbors (if you were lucky enough to have any). Such challenge and independence appeals to me and enlivens my own sense of adventure."

Goodman's first novel, Along the Fortune Trail, received industry recognition including “Runner-Up” recognition in the Genre Category at the 2010 Hollywood Book Festival, and honorable mention in the Fiction category at the Los Angeles Book Festival.

Recently released, Goodman's second novel, Winds of Redemption, is a sequel to his first book and continues the adventures of main character Sammy Winds in 1870's New Mexico. The book received an honorable mention in the Fiction category of the Hollywood Book Festival.

"Every aspect of writing is challenging: creating a vision, telling a story that captivates the reader, leading them to their own integration and ownership of the experience. Writers must entertain, excite, and elicit an intellectual and emotional journey of their own and then translate that to the reader."

"Throughout the process, I have learned that writing is hard work that requires perseverance and dedication. Getting your books published is a different process, which is not particularly pleasant or quick, but it is immensely satisfying and fulfilling to hold that first printed copy in your hands!"

If you need more information or would like to schedule an interview with Harvey Goodman, please contact Rashel Carnefix at (719) 445-9582 or email rcarnefix@hotmail.com