Where did you get the idea for the story of Johnny Airplane?
Around 1975 when my son was around 3 or 4 years old, he was fighting going to sleep, as little boys often do. So he bargained: if I would tell him a story, he would go to sleep.
How much did the story change over time? Is the print version different from the version you told to your children?
The story definitely evolved over time – if anything, it changed a little bit each time I told it. A bit more detail is here.
Were you really a member of the 82nd Airborne?
Yes, I was. While stationed at Fort Bragg from 1973 to 1976, I spent part of the time with the 612th Air Delivery Company, a parachute rigging company. This company was an 18th Airborne Corps asset, and we were responsible for rigging and packing equipment for the 18th Airborne Corps, which is the parent unit of the 82nd Airborne Division. Then, since I was armor, I was able to transfer to the 4/68th Armor Battalion, a battalion of light tanks within the 82nd.
(This might be more information than you really wanted, but as some folks have made the unfortunate decision to deceive others about having served in the military for their own aggrandizement, I thought it best to go into some detail to demonstrate my military service. Or maybe you really did want that level of detail. In either case, you’re welcome!)
How long is Johnny Airplane? What age is the book appropriate for?
The story and pictures together make up a total of 27 pages. It’s great for children four to seven. (Big kids might like it too!)
Is it available on e-readers like the Kindle?
Not yet. If there’s enough demand, I’ll definitely consider it.
How did you come up with the name BalesTales.com?
I was talking with a friend about my book, and out loud considered eventually turning it into a series. He immediately responded, “Why, you should call it Bales Tales!” The rest, as they say, is history.
You have five children. How many grandchildren do you have?
At last count, we have 15 grandchildren.
