Alan Bower
The Last Stop: Lincoln & the “Mud Circuit”
1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?
In March of 2006, I attended a meeting, in Taylorville, Illinois with its mayor, tourism council and president of the local historical society along with others interested in documenting Lincoln’s presence, activities and relationships in the city. This information would be used in promoting the city and its connection with Mr. Lincoln as part of the Looking for Lincoln project. “The Last Stop” was the result of that research project I agreed to undertake.
2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?
I am directly descended from Joseph Durbin Sr., one of the first settlers who came to Christian County in 1829 and lived on Bear Creek, then part of Montgomery County. His brother, John “Stumpy” Durbin, arriving a year earlier is the great-great-great grandfather of Illinois Senator Richard Durbin. They both knew Lincoln for he represented members of their families in several cases. The two brothers are buried in the Durbin ancestral cemetery on Bear Creek in Christian County.
3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic? The number of books available on Mr. Lincoln is said to number in excess of 15,000. I am sure the reader can find something that would interest them.
4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?
My reasons are the same as your original thoughts.
5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?
Anyone having a keen interest in the early years of Mr. Lincoln in the Illinois Assembly and his life on the Eight Judicial Circuit would find “The Last Stop” valuable in studying the types of cases he had including the extremely important relationships he established which would lead him to the White House.
6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?
Passion…without it nothing happens.
7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?
They perhaps fail to realize that anyone can write or they think they don’t have the time.
8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?
A great journey begins with one small step and the same can be said for writing. The prospect of writing book can be intimidating and daunting task but if broken down into its individual parts the process soon looses it’s sense of enormity.
9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?
Motivation to succeed in anything we attempt comes from many sources and not always measurable in terms such as money or fame which can be fleeting.
10 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Never be afraid to try something you have never done before….you might be greatly surprised at the results…the best hitters in baseball strike out 70% of the time.
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