Operation Tollbooth received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Kip Cassino.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The book is “Operation Tollbooth,” published January 22, 2025.
What’s the book’s first line?
“The brand-new lieutenant sat alone at the big semi-circular bar, his duffel bag beneath his feet.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
There were plans for using nuclear weapons in Vietnam, and soldiers were actually trained for the mission. “Operation Tollbooth” depicts a nuclear strike on the Ho Chi Minh Trail that might have taken place, through the eyes of a young Army lieutenant caught up in the event.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
In 1967, As a “butter bar” lieutenant serving in South Korea, I actually helped train men secretly sent from Vietnam to prepare for such a mission. No more was heard from them, but the writer in me always wondered, “What if …” The book is my answer to that question.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
People should read this book to get an idea of what the world was like sixty years ago, for young men swept into a terrible war in Asia.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
There’s a lot of me in Xabier Brede—more than in any of the other books I’ve written so far (there have been five others). I also drew from other young men I knew back then that I admired.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I’ve wanted to write all my life and got to (for pay) as a newspaper reporter—and later on as a market analyst and researcher. Fiction was limited to short stories until I retired. Then my wonderful wife (God rest her) insisted I write a book a year, to give purpose she claimed. I’ve followed her orders (as I always did), and plan to write at least one book a year until God stops me.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
“Operation Tollbooth” is my sixth book.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I’m retired now, so my main activities are taking care of a very spoiled Shih-Tsu and watching eight grandchildren grow.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I normally need between four and six months to write a book.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The hardest part of being an indie is marketing. I’m no good at it, and buying it is too damn expensive for an old man on a VA pension.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Learn how to market, or find a partner who does.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
If a traditional publisher contacted me, I would first check him or her out thoroughly. There are an amazing number of scams going around. Some are remarkably sophisticated. Then I would tell him or her about the next three books I intend to write.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I have always loved to write. Seeing the world I’m depicting with my words and watching the characters within it take shape is fascinating.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
John Fowles. His books have always brought out emotion in me. Ernest Hemingway as well.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
My next one.