Don Johnston is a multi-award-winning author, entrepreneur, and lifelong science enthusiast. Born in East Texas, his curiosity for the natural world was sparked at age five when he discovered a science book featuring a monarch butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. This moment ignited his lifelong passion for science.
Upon graduating from high school, Don joined the Air Force and served as a jungle survival instructor in Panama. Following his military service, Don pursued degrees in biology and chemistry, eventually founding a successful chemical company. For 45 years, he specialized in water treatment chemicals before retiring and shifting his focus to writing. At 80, Don published his first novel, The Dar Lumbre Chronicles, followed by The Alamogordo Connection and By Means of Peace, which garnered international acclaim and won several awards, including a Book Excellence Award, National Indie Excellence Award and Readers' Favorite Award.
Through compelling storytelling, Don’s work not only entertains, but also challenges readers to confront pressing societal issues. This one-on-one interview shares Don’s background and experience writing By Means of Peace.
Tell us about By Means of Peace.
In a world teetering on the brink of chaos, one man’s promise of peace becomes humanity’s greatest threat.
Reuben Rogov, a charismatic third-party politician, rises to the presidency and becomes a global sensation. In his first term, he achieves the impossible—he brings peace to the Mideast, stares down Russia and China, solves the border crisis, and conquers the Phoenix-75 virus. With unparalleled success, Rogov is hailed as a sociopolitical messiah, winning his second term without opposition.
But as his power grows, cracks begin to show. While most Americans revere him, a few begin to question his motives, suspecting the crises he solved might have been of his own making.
Caught in this storm are a young Houston couple—Darien, a struggling sci-fi writer, and Marisa, a budding politician who moves to Washington to climb the political ladder. As suspicions rise and chaos spreads, their love is tested against a backdrop of political upheaval and hidden agendas.
By Means of Peace is a gripping political thriller that explores the cost of trust, the allure of power, and the fragility of freedom.
What inspired you to write By Means of Peace?
Two years ago, during the height of the midterm election campaigns, I noticed a troubling trend: most Americans were voting strictly along party lines. The concept of "groupthink" struck me powerfully, and it became the seed for By Means of Peace.
In the novel, I explore a future where the two-party system deliberately divides the nation into factions of hyphenated Americans, each manipulated for political gain. This division creates an opening for a third-party candidate to rise—a scenario that raises questions about the balance between unity and control.
While my primary goal is to entertain readers, I also aim to inspire individual thought. My hope is that By Means of Peace sparks conversation and encourages readers to think critically about the world around them.
How did you feel when you found out you received a Book Excellence Award?
I was ecstatic to win a Book Excellence Award! The exposure and promotional opportunities that come with being recognized by Book Excellence are unmatched, and I’m thrilled to use this prestigious honor to propel my work to new heights.
How did your background and experience influence your writing?
During my career as a chemist and microbiologist, I wrote many research reports and technical articles. Upon retirement, I missed the craft of writing and turned to fiction to fill the void.
My work and military service, including over three years stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, allowed me to experience life in various countries and observe a wide range of political dynamics. These experiences deeply inform my novels, where science and politics intertwine to create compelling narratives. Fiction became the perfect way to blend my professional expertise with the lessons I’ve gathered from a life rich in travel and cultural exposure.
What is one message you would like readers to remember?
At its heart, By Means of Peace is more than a story—it’s a wake-up call.
I want readers to be entertained, but to also reflect on the dangers of groupthink and the subtle ways it can undermine individual freedom. The novel serves as a reminder that liberty is never guaranteed; it must be actively protected and defended.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: think critically, question the status quo, and never take freedom for granted.
Purchasing the Book
By Means of Peace has received positive reviews from well-known literary organizations, authors, and reviewers around the world. Kirkus Reviews writes, “Johnston’s work is…distinguished by a rare thread of hope woven throughout the pages…as the novel draws to a close, readers will long for a sequel…a chilling, futuristic tale of freedom lost.” In addition, Reader’s Favorite writes, “A thought-provoking experience that will immerse fans of political thrillers in a complex and highly engaging web of intrigue from start to finish.”
The book is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online bookstores. Readers are encouraged to purchase their copy today: https://www.amazon.com/Means-Peace-Political-describing-groupthink-ebook/dp/B0CB6ZZZ5H
To connect with Don and learn more about his work, visit: https://www.facebook.com/don.johnston.12382.
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