By JAMES D. WATTS JR. Scene Writer on Oct 4, 2011, at 3:33 PM Updated on 10/04 at 3:33 PM
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James Houston Turner
James Houston Turner, who has turned his experiences behind the Iron Curtain into a series of thrillers, will be at the Woodland Plaza Barnes & Noble, 8670 E. 71st St., from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday to sign copies of his latest novel, "Department 13."
Turner is a Kansas native whose books include a volume of poetry and "The Spud Book: 101 Ways to Cook Potatoes." He also worked for several years as a photojournalist in Los Angeles.
He developed a cancerous tumor in his face in 1991, that forced him to relocate to Australia to seek treatment and ultimate reconstruction of the right side of his face. His determination to overcome this illness translated into his writing fiction.
"Department 13" is the story of a former KGB agent now living in Australia who suddenly finds himself targeted by a secretive and murderous organization. For a time, Turner worked as a courier and smuggler in Communist-controlled countries, and his experiences help give a stronger sense of realism to his story.
Turner is calling this trek to promote his novel the "Too Ugly" Tour, referring to his being turned down for a job soon after his surgery because of the way he looked.
On his website, Turner states: "Coming that close to death had a profound effect on me...one that I cannot fully articulate other than to say it made me look at life and what's important much differently. It ignited emotions I didn't know I had, and these emotions continue to affect my writing. My characters have flaws, wrestle with fears, have passions, and face challenges with the same emotions and fears that I felt."
He also uses his public appearances to encourage people who have been told they are "too something" to be accepted or successful.
Turner's tour is sponsored by Qantas Airlines and Jacob's Creek Wines of Australia.
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