GEORGIA AUTHOR FEATURE - J.D. Doug Porter

GeorgiaRadio.com Continues Conversations with Local
Authors: J.D. "Doug" Porter Discusses His Latest Book


GEORGIA RADIO - We're thrilled to continue our series of
conversations with local Georgia authors, celebrating the rich
tapestry of voices that make up our literary community. This
week, Matt Jolley sits down with J.D. "Doug" Porter, a retired
manager of parks, zoos, and museums who has seamlessly
transitioned into the literary world with his latest book,
"Roaming, Rambling, and Reminiscing: Musings from a South Georgia
Mule Wagon."


After a remarkable forty-year career dedicated to wildlife and
education, Doug retired only to find himself in an unexpected yet
fitting role: a part-time mule wagon driver at a quail hunting
plantation in South Georgia. This unique job, driving mules and
observing hunters amid the serene pine forests, provided Doug
with ample time for reflection. It was during these quiet
moments, accompanied by cantankerous mules and a lively cocker
spaniel, that Doug began to pen his thoughts, eventually leading
to a series of newspaper articles and ultimately, his latest
book.


"Roaming, Rambling, and Reminiscing" offers readers a profound
glimpse into Doug's contemplations on a lifetime spent with the
non-human animals that share our planet. His insights are both
reflective and engaging, capturing the essence of his experiences
from the vantage point of a mule wagon.


In addition to his non-fiction work, Doug is also a talented
fiction writer. His debut novel, "The Menagerie, A Zoo Story,"
explores the lives of animals in zoos and the complex dynamics of
their care. His subsequent works, "The Dogcatcher and The Fox"
and "Lessons from the Zoo, Ten Animals That Changed My Life,"
delve into historical fiction and memoir, respectively, each
underscoring his deep connection to and passion for animal
welfare.


Doug's forthcoming novel promises to be another captivating
exploration, this time focusing on our working animal partners
such as elephants, horses, and his old friends, the mules. These
animals, once indispensable for their roles in transportation,
agriculture, and entertainment, faced an uncertain future with
the advent of mechanization in the early 20th century. Through
his storytelling, Doug aims to give these animals a voice,
encouraging readers to consider the intricate relationships
humans share with the creatures that depend on us.


"I don’t pretend to know their stories," Doug says, "but I am
compelled to give them a voice."


Doug's fictional worlds challenge us to reflect on our complex
and often contradictory relationship with animals, prompting us
to think deeply about what it means to coexist on this planet.
His work is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and
animals, and his stories invite us to explore this connection in
all its multifaceted dimensions.


Doug's publications include:



Roaming, Rambling, and Reminiscing: Musings from a
South Georgia Mule Wagon (Non-Fiction, 2024)


Lessons from the Zoo, Ten Animals That Changed My
Life (Non-Fiction, Memoir, 2020)


The Dogcatcher and The Fox (Historical
Fiction, 2020)


The Menagerie, A Zoo Story (Historical
Fiction, 2012)






Tune in to GeorgiaRadio.com to hear more from Doug as he shares
insights from his latest book and discusses his fascinating
journey from managing zoos to storytelling from a mule wagon.


QUICK LINK: https://jdporterbooks.com/


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