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That’s right, friends, I’m climbing out of my summer slacker status to declare International Dan Day. As a Canadian (he’s American), I feel like I have the right.

You already follow Scribbles on Cocktail Napkins, so you probably know Dan. He’s the guy that comments on every single post, because he’s supportive like that. If you’re a longtime follower of the blog, you probably know our story. About a year and a half ago Dan introduced himself to me in a critique group and . . . ripped one of my favorite chapters of Old Souls to smithereens. And then he helped me fix it. Dan is the reason my story isn’t weighed down with a boring beginning, superfluous dialogue tags, and confusing action scenes. Not only that, Dan is the glue behind Writers Off Task with Friends. How WOTWF usually rolls: Dan cracks a joke while Allison and I try to compose ourselves.

Dan is the reason I started Scribbles on Cocktail Napkins. He’s also the reason I have a social media platform with eleven thousand followers and counting.

He taught me to do it.

But, you know what? He offers pretty much everyone the same tips he’s shared with me over at his website , www.DanAlatorre.com.

Because Dan is . . . awesome.

Along with being a great friend, critique partner, AND mentor, what you may not know is that Dan is also an AMAZING author. I can say that, because I’ve read almost all of his books. If YOU haven’t . . . you should. And you should start with THE NAVIGATORS. This book is fresh off the presses, kids! I am INCREDIBLY proud of my friend. Dan’s writing is packed with unexpected twists and turns. It’s just smart. He’s the kind of writer that keeps your attention from beginning to end. A freak landslide at a remote mine site uncovers a strange machine to Barry’s group of paleontology students. Wary of corrupt school officials, his team takes the machine home to study it in secret, reaching only one realistic – and unbelievable – conclusion: It was designed to bridge the time-space continuum. It’s a time machine.

Fleeing for their lives, the students must fight the school, the police, and each other if they want to learn the truth about what they’ve discovered – a truth with more severe consequences than any of them can predict.

Recently, Allison and I sat down with Dan on Writers Off Task With Friends to talk about The Navigators.

Dan’s writing is clever, witty, and the story will keep you guessing until the moment you turn the last page. In fact, the book JUST came out, and it’s already scored a slew of FIVE STAR reviews!

Reviewer love for The Navigators: “The Navigators is the brilliant adventure of a group of students on an archaeology dig at a Florida mining site . . . Well written, with extremely interesting characters, the pace and tension had me quite breathless, as they hurtled from one disaster to the next.”

“This story had me hooked from the start, a well thought out complex storyline that has everything. Mystery, intrigue, betrayal and romance. In addition, enough danger and excitement to sink several ships!”

“I had to read it. It did not disappoint. This book grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the. very. last. line. Dan Alatorre is an exceptional writer, the details, feelings and wit in this story draw you in, and you feel like you are right there with each character.”

“This book by author, Dan Alatorre, is fast-paced, easy to read, and keeps you wanting more. His characters are memorable and his story is unique. It was great reading about a story that takes place in Tampa, Florida, considering I lived there myself for a time. I never managed to find a time machine whilst I was there though. I wonder where I would have gone if I had!” “This time travel book is a real gem! I loved The Navigators. From the very start, the reader is swept into the action, which revolves around finding a time travel machine, and the consequences that follow. I loved the character of Missy, and the plot twists throughout the story. It kept the reader on the edge of their seats. Well done!”

The reviews don’t lie. Buy The Navigators. Leave a review. Then, check his other books out, too. You won’t be disappointed. And you’ll be helping me help one of my friends. That feels good, doesn’t it??



