We here at What We Reading were honoured to receive a copy of Tom Jenkins’ book, The Next Run. Fast-paced, vivid in its description and astute in its observations, The Next Run chronicles Jenkins’ years as a pot smuggler in the 1960s and 1970s. With such a multi-layered and enthralling story to tell, we were able to catch up with Tom and speak to him about everything from his life as a smuggler, his love for Jack Kerouac, and his plans for the future!
Thanks for speaking with us, Tom! First off, tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to the world of writing.
I had a great story to tell – a story that wound through twists and turns over a ten-year period. I’ve often thought if I had another 99 lives to live, none could be as remarkable and exciting as my life during the period 1965-75.
Talk to us about The Next Run. What’s it about, and what made you put your story to paper?
It’s an account of my experiences smuggling marijuana into the States, first hidden in cars, then by plane, and at one point by wading sacks through the Rio Grande. By 1975 I was heading the Colombian end of an operation using a twin-engine cargo plane to drop bales to waiting speedboats off the coast of Florida, and at the same time, my Mexican contacts were sending me six-ton shipments driven into California in semis past a bribed customs officer.
What is the number one goal you want your work to have with readers?
I want them to have a good read. On the way, they may learn some things about subjects as diverse as math, mental illness, aviation, and the morality and ethics of pot smuggling. Unlike most true crime stories, my protagonist evolves considerably over the course of the book, leading to an unusual surprise ending.
What do you think makes you stand out as an author?
A lot of rendering as opposed to reporting. Abundant dialogue, vivid description, suspense. Many readers have commented on the cinematic nature of my writing.
What would you say has been your biggest success so far?
Hopefully The Next Run.
If you could go back in time to one book you read for the first time, what would it be and why?
On The Road. I like authors who write about life – its joys and struggles. Kerouac does an excellent job of this in On The Road. I also love the lyric quality of his writing, his wry humour, and the idiosyncratic speaking style of his characters.
What’s one tip you would give your younger self if you had the opportunity?
In terms of writing, it would be simply to let go and put down whatever comes to mind. Be loose! You can edit later. Try to limit the amount of editing you do prior to putting pen to paper.
And finally, what do you hope the future holds for you and your writing?
My career as a primary care physician has been almost as unusal as my career as a pot smuggler. I have taken extensive notes regarding my more interesting interactions with patients and find that my notes often lead to observations about healthcare in general. My past as a pot smuggler and my background in mathematics gave me an exceptional advantage in practicing medicine and guiding healthcare (which I did on the local level). I hope to turn these notes into a nonfiction book.
Make sure you check out The Next Run and all of Tom’s Work on his website or on Instagram
Check Out Our Interview With Ed Duncan
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
