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Oh, the power of dreams! Without dreams nothing gets done.
As John Lennon once said, "A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality."
And so I want to share with you a dream I had last year as I was napping with the warm Texas sunshine filtering through my bedroom window and my Australian Shepherd across the foot of my bed. Nice music was playing on my XM player, and I was totally relaxed in that quasi-slumber only experienced by us "Pro Nappers."
A movie of my own making started running through my sub- conscious. A wonderful story beautifully unfolded in my head about an Australian Shepherd who lived in the mountainous sheep country of Montana. Suffice it to say, I’ve spent my entire career in Television and Movies, as an actor, writer, and producer, so having an extremely active imagination is just something for which I’ve been both blessed and cursed.
As the movie in my mind came to a close, obviously no longer drowsy, I jumped up and ran down the stairs to relate the entire story to my wife, Cathy. With loving encouragement, and a sassy wink of her eye, she suggested that I go to the computer and write the story down before it “faded to black."
The Bandit Project is not only a complete account of how my original movie-dream became the novel, “Down from the Mountain: the Story of Bandit and the Wolf,” it is an exercise in integrated publishing by design. In other words, it is the practice of a community of people coming together to bring a story to life in every conceivable form for every relevant function.
Subscribe today to keep up with The Bandit Project. Learn more about Bandit and our community of friends who have played such an important part in the making of his story. And then Join us in the many opportunities we will be providing through this blog to contribute to the manifestation of 'Down from the Mountain: the Story of Bandit and the Wolf.'
Now in Print!
In the vein of Jack London, and Albert P. Terhune, Down from the Mountain: the Story of Bandit and the Wolf is an action packed novel as far sweeping as the big skies of Montana, where it all takes place. Jim MacKrell salutes the resolve of the American rancher and the animals that work ‘loyally’ alongside to provide the very essence of our rural way of life.
Take a Trip to the Big Sky of Montana Through the Eyes of "Man's Best Friend and Working Partner", the Working Stock Dog. What a wonderful read. This book touches your heart. It gives you insight into the beautiful Big Sky Country of Montana as well as the life of a sheep rancher and his friend and partner the working stock dog. There is drama, peace, tears and kindness all wrapped up in a touching story of a man, his livelihood, and his dogs.
~ Barb Moe (Montana)
A beautifully written story set in Montana on a sheep ranch about a sheepherder and his beautiful working Australian Shepherds. Once you start reading the book, you will not put it down. One of the best books I have read. MacKrell has done a superb job capturing the love,loyalty and heart of the Australian Shepherd.
~ Judie Manuel (Montana)
A great read. This is the type of book you just can't put down. Put a log on the fire and enjoy a journey into Big Sky Country, friendship, and a dog's special companionship. Highly recommended.
~ Mike Deciutiis (California)
James MacKrell serves up an ace! Jim has displayed his talents on the silver screen and on the tennis courts but has found a new career as novelist extraordinaire. Enjoyed every page of the book and have made a list of family and friends who will receive their copies for Christmas!
~ Stephen Schlacks (Texas)
Inside view of a working dog and man's best friend! This is a wonderful story about man's best friend as a companion and working partner. The setting of Montana in which it takes place brings out the best about this part of the country. I recommend this book to anyone who loves animals and has a place in his/her heart where animals live. I volunteer at St. Francis wolf sanctuary in Texas and have found many special animals to share my life with. My friend Jean Lefevre who runs the sanctuary is a testament to what one person can do to change the lives of so many lost and abused animals. Anyone who reads 'Down from the Mountain' will find a heartwarming experience.
~ Linda K. Ross (Texas)
This is a journey through places and times most of us can never see. The author presents an emotionally charged storyline in memorable ways that will surely win awards. I enjoyed this novel immensely, and I recommend it to all age groups.
~ Bud Connell (Arkansas)
James Mackrell accurately portrays the Australian Shepherd breed as a working partner, a guardian, and a best bud. From page one to the last page, you are captivated by his many characters from dogs to sheep to wolves to mankind, his scenary in the gorgeous Big Skye ranching country of Montana, and his action-packed story that never lets you down. This book would make a terrific movie. It is definitely a story for the entire family to enjoy.
~Ann Shope (New Mexico)
