Published: June 20, 2006
Rockford Register Star

Get to know me
John Prieve

Who is he? Prieve is a Beloit, Wis., native who has lived in six different cities since graduating from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis. He spent two decades in the pharmaceutical industry, which served as the background to his first novel, the fictional thriller “Big Pharma.” The book was released in April and is available online at BarnesandNoble.com and Amazon.com. He is working on two sequels to “Big Pharma,” scheduled for completion in 2007 and 2008. Prieve’s wife, Tracy, manages their literary marketing company, Duchess Inc. His son, Chase, is a sophomore at Hononegah High School. The father-son duo are co-authoring a preteen book series, “Mattress Football,” scheduled for completion in the fall.

Any big plans this summer? My plans for the summer include marketing and promoting my book throughout the Midwest through readings, book signings and personal appearances. My son and I also plan on finishing writing “Mattress Football.”

What is the last good book you read? Just like nearly everyone else in the world, “The Da Vinci Code.” Dan Brown is the master at weaving a great suspense thriller.

Favorite movie: The “Godfather” series. There are so many life lessons underscored in these movies: “Friends come and go, but enemies last forever.” “Keep your friends close, but your enemies even closer.” “Learn how to cook a good spaghetti, and you’ll never go hungry again.”

If you could pick up and leave the area today, where would you go? My family and I would pick up for our favorite island, Maui. You just can’t beat the island life.

If you could meet any three people, living or dead, who would they be? I would love to meet Jesus Christ, Vince Lombardi and Bruce Springsteen.

What do you appreciate most about your son? Chase is known for his honesty, humor, thoughtfulness and respect for others.

What are you wearing right now? I am wearing a business suit because I’m working my “day job” as a sales manager for a pharmaceutical company.

If you were to win a million dollars, what would you do? I would make a significant contribution to my church, St. Peter’s in South Beloit; travel with my family through Europe and, of course, invest the balance.

What is your proudest moment ever? My proudest moment so far is the publication “Big Pharma.” Did I mention that it is available online at BarnesandNoble.com?

By Dustin J. Seibert