SOUTH FLORIDA

 Mark your calendar for the next edition of the Authors Showcase Series- A Virtual Experience on JANUARY 17, 2026, at 6:15p.m. EST featuring  JOSEPH R. PINON, author of a “Sand and Hope: My Journey in Iraq,” a personal memoir of life in Iraq from 2007 to 2009 and story of danger, resilience and the small victories that kept hope alive during the Iraq War.  

     He will be interviewed by Dr. Cecilia V. Shaw on the YouTube channel of the South Florida Writers Association (SFWA), https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcl-Zf1T5TsDZTJtvPyb1Pg  

     His books are available for sale at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Learn more about the author and his books at http://www.joepinon.com   

About the Author  

     Joseph R. Pinon is an acclaimed author, memoirist, and historical fiction writer whose life journey bridges American public service with the ancient traditions of the Middle East. His works, including “Sheikh Alawi: The Black Scorpion,” “The Path of Heroes Is Paved in Blood,” and “Sand and Hope: My Journey in Iraq,” explore themes of courage, sacrifice, cultural heritage, and survival in some of the world’s most challenging landscapes.  

     Before becoming an author, Joseph served as a senior government leader in Florida. He was Assistant City Manager of Miami and Miami Beach, where he oversaw urban development, public safety, and international city operations. Later, as Director of Homeland Security for Miami-Dade County, he coordinated emergency preparedness and homeland security initiatives for one of the largest counties in the United States. His commitment to service led him overseas. Joseph joined the U.S. Department of State, serving two years in Iraq as a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Leader in Salah ad Din Province. There, he worked directly with U.S. military commanders, Iraqi tribal leaders, and local councils to strengthen governance, improve infrastructure, and promote economic recovery during a time of war. His firsthand experiences under fire, his diplomatic role in fostering trust with Arab leaders, and his deep immersion in Iraqi and Bedouin culture shaped the foundation of his storytelling. Joseph’s memoir, ‘Sand and Hope,” is a powerful account of his time in Iraq. It blends personal narrative with historical insight, offering readers a rare inside look at life inside joint U.S.-Iraqi operations, the struggles of tribal communities, and the hopes for peace that endured despite violence. His novels, including “Sheikh Alawi: The Black Scorpion” and “The Path of Heroes Is Paved in Blood,” draw upon Bedouin folklore, Arab proverbs, desert history, and oral traditions. These works bring to life the timeless values of honor, loyalty, and courage, appealing to readers of Middle Eastern history, war literature, and historical adventure fiction. 

      Joseph writes with a mission: to preserve cultural memory, highlight the resilience of Iraq’s people, and connect Western readers with Middle Eastern traditions often left untold. His books are more than stories—they are bridges between Iraq and America, between modern conflict and ancient wisdom, and between personal sacrifice and collective hope. Beyond his professional service and literary career, Jose is a husband, family man, and lifelong learner who believes in faith, perseverance, and the power of storytelling. His work continues to inspire readers seeking authentic war memoirs, historical novels set in the Middle East, and firsthand accounts of U.S. State Department missions in Iraq. Through his writing, Joseph R. Pinon invites readers to walk with him across the deserts of Mesopotamia, meet tribal sheikhs and soldiers, and discover that even in times of war, there is always hope.  

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The Authors Showcase Series program provides a platform for members to discuss their books or writing process on YouTube and develop an audience for literary works. In addition to the video for marketing, the member also gets publicity and various promotional support from volunteers of the association by print, email and social media tools.

Please contact Dr. Cecilia Shaw, cvshawbooks@gmail.com, 

Authors Showcase Coordinator and Interviewer, for more information.