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 "Inception" tells the
story of billionaire philanthropist, Martin Lochridge, who believes
the best legacy he can leave humanity is a United States of America
that truly fulfills the ideals of the Founding Fathers. To
accomplish this, he and the group of his creation, "Ops Populi"
(meaning "power to the people"), believe government must be reformed
at its most fundamental level: the constitution that created our
republic. 
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Mike Lieber
Mike Lieber holds bachelor's and
master'sdegrees in political science. A business owner,
husband and father, he previously served in the US Army,
first as an enlisted man, and then as commissioned
officer. He and his family live in Virginia.
http://www.op-usa.org
"What some people give for their country is life
changing. "Inception" tells the success story of retired
billionaire and army officer Sean May. When an injury in
Iraq sends him on a spiral onto the streets poor and
destitute, his only chance for happiness may be one caring
woman and a piece of evidence that could damn several
corrupt individuals higher up. "Inception" is an absorbing
novel of political intrigue and patriotism." Midwest Book
Review
" 'Inception' is a real page-turner. Multiple sub-plots
deftly interwoven. Mike Lieber has obviously done his
research. (Having spent time in the Army followed by a
career with the Federal Government dealing with military
issues, I can vouch for the accuracy of many of the book's
details.) I was even motivated to re-read the Constitution
after an unpatriotic lapse of many years. There is obviously
a sequel coming. I'll try to be first in line." Richard L.
Wight
"A fascinating read, and undoubtedly relevant in today's
world. I found this novel to be both highly informative and
entertaining at the same time. Ops Populi - Inception is
sure to get you thinking and asking yourself 'What if?' It
will leave you eager to read more..." C. Rogel
Books-And-Authors.net: Where did you grow up and was reading and
writing a part of your life? Who were your earliest influences
and why?
Mike Lieber: I was raised in central Ohio, mostly in Columbus. I
am told I was read to before I could walk, talk, or eat solid
food, so needless to say, reading has been an important part of
my life. I can trace my love of history to the beginning of
second grade, when I received a set of American history books
that I read and re-read constantly. In high school and college,
I studied Latin, which not only exposed me to some of the
classics, but also ignited the passionate love of language that
will undoubtedly burn in me for the rest of my life.
Books-And-Authors.net: Why do you write?
Mike Lieber: As I said above, I love language, and writing is a
natural artistic outlet for me. I write for the sheer pleasure
of it; I can think of nothing more personally satisfying than
creating a literary work of substance through the skillful use
of language.
Books-And-Authors.net: Briefly discuss your new book INCEPTION?
Relate the title to your plot/story.
Mike Lieber: "Inception" tells the story of billionaire
philanthropist, Martin Lochridge, who believes the best legacy
he can leave humanity is a United States of America that truly
fulfills the ideals of the Founding Fathers. To accomplish this,
he and the group of his creation, "Ops Populi" (meaning "power
to the people"), believe government must be reformed at its most
fundamental level: the constitution that created our republic.
The Framers ensured that the American people retained sovereign
power, so it is the sovereign citizens of the country who must
assert their supremacy to wrest control from the elite.
"Inception" begins the epochal transition to the next great
phase of America's evolution.
Books-And-Authors.net: Who is Sean May?
Mike Lieber: Sean is the inspiration for Martin Lochridge and,
therefore, the catalyst for Ops Populi. As the story begins, he
is a National Guardsman on active duty in Iraq, and he comes
into the possession of a computer flash drive holding
incriminating evidence of corruption at the highest levels of
government. In civilian life, he is a political science
professor whose doctoral dissertation discusses what he later
comes to believe is the very necessary but virtually impossible
process of a "peoples' convention" to correct systemic flaws in
the U.S. Constitution. But he does not know that ten years
before, he planted the seed to transform his vision into reality
at a lecture on his dissertation topic hosted by a small, Maine
non-profit – a lecture attended by the wealthy and
well-connected Lochridge.
Books-And-Authors.net: INCEPTION is very well researched and
relevant. How did you research? What did you learn while
researching for the book?
Mike Lieber: In a sense, I have been researching Inception for
over 20 years, going all the way back to graduate school when
the idea first came to me. Political science -- particularly
American government -- is another passionate interest of mine,
so I have continued my studies more or less throughout most of
my adult life. The maturation of the internet has created
enormous -- and unprecedented -- potential for civic
participation in government, not to mention a seemingly
unlimited resource for any writer, especially one who writes
about politics.
Books-And-Authors.net: Plot or character - Which do you feel is
more important and why?
Mike Lieber: In the case of "Inception," plot is clearly the
most significant, if for no other reason than it leads the
reader to the crucial "non-fiction" message I am trying to
convey. On the other hand, to take a subject that most consider
rather dull and turn it into entertainment was an interesting
challenge in both plot and character development, so if I am to
succeed as the messenger, there has to be a synergism produced
be the combination of the two.
Books-And-Authors.net: Hollywood just called and asked for you
to cast INCEPTION - Who would you cast and why?
Mike Lieber: No harm in indulging in a little fantasy now and
then! Well now, I have to admit I am not a big movie watcher,
but I'll do my best for the three main characters:
1. Harrison Ford would make a good Martin Lochridge -- Wise,
worldly, tough – yet, unpretentious.
2. For Sean May, I need someone who can look early forty-ish, be
believable as an intellectual while also physically strong, but
emotionally vulnerable. Perhaps David James Elliot of JAG
notoriety.
3. Virginia ("Ginny") Burress -- Sandra Bullock is my first
choice for her innocent beauty, charm and wit, but she would
have to be able to still pass for early thirties.
Books-And-Authors.net: I understand INCEPTION is the first of a
series? Discuss.
Mike Lieber: Inception sets the stage for a three-part series.
The second book will center around the great drama and intrigue
of formidable and determined resistance from the established
power elite against a surge of mass activism -- something that
has not been seen in this country since the Civil Rights
Movement. The culmination -- the actual convention -- will be
the basis for the third, and final book in the series.
Books-And-Authors.net: What do you hope to achieve with
INCEPTION?
Mike Lieber: I hope a wide swath of the American public will not
only engage in a discussion about the proper role of government
in our society going forward, but also be moved to assert their
constitutional sovereignty to re-make government into an
instrument that promotes the "general welfare" of our nation
rather than the entrenched special interests that currently have
our public policy – and our future – in a stranglehold.
Books-And-Authors.net: What was the last book you read?
Mike Lieber: Non-fiction: "John Adams"
Fiction: "Eragon"
Books-And-Authors.net: What's next?
Mike Lieber: I am currently half-way through "Eldest," the
sequel to "Eragon." Next up: "A Peoples' History of the United
States," by Howard Zinn
Books-And-Authors.net: Do you have any hobbies? What are they?
How do they enhance your writing?
Mike Lieber: Physical activity -- walking, swimming, lifting
weights, working in the yard, etc. -- helps clear the mind,
sharpen mental acuity. I love travel and working with wood,
though I have precious little time to indulge myself in either.
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