My name is Alan Gunner Lindbloom. I used to go by “Al.” These days, I go by my real middle name, “Gunner.” There’s a story behind the name change. Al was the old me, a bad guy, but I left him in prison. Gunner is the new me, the good guy. Raised in Metro Detroit, an FBI agent once described me to his partner as “an enforcer for elements of the Detroit Mafia.” His words, not mine. But, in hindsight, I guess I was. And a lot more, I was an all-around bad guy. A gangster. Eventually, in 2003, at age 29, I was indicted and sentenced to 13-50 years in prison. But two magical things happened in those cold dark prison cells. First, I discovered my love for writing and penned 9 remarkable novels. Secondly, and even more miraculous, a woman who worked for a publisher became interested in reading one of my manuscripts. Our pen-pal friendship quickly blossomed into a full-blown love story. Over the course of several months, we fell head over heels in love through thousands of pages of love letters. Like a fairytale, she would faithfully wait almost 7 years for me to come home, and we married the day after my release in 2016! A few months later, I published my debut novels, TO BE A KING, Volumes 1 & 2, and within days Volume #1 cracked the top #50 in the Mafia genre. Volume 2 had similar results. Both books currently have 5-star reviews. Shortly after releasing my books, I started a company, “La Mia Famiglia Corp,” and launched “OUR THING” Apparel, a line of clothing and accessories that now sells around the world. I host “OUR THING” Detroit on 910 AM Superstation and am currently the lead writer on a major TV project. I also coach writers and do inspirational speaking engagements for corporate and private venues.

 

I always try to be positive and helpful. To inspire. That’s my mission in life. Lead by example and, corny as it sounds, be the best steward for God and humanity I can be. I’m trying.  One day at a time. I have a unique zeal for life. I suppose 13 years in a cage has that effect. Prison gave me a magnified appreciation for life. For freedom. My past is a constant reminder of how bad life can really be. So be happy. Be positive. Lance negative people from your life. Life is too short and precious to entertain the negative. Live your life to the fullest. Be your best you. Always have fun. Inspire people. Exist in reality, not virtual reality. Give someone a chance. Help them get their big break. Change their life forever. Be that spark that makes a difference. You can be remarkable. And most important of all, make love your number #1 priority in life! Be it for God, yourself, your family, your friends, or your loved ones. Even strangers. Your love matters. Love is the foundation of life. It really does conquer all. Trust me, I know. Love got me here!