The common advice to aspiring authors is "Write what you know." 

     In David Yonki's case, he could write dozens of books based on the experiences he accumulated over the years while working in radio, television, newspapers, and public relations. 
     "People have a glamorous idea of what the media is all about," Yonki said during a booksigning at Tudor Bookshop & Cafe, Kingston.
     But the fact is, journalists and broadcasters aren't very different from the people who depend on them for the news. Reporters can be just as ordinary or complex as the next  person, according to Yonki.
     Yonki, of Wilkes-Barre, began writing his fictitious tale about the radio industry, A Radio Story "We Wish You Well In Your Future Endeavors", while he recuperated from a debilitating car accident.
     Although Yonki changed names and places to protect the identity of the innocent, he said that some of the book’s characters are loosely based on coworkers and acquaintances he met during his career. The author and his main character, Jake Yanick, do share some similarities: they  both began their careers in radio at a young age and both worked as advertising salesmen in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
     A Radio Story follows Jake Yanick as he struggles with his two obsessions: radio and women. He's addicted to the attention that comes from being a man of the media. Yanick's days are spent on the hunt for the next advertiser and the next woman he can charm.
     "The book is a story about a regular guy, because of the moral choices he makes for himself, puts himself in extraordinary dilemmas," Yonki said.
     After meeting scores of women, Jake finally settles down with Adrienne, a strikingly beautiful and intelligent woman who seems to satisfy his needs like none before her. But that doesn't last for very long. His addiction resurfaces which causes him to cheat on Adrienne, who tolerates his philandering for the sake of the marriage.
     During this period, Adrienne is involved in a car accident that dramatically affects her daily life. Generally an independent person, she must now rely on Jake to help her recover from the physical and emotional scars. The situation forces Jake to change his ways and dedicate his life to caring for his wife. And he does. Their marriage becomes happier and stronger until months later when a younger, more beautiful woman enters his life.
     This new element causes Jake to juggle his work, his wife, and his mistress to assure that one doesn't cross the others' path.
    Yonki's ability to take readers deep into the advertising world is what makes A Radio Story such a success. He captures the stress and pride that comes with beating a  deadline or a sales goal in order to make it in such a competitive business.
    The author not only relied on his own professional experiences for material for the book, but also his personal life when it came to Adrienne Yanick’s accident. Yonki seemed to use some of the same hardships that he endured to described the obstacles that Adrienne had to overcome like the emotional draw that comes with chronic pain and fatigue.
    But whether you’re a radio personality yourself or a first-time reader, long-time listener A Radio Story is an entertaining read. The story of Jake Yanick has its fill of humor and its conclusion will surprise you.