Now and On Earth is a 1942 novel by Jim Thompson. It was his first published novel. Plot Set in San Diego during World War II, it is a semi-autobiographical novel of the author's life working in an airplane manufacturing plant during the war years and the frustrations he endured there and in his personal life at the time. The main character is named James Dillon, a pen name under which Thompson previously published short stories. References 1942 American novels Novels by Jim Thompson Novels set during World War II Novels set in San Diego American autobiographical novels 1942 debut novels