Power of Connections

When I first set out to write the Always Forward series, I wrote it for myself. I didn’t anticipate that, when I published it, I would have to talk about the series, which would mean sharing my own experiences in war. And more than that, I never considered how many people would be willing to open up to me.

Over the last five years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many amazing and interesting readers at events. And I’m always honored when someone decides to share a personal story with me.

I’ve met fellow veterans who open up about their time at war, and we have found ourselves swapping war stories. At the same time, readers stroll past, clueless that two combat veterans are talking about experiences they will never truly understand. But we get it, and sometimes we laugh about it, and sometimes we have to look away, wiping away a tear before the other sees it fall.

We've had conversations with family members of veterans. Readers who buy my series to understand their son or daughter better, or to share it with them. I’ve had the utmost honor to meet a Gold Star Mother, a woman who lost her son in combat. She bravely shared with me the story of her son and the impact he left on her and their community.

Then there are readers with no direct military connection, but who are truly interested in learning and understanding what it's like to be a female veteran. Occasionally, my series is too heavy for this group, and folks may walk away with a hand up, shaking their head, replying, “I’m sorry, I just can’t read your books. Thank you for your service, though!”

I don’t get offended by this group of individuals because they are right: my book series is a difficult read. I don’t try to sugarcoat it. I remind myself that I didn’t write the series for anyone but myself. And all these conversations, all these events, are a bonus of the writing process.

Each person I’ve met, whether they purchased a book or not, is someone whose conversations have impacted my life in some way. At the end of the day, it’s great to sell books and share Emily’s story with the world, but it’s even better to have the opportunity to have such personal interactions with strangers.

It somehow has become one of my favorite parts of my writing journey.