Yes, I love writing about real heroes. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones from the military are the easiest because there’s little fiction there. These guys (and girls) ARE heroes.
My warriors are usually at least a little wounded – physically and emotionally – how could they not be after what they’ve seen and been through. I remember Daddy telling me how hard it was to go outside without a weapon when he returned to the States after WWII. He went cold turkey on it because he knew he had to. He told us about some of his experiences, but never the parts that haunted him – those he kept inside. The first time I ever saw him cry was watching a movie and Taps was played. Can’t tell you how that scared me at the time. Then they played it at his funeral and handed me the flag, since I was the oldest in the family.
Here’s a picture of my Aunt Mada on the Korean War Memorial Wall in DC –
I’ll continue to write these heroes, there’s so much inspiration to explore. Here’s some of mine –
Dance Partner, Small Changes, Mac’s Family, Christmas with Family, Red Shoes, Wraith’s Heart