Behind the Pages: A Personal Glimpse

I’m sick, with a mild fever and a cough—just the usual autumn stuff. So I won't be writing much. But I thought I'd take this chance to share something personal—something I don’t usually discuss. As many of you know, I’m quite private and don’t often open up about my past, so this is a rare glimpse into my world. Since one of the recurring themes in my books is closely tied to this, I figured it might be worthwhile to explain why.

If you’ve read my books, you’ve probably noticed two themes that consistently appear: soldiers/military and love. No matter if I’m writing fantasy, historical fiction, or something entirely different, these elements are always present. So, why do these themes matter so much to me? Let me give you a glimpse into why they’re so significant.

Let’s start with the military theme. It’s no coincidence that soldiers and military life are prominent in my writing. I have the highest regard for them because I am a former soldier myself. Though I hung up my uniform years ago, that world never truly leaves you. It shapes who you are in ways that are hard to shake. Soldiers, especially veterans, will understand exactly what I mean.

Even now, I stay connected to that part of my life in small ways. Whether through interactions with fellow veterans or through activities like airsoft (check out the photo of me), it helps me keep my skills sharp and reminds me of the essence of military life. Those experiences become a part of you, and they stick with you for life.

Just a quick disclaimer: the rifle in the picture is not a real firearm; it’s an airsoft toy. Similarly, the uniform I’m wearing is not a military uniform but an airsoft outfit.

For clarity, the photo I’m sharing is the only one of me in uniform and with a firearm publicly available—just for fun, not to show off. And yes, for civilians it might seem hard to believe, but the skills and habits you learn as a soldier are ingrained and remembered for life. Sometimes they’re complex, often they’re assets, and occasionally they’re just amusing.

Here’s a fun story. A few years after leaving the army, I was casually shopping at the mall, enjoying a normal day, when I spotted a Lieutenant in uniform. As he got closer, I suddenly froze. Why? Because I had my hands in my pockets.

In that instant, my mind went into panic mode: “Oh fuck, fuck, fuck, I’m done! Hands in pockets!” I could almost hear my sergeant’s voice scolding me: “Keep your hands where they’re supposed to be! You want me to make you pick up rocks and sew them into your pockets?” My hands shot out of my pockets in an instant.

It took a moment to remind myself that I was a civilian now. Civilians can keep their hands in their pockets without receiving a lecture. As the Lieutenant walked by, I saluted out of habit and respect, just as I would with any higher-ranking officer. He returned the salute with a friendly smile, and we both went on our way.

That moment perfectly illustrates how deeply ingrained military habits are. Even though I’m no longer in uniform, those old habits persist. There I was, in a mall on an ordinary day, saluting and stressing over pockets. Just another day in the life of a former soldier!

Even today, when I interact with officers who outrank me, I still use ranks and “sir” out of respect. Whether they’re retired or active duty, it’s part of my ingrained military etiquette. It’s a fundamental part of how I communicate and show respect.

So there you have it—a personal detail I rarely share. It’s a significant part of who I am, and now you’ve had a rare glimpse into that side of my life.

Enjoy your evening—or day, depending on where you are in the world! In my next blog, I’ll delve into another recurring theme in my books: love. Stay tuned!