One of the most vital tools in an author’s toolbox is
networking. It helps us learn about topics we know little or nothing about, and
the people we connect with take us places we could otherwise never go.
When writing Memories
of Jake, I came to a point where all my research made me realize I needed a
personal voice to help me better understand the Vietnam War; a “guide” to show
me more about the military and how it worked. I had not intended to write a
book about the conflict, yet when I met my characters, Andrew and Jake Cameron,
it was inevitable they would both fight in that conflict.
The Vietnam War. Enormous, sprawling, confusing,
conflicting. A war that wasn’t a war … at least it was never declared a war. A
war this country is still struggling with. A war in which our warriors fought
valiantly, in which far too many young American lives were lost; and those who
came home returned to a country ripped apart by the war no one seemed to
understand.
It was my great good fortune to come into contact by virtue
of a mutual friend with retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Charles J. Vincent, Corps of
Engineers, who served a tour in Vietnam with Special Forces. Col. Vincent had
previously been a member of the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War as
well. So it might be said he was a warrior twice over.
Col. Chuck addressed my dozens of questions patiently and
thoroughly, contacting other veterans when he felt it would be helpful. He also
read through the passages on the war making corrections and suggestions. And
when I was writing Man with No Yesterdays
he repeated this process, but additionally gave me a scenario for Jake’s last
mission in which he suffered the traumatic brain injury which changed his life
so drastically.
Col. Vincent’s life would make a good book in itself, and I
would hope he’s writing his memoirs. Originally from New Jersey, he attended
and eventually graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia. That’s where
the networking I spoke of took place; a former voice student is now a vice-president
at Drexel, and when I mentioned to her mother I needed a de facto “military
consultant” for Memories of Jake, she
contacted her daughter who put me in touch with Col. Vincent. He now lives in Mississippi but frequently visits Philadelphia for various events at Drexel, and I had the
chance to speak with this often-decorated warrior personally while writing my
first Cameron brothers’ book.
In a recent interview I commented on the value of reaching
out to people in exactly this way … finding an expert who is generously willing
to share their expertise with an author. My comment was that each book I’ve
written has been a journey, and I’ve had some exceptional tour guides on these
journeys. The two books about the Cameron brothers were a long and difficult
journey, and I am forever grateful to Col. Chuck for being my guide.
On March 29, National Vietnam Veterans Day will be observed for only the
second time, since the bill declaring the day was signed on the eve of the
holiday in 2017. I am honored to be part of a local observance of this day
being held on March 25, a multi-arts celebration—art, literature, and music—at the
Pocono Cinema and Cultural Center in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. At our
observation we are honoring all our military veterans. An art exhibit by six
local veterans will be on display. Music, including songs from the Vietnam War
Era, will be performed. Staged readings from my Cameron brothers’ books will be
part of the program. No admission charge. My heartfelt thanks to all who served and continue to
serve this nation.
