R.A. Flannagan's Blog, page 3

The Take Whiteman Defence Spending Analysis

If Canada Invested 2 percent of its GDP in defence what would the Canadian Armed Forces (the CAF) look like?

The following analysis is for the purpose of having a bit of fun and creating discussion. My novel, Take Whiteman is entirely fiction. What’s below is also speculative. It is a thought experiment.

It’s particularly timely in light of what has transpired in the Ukraine. Several journalists have been hand wringing over Canada’s paltry defence spending. Well, here’s something t...

Four Books that Inform Canada’s Legacy in Afghanistan

Map of Afghanistan and region

This post touches on three of four books that feature Canada in Afghanistan. It provides my takes on each book and why they are helpful toward understanding the West’s recent departure from Afghanistan.

Like most people, I’ve watched recent events in Afghanistan with some combination of horror and outrage.

Horror, because what’s transpiring is on our computers and TVs is upsetting to watch. The desperation of people trying to leave, the terror of people who...

Should Canada Purchase New Submarines?

The Answer is… Yes!

Now before I get into this topic, let me hedge everything that follows with this statement: Nothing in the article is meant to be a takedown of the men and women who serve within the Royal Canadian Navy. Every day, they do the best job they can do with the equipment they have and the mission they are given. They are a dedicated, competent, and admirable group of people. And I daresay, that in researching this post, I found out that despite all of its troubles, Canada’s...

What Fighter Jet Should Canada Buy?

It should be Sweden’s J-39 Gripen

So if you’re reading this there’s a good chance you read my book, Take Whiteman. Take Whiteman is fiction of course, but there are real world events that I like to offer my two cents on. Defence matters is one of those topics. And what fighter jet Canada is going to select in the coming months is perhaps the biggest defence policy issue in Canada right now.

So to give my readers some unsolicited thoughts on Canada’s jet fighter and in an effort give ...

Self-Publishing Resources for Newbie Authors

Publishing Resources for a New Author

So as I’ve been writing, I’ve also been doing a ton of learning on how to improve my writing and how to get your book self-published. In this post, I’ll cover the second topic.

I won’t get into any of the details about self-publishing, but will offer a info on a few resources that I’ve found to be helpful in my own journey. These resources include:

Podcasts:

The Self Publishing Authors Podcast, or otherwise known as the SPA Girls. This is a...