The Story Behind Soldier of Love - Part Six

As I’ve mentioned many times in this blog series, I had the help of some good friends in writing Soldier of Love and trying to get the details right. One of my greatest supporters has been my friend Joe from high school, who’s had a starred career in the military. (At the bottom of this blog post is a picture of some of the letters he wrote me from basic training in the Marines. At times like these, I'm glad for the nostalgic side of me that kept things like that. Who writes letters anymore?)

Today I thought I’d let Joe take over:


Q: Welcome, Joe! How long have you known Allie? 
A: I have known her since Grade School, and we grew up together in the same small town. We have managed to stay in touch throughout the years. 

Q: How long have you served in the military? 
A: I have been in the Military for over 24 years. I spent four years of my enlistment in the Marines, and have been in the Army now for a little over 20 years. 

Q: What makes you proudest of your service? 
A: That is a tough one. There is so much that I am proud of. I guess I would have to say that the Military made me a good enough role model for my son to follow in my footsteps. That was very special to me.

Q: What do you wish more people (civilians) knew about those who serve?
A: I wish more people knew that the men and women of this great nation are protected by great men and women. These men and women are grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons, daughters friends and family. They are often looked at as "Soldiers" and people often forget that they are more than that. 

Q: How do you feel about being the inspiration behind the hero of a romance novel? 
A: Actually, this very is flattering. Being part an someone's inspiration is a good feeling. I am not a very romantic person, so maybe I can learn something from this!
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Readers, Joe is as smart and kind in real life as he sounds here (sorry ladies, he’s also married). If you want to read the whole story he inspired, it’s releasing in less than 10 days! 

Soldier of Love is the story of a veteran returned from war and the woman he falls in love with. It will release at all retailers on March 18 but is (finally!) available for pre-order now at the sites below if you just can't wait! 

Amazon Kindle
Barnes & Noble Nook
Apple iBooks