This blog is written by Linda Style, co-founder of Bootcamp for Novelists Online, for Bootcamp students and anyone interested in writing and would like to to talk (mostly) about writing related topics. I can't guarantee I won't talk about other things, but I can always relate it to writing in some way. If you'd like to post something yourself, email me at bootcamp4novelists2@yahoo.com or through our website - BootcampforNovelists.com. I love to have guest bloggers as well.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

REAL LIFE HEROES....

We writers create fictional heroes all the time. We imbue them with qualities and traits we consider heroic and then give them a situation in which to act and show their heroism in ways both large and small. But true heroes are difficult to write because we have to also make them fallible. They must be human beings in order to truly be heroic. So we create heroes who have desires, wants, needs and fears, and in order to be heroic, they have to overcome their fears, sacrifice, and even admit defeat. In fiction we want our heroes to be larger than life.

In this, we can take a lesson from real life--our veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. military. I doubt anyone goes into battle or finds themselves on the front lines without feeling some fear.


There are no heroes braver, more valiant, more dedicated, more selfless, loyal and courageous than our 23 million veterans and those who are currently serving to protect our country, and I want to extend my personal thanks and also remind everyone that we should remember, and thank, those who serve for the sacrifices they and their families have made to protect us, not only on Veteran's Day, but every day.

In writing my current book A SOLDIER’S SECRET, to be released in January, 2012, I had the opportunity to talk to service men and women and also do extensive research on what services are offered to them upon their return home. I was surprised by the lack of services for those who have come home wounded, both in body and mind, and I vowed to get more involved than I have been. One way I’m getting more involved is to donate a percentage of the proceeds from sales of A SOLDIER’S SECRET to the Wounded Warrior Project. http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ 

Founded in 2003, WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

I can think of no better way to say thank you to our veterans and those still serving our country than to help provide services to meet their needs when they come home.

If you’re wondering what you can do, there are numerous ways you can say thank you. You can volunteer to do just about anything... from providing foster care for a vet's pet, to sharing your expertise. You can even record a war story for the Library of Congress for their record of tales from the front lines. 

Since we're all readers and writers here, one of the easiest ways to say thank you is by donating your paperback books to our troops overseas. Books can be sent to Ellen Keegan who runs Books for Troops Click here.  She accepts both new and gently used books.  

Whatever way you do it, join me in saying THANK YOU on this Veteran’s Day, and every day, to all those whose bravery and courage keep us out of harm’s way.




15 comments:

Donna Del Grosso said...

Hi Linda!
What a great post! Phoenix Police officer Jason Schecterle is a hero of mine. Though he was severely burned in an accident, he has the courage to face the world and speak to others. He faced the adversity with a smile and now helps to teach others to overcome tragedy. If you are going through a bad time, read his story and be inspired!

Sheila Seabrook said...

We don't thank the men and women who protect us enough. A beautiful tribute, Linda. Thanks!

Judy said...

Thanks for sharing this, Linda! Through a prayer chain, I was asked to pray for a Wounded Warrior, who returned State side early October. His dad keeps prayers updated, and Andrew's journey to recovery has been such an inspiration. Since I don't have much in the way of funds, you've given me some options I'm going to explore.

Anonymous said...

Linda

Thank you for a great posting! I stand in awe of those who voluntarily put themselves in harms way knowing fully the potential consequences. Your support of the Wounded Warrior program raises the awareness of those who gave of themselves and now need assistance. We can never fully thank them for there sacrifices.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

I'm going to add to this the brave men and women who tried to rescue the victims of 9/11. There are many stories of great personal courage.

Linda Style said...

Thank you, Donna. I've also been following Jason Schecterle, another real life hero. Same with J.R. on Dancing with the Stars. Have you seen him? He was wounded in battle in Iraq and burned over most of his body, and after 35 surgeries, became an actor (despite his disfigurement)and now is poised to win on DWTS. Both are amazing stories...and they are just two of many.

Linda Style said...

Thank you, Sheila. I so agree that we don't thank them enough...or do enough to show our gratitude.

Susan Vaughan said...

Linda,
Your post is a fitting tribute to our armed services men and women. This nation owes them so much and rewards them so little. I can't wait to read your book.

Alexis Walker said...

Here! Here! Linda. My stepson is currently serving in our forces as a Captain in the Army and as a nurse, but not just any nurse. He is flying in helicopters to pick-up our wounded. We hope every day that he doesn't become one of those that needs to be picked-up :-} I think what you are doing with your book is AWESOME!

Linda Style said...

Judy -- thanks for stopping by. I'm glad the post gave you some ideas. I had no idea how many areas there are where one could volunteer. Some are as easy as volunteering to drive a vet to doctors' appointments. Stories like Andrews' are definitely a source of inspiration.

Linda Style said...

Hi Jacqueline. I so agree -- all of those who serve to keep us out of harm's way are heros in my book.

Linda Style said...

Thank you, Susan. The book is the last in a 3-book series featuring three best friends. I hope you enjoy it!

Linda Style said...

Hi Alexis,
Thanks for stopping by. What a proud stepmom you must be...and how worried. I can appreciate what a dangerous job your stepson has because the heroine in A SOLDIER'S STORY was a search and rescue helicopter pilot in Iraq...and is also a SAR pilot in civilian life. I did a lot of research and was continually amazed at the courage and bravery of these soldiers. I will keep your stepson in my thoughts.

Donna said...

Linda- I heard an interview with him on Beth and Friends. What a great story! I don't watch DWTS but I think he's still on isnt her?

Linda Style said...

Yes, Donna. He's still on DWTS and I'm thinking he's going to win. He's a fabulous dancer...and an amazing person.