What is a Soldier’s Inspiration to Write a novel in Afghanistan?
What made you want to write a book?
I’ve been asked this question countless times over the past year and my silent responses range from “What you don’t think I could” to “Why not” to “I was inspired to do so.” My actual answer depends on my mood that day, how the question was phrased, and the person’s tone. Before I can answer that question I think you should learn a little a few things about me, things most people don’t know.
I’ve always loved to write and always did well in school in writing. (Math is a different story.) Of course my grammar always lacked and my inability to complete term papers until the night before they were due had an effect on my grades. In reflection, as I constantly research grammar rules on the internet, I do wish I had paid better attention in middle school English! I don’t regret waiting until the last minute though. I work best under pressure.
I have an active imagination and am a lifelong reader. When I was a kid I could easily read a book a day in the summer. I owe my mom for instilling in me an obsession of books. Thanks, Mom! The first book that really made an impact on me was Where the Red Fern grows by Wilson Rawls.
I grew up wanting my own Old Dan and Little Ann. I now have them, but they aren’t red ticks hounds or named Old Dan and Little Ann. They’re vizlas named Stella and Sammy and you’ll read a lot about them in this blog and my book.
Handsome Sammy and Sassy Stella
I just read Where the Red Fern Grows again for inspiration and it still breaks my heart.
Okay, back to the initial question. I wrote Paws on the Ground because I needed to and the book needed to be written. I wrote it for myself, but I also wrote it because the general public needs to know what our dog teams are doing on the front lines in our fight against tyranny.
I’ve been deployed five times. It is never easy. You miss your family and friends, worry about them and count the days until you will be with them again. I’ve always found the mental aspect of being deployed so much harder than the physical. Traditionally I’ve found refuge through working out in the gym and running. The problem is I have torn ligaments in my right wrist, a herniated disk, two bulging, and degenerative disk disease in my back. So my ability to express myself through exercise has been significantly reduced. I had no outlet this last deployment to Afghanistan and desperately needed one.
I remember the moment the idea of writing a book popped into my head vividly. I was in Kabul. It was early November, 2010 and US forces lost three dogs and two handlers to the enemy in a single day.
We had a really bad few week period where we were losing dogs or handlers almost every day. I was reading the reports and thought to myself, people need to know what these kids and their dogs are doing out here. These kids and their dogs are heroes.
At the time I was reading a lighthearted book about a vineyard in Tuscany and thought to myself, I could do this. I can write a book. In fact I’m gonna write a book. Yes, it was as easy as that. I just decided one day to do it.
So to summarize why I decided to write a book: I wrote Paws on the Ground to educate the public on dog teams in the current day battlefield. It then became my outlet, my obsession and something I needed to help me through the challenges of being deployed in a combat zone.
The book is still my obsession and I’m working on getting it published while simultaneously working on the next novel in the Paws on the Ground Series.
What in your life have you just decided to do and then accomplished it?
How did it work out for you?
What is your outlet from stress?
So I had the inspiration which is great. But how the heck do you write a book?
I explain how I started in the next post.
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32 comments on “What is a Soldier’s Inspiration to Write a novel in Afghanistan?”
Leave a Reply
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Kevin Hanrahan says:
Thank you Lisa. I’ll continue to talk about my process, pitfalls and self-doubt of writing my first novel with future posts. You may even make a guest appearance in a future post!
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Thank you Thomas. I’m loking forward to getting it out there!
laura thomas says: First I want to thank you for your service. Your dedication allows all of us to sleep safely. I would love to read Paws on the Ground! This is a story that needs to be told. I had no idea about the sacrifices being made by the brave handlers and their loyal companions. they are truly heroes! Thanks so much for sharing this.
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Thank you Laura. It is my honor to serve this great nation. I’m really excited and honored to spread this message.
Hey, Kevin, I read the Albert Peyson Terhune books as a child over and over and, lo & behold, I finally got a collie! I don’t think I could write a book that doesn’t include a dog in it–and I know I couldn’t NOT write. Welcome to the club! You are making a huge contribution through this book & this blog!
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Thank you Ginger. I wanted a collie for a while as well…..how could you not after watching Lassie and Timmy?
I have a feeling that your book will do very well. And I like your title, too. Great post and super photos! Thank you for sharing. God bless!
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Thank you Joseph.
Lisa Searle says: It sounds like a wonderfully inspriational story – I can’t wait to read it 
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Thank you Lisa. I’m very excited to get it out there…. patience though!
Nice to read your blog. I’m fascinated with your story. Keep on writing! You are welcome to post a link to you from my facebook page. I always encourage writer friends to promote themselves there.
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Thank you Vanessa.
As a published author, I too get questions about what made me want to write my books, “Dog Tags of Courage” and “A Soldier’s Best Friend.” I too have a variety of reasons I give. In your case, you have a great story to tell about your experiences with military working dogs and their handlers in the war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. It needs to be written and published and I know from experience how difficult that is to do. I admire your passion and persisitance to get it done.
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Thank you so much John. That means a lot coming from an accomplished author and military working dog advocate like you. I loved your first novel and am looking forward to tearing into “A Soldier’s Best Friend” once I finish the final edit of my novel. (I need some me time!)
I hope you noticed that I placed a link to the left bottom of this site. This link will take folks to your site so that they may read about your noble endeavor of building a Military Working Dog National Monument. I’m really excited to follow your great accomplishment in this arena.
I especially love your generosity with the pictures. Thank you so much. I’ve always been a goal setter, and so far I’ve been very fortunate to have achieved the ones that are the most important to me. I’m still working on a few. Where is your book available, Kevin. I looked for it on Amazon, and couldn’t find it.
My newest goal is to become a grandma, but it’s kinda out of my control. Sigh.
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Hi Barbara. I’m actually putting some final editing touches on my novel now. I will turn it over to my editor this weekend for a final line edit.
I certainly wish you success in achieving your new goal. We are expecting in April and beside my wife and I our parents are the most excited!
Mike Miranda says: Hey Sir! I heard about your book a while back, but this is the first time that I’m seeing your blog. I can’t wait to read the book and I’m enjoying the posts here. I tell Danielle almost every day that I miss the Army, and it’s because of good officers like yourself and the troops you write about. Keep up the good work!
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Thanks so much Mike. I’m glad you like the site. The Army misses great folks like you as well. The “world” is lucky to have you!
Kevin, your blog is awesome and your story is so inspiring. My father was a dog handler in Vietnam. As a result, I grew up with very well-trained German shepherds. There’s so much I wish I could ask my dad about his time over there and what it was like to be a handler on the front lines with his dog, but unfortunately he died of a rare form of cancer (contracted from Agent Orange) when I was only ten.
I can’t wait for you to get your book published (though I know it will take time). I’m sure it will give me some insight into what my dad dealt with, even though decades separate the respective wars.
I said it before, but it bears repeating: thank you so much for your service. You’re truly an American hero, as are the rest of our military members.
I look forward to tracking your progress as you work through the publishing mines. Also, congratulations to you and your wife on expecting your first child.
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Thank you Gina. I’m so glad you like the site. That is so cool about your dad! The Vietnam Vet dog handlers are an active an vibrant community that are leading tons of great initiatives to support and honor our current day dog handlers. Those guys are my heroes.
This publishing world is full of labyrinths and unknowns but I’m a United States Army Paratrooper and I will accomplish my goals!
I was sitting in a baby class Monday night practicing swaddling! How my life is going to change.
I enjoyed your explanation as to why you’ve written your book Kevin. But as a writer, we know that this is usually a matter of realizing that we can’t NOT write our stories. As someone who worked in Defense in a previous life and has family members who served/are currently serving, thank you for your service and for sharing your story. My little time spent around Military Working Dogs and their terrific trainers and handlers was always a highlight!
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Hi Linda…you are so right and I should have used that in my piece. I absolutely had to tell the story. I knew the general public needed to know what they kids and their dogs go through. They are all heroes
Sarah-Melissa says: Dear Kevin,
Thank you for sharing your story. I am in nursing school and my goal is to work in the VA and the DoD. Although I have a great love for our country and our men and women in uniform, I am not military material. But I can do my part by caring for our wounded warriors. I have never experienced combat. However, through books like yours, I can read about life in a combat zone and have a better idea of what goes on. Its not the same as being in combat…its not even close. Thank you, none the less.
+sarah-melissa
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Wow, that is amazing Sarah- Melissa. Our Vets need committed people like you to care for them. Thank you so much. I’ve always said there are so many ways to serve. Thank you for your service to our Vets. Best, Kevin
Thanks for your service and for loving dogs.
Diana
http://www.pencildancer.com
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Thank you Diana.
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Thank you Diana
[...] my post What is a Soldier’s Inspiration to Write a novel in Afghanistan?, I mention that the first book that really made an impact on me was Where the Red Fern grows by [...]
Cindy R Davis says: Kevin, I could barely believe my eyes when reading one of your literary inspirations was”Where the Red Fern Grows”! Wow! What a beautiful choice that touches my heart beyond as do your posts, blog and tweets.
Yes, Little Ann and Dan. My husband laughs at me not being able to get out the complete title without bursting into tears remembering this heartbreaking story.
That love of a dog compares to nothing else except God.
I have been so anxious for your book upon hearing of it back in January on Fox.
Thank you for your inspirational posts.
Cannot say enough sbout the wonderful photos as well.
Thank you and God Bless.
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Hi Cindy. That story always warms my heart. I just love that Old Dan is this big fearless lug and Little Ann is the calculating specialist that takes down the coons…… love and loyalty forged in battle….like two Soldiers sharing a foxhole.
It is amazing what our military dogs do for our troops. They would give their lives for their handlers…much like Old Dan did when he took on that mountain lion to protect Billy.
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Wow, Kevin, it add so much to know your story.
Thank you Lisa. I’ll continue to talk about my process, pitfalls and self-doubt of writing my first novel with future posts. You may even make a guest appearance in a future post!
Looking forward to reading Paws on the Ground!
Thank you Thomas. I’m loking forward to getting it out there!
First I want to thank you for your service. Your dedication allows all of us to sleep safely. I would love to read Paws on the Ground! This is a story that needs to be told. I had no idea about the sacrifices being made by the brave handlers and their loyal companions. they are truly heroes! Thanks so much for sharing this.
Thank you Laura. It is my honor to serve this great nation. I’m really excited and honored to spread this message.
Hey, Kevin, I read the Albert Peyson Terhune books as a child over and over and, lo & behold, I finally got a collie! I don’t think I could write a book that doesn’t include a dog in it–and I know I couldn’t NOT write. Welcome to the club! You are making a huge contribution through this book & this blog!
Thank you Ginger. I wanted a collie for a while as well…..how could you not after watching Lassie and Timmy?
I have a feeling that your book will do very well. And I like your title, too. Great post and super photos! Thank you for sharing. God bless!
Thank you Joseph.
It sounds like a wonderfully inspriational story – I can’t wait to read it
Thank you Lisa. I’m very excited to get it out there…. patience though!
Nice to read your blog. I’m fascinated with your story. Keep on writing! You are welcome to post a link to you from my facebook page. I always encourage writer friends to promote themselves there.
Thank you Vanessa.
As a published author, I too get questions about what made me want to write my books, “Dog Tags of Courage” and “A Soldier’s Best Friend.” I too have a variety of reasons I give. In your case, you have a great story to tell about your experiences with military working dogs and their handlers in the war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. It needs to be written and published and I know from experience how difficult that is to do. I admire your passion and persisitance to get it done.
Thank you so much John. That means a lot coming from an accomplished author and military working dog advocate like you. I loved your first novel and am looking forward to tearing into “A Soldier’s Best Friend” once I finish the final edit of my novel. (I need some me time!)
I hope you noticed that I placed a link to the left bottom of this site. This link will take folks to your site so that they may read about your noble endeavor of building a Military Working Dog National Monument. I’m really excited to follow your great accomplishment in this arena.
I especially love your generosity with the pictures. Thank you so much. I’ve always been a goal setter, and so far I’ve been very fortunate to have achieved the ones that are the most important to me. I’m still working on a few. Where is your book available, Kevin. I looked for it on Amazon, and couldn’t find it.
My newest goal is to become a grandma, but it’s kinda out of my control. Sigh.
Hi Barbara. I’m actually putting some final editing touches on my novel now. I will turn it over to my editor this weekend for a final line edit.
I certainly wish you success in achieving your new goal. We are expecting in April and beside my wife and I our parents are the most excited!
Hey Sir! I heard about your book a while back, but this is the first time that I’m seeing your blog. I can’t wait to read the book and I’m enjoying the posts here. I tell Danielle almost every day that I miss the Army, and it’s because of good officers like yourself and the troops you write about. Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much Mike. I’m glad you like the site. The Army misses great folks like you as well. The “world” is lucky to have you!
Kevin, your blog is awesome and your story is so inspiring. My father was a dog handler in Vietnam. As a result, I grew up with very well-trained German shepherds.
There’s so much I wish I could ask my dad about his time over there and what it was like to be a handler on the front lines with his dog, but unfortunately he died of a rare form of cancer (contracted from Agent Orange) when I was only ten.
I can’t wait for you to get your book published (though I know it will take time). I’m sure it will give me some insight into what my dad dealt with, even though decades separate the respective wars.
I said it before, but it bears repeating: thank you so much for your service. You’re truly an American hero, as are the rest of our military members.
I look forward to tracking your progress as you work through the publishing mines. Also, congratulations to you and your wife on expecting your first child.
Thank you Gina. I’m so glad you like the site. That is so cool about your dad! The Vietnam Vet dog handlers are an active an vibrant community that are leading tons of great initiatives to support and honor our current day dog handlers. Those guys are my heroes.
This publishing world is full of labyrinths and unknowns but I’m a United States Army Paratrooper and I will accomplish my goals!
I was sitting in a baby class Monday night practicing swaddling! How my life is going to change.
I enjoyed your explanation as to why you’ve written your book Kevin. But as a writer, we know that this is usually a matter of realizing that we can’t NOT write our stories. As someone who worked in Defense in a previous life and has family members who served/are currently serving, thank you for your service and for sharing your story. My little time spent around Military Working Dogs and their terrific trainers and handlers was always a highlight!
Hi Linda…you are so right and I should have used that in my piece. I absolutely had to tell the story. I knew the general public needed to know what they kids and their dogs go through. They are all heroes
Dear Kevin,
Thank you for sharing your story. I am in nursing school and my goal is to work in the VA and the DoD. Although I have a great love for our country and our men and women in uniform, I am not military material. But I can do my part by caring for our wounded warriors. I have never experienced combat. However, through books like yours, I can read about life in a combat zone and have a better idea of what goes on. Its not the same as being in combat…its not even close. Thank you, none the less.
+sarah-melissa
Wow, that is amazing Sarah- Melissa. Our Vets need committed people like you to care for them. Thank you so much. I’ve always said there are so many ways to serve. Thank you for your service to our Vets. Best, Kevin
Thanks for your service and for loving dogs.
Diana
http://www.pencildancer.com
Thank you Diana.
Thank you Diana
Pingback: A Dog Saves a Soldier | | Kevin HanrahanKevin Hanrahan
Kevin, I could barely believe my eyes when reading one of your literary inspirations was”Where the Red Fern Grows”! Wow! What a beautiful choice that touches my heart beyond as do your posts, blog and tweets.
Yes, Little Ann and Dan. My husband laughs at me not being able to get out the complete title without bursting into tears remembering this heartbreaking story.
That love of a dog compares to nothing else except God.
I have been so anxious for your book upon hearing of it back in January on Fox.
Thank you for your inspirational posts.
Cannot say enough sbout the wonderful photos as well.
Thank you and God Bless.
Hi Cindy. That story always warms my heart. I just love that Old Dan is this big fearless lug and Little Ann is the calculating specialist that takes down the coons…… love and loyalty forged in battle….like two Soldiers sharing a foxhole.
It is amazing what our military dogs do for our troops. They would give their lives for their handlers…much like Old Dan did when he took on that mountain lion to protect Billy.