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Vietnam in Verse wins award!

Sunday, 14 October 2007 4:20 A GMT-08

 Michael Mullins book, "Vietnam in Verse" wins Best Book of Poetry in 2007 by Military Writers Society of America (MWSA).  Mullins will travel to Branson to receive his award during this year's Veteran's week celebrations.

 

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Junkyard Blues by Nan Mahon

Monday, 16 April 2007 1:12 P GMT-08

 

 

Author:  Nan Mahon and “Big Mac” McAuley

Title:  Junkyard Blues

Publisher:  iUniverse

Reviewer: W. H. McDonald, Jr. – AAA Founder

A Book That Demands Attention – A Great Story!

If you are looking for a great adventure story to read this summer that will keep you glued to your seat until you finish it—well then, have I got the book for you, “Junkyard Blues” by Nan Mahon and “Big Mac” McAuley! The plot would make for a good movie but the actual reading of the novel is a refreshing and fun experience. The authors have a way with words and phrasing that makes it a guilty pleasure to read.

There is a excellent balance between dialog and the narrative; however, it is the characters that make it a fun reading adventure. It is pure entertainment! It is the kind of book that you would love to have on vacation or at your bedside to pick up and read when you are looking to lose your personal problems. You will get involved in a world that most of us will never know or understand except through books like this.

This book earns The American Authors Association’s FIVE STAR Rating and also my personal recommendation. Go out, buy it and enjoy it!

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Torpedo

Sunday, 21 January 2007 11:10 A GMT-08
Torpedo

Jeff Edwards

Date: 2006-05-11   —   14.16   —   Book

product page

Rating:

Review of Torpedo:  Rather than posting only one review, I am going to share snippets from others who have reviewed this book and let you see for yourself what the going 'word of mouth' is.

"Here is a writer at the top of his game, the result is a brilliant techno-thriller, the kind a young Clancy would have been proud to call his own."

- Homer Hickam

New York Times bestselling author of ‘Rocket Boys,' ‘Torpedo Junction,' and ‘The Keeper's Son'

 

"With a fast moving plot, electric prose, and a double-helping of adrenaline, Torpedo doesn't read like a debut novel. Edwards wields politics and naval combat tactics with a skill equal to the acknowledged masters of military fiction."

- The Military Press

January 15, 2005 Edition

"One of the year's best. Torpedo is one of those novels that grabs you quick and doesn't let go until the final page."

- J. T. McDaniel

Naval Historian, and author of ‘Bacalao,' and ‘With Honour in Battle'

"TORPEDO kicks ass! Smart and involving, with an action through-line that shoots ahead like its namesake -- fast and lethal."

- Paul L. Sandberg, producer of "The Bourne Supremacy"

 

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Holidays With An "E"

Tuesday, 26 December 2006 3:51 P GMT-08

Holidays With An "E"

By Matthew Cook

We are occupied with too many things. All of us are, even children from disadvantaged families in impoverished neighborhoods. I know, because I have spoken with groups of kids all across the country. It is amazing how many wear the latest athletic shoes, sport designer clothing, and carry cell phones, iPods and other slick gear. I have to wonder whether it's parents' compensation for absence in their children's lives, guilt, competition, the need to be their kids' best friends, or something deeper that drives them to indulge their families with so much "stuff." Yes, Christmas, Hannukah, and Quanza are about giving; but, people appear confused about exactly how it is that we are meant to share. Here's a clue: It is NOT through trading material gifts. Rather, it involves opening up emotionally and expressing feelings about what's going on within us and events around us. In a word, we are meant to share the spirit of love. There are lots of ways to experience the holidays together and many, like experience, begin and end with "E."

To start, it's a good idea to examine the way your family communicates. Evaluate patterns of dialogue between family members. Are they constructive? Do they set a tone of kindness and support? Sit down together and agree to excuse others' mistakes, eliminate harsh words, criticism, sarcasm, and other negativity, at least for the next few weeks. Who knows? You might develop some positive patterns that will extend beyond the holidays. Make it a practice to compliment, and thereby encourage, two members of the family and at least one stranger every day. Experience has taught me that these little techniques work very well. Here's a little secret. I've been seeing a psychologist all my life. Actually, I can't avoid her. She's my mother, and I must admit-she dispenses good advice.

Look around you for ways in which you can enhance your home, inside and outside. Are there any jobs which you or other members of the family have been putting off? Why not set aside a few hours to complete just one task together? If your own home is up to date, consider lending a hand to elderly neighbors. Put together a little basket of home baked goodies, enclose a note with warm wishes, and as a family pay your neighbors a visit. Offer to help put up decorations around their home, in the yard or along the gate. Surely this will excite them and elevate the holiday spirit of the entire neighborhood.

When is the last time your family took a few hours to exercise together? Now would be a good time, inasmuch as most of us put on at least a pound or two over Thanksgiving. In cities across America, families get together at holiday time to erect fantastic displays throughout one or more blocks of a particular neighborhood. They create festivals of light, drawing visitors from miles away. Go on line to find out where such neighborhoods might be close to you. Dress warmly with hats and gloves, drive out to a location, park the car and take a long walk together through the streets to enjoy and enthuse over the spectacle of holiday illumination on a grand scale.

When you are ready for some larger-than-life fun, here's a great game the whole family can play together. It's all about indulging your fantasies. Pick the largest shopping mall in your area, preferably one with large department stores and at least a few pricey boutiques. Together make out one holiday shopping list of 10 to 15 extravagant items. Be specific; enumerate items like "evening gown", "man's watch", "crystal vase", "diamond necklace", etc. with two spaces next to each item, one for price and one for store name. Each person then pretends to be his or her favorite wealthy celebrity, and with a copy of the list sets out into the mall to "spend" as much money as possible within an established time limit. The idea is to find one sample of every item, each with the highest possible price tag, all from different stores. Rather than buying, check off each item you find, indicate the price and the name of the store in which it is displayed. Go ahead, be outrageous! Ease into the life of celebrity with an imaginary fortune to spend in a single afternoon. Your family will have great fun shopping, yet it won't cost you anything except a prize for the winner, and that could be a privilege rather than a gift. For example, when I win, I demand an hour of "slave" time from all the losers!

Another way to enter the realm of fantasy is through books. A magical place to explore during the holidays is the public library. Many people think of it only as a place to study and educate themselves, but the library is more than a cloister. It may variously be a hide-away to which we escape, a theater in which we enlarge our imagination, or a retreat where we can relax and reflect. Some say the internet eventually will replace libraries. I don't think so. There is something warm and cozy about a room full of books that computer screens will never supplant. Most libraries have private rooms available where small groups can hold discussions. When you arrive at the library, ask to reserve a room. After a few hours of independent browsing and reading, family members can meet in the room to talk about their discoveries and exchange ideas. Before leaving the library, write a little holiday greeting from a Christmas character, date it, and pin it up on the bulletin board in the lobby. Last year I wrote,

Dear Children,

Don't forget to leave carrots for the reindeer and cookies for me on Christmas Eve.

Love, Santa

______________________________________________________

The next day I returned to find a note beside mine.

Hi Kids,

Skip the cookies. Santa needs to lose weight. Just double up on the carrots and we'll share.

Love, Rudolph

It's fun to be silly once in a while, especially during the holidays!

Books provide a way for us to connect with the world as well as one another. We can learn much about the people we love by listening to them describe something they have read. It is good also to listen to what is in their hearts. One of the best movies ever made is "Sound Of Music," with Julie Andrews singing "My Favorite Things." Out of that song evolved our family game, "Favorites and Fantasies." You might want to spend an evening at home playing it with your family. To ensure the right atmosphere, gather everyone around the coffee table, set out a dozen or so scented holiday candles, snuggle up with a few blankets, turn down the lights, then sit back and get comfortable. If there's a fireplace in the room, throw on some wood. Ask everyone how well they think they know themselves and other members of the family. Emphasize that for the game to be fun, everyone must be honest about themselves. They will be asked to estimate characteristics and qualities of other members of the family, and to embrace the ideas that others have about them with lighthearted good humor. This game will test the family's abilities to empathize with one another as well as enable each person to view themselves the way others see them. Start out by asking a question like, "What is your favorite color?" Each person then guesses what every other person's favorite color is. When everyone has guessed about one person, that person reveals his or her favorite color. Each person who guessed correctly earns one point. Then everyone guesses the next person's favorite color, and so on. The list of favorites is almost endless including things like favorite food, music, movie, toy, book, etc. Next each person thinks of his or her fantasies as you ask questions like, "Where would you most like to go on vacation?" "If you could meet any person in history, who would that be?" "If you could repeat any moment of your life, what would that be?" or, "If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?" Again, one point is given for each correct guess about every family member. Prepare to be surprised as you learn new things about every member of your family. You might also be surprised by how much or how little others know about you.

The holiday season is about experiencing and sharing. Joy does not come in a box. We cannot buy love, we can only share it. These activities and games are but a few of the ways you can bring your family closer together this holiday season. The list of possible fun things to do is endless. All it takes is a little imagination and creativity. What are you waiting for? We've covered holidays with an "E." There are 25 more letters in the alphabet!

by  Matthew Cook

© December 4,2006

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TORPEDO receives Midwest Book Review!

Saturday, 9 December 2006 7:53 A GMT-08

 

Just found out Torpedo by Jeff Edwards just received a review from Midwest Book Review!

"Author Jeff Edwards is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer and Anti-Submarine Warfare Specialist, and he has used his years of Navy expertise to write an electrifying novel. In a style that reminds the reader of a Tom Clancy novel, Edwards combines an exciting story with technically precise, yet interesting descriptions of shipboard life and warfare on a Navy destroyer.

With a story-line that could have been taken from today's New York Times, "Torpedo" combines politics, vengeance, antisubmarine warfare, and suspense in a novel of naval and air combat that encompasses problems in the Persian Gulf, problems in the Taiwan Straits, the same ineffective United Nations along with a NATO ally that has changed sides. Edwards alternates high-speed action with technically precise, clear-cut descriptions. He has created a believable plot and memorable characters and through his adroit use of current events, there is an atmosphere of realism that permeates "Torpedo." This is an extremely readable book for either the civilian or military reader - overall, it is an excellent book and highly recommended."

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"To See Them As People"

Sunday, 3 December 2006 8:50 A GMT-08
Greetings from S.W. Michigan.

My name is Allen Gandy - and I have a question related to a project (a documentary film) that I have currently under development titled To See Them As People.

Last summer a friend of mine (another Nam Vet) had a huge outdoor party - hog roast, 2 kegs of beer etc. My wife and I had been at the party for several hours (and I had tapped the keg several times) when another Nam Vet showed up with a Vietnamese wife - and they sat at the same table where my wife and I were seated.

It didn't take long for me to start feeling very uneasy - even angry. Nam was part of my ancient history - not here. I got up and moved to another part of the party.

A few days later, I was discussing my reaction with some other Vets - several of them indicated that they have some kind of similar reactions (one WWII Vet said he really feels angry when he sees "Japs")

What we have determined so far is that most reactions to seeing former enemies in our current life fall into two main areas - anger, and guilt. Our Consulting Psychologist (Ph.D. type) has indicated that putting a human face on former enemies is a way to resolve these issues. Thus our documentary film To See Them As People.

My question is "How many of you have some kind of adverse reaction to seeing former enemies in your current world?"

Looking forward to your feedback.

Allen

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War Poetry Contest

Sunday, 3 December 2006 8:44 A GMT-08
A poetry contest some may be interested in.

War Poetry Contest Categories Accepted: Poetry Deadline: May 31, 2007 Entry Fee: $15 Prize: $5,000 in prizes, including a top prize of $2,000 Details/Restrictions: Now in its 6th year. Submit 1-3 unpublished poems on the theme of war, up to 500 lines in all. Sponsored by Winning Writers, one of the "101 Best Web Sites for Writers" (Writer's Digest, 2005 & 2006). Judge: Jendi Reiter. Submit online or by mail. URL: http://www.winningwriters.com/war  E-mail: adam@winningwriters.com

Thank you to Jim G. for sharing this information... 

 For those who choose to enter, we'd love to hear if you place!

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New Directions For MWSA

Tuesday, 14 November 2006 6:00 A GMT-08

I think because Bill posted this as a comment, it may have been over looked by many.  I am posting it here as it needs to be read by all.  W. H. "Bill" McDonald, Jr.  founder and president of this organization will officially be handing off the presidency to Tony Lazzarini on January 1, 2007.  Bill has done an extraordinary job in making this vision of his become a reality.

Please take a moment to read his message and leave us your comments.

NEW DIRECTIONS FOR MWSA

I hope all of our MWSA members use this Blog for their events, newest creative projects, ideas, and things of interest for the other members.

Our society is growing very quickly. We are pushing close to 800 members. This means that we now need to be more organized and become formal.

For those of you who know me or about me - then you may be aware that over the last two years I have been dealing with some major health issues. Now, I have some new medical concerns facing me. Because I want to have this organization to continue to grow and become much more professional - I have decided to step back and allow for new leadership and creative energy come forward.

Begining January 1, 2007, our new President - Tony Lazzarini will be taking over organizational leadership. I will still be doing book reviews, and other labors of love for the group.

In the coming weeks, we will post a bio on Tony and his contact information for members to have. I have lots of confidence in his abilites as he takes this on this two year committment to get this society rolling along.

I hope that all members give Tony the fullest support possible. It is non-paying job and is a lot of work - so, I assume he will be looking for volunteer members for assistance.

I will be posting information on this Blog from time to time to pass along my ideas and dreams for the direction the MWSA should take. But it is the membership and the new leadership that will decide what needs to be done and how.

I love you and hope to be around at events when I can make it. God bless you all. It has been my pleasure and honor to have served you all for all these years.

Bill

 

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Military Writers Society of America Enters The World Of Blog

Sunday, 12 November 2006 8:32 A GMT-08

 Hi. I'm Maria Edwards. As executive vice president of the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA), and as you might expect, I find myself thinking a lot about military writing. Since I spend a lot of time on the internet and exchanging e-mails with military personnel, it was inevitable that I became familiar with military blogs. I've met a few military folks, and some retired ones as well, who have an interest in not only blogging, but military writing on a broader scale. From people like Paul Holton, aka Chief Wiggles, author of "Saving Babylon,"  to Captain Lee Kelley, of the military blog "Wordsmith at War," (one of my personal favorites) which he wrote from Ramadi, Iraq where he recently spent a year, to Matt Currier Burden of the powerhouse "Blackfive" military blog, our members have certainly left their signature in the new age of writing.

Most of our members are active duty military, retirees, or military veterans.  A few are lifelong civilians who have chosen to honor our military through their writings or their art.  Our only core principle is a love of the men and women who defend this nation, and a deeply personal understanding of their sacrifice and dedication.

Our skills are varied.  Some of us are world class writers, with many successful books.  Others write only for the eyes of their friends and families.  But each of us has a tale to tell. Each of us is a part of the fabric of Freedom.

With over eight hundred members drawn together by the common bond of military service... you're sure to find a read that's right for you.  I guess all I'm really saying is that we at MWSA love the military, support them completely, have a passion for military writing and history, and we can't help but think there are more of you out there who share our interests. We hope you'll visit our website and perhaps even become MWSA members! 

For now, I decided it was time to join the world of blogging!  This blog will be open to all to discuss our military members - past and present who have gone on to explore the written word.  Not all blog and not all are published, some just write as a form of therapy, some to honor their comrades, others simply because the words just seem to be there.  I invite all who visit to join in, leave comments, recommend a new military author for membership (see how) in MWSA, and have fun getting to know us.

 

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