Warren Martin's debut novel Forgotten
Soldiers is a compelling story which begins in the Vietnam War and runs
through the Cold War period. Warren’s
documentary style of writing makes this riveting tale more real, more
apparently credible and honest, than any other style could possibly
create. As with Martin Limón’s style (note
the August 2012 blog interview), Warren’s voice is Hemmingway-esque. Perhaps this is the voice best suited to
military based mysteries, I can’t say, but it works for both of them and for
their readers. I actually forgot that I
was reading fiction until I reached the very end of Warren’s Forgotten Soldiers. It seemed that real.
Warren’s
own background was perfect for producing Forgotten
Soldiers. He was in the military,
serving in the Infantry, Military Police and Special Forces (Green Beret) for
21 years. So, he is himself a veteran of
the Cold War and is intimately aware of the POW and MIA issues and the stories,
both real and maybe-real, surrounding those issues and concerns. While you will find a few editing issues in
his initial volume (even with his having hired an editor), they are minor, don’t
let them bother you. This noteworthy and
powerful MIA/POW mystery should definitely be on your must-read list.
Given his
sharp, terse style of writing, it was his voice that I was most intrigued with
initially. Warren said that his
paramount concern is getting his readers to suspend disbelief and to fall into
the story as a true, plausible tale.
At the same time, while suspending disbelief in his audience, he wants
to entertain, enlighten, and educate them.
The latter is what he calls the 3 Es: entertain, enlighten, and
educate. Thus, he uses the fiction
format to create awareness of issues close to his heart. In the case of the Forgotten Soldiers, it’s the issue of
POW/MIAs. As a result, he creates his
story line first and, as he goes along, his characters develop as he works
through the story. It’s not that
characters are unimportant, but they have to carry the plot, therefore, plot
come first.
Tips for
Writers:
Write for yourself, not for others. Many people will read your book,
everyone of them will have a different opinion.
Remember to be true to your own vision, to what most satisfies you as an
author. In other words, Warren believes
each author should take into consideration comments from others, think about
it, and decide if it makes sense within the parameters you’ve set for your
story. This is your work in the
end. “Write what you love.” “Write for
youself.”
You’ve got to get an editor. Know what you’re doing, but
still get a good editor.
On the publishing side: do your homework.
There are a lot of people out there who claim they will help you, but
they just want your money. If you’re an
Independent Author, it will cost you money, at least $1,000.00, and that’s with
an inexpensive editor. But remember,
it’s a business and you must “do your homework; don’t jump into anything right
away.” As you do your homework, you’ll
change your mind (he did) as to what you want to do and to understand what’s
good and what’s not.
Use the 3 Es: That is, Entertain, Enlighten, and Educate
people. Fiction matters. It can influence the way and how people
think.
Enjoy!
This Memorial Day Weekend Download a Free ebook copy of my book 
A fascinating
book that tells the story of an airman captured by an enemy who shows
no humanity to his fellow man and is willing to pass the prisoner on to
the Soviet Union without a qualm. Despite his ordeal, the airman shows
remarkable fortitude, strength of character and loyalty to his Service
and his Country. Despite having his dreams of returning to his original
family shattered by his own government, he makes another life for
himself on his return showing once more his resilience. A very enjoyable
read.
