"This Woman's Marines"
"Through Boot Camp on Determination and Will"
Q and A
Q: Why did you decide to write these books?
A: When I was 19 and looking to enlist in the military, I couldn't find any modern books about the Marines from a women's perspective. I'm sure many young women considering the Marines had many of the same questions, concerns, and anxieties I had, so I figured I'd write about what I went through, how I felt about it, and how I got through it.
Q: How would you describe your books?
A: I hope they are somewhat inspirational. I'm only five feet tall and around 100 pounds and I had to keep up with the men and women a lot bigger, faster, and stronger than me. The odds were against me. So I hope it inspires people to try to do something that they think they can't do.
They are stories about being a woman in a man's world. Besides writing about the whole breaking you down, building you up process in Parris Island, I write about being thrown in with the guys in Journey of a Woman Marine. Although I wore the same shapeless camouflage uniform and combat boots and had my hair pinned up daily, I've never been more aware of being a female in my life!
Lastly, they are stories about coming of age and coming full circle. I was a confused, self-destructive teenager who had no idea what I wanted to be, but in the Marines, you have to grow up very quickly. Journey doesn't only include my time in the service, but coming home as well. In many ways, coming home is just as jarring, if not more so, than your first days in boot camp.
Q: What kinds of questions do people usually ask?
A: Did you have to shave your head? Was it hard to be a women in the Marines? You're so little—did you have to do the same things as the guys? Could you keep up with the guys? What's the ratio of men to women? Would you do it again? Is your book pro- or anti-military?
I'll answer the last one now. It's neither pro nor anti-military. It's a personal account of what I went through and how I felt about it. It was the most difficult part of my life, but in the long run, it made me a better person, or at least appreciate people and things that I may have taken for granted before.
The rest of the answers you'll have to read about in the books!
Q: What kind of reaction did you receive after publishing these books?
A: I was terrified the night before each one was released; how would the die-hard Marines react? Also, there's the privacy issue. I value my privacy and here I am spilling my guts about the most difficult period of my life. But, what surprised me is how positive and supportive most people were.
Q: Any other surprises after publication?
A: Yes. I thought most of my readers would be Marines or people considering the Marines, but I found out that these books had a much broader audience. Many parents and relatives of young women in boot camp wrote to tell me how they had no idea what had gotten into their daughter when she decided to enlist, but my book helped them see things through her perspective. Also, I didn't think people who have no connection to the military would read the books, but many did and wrote to tell me how much they enjoyed reading about this world they knew nothing about.
Q: What has been the best thing about publishing these books?
A: I love receiving letters from readers. To hear from someone who took the time to write to tell you a little about themselves and how your book reached them in some way is fantastic. Also, nothing is better for an author to hear than readers telling you they stayed up reading it all night because they couldn't put it down!
Q. Are people surprised when they hear you served in the Marine Corps?
A. Always. When I go on a job interview, I see the same surprised look on the interviewer's face. You know they're thinking, "I thought you'd be a lot bigger."
Q: What do you think about females in the military today?
A: In Afghanistan, the military is now using Female Engagement Teams, or FETs, as a means of communicating with the Afghans. Male troops aren't able to communicate with female Afghans, who make up over half the population. Female troops can communicate with both the males and females, which make them extremely beneficial to today's military missions. I am extremely proud of these courageous young women and their progress and think what they're doing is awesome.
Unfortunately, these women still face the same problems that women have faced in the military for years. Sexual degradation, harassment, and assault cases are common, if not increasing. Although they are in a war zone, females say they are more concerned about being attacked by their fellow troops, rather than insurgents. The stories I read are infuriating and they break your heart.
Q: Any words of advice for people considering the military?
A: I would never try to steer someone towards or away from the military; it's a personal decision. Everyone has different backgrounds, goals, and experiences.
I think boot camp is 90% mental and 10% physical. Sure the physical challenges are demanding and difficult, but your body gets stronger and responds to them. The toughest part is staying motivated and believing in yourself.
If you decide to go, keep this in mind; "Take it one meal at a time." The days are long. Just think about getting through the next meal. I wish I had heard this before I went!
Q. What are you working on now?
A. I'm working on several things—mysteries, romances, children's stories, and non-fiction pieces. I write the way I read—flipping from one thing to another, working on several at a time.
Any questions? Feel free to contact me.