Thomas McGurn

Why, at 60+, does one write a memoir? And what are the roots of inspiration that push one to travel down the publishing path? For a soldier, I think the impetus is to pass down their unique feelings and reflections to their future generations in order to allow them to digest/understand the primordial soup of time and history. In my book, CHECK RIDE, I was encouraged by our children to record and capsulate that one-year period of flying service in Vietnam. Of course, many non-authors will ask 'what was the hardest part about writing a book?’. They will likely be surprised by my answer: “Getting the Experience”.

After retiring, time was suddenly abundant, and I began organizing my reminiscences like a check list. And there’s reward in the more menial tasks. Sitting down and penning chapters while constantly reviewing and rewriting garners an unexpected hidden joy in perfecting a story so as to bring it back to life. Details are the paraphernalia of attention; how these details lead the reader forward should be part of your mission: leave your readers fulfilled.

As a one-time author/novice, it was extremely satisfying to finish my book and have it published. Yes, many times I would send clips to close friends and family for their honest opinion of my writing. One such friend had been a senior staff editor for a famous magazine, and he was the most influential encouragement I had ever received. As you expose yourself to public criticism, self-doubt will undoubtedly creep in/up/around. Exposing your soul can be terrifying. However, that euphoria of accomplishment of publishing your book can be the triple crown of one’s life.

And then there are the unexpected benefits. One amazing result of publishing my book CHECK RIDE was a fellow pilot reading one of my chapters. He then contacted me to relate he was in the aircraft behind me during our enemy encounter (spoiler-alert: I survived). A long telephone conversation ensued with a soldier I never knew. A true Paul Harvey moment of the other side of the story. A new friend was made, memories shared, laughter abounded, promises of future get-togethers were made. All because I published a book.

CHECK RIDE: by Tom McGurn