Author Highlight: Les Stevenson
One of the special privileges my job affords me is the honor to read people's stories, both true to life and fiction. This week, in honor of US Independence Day and the men and women who defend our freedom, I would like to introduce you to one of my authors, Les Stevenson, retired US Marine Radio Operator for an infantry battalion. I've known Les for about ten years. I've edited many of his short stories, read a bit of his poetry, and most recently edited his articles for At Ease Veterans Magazine. I invite you to read more about this man of honor through an interview I conducted with him last month.
Andria: Hi Les! Thank you for sharing your stories with me over these past years. They are always nostalgic, for sure. And even in the face of serious danger, your short stories from your service in Vietnam are often light-hearted and anecdotal. Aside from the short stories I've edited for you, will you tell me more about your connection with At Ease magazine?
Les: It happened quite accidentally. A Marine Corps League buddy of mine had read some of my past writing for the League. He was acquainted with At Ease and knew they were looking for writers, so he passed on my name to them. The next thing I know, I was contacted by At Ease and asked to write a story concerning honor. As is often said, the rest is history. I've been writing for At Ease Veterans Magazine for about three years now. I also edit for them, but only a light edit to preserve the Veteran's voice.
Andria: That's fantastic the way your gift made room for you somewhere you least expected. I want to talk more about your military writing, but first, tell me about your professional experience outside the Marines?
Les: I'm trained as an industrial pattern-maker and build patterns for some long-time customers. I also do CAD work, designing mechanical parts for various industries. I worked for a medical device manufacturer for 20 years and received seven patents in their orthopedic division. When I'm not writing, I work in my wood shop. I also read and write poetry.
Andria: I've enjoyed reading your poetry, too. Thank you for sharing it with me. With regard to your short stories and articles, what's it been like working with an editor?
Les: Best thing I ever did. I've learned a lot from my editor. Also, I discovered no matter how good of a writer you think you are, an experienced editor will always make you look better!
Andria: Thank you! I definitely learn a lot from you as well. One of the benefits I get from reading authors like yourself who tell stories from their experience growing up in our nation during the 1930s through the 1970s is a first-hand account of the rich nostalgia of a young country, the evidence of core values at home and at work, and the importance of family and simple pleasures. I also read somber stories like some of yours that remind me that my freedom has been paid for at a cost to others. What can you tell me about the book you are working on now that depicts a particular time from your service in Vietnam?
Les: The book is called Kingfisher, named after the operation. It is a first-hand account of the worst battle our battalion ever encountered in Vietnam. I conducted personal interviews with some of the Marine buddies who were there and wrote about their experiences as well as mine. Depending on where you were in the battle, the accounts differed. It is a story that needs to be told, a story of a mile-long ambush.
Andria: Can you share with me any of the challenges you encountered during the process of writing your book?
Les: I was surprised by how difficult it became. It was challenging to move past some of the dark memories. While investigating the story, I discovered the fate of two Marines that were never revealed in any military records.
Andria: Wow. I appreciate you putting yourself through that process in order to tell this story. I am honored to edit for you when you are ready. How long you have been writing it, and have you decided how you hope to publish your story?
Les: I've been working on it since 2006, and I'm not even close to finishing it yet. I haven't thought about publishing much. However, the editor-in-chief of At Ease offered to publish it when I was ready. Of course, you will be editing the book for me.
Andria: That's great! In the meantime, tell us where we can find your articles and more inside At Ease Veterans Magazine?
Les: At Ease Veterans Magazine has an e-magazine website where all the current and past stories can be read. You can also subscribe to the print version, which is a coffee table quality magazine. The stories range from light-hearted to extremely sad. Our cover stories highlight a prominent military member many you will recognize. Go to www.AtEaseVeteransMagazine.
Andria: Les, thank you so much for sharing your time with me. Thank you for giving me permission to highlight your work. And most especially, thank you for your service in the US Marines.
Author Resources & Free Publishing Guide from Andria Flores
Hi! I’m Andria Flores—an editor who loves her clients! One perk I provide to my authors is exclusive access to my Author Resources page, filled with helpful downloads and links from me, as well as direct access to trusted colleagues and resources to assist you through the entire publishing process. To gain access, subscribe to my newsletter. You'll immediately receive my free Publishing Guide. And once we connect, I'm happy to send you the link to my Author Resources, exclusively for my authors and clients.
