Page 13 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 49

Amidst the chaos of war and the shadows of betrayal, Lt. Colonel Jackson Joseph MacKenzie battles not only enemies on the battlefield but also the haunting memories that imprison his mind. ‘The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: In the Eye of the Storm’ is a gripping tale of courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of redemption.
After a successful and varied career in law enforcement and other fields, what inspired you to transition into writing, particularly military thrillers?
I have been writing most of my life, including high school and college papers, but not fiction. Writing was a part of my police career. Report writing is stating the facts, nothing more.
I started writing fiction in my 20s to unwind after work. I
am an avid history reader. My father served in the US Navy from 1959-1970 and the Army National Guard from 1976- 1992, so I gravitated to writing military fiction. Having spent years on the front lines, witness- ing firsthand the complexities and high-stakes nature of law enforcement, I felt compelled
to bring these realities to life
through
Angel Giacomo masterfully blends authenticity and passion, creating compelling narratives that honor veterans and captivate readers with realism and depth.
ticity.
fiction. I aim to provide an authentic glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by those in the military. My background allows me to infuse my stories with realism and depth, creating compelling narratives that resonate with readers seeking excitement and authen-
My experiences significantly enhance the authenticity and depth of my storytelling. Each job provided unique insights into different aspects of life, contrib- uting to the tapestry of experi- ences and feelings intertwined
olas “Nick” Rowe. Those two men went through the same kind of hell that I placed Jackson. Writing allowed me to contribute to the conversation about the sacrifices and heroism of those in uniform. It offers
a platform to honor their service and explore the intricate dynamics of duty, honor, and camaraderie.
Your work spans
multiple careers, from handling explosives
to washing dishes at a restaurant. How do these diverse experiences shape the authenticity and depth of your storytelling?
motivated you to delve into the psychological and emotional struggles of veterans in your writing?
PTSD is not exclusive to the military. It happens in all walks of life, including the police department, crime victims, collision survivors, and victims of tragedy. It is an ongoing tragedy for the military as the government machine chews up the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines and spits them out to their own devices. Twenty-two veterans a day commit suicide. That is a tragic statistic. Maybe writing a character or more with PTSD will shed light on the issue. I aim to provide an authen- tic glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by those in the military. My background allows me to infuse my stories with realism and depth, creating com- pelling narratives that resonate with readers seeking excitement and authenticity.
Aside from your novels, you’ve also written a family cookbook, Giacomo Family Recipes. How does this project reflect your personal history, and what inspired you to share your family’s culinary traditions with your readers?
Simple. I love to cook. The recipes came from a family reun- ion. Copies of the actual written recipes are included in the book.
Your debut novel, The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: In the Eye of the Storm, draws from your extensive experience with law enforcement
I recently helped the reunion group for the 85th Evacuation Hospital with the book Antholo- gy: Tales of the 85th Evacuation Hospital, Phu Bai. I edited their true stories of sacrifice and cour- age in the face of overwhelming odds to achieve a 95% survival rate. Their motto was Miracular- um Laborantes,” in Latin means “Miracle Workers.” My service pales in comparison to theirs.
You have attended numerous FEMA classes and have handled various weapons. How do these experiences inform the action scenes and the technical accuracy in your books?
My lifetime of past experienc- es helped shape what is written in my books to go along with my meticulous research. I want to get the facts right. If I don’t, I could be on the receiving end of a bad review.
The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles explores the personal and professional impacts of war. What
and military knowledge. How did your background influence the development of your characters and plot?
My background had a signifi- cant influence on my characters and plot. Jackson was based on several people, including one by happy accident, as I didn’t learn how much a friend’s journey to West Point was nearly identical to Jackson’s until after In the Eye of the Storm was pub- lished. The first person to enter Jackson’s development was Lt. General Hal Moore. Another would be Colonel James Nich-
in my writing. That gives me the ability to write with realism.
Reader’s House II 13