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army, autobiography, Because of You, Caribbean Accent Book Reviews, family, Giveaway, homefront, interview, Iraq, Jessica Scott, military, military romance, mother, To Iraq and Back, war
Military romances are a genre many of us enjoy, particularly when told with skill and knowledge.
Some authors, like today’s guest blogger and author, Jessica Scott, do so from their own personal experience on the frontlines.
Jessica has agreed to do an amazing SIX-book Giveaway; 3 per winner, so be sure to POST A COMMENT stating your preferences, then ENTER the RAFFLECOPTER to be eligible.
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JS: Thanks so much for having me here today!
I guess y’all are probably wondering what a nonfiction book is doing on a romance blog?
And you guessed it, I’m here to explain. I wrote the content for “To Iraq and Back” while it as deployed in 2009.
I was learning to be a writer. I was learning to be an officer and it was my first time deploying into a combat zone. I was learning to be a mom deployed away from my kids. I wrote. Writing was my ‘me time’ then and it’s my ‘me time’ now.
“To Iraq and Back“ is obviously very personal to me. It’s not a comment on the war, it’s a commentary on how I dealt with the war and all that went with it. In it, you can see early iterations of my current published books.
I spent a lot of time with Shane & Jen from “Because of You” and with Evan & Claire from “Until There Was You“, too.
So in a way, it’s a look back on things that shaped me as a woman, a writer, as a soldier.
Some good, some not good. But all learning points that I grew from.
What’s really cool – at least I think – is that you can look at “To Iraq and Back“ and see the development of my characters Shane & Jen as well as Laura & Trent. Shane & Jen first appeared in “Because of You“, the book that launched Random House’s first digital imprint Loveswept. They have a short story coming out on February 4th, too. It’s really funny how certain characters stick with you, you know?
(GIVEAWAY) Anyway, I hope you’ll check them out! I’m giving away copies of both ”To Iraq and Back” and “Because of You” today! I hope you’ll check it out!
(Enter the Giveaway here>>a Rafflecopter giveaway<<)
Here’s the blurb for “To Iraq and Back“:
My name is Jessica Scott. I am a soldier. I am a wife. I am a mother. there are many stories from the Iraq War but this one is mine. In 2009, Army second lieutenant Jessica Scott deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
It was a year of many firsts. This is the first person journey through a combat tour in Iraq, through being a woman in the army and learning to be an officer in the unforgiving environment of a brigade combat team.
This is the journey of a writer, learning to find her voice. This is the journey of a mother, confronting the emotions of leaving her children. This is the story of an inexperienced lieutenant, growing into a leader. This is the journey as it happened, without commentary.
This is her blog. There are many blogs from the Iraq war, but this one is hers.
About Jessica: Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she’s a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote.
Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house. Oprah has called her. True story. Her debut novel “Because of You” launched Loveswept, the first Random House digital imprint.
She’s written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of OIF/New Dawn and is currently a company commander stationed at Fort Hood. Most recently, she’s been featured as one of Esquire Magazine’s Americans of the Year for 2012.
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BUY Links for “To Iraq and Back”:
Connect with Jessica Scott:
Website - http://www.jessicascott.net/Welcome.html
Twitter – www.twitter.com/JessicaScott09
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JessicaScottAuthor
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5131118.Jessica_Scott
(Enter the Giveaway here>>a Rafflecopter giveaway<<)
Wow. Amazing. Sounds like a fascinating story.
like a trainwreck, lol!
I love Jessica Scott books.. She is one of my favorite authors
Sounds very interesting Jessica.
Backlist would be great.
Thank you for your service to our country Jessica!!
I forgot to say I’d love a backlist choice and the ARC if chosen as a winner! Thank you!!
I commend you for your service and your writing! Thank you for your sacrifices and keep up the great work!!
I just love Jessica. What she does is amazing
What made you join the military and why the Army?
I’m a product of the 90s army. joined to get the college money/didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. turned out, I was pretty good a being a soldier
Dear Jessica,
Just imagining you having to leave your husband, children and menagerie of pets to find your way into your role in the military, in a not so welcome place gave me goose bumps. Knowing that Evan and Clair-Shane and Jen and Laura and Trent gave you a means to escape to a little of your own world. I am very glad you became the excellent Officer you did and made it home save. Hope your writing continues to bless you! (Maybe then you won’t have to burn water anymore!)
I would be honored with a copy of “To Irag and Back” and :Because of You.”
Thank you for your service,
Your friend and fan,
Candy White
aww thanks Candy! So glad you enjoyed Evan & Claire. I think they’re my favorite so far!
Thank you so much for the chance at this giveaway! If I’m a winner, I’d choose the backlist books
Thank you again,
catch ya on FB or Twitter….. lol
Sebrina
I have loved both the stories I read so far. I can’t wait to read the next one. You are amazing and I love your writing and thank you for your service in the military.
aww thanks Starla!
I loved To Iraq and Back. I’m looking forward to reading more!
Jennifer, I should have the next installment out in the next month or so.
Why do I feel like if I read To Iraq and Back I’m going to start crying? Okay, I’m going to start crying thinking about everything now. I’m completely amazed by members of the military.
there are parts that I cried when writing. but there’s some funny stuff, too:)
I have a hard time getting into nonfiction, even when it’s something that interests me. I have a feeling I’ll be able to get over it with this book.
Just sent it to my Kindle!
Thanks for sharing something pretty unique and personal!
I hope you’ll enjoy!
Thank you so much, Jessica. For sharing such a personal and private experience with us this way. You are an amazing woman. You never fail to impress me.
It was therapeutic for me. plus, i look at it like my kids can look back on it and know that it wasn’t easy for mommy, you know?
Awesome interview.Thanks for your continued service to our country Jessica.
Lisa B
Prefer backlist books.
Thanks Lisa~
I can’t wait to read To Iraq and Back. I have read your other books and loved them. Can’t wait for your others to come out. I think you are an amazing writer. I don’t know how you have time to do it all. Thank you for your service!
Hopefully, there will be more books this year! Laura & Trent are in the queue!
Having not been exposed to the military in my life I enjoy reading about it though. If I happen to be the lucky winner I’ll take your back list to get to know you and your characters
This sounds like a fascinating and sobering read. All of your books sound interesting. my TBR list just got longer!
Oops! Forgot to mention what books I would choose if I won…
Because of You and Until There Was You
Thanks for another great giveaway Sasha!