Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I served in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves for a total of 21 years. In 2003, I was deployed as a Civil Affairs Officer to Iraq, where I sat at a desk, in an abandoned building equipped with air-conditioning.
I live in Oneida, New York. I was until recently a Mission Continues Fellow, and now I’m a published author. I was interviewed on CNN in 2010 about my experiences in Iraq, specifically about how humanitarian aid contributes to our national security.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book, Does My Suicide Vest Make Me Look Fat?, is a collection of my experiences in Iraq. They’re about all the strange, idiotic, and funny things that happened while I was there. It took me nearly 10 years to finish it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I make an outline on sheets of paper, the ideas eventually become chapter titles. Then I just fill in the blanks.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Joseph Heller; Catch 22
Tim O’Brien; The Things They Carried
James Webb; Fields of Fire, A Sense of Honor
Winston Groom, Better Times Than These
John Le Carre; Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Anything by Frederick Forsyth
What are you working on now?
I’m working on my next book, This Might Have Been A Bad Idea. It’s about more funny, idiotic, surreal events, both in and out of the military.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a website, www.soldierpress.com and a blog, www.unclesugar.com. The Kindle version is on Amazon.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! Push through any obstacles that you or anyone else has put in your way. Don’t assume that nobody wants to read what you want to publish.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write that book…” COL David Hackworth, author of About Face and Steel My Soldiers’ Hearts
What are you reading now?
The Outpost, by Jake Tapper
What’s next for you as a writer?
Learning to market what I’ve busted my hump writing.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Fourth Protocol, by Frederick Forsyth
The Outpost, by Jake Tapper
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John Le Carre
Author Websites and Profiles
John Ready Website
John Ready Amazon Profile
John Ready’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account