Gathering Of Dedicated Scribblers discussion
Independent Writing
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Letters From Home - new novel
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You can simply put him in a convoy. Say a part for a vehicle needed replacing so they sent him in a convoy to the nearest air force base to retrieve it. This way it didn't have to be anything relating to direct conflict. They could have been driving down a main road way and a simple truck was driving in front of them. As they pulled into the passing lane to get ahead of the vehicle the truck detonated.
My redheaded step child novel is set in 2006-10, first person male POV. He's a Marine lifer deployed in the desert. I do not specify where because I don't want readers looking for connections to the towers or 911, however, I'm thinking Iran, Afgan, Iraq etc. area. Most of the action occurs over there, not stateside and I am trying to focus on the brotherhood, not enemy engagements, etc. The novel as a whole is a romance that began through a Christmas letter, not a story of military life.
The Issue--
The last couple chapters have him injured to the point of being in a coma. I'm looking for a reason for Ssgt Owen Chance to end up in a coma. He's infantry, but I haven't decided anything more specific. He's not a sniper, maybe recon, gunner? Could he be a MarSOC or CSO at his rank or Unit Leader? IDK
It ends 18 years later with his son, that he is not aware he has, meeting him for the first time. He is still in the coma. I don't think I'm going to have him wake up. Too easy.
The question--
My vision of Iran etc, is that it's filled with sand, lean to shelters and insurgents and our boys do not leave base for any reason outside of patrol or combat. I'm probably so very wrong. Please correct me. When it comes time, I'm going to need someone with military background to make sure all of my details are correct. Can't inadvertently give a Pvt too much power or Gunny too little.