In this episode, author Robert Goswitz takes us to Vietnam with Private Ed Lansky in 1971.
I interview Robert Goswitz about his debut novel–The Dragon Soldier’s Good Fortune–a unique account of a young new draftee’s first tour in Vietnam . . . with a mystical twist!
Watch our Visit Here:
“Listen Only” Here:
Show Notes with Links:
- Robert introduces himself and admits the main character, Lansky,
is based on his own experience in Vietnam.
- Robert explains why he wrote this book and why it took him “this long” to write it.
- Military Writers Society of America coach Kathleen Rogers, and his agent Jeanie Loiacono of the Loiacono Literary Agency.
- Writing tips for authors trying to hone their skills
- Black Opal Books
- He talks about the racial divide in America in the ’60s and ’70s and how the same issues arose in Vietnam, though the dynamics
between races disappeared in “the bush.”
- The irony of Robert’s Americal Award
- Nixon and his promise to bring the troops home
- Stars and Stripes Magazine
- Names in “The Dragon Soldier’s Good Fortune” and characters (like “Chief” based on real people)
- Importance of “setting” in books
- Reading as a writer
- Loneliness and psychological conditions associated with being in
a foreign environment
- Dragon as good luck in Vietnam
- the 195th Infantry Brigade
- Robert reads a passage from his novel
- Humor, even in harshest situations
- Lansky’s (and Robert’s) evolution as a soldier
- The tiger scene and ceremony
- How Robert chose to end the book, and what’s next
- Shout-outs to those who helped him complete this project
-
Link to Robert’s Amazon Author Page
- Robert’s email: rgoswitz@me.com
More Links:
If you enjoy my podcasts, you might enjoy my books!
- Laurel’s Amazon Author page
- https://leadvillelaurel.com/writing-tips/
- https://www.facebook.com/LeadvilleLaurel/
- https://twitter.com/LeadvilleLaurel
- Intro/outro voice by Nick McHargue,
Podcast music from Jamendo Royalty Free Music
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