Tom Crowley
Veteran / Author / Speaker
Featured Interview
Serious Reading - Interview with Tom Crowley, Author of Mercy's Heroes
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Your Most recent book is titled Mercy’s Heroes. What is the nature of the book?
Mercy’s Heroes is at its core a paean of praise for the Mercy Centre, a street based charity in the Bangkok slums with the mission of serving the poor and the street children living in the slums. I was proud to be part of it in a small way as a volunteer, but it was only years later that I was able to look back and understand what a unique refuge of love it is for abused children and the families who live in the poorest of slum communities Why did you take that title for the book? We so often think of heroes in the context of military heroes or those who protect the public such as the police or fire department or emergency personnel. I have been privileged to see the everyday heroism of traumatized children, teachers and street shelter staff workers who stood up for the children on a daily basis in the worst of slum settings. I thought it was time to recognize their courage, especially the kids who are “kicking open the door” to a place in society and a normal life. They are heroes who show courage on a daily basis not just on occasions when confronted with danger. Why did you take so long to discuss the reality of your fight with PTSD? The fact of the matter is that, until recent years, there was substantial stigma attached to admitting to post traumatic stress disorder. Possibly this has been more so with men, but nowadays both men and women who’ve experienced trauma in differing forms find acceptance when they state they are confronting the issue. After I left Mercy and went to writing full time, a number of friends suggested that I write the story of my fourteen years as a volunteer at the Mercy Centre. It was only as I got deeper into writing the story that I realized that it wasn’t about what I had done for Mercy, but what Mercy had done for me. Seeing the pain of others helps you to recognize your pain. Helping to heal others helps you to heal. Who is your favorite author? For my action/adventure writing I have many favorites but the one I try to model myself on is Elmore Leonard. Keep things simple and hard hitting. You can find his ten rules of writing at https://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/tips-masters/elmore-leonard-10-rules-for-good-writing. Another author I favor is John Connolly, a Dublin based author whose mystery books are packed with intrigue, action and the presence of supernatural forces. John has great imagination and writing skill. I met him at a Mystery Writer's of America conference some years back and found him very approachable and open to discussion. |
I blame it on my librarian when I was a kid. She was a pusher and I got hooked. I didn't know reading led to writing. Honestly. I'm innocent.” |
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"The books I write have their roots in Asia as this has been where I have lived and worked most of my life since being assigned to serve as a rifle platoon leader in Vietnam over fifty years ago. I was wounded in combat during my tour and spent some weeks in an army hospital in Japan recovering from my wounds. It was that early exposure to Japan, a country I have always found fascinating, beautiful and enjoyable, that made me determined to complete my education and return to Asia to live and work. After spending nearly twenty years working with GE in a number of Asian countries, I turned away from the business world and spent fourteen years working as a volunteer for a charity in Bangkok that assists street kids. My time for the past ten years has been taken up with writing."
For those with the patience to read this far I have an offer of a free copy of one of my books in the contact section. Just write me by January 31, 2024 and ask for it. |
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Recognition
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Mercy's Heroes nominated for Siam Book Awards/2023
Bangkok Gamble received a five-star review from Reader's Favorite. Featured in World War II Quarterly / 2017 Merrill's Marauders in the China-Burma-India Theatre (1944) has been included in the fall issue of World War II Quarterly, which will be released in late October Bronze Medal Award / 2015
Received the Bronze Medal award for "Murder in the Slaughterhouse" from the Military Writers Society of America Goodreads / 2014-2015
Murder in the Slaughterhouse receives 4.3/5 stars on Goodreads.com |
