Email the Author
You can use this page to email Matt Mesnard about Making Alpha.
About the Book
Five soldiers recount times amidst Middle Eastern turmoil. These stories span from home life and enlistment (including reasons for joining), to experiences while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom [OEF] in Afghanistan.
Told from the viewpoints of five different men, this is more a conglomerate of short stories and segments in time rather than a traditional novel: though the whole makes a larger tale of camaraderie; tribulations; emotion; and even scars.
CAUTION: includes violence, mild language, and depictions of war.
About this work:
This is a first draft of a novel I started during NaNoWriMo 2009. It is far from conventional in its layout; and maybe even esoteric or subtle in parts. Too much so? That's where a Leanpub audience comes in.
Completion status:
Think of this version as a rough demo versus the track heard on the radio. This work is a complete first draft - meaning it has a beginning; middle; and end to it. Currently it's the most "complete" work on here, but I feel it has a way to go. Despite what you see now, you are guaranteed to see the whole story posted here; even if it's bit-by-bit as I get the conversion perfected.
A few factors are still being weighed; which I shall share with any supporter of this work. I guarantee at least one new major draft, which could drastically change the feel of the novel. I seek two major pieces of input from anyone who reads this novel…aside from any comments/suggestions.
Leanpub factor:
Anyone purchasing this title will have direct contact with me: meaning they can offer their own input or suggestions to improve my novel. There are still some factors I haven't decided on, which supporters can help influence.I will keep updating this until it seems ready for a physical release. Buyers will be along for the ride; seeing whatever revisions are done. Expect a draft or two.If there is enough interest or support generated, there is a CHANCE of a continuation to this story - which would follow more of what the original concept intended.
Want to get a bigger free peek than what's on Leanpub? Chapters are available free at the following links (for a limited time):
http://www.booksie.com/war_and_military/novel/miller_jivaro/holding-alpha/chapter/1
http://authonomy.com/books/23761/holding-alpha
Thanks for any support or encouragement towards this endeavor!
About the Author
Chided for years by Chris Baty and National Public Radio, this writer broke away from a path of screenplays and independent film to venture into the less structured and often uncivilized world of novels and short stories.
Surviving as a writer of freelance: If you have a literary impasse, if nobody else will help; maybe you can find Mesnard.
Favorite things include: problem solving, rewriting/doctoring for others, music, chatting, making new friends, keeping existing friends, Star Wars, and Oxford commas.
[I write in as many genres as possible. If you haven't seen your favorite, request it.]
Links of note:
Not convinced about my writing? Have a look at some free stories.