[{"_1":2,"_69":-5,"_70":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_39":40,"_67":-5,"_68":-5},"root",{"_5":-5,"_6":-5,"_7":8,"_22":-5,"_23":24,"_25":26,"_27":28,"_31":32,"_37":38},"user","shoppingCartId","shoppingCart",{"_9":10,"_11":12,"_13":14,"_15":16,"_17":18,"_19":20,"_21":14},"id","no-cart","count",0,"free",true,"updatedAt","2026-02-06T11:47:00.191Z","paymentGateway","STRIPE","cartItems",[],"loading","toast","locale","en","readerTheme","system","constants",{"_29":30},"paypalClientId","AX53Cwz8jR6rVVzzZiZNWWXl0dGagi-GZrjG-S3Ua14E5nrKMn7DxDQ730O4R8LusLPp49ALn6aRVaEy","publishers",{"_33":34,"_35":36},"companies",[],"universities",[],"needsLocaleCookieSync",false,"routes/_store+/_readers+/email_author.$slug/route",{"_41":42,"_66":-5},"book",{"_9":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53},"Z2lkOi8vbGVhbnB1Yi9TdG9yZTo6Qm9va1Byb2R1Y3QvNTk2Mw","title","Making Alpha","state","unpublished","contactAuthorMethod","email","aboutText","

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!

","authors",[54],{"_9":55,"_56":57,"_5":58},"Z2lkOi8vbGVhbnB1Yi9TdG9yZTo6UHJvZHVjdEF1dGhvci82MjEx","name","Matt Mesnard",{"_59":60},"avatar",{"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":14},"url","https://d39qdlcrvnra4b.cloudfront.net/avatars/163599/medium/Oh%CE%A9enlarged_175x.jpg?1425584345","styleName","medium","exists","currentUser","routes/_store+/_layout","routes/_store+/_readers+/_layout","actionData","errors"]

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