SEALS and Sourcebooks

 A Blog Post by 

Romance Author Anne Elizabeth 

 

In the Fall of 2012, Sourcebooks will launch the first book in the West Coast Navy SEAL Romance series.  My husband is retired from the Teams and I can honestly say, “The Navy SEAL community is a family.”

What does family and military mean to you?  For me, the Navy SEAL Family...this one phrase or concept inspires emotions of fidelity, loyalty, and familial bonds surpassing the everyday norm and moving into the realm of extraordinary.  When I began my journey into this tight-knit community I knew it would be memorable but I had no idea it would be both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking.

The “awe” comes from the incredibly demanding jobs these men do – everything from covert missions, Intel-gathering, crucial rescues, nearly impossible Ops, and so much more – to the women and children who continue on with or function in ordinary life as they wait patiently and provide constant love, support, and a stable base for their hero.  None of these jobs are easy – being in harm’s way or worrying about your loved one.  Every family in the military – no matter the branch – has it rough and they sacrifice greatly.  My respect for them is enduring.

In terms of rare insights, I found the courage of the wives and children to be as incredible and inspiring as that of their husbands.  Behind this often secretive role of the Navy SEAL man beats a flesh-and-blood soul, a complex and complicated man, whose depth of emotion is many, many layers deep; and his wife often has similar unique qualities of strength also steeled with Alpha characteristics, tremendous passion, and infinite dedication.  Also, not surprisingly, Navy SEAL men are humble.  They rarely speak of their personal endeavors -- it is always for The Team, The Country, and Their Families.  That quiet confidence says so much. Together, these husbands and wives create hardcore bonds that cement their present and inspire their future.  It is tangible, and definitely easy to admire.

During times of loss, the “heartbreak” of losing members from this tiny world, it hurts all of us.  Whether the individuals are well-known or an acquaintance or possibly even a distant part of this group – it is the same training, the same sacrifice, the same pain, and the horror never goes away.  These men and women don’t know the meaning of the Q-word. They never...Quit! One bleeds and they all do.  No matter what, Navy SEALS always come back harder, faster, and more powerful, and their families have their backs.

It makes me proud and honored to be a part of this unique group whose heart is so big and whose might reaches around the globe.  We are part of the Navy, part of the military, and all of us are Americans.  As I create romance stories to honor these souls, my only wish is to bring this community pride and to share details on some of the rare insights into SEAL nature.

Thus I pose to you, my friends, what does family and military mean to you?  Who do you fight and sacrifice for, and what would you do to keep them alive?

For those individuals attending the New York Comic Con, Anne Elizabeth will have a special keepsake to promote her Navy SEAL Romance series.  Stop by her booth #1142, while supplies last.  HOOYAH!