Back in October, when I began researching the first book in a new series, I came across a remarkable story. A group of CIA operatives murdered by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, in December 2009. Of the seven patriots that lost their lives that day, the story of one amazing woman remained with me. Her name was Elizabeth Hanson.

You can read more about Ms. Hanson and the incident itself here: "Who Was Elizabeth Hanson." Washington Post reporter Joby Warrick was the person who investigated the tragedy. He wrote a book about it: THE TRIPLE AGENT.

Though the incident was tragic, it wasn't what lingered in my soul. As I contemplated, I started rereading the article on the website. That's when it occurred to me - it was something that I read that remained with me. It was a slogan written on a paperweight that Ms. Hanson kept on her desk. A question, 

"What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"

My first reaction was - any person that had that for their motto must be ... must have been exceptional.

I asked myself the question.

But before an answer came to me, other individuals started popping into my head - my dad ... my wife ... the great inventor I apprenticed under as a journeyman mechanical engineer. Still others, heroes from the Bible and from history. Then more - people who overcame physical, financial, and psychological obstacles.

They were men and women of all ages and races. Some were known the world over, while others virtually anonymous. Yet, it occurred to me that all of these exceptional people had the same thing in common. They live(d) their lives in the spirit of that question. They live(d) their lives as if they knew they could not fail.

Each of them have achieved great goals in their own ways. Each of them have accomplished so much and not just financially; some spiritually, and others charitably. All of them have added chapters to the human story. And though their success stories be diverse, to me, the source of their success can be traced to the way they live(d) their lives.

"Fearlessly" is a silly word that should never be applied to people who have accomplished great feats. For without fear, whether it be fear of harm ... or loss of life ... or of failure ... or of letting others down, there would be no challenge. And without challenge, there is no overcoming, no accomplishment, no victory.

People that have accomplished great things are not individuals devoid of fear, but those who succeed by overcoming it. I'm sure you know some, perhaps even you are one. They are people of strong character, indomitable, relentless, tenacious ... extraordinary individuals. They don't quit though they are not always the strongest or fastest or smartest or boldest.

But they are always the bravest.

For bravery is not the trait of a fearless person, lest the reckless actions of a fool be considered brave. Bravery is the quality that allows us to overcome our fears and succeed.

It is said that, "The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom." Perhaps then, overcoming that fear is the end of wisdom - its completion, leading to true oneness with the Most High.

For me, the answer to Ms. Hanson's motto is, "Exactly what I'm doing. Each evening, with fear, saying a prayer of thanks and asking for forgiveness, wisdom, and strength ... only to rise early the next morning renewed, brave and inspired. My prayers answered, in measure, according to my faith."

How about you? What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

I hope you read, THE EAGLE'S PLUME (ARCHANGEL, Mission Log #1). It is dedicated to the memory of a brave woman ... a patriot ... and yet another hero never mentioned, Elizabeth Hanson.

God values friendship.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." (John 15:13-15)
We are told by God that laying down your life for your friend is the greatest love. There are many heroic and virtuous examples through time - military personnel, firefighters and law enforcement sacrificing their lives to save and protect others. Images of soldiers and Marines jumping on grenades and firefighters running into burning buildings come to mind, but there are also other not-so-obvious examples that are rarely mentioned -sacrifices made by parents for their children and children for their parents; husbands for wives and wives for husbands; and the most powerful examples - strangers for other strangers.
And I'm not just talking about taking a bullet for someone, like the Secret Service pledge they will, for the President. It is no less glorious or valiant for parents to "lay down their lives" by devoting their lives and livelihoods to giving their children the greatest opportunities to succeed; or a son or daughter taking on the responsibility of caring for a parent or grandparent. How about a husband or wife that works so that the other can attend college or build a business? Is that not also "laying down one's life?"
Then there are the very special few - the strangers - you know, the people that volunteer their time - for no money, or fame, or glory, or awards, or trophies - to care for other strangers. Not just contributing to a charity, but contributing the most vital thing any human being can - their time.
I have been honored to know a few people that have laid down their lives for me - teachers and mentors that have devoted their lives to guiding and informing; ministers that remain at the ready to council; coaches that go above and beyond to see that their players have all they need, not just to compete in sport, but in life.
They call us friends.
And I consider them all heroes.
When I thought about what my new novel, PROJECT 111 is really about ... I could say it's about sacrifice, loyalty, honor ... but what I think it's really about is ... friendship.
Cris De Niro cares for all the people he employs. He considers them more than employees. He considers them friends, and he proves his friendship in PROJECT 111 by laying his life down for one, in particular.
I hope you'll consider reading it and when you do, maybe you'll think of people that you know that lay their lives down for others, or for you. (You can find PROJECT 111 here)
By the way, I consider everyone that takes the time and spends the money to read my books ... my friends. I'm very grateful.
Thank you!

Some years ago I met Philip Norbert. Our sons were playing on the same little league baseball team. From our love of everything artistic (and our irreverent sense of humor), we quickly became friends. Philip is a talented director. We talk all the time about the convergence of the various medias - books, cinema, TV, audio, gaming. We talked also about the various platforms on which our converged art is now available - TV, radio, computers, tablets, phones, eReaders.

Countless pints over the past few years have led to some very cool conversations. So many possibilities. So many opportunities to interact, cooperate, and create.

Among Philip's many talents is his uncanny ability to bring together people. Not just any people. People who are motivated to create in this new era of art-meets-media. Writers - cinematographers - audio experts - actors - photographers - graphic designers - artists - technical experts like lighting directors - riggers - editors - website designers - marketing experts. I LOVE THESE PEOPLE! Their creativity, their expertise, and their artist souls motivate me!

We get together, bend an arm and dream, but with the resolve to turn our dreams into reality. While some of our ideas, dreams, and visions will take time to realize, some can be accomplished today, like this new series trailer.

What's a series trailer? Well, it's my idea to, instead of creating individual book trailers, create an audio-visual promo piece that encompasses an entire series. For indie publishers like me, it can save lots of money, and at the same time, it allows us to focus more money on ONE trailer, thus allowing the trailer to be of much higher quality. It also serves to tie together the individual novels of a series in the eyes of the reader.

The Cris De Niro series trailer could not have been created without the extraordinary talents and effort of Philip Norbert of Inklinker. Along with Philip's most excellent Inklinker team, most noteworthy - Brad Hill (Cinematographer/Editor) and John McClain (Audio/Editing).

I'll be promoting Inklinker more in the near future because they are simply the best at what they do. They will soon become a one-stop shopping for indie publishers and authors who need anything by way of - video content (series trailers, book trailers Q&A/Interviews, active content, etc) - graphic design (book covers, inside artwork, logos, branding, etc) - audio and audiobook creation - website design - advertisement creation, social network marketing, etc ... all with a cohesive idea. An indie will be able to form a long-term relationship with Inklinker and by utilizing one trusted source, save time, effort, and money.

I'm excited about the trailer and wanted to share a little about my friends at Inklinker. They are based in Las Vegas, Nevada but travel the globe creating the best content available anywhere.

If you want to contact Philip, there is a "Contact Us" on the Inklinker website (tell 'em g sent you) or you can reach out to me and I can introduce you.

I hope you enjoy the trailer. If you do, please "Like" it on YouTube and share it.

Blessings & Peace,
GdeM

Nothing about his genealogy, his family, his friends … he had all three.

No mention of his tenure with the one company for which he worked faithfully for 19 years ... or of his success starting his own business, a business that was the best in its industry for 26 years.