The King of Happy Valley blends coming-of-age fiction, military narrative, and travelogue, tracing your journey from the late-1970s counterculture into the Marine Corps. What inspired you to share your story with readers?

I wanted people to see the “real” Reconnaissance Marine Corps in the 1980s from my perspective. I also wanted to negate how mind-altering substances are portrayed by the media. The heavy facades that individuals believe they must wear beats upon my senses. Truth and honesty are the most important attributes in this life. Morals, not political correctiveness. You do not have to be a drag to excel. I am proof that “maturity” and responsibility are NOT the same thing.

Your voice in the book is energetic, humorous, and often self-aware. Was that tone something you developed intentionally, or did it come naturally from memory?

It is the way I live my life. Having a real conscience, that inner compass that distinguishes right from wrong, and FOLLOWING it — understanding it to BE YOUR LIFE. If we all did this Human Revolution, it would change the world.

The line “There is always a way forward” echoes throughout the narrative. What does that idea mean to you in the context of both your youth and your military service?

It is the context for my existence on this planet. It is not a “make lemonade” thing. I believe there to always be a path forward from whatever life state you find yourself in. We make our worlds with our nature and appearance (our entity). This ENTITY has the power to alter internal (learned) and external (the shit out here) causes in order to create wonderful effects. Effects that are maybe not understood by the human brain. If we FOCUS on VALUE CREATION, we will have victory. Basically, there is only victory and defeat. We CAN CHOOSE by our actions which one prevails. 

What do you hope readers take away about youth, risk, and transformation after finishing The King of Happy Valley?

Bob Dylan said it best: “There’s no great message.” He also stated to The Wall Street Journal: “If a song (or book) moves you, that’s all that’s important.” I’m just a song and dance man. This book is my song. You can dance if you want to (and leave the world behind). 

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