Alan First's Writing Journey

Alan First, a noted American writer, shares that his writing career took off after an eye-opening experience in the Soviet Union. Initially, he struggled with earlier works that he deemed unworthy, but a trip to the USSR while working for Esquire magazine ignited his passion for storytelling, particularly in the genre of war literature focused on ordinary people undertaking extraordinary actions. The inspiration for his acclaimed novel 'Night Soldiers' came from his disconcerting experiences under a police state, including an unsettling encounter that left a significant impact on him. This pivotal trip established the foundation for his successful series of books, illustrating how real-life experiences can deeply influence one’s creative output.