Nicholas Allen speaks with Randy Surles, the “Story Ninja,” about his journey from Army Ranger and Special Forces to book coach and ghostwriter, exploring the lessons of mentorship, military service, and personal growth while discussing storytelling craft, the Story Grid methodology, and the transformative experiences that shaped both his writing and life after the military.
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Instagram – @the_story_ninja The Story Ninjas Website
In this conversation, Randy Surles, known as the Story Ninja, shares his journey from a military career to becoming a book coach and ghostwriter. He discusses the importance of collaboration in storytelling, the impact of his military experience on his writing, and the challenges of navigating the publishing world. Randy emphasizes the need for understanding the reader's perspective and the significance of character arcs in storytelling. He also shares insights from his transformative experience on the Camino de Santiago and explains the Story Grid methodology he employs in his editing process. Randy shares his experiences as a Ranger and later as a member of the Special Forces, detailing the rigorous training, the challenges faced during deployments, and the impact of significant events like 9/11 on military careers. He reflects on the importance of mentorship, self-advocacy, and the lessons learned throughout his journey, emphasizing the need for personal growth and understanding military history. Randy also discusses the complexities of navigating career paths in the military and the importance of maintaining relationships and personal well-being after service.