FROM FORCES TO FICTION!

Meet Charles Cordell, The Former British Army Officer Turned Published Author!

Charles Cordell was brought up in Cornwall, near Falmouth, and spent time as an archaeologist before joining the British Army. He served in a range of operational roles including warfighting, counter insurgency, counter terrorism, and humanitarian on the ground in the Middle East, South Asia, and Northern Ireland, plus a number of diplomatic posts overseas.

It was following intense operational postings in Iraq that Charles began to write, exploring his creative side to balance soldiering and incorporating his passion for history His debut novel was 17 years in the making; he started writing in 2006, took a five year break and picked it up as he prepared to transition out of the Army in late 2020 Less than two years later, the book was published. God’s Vindictive Wrath has already received some great endorsements, not least from X-Forces Enterprise’s Patron, Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, who described it as, ‘a fast-paced read that brilliantly captures the fear, confusion and luck of battle for the soldier.’

“I started to write in a period of frustration," Charles explains "After almost back-to-back operational tours my Army career hit a speed bump I looked for something else I could do, something different."

Charles describes his transition from military to civilian life as a steep learning curve He wasn’t decided on his second career path, writing or consultancy. The Career Transition Partnership (CTP), the official provider of resettlement support, suggested that he undertake some training with X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) to consider if self-employment would be right for him XFE’s Self-Employment Awareness Workshop informs service leavers about what starting up a business means and what to consider if they wish to explore this path.

“XFE’s workshop really opened my eyes to the possibilities of going it alone, as an author, and how self-employment could work. I came away from that workshop enthused and determined to try. I went back to CTP and explained that I wanted to write full time. I asked to take my Graduated Readiness Time up front, at the beginning of my transition period to finish writing the book. It was a risk, but I had to prove to myself that I had a product I could believe in. I was surprised and impressed that CTP found a way around this and allowed me to take my GRT as business research time.

“While I was editing the book, I attended XFE’s more in-depth two-day course. It helped me pin down the business status and strategy that was right for me. Roger was an inspiration. I walked away from the course with my business plan and the confidence to go it alone Soon after, I began pitching to literary agents and publishers.”

God’s Vindictive Wrath is available instore and online from Waterstones, Blackwells, WHSmith and others.