The Dragon’s Call Giveaway Event is open to the public, and today Author Sgt. Stephens tells us of his journey and writing process. After checking out the interview, head over to the event and join in the giveaway below!
We’re honored to have Sergeant First Class (RET) William A. Stephens Jr. join us. With over 38 years of military experience, including his time as a Field Artillery Senior Sergeant and government civilian security specialist, Sergeant Stephens has turned his life experiences into a powerful literary journey. Today, he shares his military background, the inspiration behind his books, and his ongoing mission to support mental health awareness.
K.W. – Thank you, Sergeant, for joining us today. First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for your service. My father and brothers served as well, so I know firsthand that America doesn’t always thank its veterans enough. I appreciate your time and your sacrifices. Could you start by sharing a bit about your military background?
Sgt. W. Stephens – My name is Sergeant First Class (RET) William A. Stephens Jr., and I’m a native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I have 38+ years of military leadership experience, primarily in field artillery and security operations. I deployed to Iraq in 2006 as part of a Combat Armed Assessment Team (CAAT), collaborating with senior officers and sergeants to develop a security force handbook for deploying units. This handbook became one of the most requested Army publications that year. I’m 55 years old, divorced, and a father to a teenage daughter. I also have a cat and a dog. I suffer from PTSD and carpal tunnel syndrome, but through my writing, I’ve found a way to turn my pain into purpose.
K.W. – While serving, did you ever write or publish any works?
Sgt. W. Stephens – Yes, my writing journey started in the military. I’ve always written poetry, dating back to when I was 19, stationed in Nuremberg, Germany. However, it wasn’t until after my father’s passing that I realized I had a message to share. My first book, The Mirror, is a collection of therapeutic poetry and short stories that explore trauma, PTSD, and personal struggles. It’s meant to help others battling their inner demons, drawing from my own military experiences and relationships. My second book, The Broken Mirror, continues that journey, reflecting on my transition from soldier to civilian and my relationship with my daughter. Both books serve as tools for healing and self-reflection.
K.W. – What inspired you to start writing?
Sgt. W. Stephens – I’ve always found poetry to be a therapeutic outlet, but my father’s death was a turning point. I felt like I was the voice of the voiceless—especially for veterans struggling with PTSD and mental health. My high school friend, Jason Arnold, also influenced me. He had a unique way of writing poetry that shaped how I viewed storytelling.
K.W. – Can you walk us through your writing process?
Sgt. W. Stephens – Because of my tremors, I can’t physically write or type for long periods. So, I use voice-to-text on my phone, recording my thoughts and then transcribing them. Over time, this method allowed me to compile my manuscripts, which eventually became The Mirror and The Broken Mirror.
K.W. – You’ve transitioned from military life to being an author and mental health advocate. How do you stay inspired?
Sgt. W. Stephens – I sold my house, bought an RV, and now I travel to spread my message about mental health and resilience. Every morning, I share motivational messages, whether through social media or podcasting. My goal is to inspire people to keep fighting, to live another day. Networking is also a huge part of my journey—I’ve met incredible people who push me to keep going.
K.W. – What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an author?
Sgt. W. Stephens – Health is always a challenge, but technology has been a struggle too. Living in an RV means I rely on my phone and tablet for everything, and my internet service through Starlink isn’t always reliable. The publishing industry itself is also full of pitfalls—there are so many scams targeting new authors. I learned the hard way to read contracts carefully. One of my previous publishers took advantage of me, but thankfully, they were later removed from the company.
K.W. – What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Sgt. W. Stephens – Research everything! Whether you’re self-publishing through KDP or working with a publisher, read the fine print. Also, don’t pay people to market your book—you can do it yourself through podcasts, social media, and networking. Your story is your own, and you don’t need to spend thousands to get it out there.
K.W. – What’s next for you? Any exciting projects in the works?
Sgt. W. Stephens – Right now, I’m working on releasing audio versions of my books, but it’s been a roller coaster. I signed a contract, but if the work isn’t done within 90 days, I’m requesting a full refund. I’ve also designed a challenge coin that I give to veterans and individuals struggling with trauma. My mission is to keep advocating for mental health and helping others find their voice.
K.W. – How can people connect with you?
Sgt. W. Stephens – You can find me on:
📌 Facebook: 1821 Productions
📌 YouTube: 1821 Productions @SAM-wu7rb
📌 Spotify Podcast: 1821 Productions – Mental Health Awareness
If you enjoyed this interview, be sure to check out The Mirror and The Broken Mirror and follow Sergeant Stephens on his journey.
Don’t forget to participate in The Dragon’s Call Giveaway Event and join the conversation in the comments below!
