Angel Giacomo, blending law enforcement insights with military realism, crafts gripping narratives honoring sacrifice, heroism, and the impact of war, infused with personal and historical depth.
Step into the world of Angel Giacomo, a multifaceted writer whose journey from law enforcement to prolific authorship has imbued her storytelling with a rare blend of authenticity and depth. With a background spanning explosive detection, fatality traffic investigation, and extensive military knowledge, Angel brings a wealth of real-world experience to her debut novel, The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: In the Eye of the Storm. Inspired by her family’s military legacy and her own career, Angel’s writing delves into the complexities of war, exploring themes of sacrifice, heroism, and the profound psychological impacts on veterans and first responders alike.
Angel’s dedication to accuracy and detail is evident not only in her gripping narratives but also in her meticulous research and firsthand insights into action scenes and technical accuracy. Beyond thrillers, she shares her family’s culinary traditions through Giacomo Family Recipes, reflecting her personal history and love for cooking. Her commitment extends to supporting veteran organizations and editing anthologies that honor the courage and resilience of those who have served. Join us as we delve into Angel Giacomo’s compelling journey as a writer, where each page resonates with the pulse of lived experiences and a profound tribute to those who serve their country and community.
After a successful and varied career in law enforcement and other fields, what inspired you to transition into writing, particularly military thrillers?
I have been writing most of my life, including high school and college papers, but not fiction. Writing was a part of my police career. Report writing is stating the facts, nothing more. I started writing fiction in my 20s to unwind after work. I am an avid history reader. My father served in the US Navy from 1959-1970 and the Army National Guard from 1976-1992, so I gravitated to writing military fiction. Having spent years on the front lines, witnessing firsthand the complexities and high-stakes nature of law enforcement, I felt compelled to bring these realities to life through fiction. I aim to provide an authentic glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by those in the military. My background allows me to infuse my stories with realism and depth, creating compelling narratives that resonate with readers seeking excitement and authenticity.
Your debut novel, The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: In the Eye of the Storm, draws from your extensive experience with law enforcement and military knowledge. How did your background influence the development of your characters and plot?
My background had a significant influence on my characters and plot. Jackson was based on several people, including one by happy accident, as I didn’t learn how much a friend’s journey to West Point was nearly identical to Jackson’s until after In the Eye of the Storm was published. The first person to enter Jackson’s development was Lt. General Hal Moore. Another would be Colonel James Nicholas “Nick” Rowe. Those two men went through the same kind of hell that I placed Jackson. Writing allowed me to contribute to the conversation about the sacrifices and heroism of those in uniform. It offers a platform to honor their service and explore the intricate dynamics of duty, honor, and camaraderie.
Your work spans multiple careers, from handling explosives to washing dishes at a restaurant. How do these diverse experiences shape the authenticity and depth of your storytelling?
My experiences significantly enhance the authenticity and depth of my storytelling. Each job provided unique insights into different aspects of life, contributing to the tapestry of experiences and feelings intertwined in my writing. That gives me the ability to write with realism.
I recently helped the reunion group for the 85th Evacuation Hospital with the book Anthology: Tales of the 85th Evacuation Hospital, Phu Bai. I edited their true stories of sacrifice and courage in the face of overwhelming odds to achieve a 95% survival rate. Their motto was Miracularum Laborantes, in Latin means Miracle Workers. My service pales in comparison to theirs.
You have attended numerous FEMA classes and have handled various weapons. How do these experiences inform the action scenes and the technical accuracy in your books?
My lifetime of past experiences helped shape what is written in my books to go along with my meticulous research. I want to get the facts right. If I don’t, I could be on the receiving end of a bad review.
The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles explores the personal and professional impacts of war. What motivated you to delve into the psychological and emotional struggles of veterans in your writing?
PTSD is not exclusive to the military. It happens in all walks of life, including the police department, crime victims, collision survivors, and victims of tragedy. It is an ongoing tragedy for the military as the government machine chews up the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines and spits them out to their own devices. Twenty-two veterans a day commit suicide. That is a tragic statistic. Maybe writing a character or more with PTSD will shed light on the issue. I aim to provide an authentic glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by those in the military. My background allows me to infuse my stories with realism and depth, creating compelling narratives that resonate with readers seeking excitement and authenticity.
Aside from your novels, you’ve also written a family cookbook, Giacomo Family Recipes. How does this project reflect your personal history, and what inspired you to share your family’s culinary traditions with your readers?
Simple. I love to cook. The recipes came from a family reunion. Copies of the actual written recipes are included in the book.
