Andy Adkins, Author

News & Events

February 23, 2024. Gainesville, Florida. For immediate release.

The Writer's Alliance of Gainesville recently published my article, "Blogging 101: Who, What, When, Where &... Why," in the "Hogtowne Quill." I'll also be the featured speaker at WAG's March 3, 2024 monthly meeting (2:30p - 4:00p) at the Gainesville Public Library - Milhopper Branch, providing insights and tips for starting your own blog.

January 2, 2024. Gainesville, Florida. For immediate release.

Andy Adkins will be showcasing six of his published books at the 2004 Sunshine State Book Festival, January 26-27, 2024 at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville. Adkins will also be discussing his newest novel, "UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN," a high-tech thriller involving Virtual Reality and military espionage.

October 30, 2023. Gainesville, Florida. For immediate release.

Andy Adkins, author of You Can't Get Much Closer Than This: Combat with the 80th "Blue Ridge" Division in World War II Europe co-wrote "The Blue Ridge Division in Europe" with Madeline Hanson, recently published in WWII History. Click [HERE] to read the article.

October 20, 2023. Gainesville, Florida. For immediate release.

Andy Adkins, author and editor of multiple military history books, including his latest novel, NEVER FORGET, announces the release of his newest book, A VETERAN'S JOURNEY - VOLUME 3.

Following on the success of his weekly blog, "A Veteran's Journey," Adkins assembled another collection of STILL MORE short stories based on his experiences during his 4-year enlistment in the United States Navy.

"The Navy laid the foundation for my careers--heck, my life or, as I like to call them, my 'journeys', stated Adkins. "Each week brings a new short story, mostly of my time either stationed in Guam or on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier, USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). But periodically, I'll also share a story from my dad's experience in Europe during World War II or my father-in-law's Army paratrooper days. In addition, I'll throw in a story about my time as a City of Gainesville (Florida) firefighter."

How do I get a copy?

A VETERAN'S JOURNEY - VOLUME 3 is self-published and available for purchase on Amazon (paperback, $9.95; Kindle version, $1.99). Also note that Adkins provides a downloadable version (PDF and/or eBook) FREE to veterans (click here).

April 28, 2023. Gainesville, Florida. For immediate release.

"An Unexpected Delight."
The Gainesville Fine Arts Association combined forces with the Writers Alliance of Gainesville in an unusual combination of prose and art: "Artwalk-Communication." Several writers (moi, included) submitted materials to the GFAA for local artists to "interpret" and create works of art. My 500-word creation, "From an Aircraft Carrier Flight Deck: Indescribable Beauty was selected and interpreted by local artist, Keana Poindexter-Jones. I was stunned and inspired on her creation.

September 29, 2022. Gainesville, Florida. For immediate release.

Anonymous Internet Research: A How-to Tutorial for Writers.
Published by the Writers Alliance of Gainesville's Hogtowne Quill Blog, author Andy Adkins provides a step-by-step procedure on how to remain anonymous when researching sensitive topics (or any topics, for that matter) using the Internet. By using FREE (the best price) tools, such as VPN, TOR browser, and DuckDuckGo, researchers can feel confident their activites are not being tracked.

December 28, 2021. Gainesville, Florida. For immediate release.

Join author Andy Adkins as he discusses his book, " You Can't Get Much Closer Than This," a soldier's memoir about his father, Bronze Star Medal recipient Lt. A.Z. Adkins, Jr. and his experiences with the 80th Division in Europe during World War II.

This Livestream presentation was hosted by the Virginia War Memorial, January 18, 2022, 1:00-2:00p.

Watch the 1-hour presentation: click HERE.

November 1, 2021. Gainesville, Florida. For immediate release.

Andy Adkins, author and editor of multiple military history books, including his latest novel, NEVER FORGET, announces the release of his newest book, A VETERAN'S JOURNEY - VOLUME 2.

Following on the success of his weekly blog, "A Veteran's Journey," Adkins assembled another collection of MORE short stories based on his experiences during his 4-year enlistment in the United States Navy.

How do I get a copy?

A VETERAN'S JOURNEY - VOLUME 2 is self-published and available for purchase on Amazon (paperback, $9.95; Kindle version, $1.99). Also note that Adkins provides a downloadable version (PDF and/or eBook) FREE to veterans (click here).

April 22, 2021. Gainesville, Florida. For immediate release.

Andy Adkins, author and editor of multiple military history books, announces the release of his new book, A VETERAN'S JOURNEY - VOLUME 1.

What's it about?

"A Veteran's Journey" is a weekly blog that I began Veteran's Day 2019, before the pandemic. I spent four years with the United States Navy (1973-77) and enjoyed two duty stations: NAS Agana, Guam and USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), working on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. I was an aircraft Crash & Rescue firefighter and an aircraft director while aboard Kitty Hawk.

Little did I know what a wonderful journey this blog would become. Not only do I recall and write about many of my Navy experiences, but I can also reach out to other military veterans. Reconnecting with old shipmates and watching other shipmates reconnect with those they hadn't seen nor heard from in years is truly rewarding.

"A Veteran's Journey" blog is a way for me to continue writing every week... to continue to explore new ways of conveying my experiences--journeys--through life and through my careers. I'm currently retired, but I don't know how long that will last. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.

How to get a copy?

A VETERAN'S JOURNEY - VOLUME 1 is self-published and available for purchase on Amazon (paperback, $9.95; Kindle version, $1.99). Also note that Adkins provides a downloadable version (PDF and/or eBook) FREE to veterans (click here).

About Andy Adkins

Andy Adkins is a US Navy veteran ('73-77) and the author of several books, including You Can't Get Much Closer Than This-Combat with the 80th "Blue Ridge" Division in World War II Europe, published by Casemate Publishers (2005) and selected as the Book of the Month for the Military Book Club. His newest novel, NEVER FORGET, is the story of A Vietnam Veteran's Journey for Redemption & Forgiveness. Adkins also writes a weekly blog, "A Veteran's Journey".

February 23, 2021. Gainesville, Florida. For immediate release.

Andy Adkins, author and editor of multiple military history books, announces the release of his new debut novel, NEVER FORGET.

What's it about?

In 1968 in the jungles of Vietnam, a wounded 19-year-old Tom Reilly fought off an enemy ambush and carried his best friend out. Only, his buddy died before they could safety be evacuated. Years later, Tom faces another dire situation. His father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. They have not spoken since 1975, when Tom walked out of his life. With his teenage son, Chris, who has never met his grandfather, Tom visits Ed, a decorated WWII veteran, for the first time in 25 years. The fighting continues, but the healing begins.

NEVER FORGET is a work of fiction and is a multi-generational father, son, and grandson novel about WWII and Vietnam. It is not about combat; it is about overcoming personal conflicts caused by a war. The story reflects upon our current society of an older generation (WWII), aging baby boomers (Vietnam), and the current generation (global terrorism). It brings together multiple facets of dementia & Alzheimer's and PTSD & Survivor's Guilt in a moving, character-driven story of personal struggles and growing relationships.

Why are you giving this book away?

Writing this book has provided me a continuous challenge through this pandemic. I've enjoyed the entire process, from coming up with the initial ideas, writing the book at all hours of the day and night, drafting ideas while in a Yoga Down Dog or Plank position, and the editing and rewriting. It's truly been a remarkable experience.

During this pandemic, we're all trying to find some "nuggets of normalcy" in this weird chaotic time. I thought it would be a good idea to offer the book to other veterans who, like myself, "signed on the dotted line." Please feel free to share with others who may be interested.

How to get a copy?

NEVER FORGET is self-published and available for purchase on Amazon (paperback, $9.95; Kindle version, $1.99). I'm also giving it away for free to all veterans on my website: www.azadkinsiii.com/blog/never-forget. Download either in PDF format or in MOBI (eBook) format.

About Andy Adkins

Andy Adkins is a US Navy veteran ('73-77) and the author of several books, including You Can't Get Much Closer Than This-Combat with the 80th "Blue Ridge" Division in World War II Europe, published by Casemate Publishers (2005) and selected as the Book of the Month for the Military Book Club. His newest novel, NEVER FORGET, is the story of A Vietnam Veteran's Journey for Redemption & Forgiveness. Adkins also writes a weekly blog, "A Veteran's Journey".

November 11, 2020. Gainesville, Florida. "A Veteran's Journey" celebrated its one-year anniversary today with Blog post #56: "Veteran's Day & Happy 1st Anniversary."

"What a milestone," Adkins happily reported. "When I started A Veteran's Journey a year ago, I wasn't sure what direction I would take this blog. But with the number or readers, followers, and continous comments, it's clear that I've got a few 'journeys' to share; many of which others have apparently also enjoyed reminiscing.

"I typically blog on Tuesdays, with a special 'Navy Friday Funny' that has garnished many comments (mostly kind). I've enjoyed not only sharing memories from my time in Boot Camp (Orlando RTC), but also my two duty stations: NAS Agana, Guam and USS Kitty Hawk, CV-63. I've also relished the ability to reconnect with other shipmates I served with, both in Guam and aboard Kitty Hawk."

Adkins also blogs about his father, A.Z. Adkins, Jr. (80th Infantry Division), and his father-in-law, Dr. Rufus K. Broadaway (82nd Airborne).

"It still brings me great honor to share stories from my dad's time in the war. There are a lot of us 'baby boomers' who are still interested in World War II. Rufus Broadaway's experience as aide-de-camp to MG James Gavin also serves to provide some 'interesting' perspectives in the war."

Adkins continues to blog "A Veteran's Journey" weekly as well as sharing it on multiple social media platforms, including several Facebook groups, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

November 11, 2019. Gainesville, Florida. Andy Adkins launched his new blog titled, "A Veteran's Journey," today, Veteran's Day 2019. The articles are based on Adkins' experiences and journeys over the years.

"Life is a journey, one step followed by another," quotes Adkins. "I've had several outstanding 'careers' and I truly feel that each one--each job--has prepared me for the next step. I believe that's how most of us survive in today's world; we continue to rely on what we've learned over the years and apply those experiences toward our next career."

Adkins indicated that this weekly blog will focus on life experiences, not just his own, but others he has met along the way.

Since he has retired--"for the third time," Adkins tells us--he has again started writing. That's something we should all look forward to. Adkins has written several books over the years, both professional as well as military history. He's sure to include some of those in his future blogs.

Adkins' blog, "A Veteran's Journey," can be read by subscribing or by following social media via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

No additional upcoming events scheduled at this time.
Please check back for updates

ANDY ADKINS