Who is Alan Simon?

In his own words.

      I was born in Springfield MA.  Rather than give the year of my birth, I usually tell folks that when I was born, most cars came only in basic black.  At an early age the family moved to a nice little town in the Berkshire Hills, Pittsfield MA.  It was thanks to the public schools of Pittsfield that I first learned that maybe, just maybe, one day I might write a novel.

     I have always had a deep love of reading and, even as a kid, I’d make up all sorts of weird stories. My introduction to novel writing occurred in the fifth grade when I got an A on a book report. What no one knew was that I’d created the book on which I’d reported. I guess I was pretty sneaky, even at that age.

After college, I spent three years in the US Army, one year as an insurance adjuster and six years as a secondary public school teacher (never could keep a steady job), I realized I’d had enough of writing and teaching about the world; I wanted to be part of something that was actively engaged in that world. I did my research and made my decision. I joined the Central Intelligence Agency. Frankly, after signing on the dotted line, raising my hand to take the oath, I never looked back. I never regretted my decision. Yes, there were bad times mixed in with the good, but I never wished for a moment I’d done something different with my life.

Initially, I served as a paramilitary officer, and participated in a number of little international squabbles, like the Vietnam War. Tiring of loud noises such as shots fired, not only in anger, but at ME, I turned in my mortar and rocket launcher. In exchange, I drew my cloak and dagger. I became a CIA operations officer in the Directorate of Operations (DO). That is where the spies and spy-handlers are. In this capacity, I served in Western Europe and many countries in Africa, often as chief of station (COS).  Sorry, folks, I can’t be too specific on this business. Maybe later on, if someone asks, we can chat about how a COS spends your tax dollars.

I retired from the CIA in 1994, but continued on as a consultant, often as a trainer or mentor. This was my way of paying back. I loved my training assignments. They were opportunities to share what I’d learned (often, the hard way). I’m pleased to tell you that many of the officers I trained have gone on to exciting careers. It gives me a thrill when I encounter someone in the CIA halls who still remembers his days under my tutelage. Yes, that’s great feeling.

Well, this doddering ex-ops type is still at it. Unlike so many of my peers, I’m still married to the same woman who, for more years than she cares to think about, followed me from country to country, continent to continent, never uttering a single disparaging comment about the life we’d opted for. She was a full partner in everything I undertook. I wish I could reveal some of the sexier ops she’s helped me out with. Maybe, one day, I’ll get permission to talk about them.

Back to the point I started to make. Yes, I’m still engaged in the struggle against international terrorism. Folks, we’re at war, whether you recognize it or not. Those bad guys out there really, really want to do us in. So, as I sit and fret (figuratively) about this, my protagonist, Sean Brogan, gets off his duff and does something about it.