77 - Need Help Writing Your Book? The Story Ninja’s Journey from Green Beret to Ghostwriter
77 - Need Help Writing Your Book? The Story Ninja’s Journey from Green Beret to Ghostwriter  
Podcast: Lesser Known Operators
Published On: Wed Sep 03 2025
Description: Episode Sponsor: Precision Wellness Group Website Instagram – @precisionwellnessgroupInstagram – @the_story_ninja The Story Ninjas WebsiteIn this conversation, Randy Surles, known as the Story Ninja, shares his journey from a military career to becoming a book coach and ghostwriter. He discusses the importance of collaboration in storytelling, the impact of his military experience on his writing, and the challenges of navigating the publishing world. Randy emphasizes the need for understanding the reader's perspective and the significance of character arcs in storytelling. He also shares insights from his transformative experience on the Camino de Santiago and explains the Story Grid methodology he employs in his editing process. Randy shares his experiences as a Ranger and later as a member of the Special Forces, detailing the rigorous training, the challenges faced during deployments, and the impact of significant events like 9/11 on military careers. He reflects on the importance of mentorship, self-advocacy, and the lessons learned throughout his journey, emphasizing the need for personal growth and understanding military history. Randy also discusses the complexities of navigating career paths in the military and the importance of maintaining relationships and personal well-being after service.