Oak Publishing

Ann Curtis
- ABOUT
OAK PUBLISHING -
OAK PUBLISHING is based in West Sussex in the United Kingdom and was founded
in 2007 by Ann Curtis. The focus is on non-fiction, in particular personal accounts.
As she says, ‘The book In my Blood is perfect for us – and, I hope, you. It is
a true story, controversial in parts, that requires no embellishment. The
narrative is broad and very compelling. Moreover, it is tautly written with
panache.’
NOTE: Literary agents and authors should bear in
mind that we prefer non-fiction stories with a hostile or post-conflict
scenario linked to foreign affairs as the backcloth. And whilst any good writer
knows that content comes before style, the latter does matter. After all, a great story must be well executed to form
the alpha and omega of a page-turning read.
We look forward to hearing from writers,
readers, booksellers, and the media. If you need to contact us please
preferably email, or call us. Thank you.
- For information about our new book -
IN MY BLOOD

The front and back covers of the book’s gloss laminated jacket are
shown at left and middle. The author is featured right just before going to
Iraq.
1.
What the book is about: A true account, this book is about a man drawn into the world of
security overseas. Something of a maverick, he sees this as a fresh start after
his personal and professional lives go belly-up. So, when most people are
hanging up their boots, he kicks off by joining a private security company and
heads out to Iraq.
But it is his time in Africa which
differentiates this book and endows it with another dimension. Here, he has to
deal with menacing officials in state security and the threat of expulsion. An
erstwhile warlord becomes an unlikely ally. Then, on one occasion, he is
arrested by a vindictive colonel, and locked up. After making a bold escape he
is faced with a dilemma that is both agonising and hilarious.
There are other lighter moments, too. His
fascinating and vivid accounts are written with verve and pace. They take you
not just to Iraq, but also to Libya when it was a rogue state, Kuwait, the
splendour of East Africa, and war-torn Sudan.
In sum, ‘A rich account, skilfully
blending a life in security with military tactics, political commentary,
travelogue and high comedy.’ A varied and enjoyable book with broad appeal.

A mortar strike by insurgents, Basra. Iran has been
implicated. A spectacular 60 mph sandstorm engulfs
a US camp near al Assad.
2.
About the author: Greg Waggett’s enthusiasm for experiences
abroad was kindled by an overland trip to Nepal in 1970, a time when going
through places like Afghanistan and Iran was comparatively straightforward.
Following this, he joined the British
army, firstly as a rifleman, then as an infantry officer. He left after eight
years which saw six tours in Northern Ireland, and worked in Libya in
agri-business operations for another eight years. (He was in Tripoli, the
capital, when the US carried out punitive bombing raids in 1986 – a dramatic
and nerve-wracking event which is described as a flashback in one of the book’s
chapters.)
After his time in North Africa, he set up
and ran a design and advertising agency in Cambridge.
In 2002, his circumstances forced him to
make fundamental changes. After a period of adjustment, he turned to working
overseas in private security for the next few years.
3.
Endorsements: Here are some
authoritative – and genuine – comments about the book:
“Greg is the
quintessential English adventurer. He doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty in
dangerous places. But always with impeccable manners and an ironic smile. And
he can write.” Mike G, former 22 SAS soldier,
publisher, round-the-world-alone-sailor, and entrepreneur
“A
rich account, skilfully blending a life in security with military tactics,
political commentary, travelogue, and high comedy. A must read.” Bill L, financial consultant
“A
modest, highly readable and often very funny account of work in dangerous
places.” Michael M, retd Lt Col, special duties
Northern Ireland, tour officer BRIXMIS, and special branch Hong-Kong
“His
writing has panache and an immediacy pitching you into events and
scene-setting. But there is also reflection and insight.” Ivan R-S, civil engineer, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia
“He
writes compellingly to inform, entertain, and make you feel almost there. A
rare accomplishment.” Tony B, ex Royal Navy, Royal
Geographical Society, and environment consultant, China
“Reading about his
adventures is rivetting – and always interesting.” Diana W, housewife
“I
must confess it was a one-sitting cover-to-cover read.” Todd F,
CP operative and former member of the South African Defence Forces.
For more
details, and to order at a special price, please go to: Contents
and ordering
For
reviews, articles, media and related documentary matter, please click here
KEYWORDS: IN MY
BLOOD BOOK BOOKS
READING BOOKSHOPS AMAZON IRAQ
AFGHANISTAN WAR AFRICA SUDAN POST-CONFLICT POST-DISASTER
TERRORIST BASRA BAGHDAD
HARDBACK STORY INSURGENCY
ACCOUNT SAS SOLDIER
PRIVATE SECURITY INSURGENT KENYA
TANZANIA LIBYA KLASHNIKOV
RIFLES MARINE LEGIONNAIRE
MERCENARY MILITARY BOOK
HARDCOVER DRAMA MILITIA
BLOOD OAK PUBLISHING
ARAB AFRICAN MUSLIM
ISLAM MIDDLE EAST
ARMY REGIMENT AL QUAEDA
US USA CAMP
KUWAIT WRITING TRAVEL
TRAVELOGUE WATERSTONES SMITHS BORDERS PUBLICATION
FORCES BLACKWATER CIRCUIT DYNCORP DEVIL MAY CARE IAN FLEMING JAMES BOND
QUANTUM SOLACE DANIEL CRAIG OVERSEAS ABROAD
BASE HQ QM
PRIVATE MILITARY COMPANIES IRAQ
UK PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANIES
IRAQ SECURITY COMPANIES JOBS RECRUITMENT EMPLOYMENT PERSONNEL
FREELANCE BRITISH EX-ARMY BRITISH
EX-ROYAL MARINE BRITISH
EX-SERVICEMEN BRITISH SOLDIER TA
REGIMENT TERRITORIAL CORPORAL
SERGEANT SOUTH REPORTAGE PRESS
FRONTLINE JOURNALISM CORRESPONDENT AFRICAN
SPECIAL FORCES POLICE BAGHDAD
BASRA BARNES & NOBLE KABUL
WEATHER FORECAST PILOT HR JOBS HIRE HIRING STAFF WORK ARMED ESCORT
CONVOY PROTECTION GUARD EX-FORCES
PSD PSC PMC
CONSULTANT RIFLEMAN
SIGNALLER COMMUNICATIONS QUARTERMASTER
PROJECT MANAGER KUWAIT AMMAN
UNITED NATIONS USAID DFID
US RISK ASSESSMENT OPERATIONS
SITE SECURITY GULF OPERATIVE WEAPONS
EXPLOSIVES IED OED
AMBUSH SMALL ARMS TACTICS TACTICIAN COMBAT BATTLE
GUERILLA HOSTAGE CAMP
AUTHOR IN MY
BLOOD SOFTCOVER LIMP TERROR INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM DISCOURSE ACCOUNT
ADVENTURE ORDER DIRECT BOOKS HOLIDAY READING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS NIGER DELTA
RISK VACANCIES POSITIONS LEADER MEMBER HTTP://WWW.OVERSEAS.JOBS.COM EXPATS HTTP://WWW.LIBRARYTHING.COM/DOWN.PHP
HTTP://WWW.BOOKRABBIT.COM/ ARTICLE REVIEW ACTION EXPLOSION DAILY TELEGRAPH MAIL
EXPRESS SUNDAY SAGA LONDON BOOK FAIR BBC ITV JAZEERA CHANNEL 4 YOUTUBE FACEBOOK
ANDREW LOWNIE CURRENT AFFAIRS ADVENTURE TRAVEL WIKIPEDIA SKY ORANGE TIMES SUN
LIVEJOURNAL SPLUT USA USAF BOMBARDMENT ATTACK STRIKE RPG AK47 KALASHNIKOV RIFLE IRAN YEMEN