Author's Interview with Crystal Mary Lindsey.
Before we dive into our exciting conversation with today’s remarkable author, let’s start by getting to know the creative mind behind the diverse and captivating stories.
1. Could you please introduce yourself to us?
I am a retired specialist nurse turned writer. I write stories that uplift, inspire, and help readers navigate life with hope and resilience.
2. Congratulations on your book! What inspired you to write it?
I wrote this book for my husband, who suffered from combat-related PTSD all of his life after serving in the Vietnam War.
3. What is your book about?
Raymond grew up in the heart of rural Tennessee, a small-town boy with a big heart and an unwavering love for his country. Raised on hard work, faith, and the values of honor and duty, he always dreamed of serving—a calling he believed would make a difference.
In 1968, that dream became a reality when he was conscripted into the U.S. Marine Corps and sent to fight in Vietnam. At first, Ray felt a surge of pride, eager to defend freedom and stand alongside his brothers in arms. But war was nothing like the noble vision he had carried in his heart. The jungles of Vietnam swallowed him whole, exposing him to horrors no young man should ever have to endure. He saw death too many times to count, felt the ground shake with explosions, and watched the faces of friends fade in an instant. The weight of it all pressed into his soul, leaving scars far deeper than the ones on his skin.
Returning to civilian life should have been a relief, but it felt like stepping into a world that no longer made sense. The memories clung to him like shadows—flashbacks that stole his breath, nightmares that wrenched him awake in the dead of night. Anxiety gripped him without warning, making even the simplest tasks unbearable. Friends and family tried to reach him, but he felt like a ghost in his own life. He withdrew, drowning his pain in alcohol and prescription pills, anything to numb the torment that wouldn’t let him go.
Yet, even in the darkest moments, one thing remained: God’s love. It was his life jacket, the single thread keeping him from unraveling completely. Though Ray struggled to understand why he had survived while so many had not, he clung to the promise that God had not abandoned him. Through faith, he found the strength to take small steps toward healing. The road wasn’t easy—pain and sorrow still walked beside him—but he learned to trust that he wasn’t walking alone.
Ray’s story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who go to war. It speaks to the invisible wounds that linger long after the battlefield is left behind. But more than that, it is a testament to the strength of faith in the face of overwhelming darkness.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." – Proverbs 3:5-6
4. Why did you choose this genre for your book?
Because I chose to write a memoir, this book is nonfiction.
5. How long did it take you to complete the book?
Writing my husband’s story was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. While visiting Tennessee, he emailed me, saying he’d be home soon. The next day, his nephew, a deputy sheriff, called to tell me Raymond had been killed in a horrific accident. The shock was unbearable. I had to navigate the autopsy (a process I’ve witnessed and deeply dislike), the decision of where to hold the funeral—Australia or the U.S. and the overwhelming grief that followed. It took six months before I could even begin to write, and nearly three years later, there are still parts that are too painful to put into words.
6. What makes your book special?
What makes my husband's story truly stand out is the depth of understanding I could bring to it. As a retired nurse with a postgraduate degree in mental health and a Diploma in Psychology, I was able to explain the complexities of his war-related condition in a way that resonated with readers. Many have shared how this insight has deepened their understanding of PTSD and the human mind. Among them, two war widows reached out to express their gratitude, saying my explanations helped them make sense of what their late husbands had endured.
7. When can we expect your next book?
God gives me my fictional stories, so if or when that happens, I will write.
8. Did you experience writer’s block while writing? What advice would you give to others who face it?
I am a spiritual Christian, and God gives me what to write. It flows out of me until the story is finished.
9. Besides being a talented author, what are your other hobbies?
I read my Bible and inspirational encouraging stories, much like my own that I write. If I like the story, I write a review. As a retired professional who learned the value of research while at two different universities, I research everything, never believing the mainstream media. I have a FB page where I share important information from my research with others. I also take time with my grown children and grandchildren, plus friends.
10. Last but not least, how did you feel during this interview?
Thank you.
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