“Lieutenant Norman” by Author Goutham Kool Monk is a deeply emotional, cinematic novel that explores the unseen battles soldiers carry long after the war ends — and the silent courage of the four-legged warriors who stand beside them.
Through the journey of Norman, a traumatised K9 soldier, and a young boy who unknowingly becomes his lifeline, the story blends military grit with heartfelt emotion.
This novel is a tribute to loyalty, healing, and the unspoken bond between humans and animals.
1. What inspired you to write this particular book, and how did the idea for the story come to you?
Lieutenant Norman was inspired by a single powerful question:
What happens to a soldier after the battle — not physically, but emotionally?
The idea took shape after meeting a retired soldier who said,
“On the battlefield, we fight with strength. Off the battlefield, we fight with silence.”
That line stayed with me and became the emotional seed for this story.
We often honour soldiers in uniform, but rarely the four-legged heroes who serve with equal courage. These K9 warriors save lives, endure trauma, and face danger silently. Through Norman’s journey, I wanted to spotlight their sacrifices and the profound bond between a soldier and his dog.
2. Can you share some insights into your writing process? Do you follow a routine or have any creative rituals?
My writing is emotion-driven.
I don’t sit down to “write chapters”; I sit down to feel a scene fully before shaping it into words.
I usually write late at night when the world is quiet.
Soft instrumental music, military soundtracks, and rain ambience help me sink into the emotional atmosphere of the characters. Once I’m connected to the mood, the story flows naturally.
3. Are the characters based on real people, or are they purely fictional?
Norman is inspired by real soldiers who carry invisible emotional wounds long after war ends.
Joe, the loyal dog, represents unconditional love and fearless loyalty.
The characters began as concepts but grew into distinct personalities with their own voices as the story evolved.
4. Your book deals with loyalty, trauma, and redemption. What motivated you to explore these themes?
Every person holds an unseen emotional battle. Some heal slowly, some remain silent, and some rise again.
I wanted this story to show that:
- Courage isn’t always loud.
- Grief doesn’t make us weak.
- Healing is possible even after the darkest nights.
If readers walk away with more empathy — for both humans and animals — I’ll consider the story fulfilled.
5. How did you create such rich and immersive world-building? Were real locations an influence?
The setting draws inspiration from:
- North-eastern military bases in India
- Rugged Himalayan terrains
- Abandoned military training camps I researched
I wanted nature itself to feel like a character — cold, harsh, isolating, yet mysteriously beautiful.
The landscape mirrors Norman’s inner conflict and Joe’s quiet hope.
6. How do you balance originality with genre expectations? Any challenges?
The biggest challenge was writing a military-themed story without glorifying war, and creating a thriller that prioritizes emotion over action.
Most stories focus on the battlefield. I wanted to focus on the aftermath — the silence, the trauma, and the healing.
7. The pacing is gripping. How do you maintain tension and momentum?
My rule is simple:
Every scene must reveal something or make the reader feel something.
If it doesn’t move the story or the heart, it’s removed.
I alternate between:
- fast, tense moments (pursuit, trauma flashes)
- slow, emotional scenes (reflection, bonding)
This rhythm creates natural momentum.
8. How do you see traditional storytelling evolving in today’s media landscape?
Modern readers seek:
- instant emotional connection
- shorter scenes
- cinematic writing
- authenticity
Traditional storytelling isn’t disappearing; it’s evolving.
Writers must blend depth with pace.
I try to write stories readers can watch in their minds as they read.
👉 Get your copy of Lieutenant Norman today and step into the world of a true four-pawed hero.
