Charles describes his transition from military to civilian life as a steep learning curve. He wasn’t decided on his second career path, writing or consultancy. The Career Transition Partnership (CTP), the official provider of resettlement support, suggested that he undertake some training with X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) to consider if self-employment would be right for him. XFE’s Self-Employment Awareness Workshop informs service leavers about what starting up a business means and what to consider if they wish to explore this path. “XFE’s workshop really opened my eyes to the possibilities of going it alone, as an author, and how self-employment could work. I came away from that workshop enthused and determined to try. I went back to CTP and explained that I wanted to write full time. I asked to take my Graduated Readiness Time up front, at the beginning of my transition period to finish writing the book. It was a risk, but I had to prove to myself that I had a product I could believe in. I was surprised and impressed that CTP found a way around this and allowed me to take my GRT as business research time. “While I was editing the book, I attended XFE’s more in-depth two-day course. It helped me pin down the business status and strategy that was right for me. Roger was an inspiration. I walked away from the course with my business plan and the confidence to go it alone. Soon after, I began pitching to literary agents and publishers.” God’s Vindictive Wrath is available instore and online from Waterstones, Blackwells, WHSmith and others.
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