By George Greig
In the next instalment of Meet the Author, we meet George Greig. George is a Highland Scot, born and raised in Aberdeenshire. At the tender age of 16, he joined the Army.
His memoir Untapped Potential: Born in Scotland, Found in the Royal Signals, released by Book Brilliance Publishing in July 2022, reveals more about his time in the Royal Signals. He also enjoys writing poetry. https://georgegreig.com
Describe your book in less than 30-50 words.
Untapped Potential is a military memoir relating the journey of a young Scot, from Boy Soldier, through regular service and on to commissioned rank, encompassing 14 promotions. It epitomises the quality of training, standards, and camaraderie, whilst reciting the buzz of adventure training, and openly describing the horror of war.
Why did you want to write a book?
Words have played a pivotal role in my life, and I have always been a natural storyteller. From a very young age, in a small Highland school, I was encouraged to become a writer and it was always a suppressed ambition; happily, I have now fulfilled it. The feeling of releasing a book is incredible and I will maintain this passion for the rest of my life.
Who is your book aimed at?
My book is aimed at anyone who loves to read. It will appeal to my ex-service colleagues as it is “our” story, not just mine, and I believe it will also help to inform “civvies” what soldiering is really all about. I hope it can clearly impart why relationships, even short-lived ones, can lead to lifelong friendships and ensure that we have each others’ back, always.
What is your vision for your book?
My heartfelt desire and vision for my book is that it can bring out the benefits and opportunities afforded to young boys and young men who decide to join the Army, and to make it a career. In scenarios where youngsters may have lost their way, or simply failed to optimise their true potential, there is no more powerful environment in which to rediscover your self-pride, focus, and become a better human being. In short, to become the best you can be.
What is your favourite book and why?
My favourite book is Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, a fellow Scot. This adventure had everything from swashbuckling pirate action, travelling the high seas, frightening characters and of course, treasure. One bit of homework I didn’t mind.
