Writing the End of the World

What does military service teach you about leadership, survival, and the decisions people make when the world falls apart?In this episode of After the Fall, I sit down with U.S. Army Reserve veteran and author Eric Smith, creator of The Last Regiment series. Eric shares how his military background influences his post-apocalyptic fiction, from realistic tactics and crisis leadership to the human cost of conflict and the resilience of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances.We discuss why post-apocalyptic stories continue to resonate with readers, how military experience shapes authentic storytelling, and the challenges of building a readership as an independent author in today's crowded publishing landscape.Whether you're a fan of military thrillers, post-apocalyptic fiction, preparedness, or the writing craft itself, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what it means to write believable stories about the end of the world.Topics discussed: Military experience and realistic storytelling  Leadership during crisis and collapse  The human side of war and survival  Why readers love post-apocalyptic fiction  Independent publishing and audience building  The inspiration behind The Last RegimentGuest: Eric Smith, author of The Last Regiment seriesConnect with Eric:https://www.youtube.com/@TheLastRegimentSeriesI would probably title the episode:Writing the End of the World with Eric Smith | Military Experience, Leadership, and Post-Apocalyptic Fiction