This month I had the opportunity to hang out with S.H. Blodgett! She wrote her first book in 2020 and it has just been an adventure ever since! When she's not writing, she loves to hang out with her kiddo, her spouse who is in the Army, and her German Shepherd! She enjoys the great outdoors by playing tennis and hiking, but also loves to escape in a good video game! Enjoy this interview and the access to one of her new books below!
What branch of the military are you affiliated with?
- My husband is active duty in the Army.
How long have you been a military spouse?
- I’ve been a military spouse for five years now. It’s been a great journey!
What is your favorite part about being in a military family?
- You know, I’ve come to love how the military has turned our family into professional adventurers, experiencing everything from taking a ferry to Canada to bicycling beside German castles. We don’t just tour our way through places; we actually get to live in them, discover the hidden gems, and start a family in a world where learning German from the neighbors and hiking beside bison is just part of everyday life.
What would you say is your biggest challenge being in a military family?
- The hardest part is watching my husband leave for long durations, knowing I’ll miss all those small, everyday moments together. Our morning coffee talks, evening walks with our dog, and the simple comfort of knowing he’ll be back at the end of a long day are just a few of the things we’re blessed to have. But at the end of the day, I know the time will pass!
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with our current military families?
- I’d share with every military family to invest time building your “chosen family” at each duty station. Those neighbors, unit spouses, and local friends become your lifeline when your spouse is away. My support network has been there for everything from emergency dog-sitting to bringing over home-cooked meals on those really tough days. Honestly, these connections have made all the difference between just surviving and actually thriving in military life.
How or why did you decide to become an author?
- I became an author because life has a way of pushing you toward your true calling, even through its toughest moments. When my husband left for Ranger School in 2019, and I found myself alone in Germany during the height of COVID-19, writing transformed from a cherished hobby into my lifeline. Living with a disability while navigating military life had already taught me to be resilient and adaptable, but those isolated months in Germany tested me in ways I never expected. Turning to writing as a career wasn’t just a professional decision—it became my anchor, giving me purpose during those long days when the world felt particularly small and quiet. Writing became my way of not just getting through those difficult moments but transforming them into something meaningful. Since then, I haven’t been able to stop writing, and I channel my passion into becoming a full-time author!
What book has been your favorite that you have written so far?
- “Unchained” holds a special place in my heart as my first book and definitely my most unique writing experience. It’s a young adult fantasy story into which I poured all my early writing dreams and ambitions. While it may stay tucked away in my drafts folder rather than heading to publication, there’s something magical about your first book. All of that raw creativity and passion without the pressure of publishing expectations… Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll dust it off and give it new life, but for now, it remains a valued reminder of where my writing journey began.
Do you have more books planned for the future?
- While I’m continuing three different series now, my mind is constantly weaving new stories and possibilities. I have outlines ready for several more books waiting in the wings, and it feels like there’s an entire world of untold stories just asking to be written. Every day brings new ideas that tap me on the shoulder, wanting to be brought to life.
What author inspires you?
- Rebecca Yarros has been a huge inspiration in my writing journey, not just for her breathtaking storytelling, but for how she navigates the complexities of being a military spouse and author while living with a disability. Seeing her create such beautiful, immersive worlds while managing the unique challenges of our lifestyle shows me what’s possible. Her success and resilience remind me that our challenges don’t define our limits but often reveal our greatest strengths.
What’s a random fact about you we should know?
- As an avid gamer, I’m currently deep into Baldur’s Gate 3 with my husband. It’s become our favorite way to spend evenings together when he’s home. There’s something special about sharing an adventure with your best friend, even if we occasionally debate about which dialogue choices to pick or who gets the best loot!
Anything else you'd like to share?
- I’m excited to share that I just released a new young adult fantasy book called “The Last Spirit Summoner”! To celebrate both this release and the opportunity to do this interview, I’m giving it away for free on my website. It’s my way of saying thank you to all the readers who have supported my writing journey thus far and to all who may join me in my journey going forward.
Book Titles:
- The Ruined Destiny Series: Shield of Ruin (book 1), Sword of Ruin (book 2), Arcanist of Ruin (book 3 - coming soon)
- Legacy of the Dragon Series: Blood and Betrayal (book 1), Spirits and Sorrow (book 2 - coming soon in the Summer 2025)
- Rise of the Fallen Bloodline Series: The Last Spirit Summoner (book 1)
I can't wait to escape in one of her novels. I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do!
Explore More with My Military Lifestyle and Our Book Nook!