Mobile firefighter and U.S. Army National Guard Capt. James McDevitt will release his debut historical novel, "A Walk Among Heroes," on Nov. 11. The World War II story was inspired by real veterans and their sacrifices.

The launch coincides with Veterans Day, and McDevitt plans to honor service members through commemorative coins, battlefield drops and events in the United States and Normandy.

McDevitt, who serves with Mobile Fire-Rescue Department, said his faith, family and service are central to his work and identity.

"My name is James McDevitt. I'm a Christian, a husband and a father. My professions are firefighter and infantry officer," he said.

The novel marks a new chapter in a creative path sparked years ago. McDevitt traces the seed of his writing life back to school and a film that moved him.

"A sixth-grade teacher told me she liked my handwriting. It's extremely small, the opposite of me," he said. "Around the same time, I was inspired to write a book after watching Denzel Washington's movie 'The Hurricane.' I wrote maybe a page, then I forgot about it."

He experimented with poetry, short stories and children's books before turning to long-form fiction.

"I treat the keyboard like a piano; the words flow as if I were playing a symphony. That's where I find peace," he said, adding that he writes to evoke emotion. "Our stories may be different, but we all have the same emotions."

Any author knows having a space where you can get your writing done is important. McDevitt writes in his home office at a wooden desk he built.

"To my left, you'll find a marble chessboard and pieces. You'll also find a grenade," he said. "Sometimes when I look behind my computer, I'll see my little baby girl jumping up and down in her jumper in the doorway to the kitchen. I like to play peek-a-boo with her on each side of the monitor."

Balancing writing with family life and two demanding careers means McDevitt works when he can.
"I'd like to have more of a schedule, but having a 7-month-old makes it difficult," he said.

Consistency, he noted, is key. McDevitt sees writing as a form of legacy and connection across generations.

"I write because I am fascinated with words — they're timeless and mightier than a sword," he said. Citing time dilation discoveries in physics, he added, "With words, it is. Every person on earth can sit down and have a conversation with Homer, Aristotle or Shakespeare."

He pushes through writer's block by stepping away from the desk.

"...By experiencing new books, movies, shows and even people-watching," he said.

McDevitt said his days stay full beyond writing.

"Every morning, I'll take my daughter into her swing chair and play guitar for her," he said, before adding that he will then work on projects at home and training with the fire department and Guard. "Most nights at 6:30 p.m., I'll be in jiu-jitsu class. I'm one stripe away from my purple belt."

McDevitt called the upcoming book events part of his mission to honor veterans. He plans to travel for commemorations tied to the novel, including future visits to Normandy.

"A Walk Among Heroes" will be available Nov. 11 through major booksellers and online retailers. Copies and event details are available at https://jamesmcdevittauthor.com/.