Shaun Schutte and Brogan Kessler have a lot in common. Born and raised in South Africa, both men spent several years in the South African Army, have families to support, and currently make their living as hired guns-otherwise known as professional bodyguards--in the Middle East.

The differences between the two are more significant, however; Shaun Schutte lives in Afghanistan; Brogan Kessler, lives only in Schutte's imagination as a lead character in his new novel, Hired Guns in Iraq (Pleasant Word, 2008).

Originally from Kempton Park, South Africa, Schutte traces his love for literary adventures to his childhood. Particularly fond of novels, Schutte remembers preferring to spend time with books rather than his peers.

After finishing college in 1986, Shaun entered the workforce as a trained structural welder. During that time he was recruited into the South African Army for compulsory national service, where he stayed for five years.

Following his years in the army, Shaun started his own business in light steel fabrication. Eventually the lure of money and excitement drew him to Iraq, where he qualified to work in Personal Security Detail (PSD).

Shaun credits his experience in the South African Army as a stepping-stone which ultimately led to a career in international security work. Additional Close Protection Training added to his hundreds of hours of PSD training in Iraq has made him a valuable asset to a number of private security companies worldwide. Since 2004, Shaun has worked in Iraq contracting to various private security companies. During the writing of Hired Guns in Iraq, he was still active in the field.

Unlike other adventure writers, novelist Shaun Schutte lives a life that is truly stranger than fiction. The basic concepts and principles of working as a hired bodyguard come straight from his personal training; his descriptions of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and VBIEDs - Vehicle Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (car bombs) are both authentic and originate from personal experience. While the plot reflects believable encounters, Shaun is quick to remind his readers that it is still just a novel.

"This book is far from being based on true life; the story is purely my imagination, albeit some of the scenes are real."

And although Shaun borrows a bit from his real-life profession, he considers much of what he does dangerously benign.

"The general public has a misconception as to what we really do as PSD Operatives. The media tends to embellish on the misconduct and ‘Rambo' style private security companies that seem to want to obliterate anyone in their path. We as Security Specialists who operate in conflict countries are neutral; we are not at war with anyone. Our job description is simple; we are hired to protect our client."

Still an avid reader, Shaun admits to reading hundreds of novels a year, which only serve to fuel his creativity. Armed with a lifetime of unique experiences, a self-proclaimed overactive imagination, the determination to write his own story, and a laptop computer, Shaun began his writing career by delving into the complexities and intrigue of his profession.

Besides providing firsthand insight into the security industry in conflict countries, Shaun's writing also reflects the internal struggles he has faced as a Christian.

"We are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God; Christians are not infallible to the world around them. My faith in Christ has never faltered but my actions and sinful nature have abundantly."

Shaun currently works as Personal Security Detail in Afghanistan. Due to the classified nature of his profession, as well as a non-disclosure agreement for security reasons, he is unable to provide details about the company for which he works. His official job title is "Security Specialist."

Married with two children, Shaun Schutte and his family live on a farm in Gauteng, South Africa. For more information about Shaun or his protagonist, Brogan Kessler, visit WinePress Publishing website at www.winepressbooks.com  

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Jenn Doucette is a freelance writer from Snohomish, Washington.