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When did you first discover that you enjoy writing and wanted to become a published author?
When I was a kid, I was an avid reader and always wanted to write a book one day. Unfortunately, I didn’t know how, so the dream was filed in the back of my head for “someday” when I was grown up and knew more about such things!
What is your favorite and the most challenging aspect of writing?
Actually, I have several favorite aspects. One is that while my books are fiction, the protagonist John Tuttle is based largely on me. In the book, he spent 30 years in the Army, grew up in Minnesota, played hockey in college, had a head injury in Afghanistan and is a big dog lover. All those things are descriptive of me. Therefore, writing is kind of an escape from the stresses of every day. Moreover, how often have any of us read an article about a dog being abandoned, neglected or abused and wished that we had five minutes alone for whoever could do such a thing? In my books, John Tuttle takes care of business. I’ve volunteered a lot over the years at different animal shelters, as well as, like I said, the 30 years in the Army. My books are similar to the TV series about Jack Reacher who uses his tactical skills for good. The books are a feel-good story about a male hero with a big heart who defends the innocent.
Tell us about your latest release.
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My latest release is Pit Bulls in Paradise: The Dog Fighter’s Funeral. John Tuttle is a retired Army officer – ironically with 30 years of service like me – and after his son goes to college, John fulfills a lifelong dream of relocating to the Florida Keys. Once there, he lives primarily off of his Army pension and the disability compensation he gets from the VA for the head injury. He owns a couple of dogs that he’s very close and volunteers at a local animal shelter. For fun, he likes to fly a Cessna 172 airplane…like me. While volunteering, he discovers an apparent a dog fighting ring in the area. He reports it to the police but there isn’t enough evidence to do much, so he takes matters into his own hands. I’ll leave the rest for the reader!
How did you come up with the title of your book?
I’m a frequent visitor to the Florida Keys and it’s definitely paradise. I could never look the other way at an animal being abused or hurt so in the book – pit bulls are being hurt in paradise and John Tuttle cares enough to take action.
What do you hope readers are able to get from reading your story?
Truthfully, I don’t target one single audience. It has adventure, sarcastic military humor, a warm-hearted but broad-shouldered and capable protagonist, and people say they like the authenticity of the setting, Key West’s iconic neighborhoods, restaurants, etc. I want people to be inspired as well as caught up in the setting.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Randy Wayne White was a major inspiration for me to begin writing, especially his early books about a character named Dusky MacMorgan.
Do you have any advice for writers looking to get published?
There’s no such thing as “can’t.” I came from nothing. I grew up in poverty the only child of a single mother. I believe strongly in the American way, where you start with nothing and bust your butt and become a success. In 1999, I made a Bucket List with 32 items on it and becoming a published author is the 22nd item I can cross off! If you have a dream, chase it with everything you’ve got.
About the Author
Tony Soika is a retired U.S. Army officer with 30 years of service and three combat deployments, including two with the famed 101st Airborne Division. His military career shaped a lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and perseverance.
Drawing from personal experience, Soika writes with authenticity about the challenges many veterans face after war, including invisible wounds and the difficult transition home. His debut series, The Conch House Chronicles, set largely in the Florida Keys, blends compelling storytelling with themes of resilience, loyalty, and redemption through its protagonist, John Tuttle.
A lifelong dog lover and advocate for animal rescue, Soika reflects his own bond with animals through John’s deep connection to Mickey and Agnes, the English mastiffs who ground him, protect him, and often understand him better than people do.
Today, Mr. Soika divides his time between Saint Augustine and Key West, Florida, continuing to write stories that honor service, friendship, compassion, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
The success of his debut novel resulted in Insider Weekly naming him “2026 Best New Author – Veterans Fiction.”
Pitbulls in Paradise: The Dog Fighters Funeral is available at Amazon.