

What happens when a curious little boy decides his grandad needs some serious training? A journey full of laughter, love, and life lessons unfolds.
Hi, I’m Ian Kaye, though I write under the name Danny Zacs.
I’m a grandad, a veteran, and now an author with a passion for storytelling. My journey began as a Royal Navy scribe, where I first discovered the power of words and the importance of keeping stories alive. From there, life took me into nearly three decades of international security — training foreign troops, protecting diamond mines and oil rigs, and even working as a personal bodyguard to royalty. Today, I’ve traded those high-pressure roles for something far closer to home: writing stories that celebrate family, fun, and the magic of being a grandad.

My journey as a storyteller began in the Royal Navy, where I served as a scribe, recording the details, discipline, and daily life of service at sea. That early training taught me the power of words and the importance of capturing stories with clarity and care. From there, my path carried me into international security and personal protec
My journey as a storyteller began in the Royal Navy, where I served as a scribe, recording the details, discipline, and daily life of service at sea. That early training taught me the power of words and the importance of capturing stories with clarity and care. From there, my path carried me into international security and personal protection, before bringing me full circle to writing books that celebrate family, fun, and the lessons shared between generations.

My career has taken me around the world — but nothing compares to the joy of being a grandad. The real adventure isn’t in protecting royalty or travelling far and wide, it’s in the everyday laughter, mischief, and memories I now share with my grandson.

My first book, How To Train Your Grandad, is told through the eyes of my three-and-a-half-year-old grandson, Felix. It’s a lighthearted, heartfelt story that celebrates the adventures, mischief, and two-way lessons shared across generations.
These days, I’m all about family, fun, and a good story or two. Drop me a message anytime — whether you’ve read the book, have your own grandad tales to share, or just fancy saying hi.
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