Author: Frank Ridgley

ISBN: 1598006436

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest, Frank Ridgley, author of Den Helder.

Good day Frank and thanks for participating in our interview.

Norm:

Frank, please tell our readers a little bit about your personal and professional background.
 
Frank:

I am married with three children – two boys now in college and a soon-to-be-teenage girl at home. My father was career Air Force so I had the opportunity to move around in my youth, living in California, Germany, Illinois, and Texas. I went through high school and college in Texas. I graduated with a degree in marine biology but decided instead to sail on my merchant marine license for several years. I also had a commission in the Naval Reserve, so I had the opportunity to sail on a few warships; quite a difference between merchant and navy ships. I had a chance to change professions and I now manage an analytical laboratory where we perform chemical and microbiological tests.

Norm:

Do you agree or disagree with the following, please explain either position.

“John Irving stated in his book “Getting Started” the following: “If you don’t know the story before you begin the story, what kind of a story teller are you? Just an ordinary kind, just a mediocre kind making it up as you go along, no better than a common liar.”

Frank:

Hmmm, interesting. As I am not familiar with the work I will assume a measure of humor is required. I don’t know that I agree with him. I really think that there are two kinds of people, those that read, and those that long to write. Writers read but from a different perspective: they look for details, plot twists, style, etc. but can still enjoy the story. Then, I’m sure there are many different types of writers: some that follow strict outlines and some who let the story lead them as they write. I am the latter. I actually started Den Helder with an outline but as I began to develop the characters and create dialogue, the story moved in a different direction. I simply let the characters take me where they wanted to go.

Norm:

Do you agree that to have good drama there must be an emotional charge that usually comes from the individual squaring off against antagonists either out in the world or within himself or herself? If so, please elaborate and how does it fit into your novel?

Frank:

Yes, I agree. In my novel, the main character had a love/hate relationship with the sea; he also fought his emotions – conflicts within himself. I think life is this way for all of us. I have had people tell me the events within Den Helder seemed very realistic. I am happy with this response as I wanted to write a story about life – a journey though life.

Norm:

Why did you feel compelled to write Den Helder? How did you get the inspiration for this book?

Frank:

This is the easiest question so far. Den Helder is a port in north Holland and was my first professional port-of-call. As years passed from that three month tour, I began a yearning, an absolute drive to write. I don’t know where it came from but it wouldn’t let me go. Finally I succumbed and began to write as the story had long existed in my thoughts; the writing led me to Den Helder.

Norm:

How much real-life did you put into Den Helder? Is there much “you” in there?

Frank:

The novel in divided into three parts. Part I is very close to the way it was. Part III was where I wanted the story to go and was actually the first section I wrote. Part II was intended to simply get the reader from Part I to Part III and was the last section I wrote. However, when the story was completed I was very pleased with the events and characters developed in Part II. All three parts came together nicely, I thought, and it was time to release the story.

How much of me is in there? Well, I always put myself into “Tony’s” character and thought: What would I do in this situation?

Norm:

What obstacles did you have in trying to tell your story?

Frank:

I think trying to hold to an outline. This must be how writers reach the “block”, trying to write something that just wasn’t inside them at the moment. I can honestly say that never happened with me in this story. The story was there, I just put it on paper.

Norm

What kept you going when you probably, like most authors, received rejection slips?

Frank:

It’s hard, but I believe in Den Helder and I’m delighted with the story; it is a part of me. I will continue to strive for exposure.

Norm:

How did you approach writing the character of Antonio (Tony) Kirkland? Did you plan him out or did he evolve as you wrote the book?

Frank:

Antonio was the beginning. He was me following another path. 

Norm:

Was there anyone who really influenced you to become a writer?

Frank:

Stephen Coonts, author of Flight of the Intruder. He was also a Naval Reservist who had a story to tell.

Norm:

If you could switch places with someone famous, who would it be and why?

Frank:

This is not an easy question: maybe Sean Connery? He seems to have led a full and colorful life.

Norm:

Do you feel that writers, regardless of genre owe something to readers, if not, why not, if so, why and what would that be?

Frank:

No doubt. Without readers there is no reason to write. I think every writer owes the reader the best story he/she can write. If the reader takes the time out of a busy life to read a book, you better give him/her your best and take them somewhere they’ve never been. Den Helder will take them where they’ve never been.

Norm:

What is next for Frank Ridgley?

Frank:

The  the sequel to Den Helder. The title will be Verdun and will follow two paths: a story in the present and a story from the past.

Norm:

Is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?

Frank:

I’d like to thank you for having me today and to let the audience know that Den Helder is a story of passion, a journey through life. Life, in my opinion, must have passion.

Thanks once again and good luck with Den Helder.

 The above interview was contributed by:   NORM GOLDMAN:  Retired Title Attorney: Editor & Publisher of Bookpleasures. Here are  Norm Goldman's Reviews       

To read Norm's Review of Den Helder  CLICK HERE