Author: Dennis Batchelder
ISBN: 978-0-9798056-2-2
Publisher: NetLeaves

Click Here To Purchase Soul Intent

Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased once again to talk to Dennis Batchelder author of Soul Intent: a Soul Identity Novel and Soul Identity: a novel.

 Good day Dennis and thanks once again for participating in our interview.

 Norm:

Soul Intent: a Soul Identity Novel is your second novel. Please tell our readers if it was easier or more difficult to write your second novel and why?

Dennis:

Soul Intent was much harder to write. For one thing, since I back-tracked sixty-four years, I had to make sure I kept the story in line with what I had already written. Also, I wanted to demonstrate my growth as a writer, so I took on the challenge of telling two stories in one.

Norm:

What do you think makes a good story?  As a follow up, what, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Dennis: 

A good story is an immersive one, where the reader can’t get it out of her mind when they’re in the real world, and can’t wait to see what happens. To pull this off, an author must create characters worth following, give them goals worth fighting for, pit them against adversaries worth destroying, and tell it in a way worth reading.

Norm:

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Dennis: 

I spent many weeks researching post-World War II Germany for this book. I wanted to be accurate in my descriptions, especially when I referred to real people.

 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 you novel?

Dennis:

Yes, the emotional charge is all-important, though it could also come from the individual facing a dilemma and being forced to commit. When I read a book, I seek out the emotional charge and then apply it to myself. If it fits me well, I’m going to be immersed and happy. If it doesn’t, I feel cheated. As a writer, I strive to provide that same feeling for my readers.

In Soul Intent, I focused my emotional charges on three characters: Flora, Archie, and Scott. They faced dilemmas and adversaries, and they made heart-rending choices, both heroic and selfish. I hope the emotional charges ring true with my readers.

Norm:

You write with a very vivid and descriptive style. Do you use any particular techniques to help with your writing or to help flesh out descriptive imagery? Are there any writers you admire or look to for inspiration?

 Dennis:

I like the way you put it: “flesh out.” I think that’s what happens for me. I spent twenty-five months writing Soul Intent, and I went through eight drafts before I felt it was ready. Each draft helped me flesh out the scenes and make them more vivid.

I absolutely love the way Nelson DeMille tells his stories: his protagonists are wise-cracking; he’s got plenty of action; and his descriptions are just enough to keep the plot flowing.

Another author who inspired me on my last two drafts was David Benioff and his book City of Thieves. His imagery of World War II Soviet Union was incredible, and his story flowed around it.

Norm:

Has a review or profile ever changed your perspective on your work?”

Dennis: 

Absolutely. Reviews help me see my writing through other people’s eyes. The reviews of Soul Identity influenced how I wrote Soul Intent, and helped me grow as a writer.

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?

Dennis: 

I can only speak for myself. I’m not one of those authors who writes for himself. I write for my readers. I want to impact their lives, and I want them to set down my book and say “ahhhh”. I want my writing to give them a new perspective, teach them something new, and above all else, entertain them. A reader invests precious time into a book that she’s bought or borrowed, and I feel it is my duty to make that feel that their time was well-spent.

Norm:

Where can our readers find out more about your and your novels?

Dennis:

 My Web site would be a great place to start: http://dennisbatchelder.com

Norm:

Is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered and what is next for Dennis Batchelder?

Dennis: 

Thanks for the interview, Norm. For my readers out there: I’m working through the outline for the next Soul Identity book, tentatively titled Soul Integrity.

 Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors

 Click Here To Purchase Soul Intent