Author: Bruce Kaler, M.D.

ISBN: 978-1-4392-0556-3


Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest, Dr. Bruce Kaler author of Turnabout.

Good day Dr. Kaler and thanks for participating in our interview.

Dr Kaler:

It’s a pleasure to talk with you, Norm.

Norm:

How did being a medical doctor prepare you for authoring Turnabout?

Dr. Kaler:

Being a physician for many years was my “inspiration” for sharing some of those experiences and insights with readers.

Norm:

How did you decide that you were ready to write Turnabout and what inspired you to write the book? As a follow up, are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Dr. Kaler:

Health care providers are just like anybody else. We are normal folks thrust into extraordinary and sometimes challenging circumstances daily. We do the best we can taking pride in our work. As a physician, my clients teach me the value and complexity of life everyday. We try to share what we do know and help shoulder the burden of the unknown with patients. Hopefully we’re able to help problem solve and find some resolution for them.

Norm:

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of a good medical thriller?

Dr. Kaler:

In Turnabout it’s the thought process and emotions of an individual surgeon. Most people see these professionals only as a façade or caricature. The main character Dr. Pomeroy, shares his confusion and anxiety through his own personal narrative. I’ve tried to literally put the reader in his shoes as he stumbles along against the tide of what seems an insurmountable challenge.

Norm:

How did you develop your plot and characters? Did you use any set formula? Did you initially have a difficult time fleshing out characters?

 Dr. Kaler:

For this project, I had the overall concept in mind first outlining the story’s path. I started with the plot and hopefully unexpected outcome. What followed was developing the scenes and dialogue to enable the characters to stay on the path I imagined for their journey. Along the way I learned more about some of the characters and how they responded to various situations.

Norm:

Did writing Turnabout conflict with your career as a medical doctor?

Dr. Kaler:

No, not at all. All the characters and situations are merely composites of professional life and contemporary healthcare in this country. As far as the task of writing, it was the easy part.

Norm:

In fiction as well as in non-fiction, writers very often take liberties with their material to tell a good story or make a point. But how much is too much?

Dr. Kaler:

Good question but difficult to answer. My personal taste is to make things plausible, based on reality in a way that makes a connection for the reader. I think this is true for drama or comedy. It’s that thread of truth that makes it poignant or funny. Life is vivid and complex enough that it requires little embellishment to make a fascinating story.

Norm:

It is said that writers should write what they know. You clearly know about the practice of medicine. Were there any elements of the book that forced you to step out of your comfort zone, and if so, how did you approach this part of the writing?

Dr. Kaler:

I never felt out of my comfort zone. My intent was to let the reader see the main character’s humanity. I wanted the reader to get to know the person and his nightmare who just happened to be a surgeon.

Norm:

Is there a message in Turnabout that you want your readers to grasp?

Dr. Kaler:

To see the humanity in each other and cherish what is most important in all relationships: trust, respect and good communication.

Norm:

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Dr. Kaler:

I love words written or spoken. I’m learning more about my craft as a writer with each project.

Norm:

What is next for Dr. Bruce Kaler and where can our readers find out more about you and Turnabout?

Dr. Kaler:

I’m regularly post a blog on what I call conversations about life and medical issues at http://seattledoc.wordpress.com  I keep the conversation broad and topical. My next mystery novel is going to involve bioterrorism through a tainted food distribution network. My website at http://seattledoc.com has the latest updates about what I’m doing.

Norm:

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

Dr. Kaler:

I just want to thank you for the chance to chat with you about my book.                                                                                                                                                       

Norm:

Thanks once again and good luck with Turnabout.

 Click Here To Purchase and/or Find Out More About Turnabout

 Click Here To Read Norm's Review of Turnabout