Bernard Steele Author of Death in Small Doses Discusses His Debut Novel
Posted: Tuesday, October 21, 2008
by ngoldman
Norm Goldman
Today, Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest, Bernard Steele author of Death in Small Doses.
Bernard has lived in the USA since 1985 and has worked for nineteen years in Law Enforcement prior to his migrating to the USA. He has also been involved in the private sector owning a franchise for twenty-two years.
Good day Bernard and thanks for participating in our interview.
Norm:
What made you want to become a writer and did you plan this prior to your retirement or were you always involved in writing in one capacity or another?
Bernard:
My career in law enforcement involved lengthy reports and numerous court appearances. Along the way I promised myself that someday I would write a book.
Norm:
Would you say that the publication of your first novel is the culmination of a life long dream?
Bernard:
Yes, indeed when I finished my first novel I experienced a sense of euphoria that is difficult to describe.
Norm:
How and why did you decide to write about the Jihadists, which I believe is the main focus of Death in Small Doses? As a follow up, where did you get your information and ideas for your book?
Bernard:
During the sixties I witnessed the devastation of my homeland when ethnic, political, and religious differences erupted into violence.
Norm:
What do you see as the influences on your writing?
Bernard:
My personal experiences, and my fears that conflicts around the world could become the perfect storm of war.
Norm
Can you share a little of Death in Small Doses with us?
Bernard:
In painful and all-too-terrifying echoes of 9/11, the forces of death and destruction are unleashed once again on the American people. The Jihadists have entered the United States and blended with the populations of New York and Washington.
They are well financed, well armed, and ready to die for their beliefs. Radioactive material is smuggled into America, hidden on a shipment of narcotics; the two elements are accidentally exposed to each other.
Dealers and users become ill and some of them are killed by exposure to radiation. The DEA gets wind of the situation through an incredible series of coincidences. The hunt is on for the contaminated shipments and the Jihadists who plan to attack the American people.
It finally comes down to a confrontation on the subways of New York. Can the attack be prevented? Will the enemy be captured or killed? Will the Jihadists prevail?
Norm:
Are the characters in your book based on people you know or have encountered or are they strictly fictional?
Bernard:
A few of the characters are similar to people that I have interacted with, however the majority are fictional.
Norm:
What was your main focus when you created your protagonist?
Bernard:
I needed to tell my readers that conflict is mean, brutal, and does not solve problems. One fight leads to the next and so on, and of course precious lives are lost, and billions of dollars are wasted. We must find a better way.
Norm:
It is said that writers should write what they know. 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.
Bernard
The Carnegie foundation built a library in my hometown, and I became addicted to reading. I have devoured from the Hardy Boys through Shakespeare to Dan Brown and everything in between, and my computer bridged the gap whenever I strayed out of my comfort zone.
Norm:
What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?
Bernard:
The essential tools are a place of peace and quiet, a computer, writing paper, pencils, and erasers. However the most important tools are a sense of purpose and the support of family and friends.
Norm:
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers and where can our readers find out more about you and your book?
Bernard:
To my readers I will say get involved; the American people have forced the price of oil down by reducing consumption, and we can do more. You can read more about my book on my website: http//deatheinsamlldoses.com, and you can visit my blog, and click on about Bernard Steele, and press room.
Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors.
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