This month, author Ralph Webster is releasing his new book The Other Mrs. Samson.
I was graciously afforded the opportunity to obtain a little information on Ralph's journey to create this intriguing story.
What led you to write this story?
Great question
because I am quite satisfied with the notion that the story may have
found me. Perhaps it
was the pandemic, because I did have a great
deal of time on my hands, which led me to search for furnace filters.
In a corner of the attic was a long-forgotten small black lacquered
cabinet. I knew where it came from and why we had it but knew little
about its journey or the secrets it held. Only when I opened its
doors and looked beneath the drawers did I find the missing clues to
questions I had been trying to answer and the riddles I have wanted
to solve for years. The Other Mrs. Samson is the result.
Writing this story has been the perfect way to stay hunkered down and
out of harm’s way during these difficult times.
What would you like people to know most about this book?
I hope readers will find the story of Katie, Hilda, and the husband they share compelling and emotional - a bird’s eye view of what it was like to survive the world wars of the last century. While neither a romance novel nor a war story, their story is about privilege, struggle, and survival. And for me, as Katie finished the life that Hilda began, it became an irresistible love story. I think most of us know that the thing about love is that it can sometimes be complicated - but it should always be enjoyed.
Most of the story is told by two women. As a man, what did you think about as you give voice to their story?
That’s a curious question - one that I find myself reflecting upon more now - particularly since one initial reviewer told me she needed to check the cover and was surprised to see it was written by a man. I was conscious of this as I was writing, as I tried to get into their heads. Since there were two women, I needed to make them sound different from one another, the words they spoke and the way they expressed things. I needed to see the world from their vantage points in order to channel their voices. I wanted the reader to be able to distinguish their personalities. Some may choose to criticize me for saying this, but I also think women’s voices are gentler in certain ways, perhaps not so much in today’s world, but certainly during the time frame of this novel. For example, I think a woman would characterize a love affair differently than a man. There is no question that the opportunities and expectations for men and women were quite different. Readers will decide whether this was expressed in their voices. Mostly I hope the characters, whether male or female, are genuine and authentic for the reader.
Your book is an intimate portrait of the lives of real people - the three characters in your book, Hilda, Josef, and Katie. Did you ever feel you were violating their privacy?
Often. It sort of goes with the territory, but I remain convinced that they would forgive me.
Have your daily activities changed during this pandemic?
I imagine, like most, our way of life has been disrupted. Fortunately, my wife Ginger and I have managed to stay within our little cocoon and remain healthy. I rather enjoy staying holed up at my desk doing my projects so that has not changed much. And, of course, we have avoided gatherings with family and friends. The most significant change has been that our travels have been curtailed. Traveling has been our passion. We will just have to wait and see what the future brings. Compared to others we have been very fortunate.
What are you currently, reading?
I really do enjoy reading, something I usually do on the treadmill. But I lose all interest in reading when I am working on a book. I am sure my ego intrudes. I guess I’m afraid to compare my style of writing with the way others write. I suppose I will see my weaknesses or be tempted to copy another’s style. I also had a lot of reading to do as I was writing the book. Right now, I’m reading biographical things - Churchill, Working with Destiny by Andrew Roberts, and Barack Obama’s memoir, A Promised Land.
Is there anything else you'd like to tell readers?
Yes, I would recommend The Other Mrs. Samson to book clubs. I believe the book provides a lot of discussion topics. I am sure there will be many opinions about the characters and how they lived their lives which should promote some lively conversations. Ginger even gave me book club discussion questions to include. And I am always willing to take part, particularly now when it is so easy to do virtually.