NWR: When did you start writing and what story themes intrigue you the most?

DEB: I wrote two novels when I was about twenty, which was in 1950, but neither was published. I can’t remember what triggered the urge to write, but they were both science fiction. I started writing again when I retired in 1995.

I enjoy telling stories that have a certain amount of suspense, romance and action but try to avoid conventional themes. For example, my newest novel, She Came from Away, is really a mystery, but non-formulaic. It takes place in Newfoundland, a province that is little known outside Canada. Its colorful characters are as important to the story as the plot. Whenever possible, I like to write novels based in some way on reality—my own experiences, not someone else’s. In Harry’s War, real incidents have been changed to make them more exciting.

NWR: Which writers do you most enjoy? How do these authors help you with your writing?

DEB: I’m one of those authors who, for various reasons, cannot read while writing. When I’m writing a novel, I rough out the text on a pad by hand then type it later. This means I can relax in my favorite chair while drafting my own book just as much as when I’m reading someone else’s. Also, someone else’s plot, characters or even style might well be engrossing enough to usurp thoughts about my own or even creep into my writing.

When I’m promoting rather than writing, I get a little time to read, but not enough. I like escapist novels most of all. An author who comes to mind is Michael Crighton. One of my favorite books is Hothouse, a superb science/fantasy by Brian Aldiss.

NWR: What are your favorite examples of short fiction?

DEB: To be quite honest, I don’t enjoy short stories and prefer something longer. I wrote one many years ago but it wasn’t very good. That is why I have contributed three standalone chapters from Harry’s War for this issue of New Works Review. However, I recently came across a book of three novellas entitled The Courage Consort by Michel Faber. The writing is excellent with plenty of room for plot and character development. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

NWR: Are there any chief concerns reflected in your writing?

DEB: My novels are primarily for a reader’s entertainment and the plots reflect only one or two concerns if you can call them that. One story raises a question about those Nazi war criminals who remain at large and have not paid for their crimes. In addition, the Nazi Party itself has been reborn since World War II in the form of various extreme right wing parties or organizations composed of “neo-Nazis.” They exist in several countries. How did they get away with it? One such party appeared in my first novel, Leeward.

NWR: What are your short-term writing plans? Are there any long-range projects you are working on?

DEB: I have no current or future projects at the moment. I spend my spare time promoting the novels I have written, especially She Came from Away, which was published in June. For me, promotion is very time consuming, especially when it involves the internet.

>> Go to D. Edward Bradley's
bio and book chapters >>