Welcome to FIVE QUESTIONS. In this feature on my blog, you'll learn about new and exciting books from the author's themselves. You'll hear about the book, their characters, the inspiration behind the book, and other insider details. All through five simple questions.
Today, we are hearing from Eric P. Bishop about his new novel RANSOMED DAUGHTER, which was released yesterday.
What is your new book about?
As the title implies, the premise of the book centers on a daughter who is kidnapped and held for ransom. I think most parents would agree the fear of a child being kidnapped is a nightmare scenario. How the father reacts and who he brings into the narrative shapes the book. Since it is a novella I have limited pages/words to tell a compact story with a big theme. The hope is that Ransomed Daughter will serve as a springboard to launch Troy Evans and The Omega Group up the literary mountain.
What makes your protagonist unique?
Troy Evans is my “hero” character, but he does not see himself in that light. Unlike some fictional characters, Troy bleeds and does not bounce back in the next chapter ready to take on the antagonist. I like the humanity of Troy, and sometimes his fragility. He’s the all-American guy navigating a world as he longs for the love he let slip through his fingers years back.
What was the inspiration behind the book?
After having children, I wondered what would I do if someone kidnapped one of my kids. Those fears and how I might react fueled the storyline. The premise might sound dark, but there is inspiration and a heartfelt message buried within the pages.
Which is your favorite minor character and why?
The Jackal. I think once the readers dig into Ransomed Daughter they will see why. In a nutshell, the Jackal is sarcastic, irreverent, vulgar, and immature. But at the end of the day any team that has a member similar to the Jackal is a blessed group. I really enjoyed writing scenes and dialog for the Jackal. He’s the most sarcastic character I have ever created, but by far the most entertaining.
What was the biggest challenge (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing this book to life?
Mentally, it was challenging as a father to put my mind in the headspace of what happens and how would I react if one of my children were kidnapped. That’s a dark space to occupy your time. But it also can be therapeutic in a weird way. Sometimes when you confront the boogeyman who lives in your head you find peace.
You can purchase RANSOMED DAUGHTER at the following retailers.