Happy Thursday, friend! Welcome to an interview with author Richard Plourde about his novel, Back to You… – The Astonishing Fate of John Fisher. Originally in French, today we will be chatting about the English translation of the book. 🙂 I am excited to make time for it.
Get to know the author: Richard Plourde
Hi Richard! Welcome back to Armed with A Book. Tell me and my readers a bit about yourself!
Hi and thank you for having me. My name is Richard Plourde. I am a recently retired optometrist with a passion for crafting what readers have described as captivating stories. Originally published in French, my novels have all done well, prompting me to start translating them into English to reach an even wider audience. The first book I translated is the best-selling and France-Acadie Literary Prize Finalist « Revenir… – L’étonnant destin de John Fisher ». The English version, « Back to You… – The astonishing fate of John Fisher, » was released on January 22, 2024.
I am currently writing my fourth novel while simultaneously working on adapting my debut book into a screenplay.
What inspired you to write this book?
When my son was 4 years-old, he had a relapse of his leukemia. In order to attempt to save his life, he had to undergo a bone marrow transplant. The odds of survival were starkly set at 50-50. What was then a pioneering procedure, they grafted him with the blood from the umbilical cord of a young girl living thousands of miles away.
Today, my son stands tall in his twenties, a testament to his resilience and triumph. He is now cancer free, yet, curiously, carries within him the lifeblood of a girl —now a woman about the same age as him. The confidentiality of records veils her identity, denying us the chance to express our profound gratitude for this life-altering gift.
This poignant episode sparked the imagination of my avid author’s mind. What if another young man, navigating the labyrinth of life post-transplant, became convinced that his anonymous donor held the key to all his struggles? That she was his soulmate, the love of his life. This inspiration culminated in ‘Back to You… – The Astonishing Fate of John Fisher,’ a narrative that explores the intertwined destinies shaped by an act of unparalleled generosity.
How long did it take you to write this book, from the first idea to the last edit?
It took me 4 years to write this book and 2 more to translate it to English. The translation was more time consuming than I had imagined, but it was well worth it. I am quite proud of the final result.
What makes your story unique?
Although there are literally millions of contemporary romance novels on the market, very few are written solely from a male point of view. I think that this approach provides readers with a fresh and diverse perspective on love, relationships and emotions.
Who would enjoy reading your book?
I think the book would likely appeal to readers who enjoy stories about love, second chances, and unexpected twists of fate. Those interested in themes of self-discovery, redemption, and reconnecting with one’s past may also find this book engaging. Overall, individuals seeking a heartfelt and introspective story about fate, hope, and the pursuit of happiness could find “Back to You” to be a compelling read.
Did you bring any of your experiences into this book?
Yes, I did. As mentioned earlier, I was inspired by my son’s bout with leukemia, but I also used my hometown as a back-drop to the story. Also, I chose to use two of my best friends’ bubbling and colorful personalities as an inspiration for key protagonists in the story.
What’s something you hope readers would take away from it?
That sometimes life veers us off course from our plans, but that doesn’t mean it will not hold delightful surprises.
Do you have a favourite quote or scene in the book that you find yourself going back to?
I just love the opening line of the novel : « I haven’t always been a pain in the ass. » I think that this short sentence immediately draws the reader into the complex world of John Fisher and introduces us to John’s self-awareness and sense of humor, but also hints at the journey of transformation that lies ahead. As the writer, this line presents a captivating challenge and an opportunity to craft a story that showcases the evolution from a difficult individual into a relatable and maybe even lovable protagonist.
What is something you have learned on your author journey so far?
That writing is hard, but it also extremely rewarding.
What’s the best piece of advice you have received related to writing?
Just write. Don’t pay any attention to that inner critic and write. You can always edit your work later.
If you could give a shout out to someone(s) who has helped in your writer journey, please feel free to mention them below!
Two people come immediately to mind :
French author, Marc Levy. Mr. Levy worked in an architect firm and had no formal training in literature when he wrote his best-selling debut novel « If Only it Were True ». That made me dare to dream that I, as an eye doctor, could become a writer.
Linda Breau, my copy-editor, provided me with invaluable guidance and helped me become a better writer.
Where can readers find you on the Internet?
Facebook, website, X, Instagram and Goodreads.
Back to You… – The Astonishing Fate of John Fisher
Contemporary Romance, 2024
John Fisher will risk everything to find the anonymous bone marrow donor who gave him another chance at life.
After thirteen years of unhappiness, self-absorbed millionaire John Fisher becomes convinced that the anonymous female bone marrow donor who saved his life could be the answer to all his woes – his true love, his soulmate.
There is a problem… Donor information is kept confidential under lock and key in a secured building thousands of miles away. John believes he has found a way to get to his file, but a slight mishap will certainly land him in jail and ruin his career.
Risking everything, John embarks on an epic journey in search of this mysterious woman.
What he uncovers along the way challenges everything he thought he knew about fate, love, and the true meaning of second chances.
Content notes: None declared by the author.
Book Excerpt from
Back to You… – The Astonishing Fate of John Fisher
“Have you ever loved anyone, John?” Claire continued. “Tell me honestly, have you ever truly been in love?”
An image immediately appeared in my head. I hastened to make it go away. Claire didn’t seem to notice.
Seeing that her question would not be answered, she kept going, “In the beginning, I thought I was that person. I hoped that, with me, you would come to dream of a pretty house in the suburbs overlooking a large backyard, located close to an elementary school. But it never happened. Sometimes, I could feel you toying with the latch to your heart, but never once did you dare to open it.”
I tore my gaze away from hers, afraid she might detect more truths.
“John, I want you to know that I did love you. I was fuelled by a naive hope that I would succeed with you where others hadn’t. For years, I loved for both of us, but I can’t do it anymore. Since you came home from the hospital, your heart has been further away than ever.”
Ironically, instead of being appalled by the words of the woman who had stood by my side during the fight of my life, I was disappointed that my feelings had been so easily perceived. Feminine intuition is something to be taken seriously. If she only knew the whole truth…
As her despair gave way to pity, Claire just stared at me in silence, as would a mother patiently waiting for a response from her misbehaving teenage son. I didn’t like that parental gaze at all. I shifted in my chair, ran my fingers through my hair before letting out a huge sigh.
“So, this seems like a done deal. Don’t let me hold you back!” I burst out, annoyed. “I thought you were happy, but hey! I guess not. You could have lived the life of the rich and famous, yet you’re giving it up like that!” I added, snapping my fingers.
Claire suddenly looked as if she had a few more arrows to throw in my direction, but then seemed to change her mind. Noticing her pause, I gladly poured fuel on the fire.
“Go ahead, say it!”
“John, drop it.”
“Finish it!” I cried, spreading my arms to expose my chest in a provocative gesture.
I was furious now. I hammered my fist on the table with a loud thud. The flower vase tipped over, spilling water and rose petals everywhere.
Surprised by this sudden outburst of anger, Claire jumped. She watched me in silence and seemed to lose herself in thought. In her eyes, I could see she was hiding something—a truth, perhaps. A secret she might have been carrying for a long time.
“I want a child!” she cried before breaking down into tears.
I was momentarily stunned.
“What? I can’t believe you’re bringing this up right now! You’ve known this all along! Do you remember what you told me at my bedside in the hospital? You said you accepted the fact that I could never give you any offspring. What has changed? You women with your damn biological clocks and your perceived need to become a mother!”
Silently, Claire wiped away her tears. She walked to the foyer, picked up the suitcase and said with great sincerity, “Goodbye, John. I really hope you’ll be happy someday.”
I should have been touched by her words, but the fact that she realized I hadn’t been truly happy in a long time hit me like a bombshell. With those few simple words, it was as if all the insecurities and inadequacies I so often experienced had been thrown right at my face. I suddenly felt the rage of a lifetime rising inside me. All of my disappointments jostled with one another, vying for precedence. I shouted at her with all the strength I could muster, spittle spraying from my mouth like some crazy person, but I could not rein myself in.
“Get out of here, Claire! Just go. In a few days, you will regret your decision, but don’t bother to call. It’s over between us. I never want to see you again! Never! You hear me?”
Clearly devastated, her body shaking with emotion, she turned and gently closed the door behind her without saying another word.
I continued to curse long after she was gone. It wasn’t until several hours later that I managed to calm down. Finally, in the early hours of the morning, I showered and went to bed, but the whole incident was still at the forefront of my mind, and I could not get to sleep. Claire had struck the target not once, but twice. Not only that, she had hit the bull’s-eye every time. A perfect score. To be fair, it was hardly surprising that she ultimately came to realize I had never truly loved her. In my past, every sane woman eventually came to this same understanding. Not remarkable, I guess, given the fact I had always been the type to manage a relationship with one foot on the brake and one on the accelerator. No, what irritated me the most was that she had noticed the distance between the two of us had grown since my illness. I had convinced myself that my secret was indecipherable and that I had cleverly succeeded in keeping it that way. Dreadful, this feminine intuition!
That night, alone in my bed, I raged. I was mad because my ego had been hurt, because Claire had broken up our relationship before I had a chance to do so, and because my past was still haunting me. I damned everything and everyone I could think of: my job, my employer, my “friends” who were, in fact, Claire’s friends, and above all, my father.
I told myself to calm down, not to worry, that time is a healer.
I had no idea it would be quite the opposite.
Interested?
Find Back to You… – The Astonishing Fate of John Fisher on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Kobo.
Thanks for taking the time to join us for this interview!
If you are an indie author and would like to do a book excerpt, check out my work with me page for details. Check out other book excerpts here.
Be First to Comment