Featured Interview With Des Birch
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Limerick, Eire, but I came to England when I was a baby. I lived in Buckinghamshire until I was ten and then moved to Norfolk. I raised two children, on my own for the majority of the time. I spent a few years living in Europe: Holland, Germany, and Spain, which was where I wrote the Diary of an Innocent. I married Julie eight years ago and we now live in Norwich. Since Our respective children have left home, we live with two stuffed elephants who, coupled with a fossilized shark tooth, sometimes help me to write. People see me as a little crazy; can’t think why.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was born with stories inside my head. I learnt to talk so that I could share them with my friends. Then I learnt to write and I found that I could share these stories with many more people. It is an ambition of mine to let people see the natural world, just as I see it.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Shakespeare has to be top of the list, but I don’t follow any one author. I am a searcher; always looking for that one book that gives me something extra. As for genres, I read most, although I’m not as keen on science fiction.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
Beyond Dark Waters is an exciting adventure for young adults, which not only entertains but seeks to educate. It mulled in my mind for around two years, until it was complete. Then I wrote it in around 6 months. Here is the story;
From being cast out from the group to losing his way in the dark lake at night-time, Ben will never betray his friends. Even when he feels a vicious fang slowly piercing his flesh, he knows what he is doing is right. He will never submit to the bullies, racists or indeed anyone who tries to steer him from the path he is taking. Ben is growing up very quickly and soon he gains many followers. This leads to a multitude of challenges and to one of his friends giving his life for Ben. As an eleven-year-old, he manages to avert a war and bring pride to different communities. For Ben, falling into the lake and entering into different species presented many challenges, but the rewards will stay with him forever. Beyond Dark Waters plots a young man’s rite of passage into adulthood, seen from the viewpoint of different species in and around a lake
I was lucky enough to win the ePublishing Writers Award of Merit for this book. This is what they had to say:
Beyond Dark Waters by Des Birch presents a totally original story precept. The author succeeds in weaving facets of life that all face including fear, misunderstandings, courage and compassion. The main character is transformed into the necessary forms to understand how all of life is connected. It is rare to find a book that can be highly recommended by many. Beyond Dark Waters goes beyond this expectation and should be mandatory reading for all people.
Beyond Dark Waters is hereby recognized for story originality, depth of interwoven plotlines and delivering a significant message during the rights of passage into adulthood. Des Birch has achieved an accomplishment with this book as well as other published works and this has earned him the ePublishing Consortium Writers Award of Merit.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles