The Bridge received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Andrew Palmer.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Bridge, November 26, 2021
What’s the book’s first line?
The sounds of the river and the birds, the wind and the crickets, all seemed to fade into the background over time, but the clang of hammers and anvils never did, even in the still of the afternoons.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
When Ben O’Betany -a misguided engineering student- is partnered with the girl he’s been plagiarizing, he begins seeing the world in a new light as they research tragic events behind the Quebec Bridge disaster.
Modern and Victorian era timelines intersect after the students discover a journal penned by one of the men who worked on the bridge:
Alec Durand, a newlywed outsider with dreams of becoming an engineer, is thrust into responsibility after his arrogant boss neglects his duty as chief engineer, and returns to New York.
The Bridge is a wonderful coming-of-age story based on true events that changed Canadian history by inspiring the Ritual Calling of an Engineer, and the iconic Iron Ring.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
The premise was decades in the making. From the day my mom posted an article on our fridge reading, “Verily, I say unto ye, marry not an engineer”, to the time my dad, an engineer, suggested, “Don’t go to university, stay at home in the basement and write music”, the profession seems to have always influenced me.
Lacking confidence in creative arts as a career, and finding success in mathematics, I enrolled in McMaster’s engineering program.
During Frosh Week, my cousin Wes visited with a bottle of Crown Royal and an invitation to a party. I turned him down to study for a math placement test the following morning. The ‘test’ was in fact a ruse, staged by the Redsuits, who promptly began our initiation into the faculty. Between entertaining events and welcome week parties, they took time to inform us about the Iron Ring, and its historical significance stayed with me ever since.
Passion for movies ultimately drew me into the field, but my engineering degree was forged in Canadian values that would soon come full circle. While filming a movie in North Bay, I had dinner with assistant director David Antoniuk, who discussed the need for great Canadian content. It suddenly dawned on me that the history of the Iron Ring is a story which must be shared.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
It’s a colorful and enjoyable novel packed with genuine heart and fascinating history.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The main character, Ben O’Betany, is a metaphor of how history will repeat itself, if we don’t learn from past mistakes. His surname was created from Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha whom Kipling’s poem is based on.
Ben reminds me of the rollercoaster that is university life.
When did you first decide to become an author?
In 2013, I realized that without financing for film/TV production, I could still publish stories and build a following, which would ultimately help greenlight the IP for the big screen.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
My main source of income is working as an assistant director for TV/Film productions.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
When I’m not working on a union production, I spend about 8 hours a day writing.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part of being an indie is full creative control. The hardest part is being fully responsible for marketing and distribution.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Do a limited release to reputable organizations in order to get professional reviews, and use the reviews to promote a full scale book launch.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
Yes, depending on the contract. I still haven’t found commercial success from my publications, and feel like a traditional publisher would help reach the tipping point.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
Being able to create my own content and have people enjoy it would be a dream come true. I’d love to help others feel the same joy from movies and books that I’ve had.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Robert Heinlein is awesome.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.