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Love, Longing, Sorrow

M.D. Chevalier Author Interview

The Well of Souls follows a couple on a cruise who, inspired by the Northern Lights, create a renewable energy source using solar winds. Soon, they encounter an unexpected phenomenon that leads them to confront various ethical dilemmas. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My inspiration boils down to two questions: How would society react if someone invented free energy? And the age-old question: Is this life all that there is?

Your characters are engaging and complex, drawing the readers into the story. What is your process for creating such in-depth characters?

I begin with a detailed outline based on the hero’s journey. At its core, TWOS is a love story because what’s more human than love, family, friendships, and our relationships? My primary goal was to make Mara and Salvatore relatable characters, each with challenges and flaws to overcome. They speak like we do and experience emotions like we do. They make mistakes and face consequences for their actions. The first two chapters establish who they are and how they navigate a world that mirrors our inner hopes, dreams, and demons. Throughout the writing process, I constantly ask myself if I’m crafting characters that readers will care about. If the answer is no, then it’s time for a rewrite.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

I focused on themes like love, longing, sorrow, the desire for knowledge and power, and the realization that our time on this earth is finite.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

Yes, I am planning a series. The outline and first two chapters are written, and the working title is The Well of Souls: Aftermath. I’m an indie writer, so I have a day job to pay the bills. It usually takes me 12 to 16 months to complete a novel, from outline to editing. I don’t want to give away too much, but I will say that energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can only change forms. And Mara’s world is about to get a lot more complicated.

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All Mara Shaw ever wanted was to be a physicist and use her incredible gifts to give the world a reason to hope. Constructing GRASP to harness the solar winds, Mara and her team find themselves on the cusp of a breakthrough in free energy—enough to power the world forever. Yet Mara got more than she ever expected, opening a doorway to an unfathomable mystery and answering the most fundamental questions in human history. Are we alone, and is this existence all that there is?


The Well of Souls

M.D. Chevalier’s The Well of Souls is a high-concept sci-fi novel that deftly balances scientific innovation, ethical dilemmas, and the enduring power of love. At its heart is Mara, an Indian student navigating life in the United States, and Salvatore, the man she falls for and marries in Spain. Their journey takes a transformative turn during a cruise, where Mara, inspired by the sight of the Northern Lights, conceives the idea of harnessing solar winds to develop a groundbreaking renewable energy source. This vision births the GRASP project—a venture as ambitious as it is controversial. GRASP quickly becomes a focal point for both hope and conflict. While Mara and Salvatore champion its potential to revolutionize clean energy, they encounter fierce opposition from forces intent on undermining the project.

The story unfolds as a gripping battle of wills, with the couple facing challenges that test not only their resolve but also the very boundaries of human understanding. As GRASP’s true capabilities emerge, the stakes soar to unimaginable heights, raising questions about its purpose and implications. Chevalier draws readers into this dramatic tale through the rich emotional dynamic between Mara and Salvatore. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the story, anchoring the high-stakes scientific intrigue with genuine human connection. As GRASP begins to reveal phenomena far beyond its original intent, Mara and Salvatore wrestle with ethical dilemmas that force them to reconsider their mission. Their love for each other becomes a guiding force, shaping their decisions as they navigate the murky terrain of discovery and responsibility. This dual focus on science and romance gives the novel depth, transforming it into both an exploration of humanity’s potential and a heartfelt love story.

Chevalier’s prose is clear and accessible, making complex technological and scientific concepts understandable for readers of all backgrounds. The dialogue feels natural and propels the narrative while the tension builds steadily, culminating in a climactic and satisfying resolution. Comparisons to works like Contact are apt, but The Well of Souls stands on its own as a singularly engaging blend of speculative fiction and emotional drama.

For fans of science fiction, this novel offers a compelling mix of innovation, ethical exploration, and human connection. Chevalier delivers a story that resonates on multiple levels, ensuring a rewarding experience for readers drawn to thought-provoking and emotionally charged tales.

Pages: 273 | ASIN : B0DDMVW5TG

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