An Interview with Ralph Souders
Ralph S. Souders is an American author of suspense and literary fiction. His first novel, Hans Becker’s Family, was published in 2010. It takes place in Munich and other locations in Southern Germany. It contains a very unusual plot, a plot that quite possibly has never been previously featured in a published story. His second novel, Ursula’s Shadow, was published in 2015. It also primarily takes place in Munich. A third novel, Lost in the Water: An Ocean City Tragedy, primarily takes place in Ocean City, Maryland. His fourth novel, San Marcos, was published in 2026. It is a suspense and adventure story that takes place in Central America. He has also written a movie script, and his short stories and poetry have been featured in a variety of online and print magazines.
A native of the Chicago area, he has also lived in Central and South Florida, Upstate New York, and East Tennessee. He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida. Following graduation, he worked almost exclusively in executive positions in the American subsidiaries of various German manufacturing companies. Through the years, he wrote hundreds of business letters, and this is how he believes he honed his writing skills. Today he is happily married to his wonderful wife of thirty-eight years. They are retired and live in Middle Tennessee. Find more from Ralph at www.ralphssouders.net.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
It is always my intention to try to tell a story with a unique or unusual plot. This enables me to be imaginative without subconsciously borrowing from another author’s work.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title San Marcos is the name of a fictional island in the Pacific Ocean located off the coast of Central America. This is where the story takes place. It was the title from the beginning.
Describe your dream book cover.
A picture of a large ferryboat approaching a resort island with multi-story hotels, palm trees, and other tropical features. Since I could not find a suitable stock photo, I opted to use a map of Central America with a star in the Pacific Ocean depicting the location of San Marcos.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
A Well Respected Man by The Kinks, Lazy Day by Spanky and Our Gang, Groovin’ by The Rascals, She’s a Woman by The Beatles, Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again) by Kris Kristofferson, On and On by Stephen Bishop, and Every Day with You Girl by Classics IV.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
Since San Marcos is a fictional place, I did very little research. I enjoy reading books and short stories by C.J. Box, Louis L’Amour, Robert B. Parker, John Grisham, and Ernest Hemingway.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
Most of my business career was in the electronic components field, primarily in sales and later in corporate management. The main character in San Marcos is a semiconductor salesman.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
During my years in the electronics industry, I wrote hundreds of business letters. Since I was always working with German companies, my letters had to be extremely specific to avoid any miscommunications. This is how I honed my writing skills. Eventually, I decided to try utilizing these skills to write a fictional story that I had in my head. I discovered that I enjoyed writing fiction and I have continued to write ever since.
Where is your favorite place to write?
In the beginning, I used to go into the office a couple of hours early every day and would write in the quietude there while my mind was rested and fresh. Today, I write in a spare bedroom/office in my home.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Unfortunately, I procrastinated for many years before finally trying my hand at writing fiction. I deeply regret not starting to write sooner. Many productive years were lost that I cannot regain.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
San Marcos is not an autobiographical story, nor are any of the characters based on real people. The story is the product of my imagination. I believe that it’s a good story, and I hope that those who read it will enjoy it.
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