Interview with Francis J. Shaw, Author of The Soulmatcher

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Soulmatcher?

The call came. After 10 years in the same company my services were no longer wanted. For the 4th time in my work history I would be laid off. My old boss who had moved to the international section of the same company called, there may be a job for me. A couple of months later I was on a plane to France where a new contract had been awarded. There I met colleagues from Germany who had also lost their jobs when the German office closed, a few who had been retained as they spoke French. After several weeks, and formed into pairs, we were dispersed. Me and my partner, to Nice, where over the next months we worked together. We fell in love. We wanted a life together. I returned to the USA, sold my house and moved to Germany. My former work partner was now my wife.

That was 12 years ago. I wondered how this could have happened. What were the chances that a boy from London, England who moved to the USA could meet a German girl in Paris? How many choices and decisions needed to occur to make our unlikely meeting occur? What if there are heavenly beings whose role is to help soulmates find each other no matter the distance, no matter the challenges? – “The Soulmatcher” was born… I hope you enjoy the book and know that behind it is a true story. One which continues to fill me with wonder and a another question…what if Soulmatchers really do exist? What a lovely thought…

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love insightful nonfiction. Authors like Malcom Gladwell, Adam Grant, and Daniel Kahneman.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

“Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives” by Annie Murphy Paul. “The Winner Effect: The Neuroscience of Success and Failure” by Ian Robertson. “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Study on Happiness” by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The escape scene from east to west Berlin across the wall. I live in Berlin and am very familiar with the location where I based that part of the story. My wife’s grandmother lived right at the wall on the west side where events are described. All of the locations exist, or did, e.g. the church I mention has since been demolished and is therefore based on research.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

So many! Don’t focus on outcomes as we don’t know what’s best for us.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Be open to all the possibilities without judging.

Francis J. Shaw is the author of the new book The Soulmatcher

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