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Wednesday, July 3, 2002 For Chase, Vietnam a novel experience By JANET
McGREGOR
When Dennis Chase came home from Vietnam, he didn't feel like he was a hero by any means, but he felt good about serving his country. He shared how happy he was to finally see the coast of California on his flight home from Nam. On the ground, as he walked through the San Francisco airport terminal wearing a brand new uniform a young girl yelled out "baby killer" and spat on him. He had to jump into the men's room to get away from her. That was just the start of the cold reception he received. "It was probably typical for most vets I desperately wanted to talk about my experiences," he said. Chase soon discovered that anytime he broached the subject of Vietnam, from trying to show slides of some of the country to other experiences, friends and family almost immediately found something else to do. He soon learned not to bring the subject of Vietnam up. Talking can be a catharsis, and so can writing. Since talking wasn't an option for Dennis, he "put my slides away and started writing." He wrote in pieces. A bit here, a bit there through the years. After writing for a number of years, he started thinking about the possibility of doing something with all the pages he had written. There were things he didn't want his mother and father to read about his wartime experiences, so he decided to bring in a bit of fiction and change the names of characters. Soon, although he wasn't sure if he ever wanted to publish the work, he was writing a book. For 30 years he has added and changed the story, still debating at times what he would do with the work. Finally, with a lot of encouragement from many, he is proudly sharing his first novel, "White Gold." His main supporter has been his wife, Nell. He lights up when he talks about her, saying, "She's the best thing that ever happened to me; you can put that in caps." He continued, "She has been very supportive. Together we have gone through more computers and reams of paper ... she's done some editing, too. It's amazing how one person can make such a difference in how you go through life." When he retired from U.S. Game & Wildlife Management after 26 years, he realized he might have picked up a few bad writing habits "They talk funny and they write funny." He decided to take a class at Clayton State to overcome his "handicap." Lee Bliss, who taught the class, gave Chase the encouragement and practical assistance he needed to move from writer to published writer. The pair submitted the book to numerous publishers, but didn't make it past the guardians at the gate. Chase was competing with untold numbers who send in books each day. He found that without the right connections, it was a daunting task to reach the right people. He looked at vanity publishing or self-publishing, but the cost was enormous. He continued to look around and found 1stbooks, a company which prints on demand rather than requiring a large first run. His book has been well received friends and acquaintances are giving the book high marks. White Gold draws on his experience in Vietnam and as multi-generation ginseng hunter. The "white gold" in the book is ginseng, which now sells for around $350 a pound. Jeff Anderson, the lead character, in the adventure story which takes place in Vietnam. The book is a fascinating look into the world of ginseng hunters and traders. For those who experienced Vietnam or other wars, and those who are curious, it also paints a picture of the area, the war and the effects on lives. He says the most common question he is asked is how he creates a conversation between people of different cultures or the opposite sex. His answer? "I never have a good answer I just let it go free." He is already looking forward, considering a sequel to the book. Dennis will be on hand July 13 for a book signing at Barnes & Noble in Fayetteville from noon to 2 p.m. For those who can't wait, books are available at Omega Bookstore in Peachtree City or online at www.1stbooks.com. Book are available in hardback, paperback or via download. Chase will also be speaking at the next Peachtree City Rotary Club meeting about his book and experiences.
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