Touched From Within is a notable first impression from new novelist David Prichard. Set in our own time along the Cotton Belt from the big country of West Texas to the deep bayou of Southern Louisiana comes a morale fable of deceipt, loss, madness, and retribution.

   Blane Ritchard is a successful restaurateur living a conventional, middle-class life in Lafayette with his wife and young daughter before he is accused of dealing Ecstasy by a rogue, drug task force of the Lafayette Police Department in collusion with a hometown DEA informant. As Hurricane Katrina builds momentum out over the Atlantic a thousand miles away, Blane’s entire existence is washed away leaving in its wake a damaged man and his family destroyed.

   With tramps to Hollywood, the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Iraq, Central America, Southeast Asia, and all points in between, Blane’s hasty fall from grace is at times difficult to watch as he slowly descends to the bottom, finally succumbing to chronic Post Traumatic Stress and Bipolar Disorders. All the while wreaking havoc on everything and everyone in his path.

   Blane returns to the eye of the storm in New Orleans to settle the score and collect reparations in an epic tale in the vein of Homer’s Odyssey, Joyce’s Ulysses, and McCarthy’s Suttree.

   If you hold onto the book long enough for it to ignite as you ride shotgun with a phoenix of modern day arising from the ashes you too will be Touched From Within.

 

“I came to know David on an all night bus ride to Fort Worth. Explaining the mysteries of life with an ever-present spark in his eye, it became clear to me that he was an eighth lunatic, a quarter genius, half samurai warrior, a thirteenth mathematician, and as for the rest ... well you'll have to read his book to figure that out for yourself.” –Roger Ray, Founding Member of Jason Boland and The Stragglers

 

“I first met Mr. Prichard at the Loaves & Fishes in Coleman, Texas where he was working off his community service back in the kitchen. After he had completed his required hours I couldn’t get rid of him. I feel like he’s used some of my old country sayings in his new book because he’s always scribbling them down on napkins and stuffing them in his pocket. I can’t wait to read Touched From Within to find out for sure. He’s told me some of the stories from the book and I believe more than half of them. You should go out and get this book if you’re looking for some good old-fashioned entertainment.” –Vicki A. Cook, Director of Christian Family Ministries of Coleman County

 

“The Johnny Carino’s restaurant chain was born in 1994 and it took me all over the US. One destination in particular allows me great recall some twenty-three years later. As an ex-New Yorker, Lubbock, TX intrigued me and as I landed I saw nothing but tumbleweeds and flatland. My name was in lights within a city I never would have picked although I'm happy to this day it was chosen. Much stands out from this location, in particular a young 19 year old named Mr. David Prichard. A young man who impressed me with his smarts, passion, and the willingness to win. Quick to respond, always having an idea or comment to share (sometimes assize I would say) or a point to make, David wowed and entertained me as a man with a will to succeed. His first book will sit on my shelf. Everyone will get to know the man I am proud to have met and watched grow. Life truly is special.” –Chef Johnny Carino

 

"When I met David early in his career and life, he always impressed me with his drive and passion for life and the people around him.  I know he will take this same passion in the literary world he is now embarking on.” –Norman J. Abdallah, CEO & Board Director of Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group

 

“From the few excerpts I’ve seen so far, I can’t wait to read David’s upcoming novel Touched From Within. I’m not surprised at all with the way David has turned his real life experiences into a work of fiction. During the time that we worked together, he was always able to cause it to be no matter the circumstances. It makes me happy to know that he has found an outlet for his beautiful mind. You’ll be missing out if you don’t pick this book up to add to your library.” –Nick Anthony, Owner of Papouli’s Greek Grill in San Antonio, TX

 

From the FORWARD to Touched From Within: “…So with that I now present to you the story of Blane’s fall from grace and invite you to follow his dramatic rise back on top as all of the cards of his house are carefully put back together. Regardless of whichever way the wind has blown in the last twenty some odd years I can proudly stand here today and call Blane a buddy, friend, and Brother and tell you I knew him before Rio. Before he unraveled. And if I know Blane, by the time you get this he will probably be long gone again. But I urge you not to fret over his leaving because his coming back always makes it worthwhile. This story is probably true…” –Trace A. Welch, Owner of Mickey’s Top Sirloin in Denver, CO

 

“David and I met initially when I was contacted to be a part of a music project he was championing. I remember getting rough tracks and descriptions from him that piqued my interest. Listening to the music, I honestly did not know where we would end up taking it in the production. However, I believe that David had a grand vision that he was able to bring forth with the artist by putting together the right people. To this day that recording project remains one of the most satisfying I have ever been involved with. He seems to carry on his vision through each endeavor. Our encounters however brief have always been intriguing; whether at a venue or the chance/Providence that placed him as my Uber driver at 4 o'clock in the morning as I had just returned from the road--wonderful conversations always ensue. As he returns to his small town roots, I am interested to see what takes place--throwing himself into a rehabilitation and revival effort of this quaint Texas town with the passion and bold vision that seems to permeate all he does. And the really great thing about his grand vision--he seems to desire to lift and encourage all those who are swept up with it!” –Pete Coatney, Drummer for Jack Ingram of 23 Years & Counting and Founding Member of Frenchie’s Blues Destroyers

 

“Fucking crazy ass shit!” –Dana Leesa Adams

​

“I first met David when he came to see me as a patient in 2013 while he was in the Army, stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. David and I have stayed in contact over the years, which is rare in my field. I have heard a firsthand account of many of his unique and intriguing experiences that are addressed in ‘Touched From Within’ and they make for an exciting read, as readers are thirsty to learn more. His ardent temperament, unashamedly honesty, sense of compassion, and genuineness give me confidence in recommending this book to others looking for hope and encouragement to keep going. I applaud David for his courage and perseverance in this latest endeavor." – David A. Stulman, Ph.D, Psychologist