Book Shelf: Anywhere That Is Wild – John Muir’s First Walk to Yosemite

Anywhere That Is Wild – John Muir’s First Walk to Yosemite – edited by Peter & Donna Thomas

Apparently Muir never published details of his first walk to Yosemite. This husband and wife team poured hours into researching Muir’s writings to put together this short book detailing his walk, in Muir’s own words. It was interesting to read his descriptions of seeing the area for the first time.

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Meet the Author: The Foley Chronicles: Files from the 8th District by Nathan E Bush

Today we travel to south Alabama, USA, to chat with Nathan Bush about how the Army, having five kids, Tolkien, Dungeons and Dragons, writing for his high school newspaper, coffee, music, the American Bald Eagle, spending time outside, and feeling connected to the people he has created are a part of Nathan’s past and current life.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

–Hey, hello there! Thanks so much for inviting me over, Camilla. Whew, I wasn’t expecting such a large audience. I sure hope I don’t make a fool of myself in front of all these people.

–A brief intro, huh? Well, I guess that’s why we’re here. So these fine fans can get to know me. Oh, where to begin. Simple is best. My name’s Nathan Bush, but some call me Poppa Nate. Most assume it’s because I’m old and have grandkids (we have 2, for now, hint hint), but it actually stems from the time my wife Tammy and I spent working with the teens at our church, which lasted for ten years (and can definitely make you feel old). Oh, yeah, I’m s’posed to be giving my intro. Let’s see…I’m an indie author living in south Alabama, US. I’ve lived here since separating from the Army in ’97. During the last 23 years I’ve met my best friend, and married her, increased the family from two kids to five (our oldest is about to turn 30 and the youngest is almost 6), worked my butt off for others and myself, and basically lived a life that I wouldn’t change for any reason.

In which genre do you write?

–Hm, my genre? My flash fiction, which I put on my WordPress blog, is all over the place. But my main work, The Foley Chronicles: Files from the 8th District, is dropped into a tiny niche that I’ve dubbed faith-based crime, with an attitude. Basically, I have taken crime fiction and tossed in a bit of the thriller, action, humor, a fraction of romance, and religious genres for a little extra oomph. And while my writing is clean, it’s by no means G rated. As fans of my work can tell you, I go into some detail describing the murders in my stories, as well the crime scenes, and most importantly, why my antagonists do what they do (which is where the attitude comes from – well, that and one of my detectives is not your run of the mill goody two-shoes).

How many published books do you have?

–Currently I have 4 books out in The Foley Chronicles series, as well as 1 short story in another series that’s called The Foley Chronicles: Dark Side of Foley (kind of like having side stories that will give extra information on certain characters that doesn’t get into the main books). I’m also working on book 5 for the 8th District series and number 2 in the Dark Side series, not to mention the innumerable ideas floating around in my noggin’.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer and what ignited your author’s flame?

–I would say that reading Tolkien, King, Burroughs, Anthony, and tons of other amazing authors sparked the kindling for my writing. Also, playing Dungeons and Dragons and Dark Tower (if anyone remembers that awesome electronic game bonus points for you) as a kid helped, as well. Most of my early writing was in the fantasy genre. Actually, my first complete short story was fantasy (in the 8th grade). I started writing in middle and high school, all short stories, and flash fiction (of course I didn’t know what flash fiction was back then, so I called everything a short story). I wrote for the high school newspaper and literary magazine, so technically I’ve been a published author since the 80’s 😉.

What is an interesting writing quirk you have, that we wouldn’t know by reading your biography?

–Well, I don’t know if it could be called a writing quirk, or even interesting for that matter, but I don’t overload myself with research for my books. Not that I’m saying I wing it, either. I like to get just enough crime scene science, and other pertinent information, into the stories to make them believable, without becoming overly tedious with details. For example, I’ve picked the brain of my Pastor to make sure the Scripture I used wasn’t out of context. And I’ve picked the brain of a FANmily member who’s a lawyer and contacted a line manager of a forensics tools company to make sure I used their equipment correctly (for my current WIP). I also have four things that go into every book (if you don’t count the use of Scripture): coffee, music, specific medical facts, and there’s always some unrelated misdeed being brought to light because of the murders taking place (that’s my little way of showing that there are no secret sins, they will always be found out).

What would you choose as your mascot, and why?

–Finally, something simple to answer! I use the American Bald Eagle for my “publishing” logo, which is plastered on the back cover of my books (not a real publishing company, but it looks impressive, I think). I chose the Eagle because my life verse is Isaiah 40:28-31, which basically says that God’s got unlimited strength and power that He gives to the weak and weary when we need it, so we can carry on.

What does your ideal writing space look like?

–Well, my ideal writing space would be neat, clean, comfortable and inviting. What do I have? A jumbled up desk covered with books, photos, papers, and assorted bric-a-brac, and an impossibly uncomfortable chair, all crammed into half of our guest bedroom. But I can’t complain too much. The desk and chair were free, the books are my published works and assorted research reading material, the pictures are of my family, and the room is so crowded nobody ever stays in it when they do come home to visit. So, it’s basically mine…all mine! Hahahaaaaaaa.

Where did the idea for your most recent book come from?

–Where they all come from…out of my…no, no, JK. My current WIP came about while writing book 4, Preying Games. I threw in a non-related murder scene for two of my detectives that weren’t critical to book 4, just to give them something to do when their current case ended (can’t let these guys languish – there’s no telling what kind of trouble they’ll get themselves into if left to their own devices). It is actually making the current WIP a little more difficult, since it has to coincide with the last one (the timelines of the two books overlap – a first for me).

What do you do when not writing or marketing your books?

–Marketing? What’s that? Ha ha. JK. Nope, not really. Who’s got time for that? So, when I’m not writing I’m working or hanging with the family. Both activities keep me busy. I work full time outside the home ☹. Now, now, don’t be too sad, it pays the bills…mostly. After work, the majority of the afternoon/early evening is spent helping take care of our youngest daughter, who’s been diagnosed on the Spectrum (ASD). She’s a challenge and a handful, but I wouldn’t trade her for anything. Not that I’d give up any of my other kids, either. We spend quite a bit of time outside, since she loves swinging, jumping on the trampoline, and playing in her pool. Once she’s down for the night, the wife and I usually veg out in front of the TV, and sometimes talk during commercials (if we aren’t too tired, that is).

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?

–Probably that I can affect/entertain other people with what comes out of my head, and not just me. And the fact that I can feel so connected to people that I’ve created. Getting emotional while reading or watching something someone else made is one thing, but to feel those emotions for my own characters…WOW, certainly never expected that. I still get misty eyed when I reread my first book, Written in Blood.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve done or experienced to help create a scene or plot?

–This goes back to the quirky writing question where I mentioned my Pastor. I actually used him, via email, to create realistic conversations in two separate chapters of book 3, Twisted Christian. One chapter was between the Christian detective and another nonbelieving detective. The second was between the Christian detective and the [Twisted]Christian antagonist, who’s scriptural interpretations were slightly skewed (hence the name of the book). I wanted the scenes to be genuine and spontaneous. I set up the scenes, then we just conversed. I think it worked perfectly.

What is the most inspiring thing that has ever happened to you?

–There you go, making this hard for me again. My youngest daughter coming along. She is truly an inspiration to me. Her arrival in our home was a game changer and showed us that God answers prayers in His own time, and how He chooses. The fact that she perseveres through difficulties, grows daily in her abilities, and has come so far in such a short time, brings a lump to my throat and pride into my spirit. She has a long way to go, and probably won’t ever be classified as “typical”, but that will never diminish who she is, and what she’s meant to be. And if you want to learn more about my thoughts and ramblings on what life on the Spectrum is like, you can catch it on my blog, www.nathanswritingagain.wordpress.com, in the Unexpected Spectrum folder.

Sorry if I’m rambling too much. Shall we end on a few simple questions, then? Shoot, I’ll do my best to entertain.

What do you miss about being a kid?

–Oh, that’s easy. No responsibilities. And no responsibilities. And…yep…no responsibilities.

List 3 interesting facts about yourself.

–I could try, but there really aren’t any.

If you could turn into one of your characters for a day, which one would it be and why, what would you do?

–Whoo boy, you opened a can with this one. I’d probably have to say Berg Anderson. Aside from John Filcher, the great Christian leader, he’s the next favorite character. Mainly because he doesn’t give a single hoot what other people think about him. He’s who he is and won’t apologize for it, regardless of how many times it gets him into trouble. And though he’s had a turbulent career, he gets the job done. As for what I’d do, it certainly wouldn’t be what Berg does. Not if I want to have a clean conscience. I just think it’d be such a change to be able to just be, without the worries of who it affects. Truth be told, I kinda live vicariously through him. Just don’t tell anyone I said that, cause I’ll deny it 100%.

A penguin knocks on your door and is wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there?

–Hey, first of all, a penguin in my tub is really no ones concern but my own. However, if you must know, he was returning my sombrero. Secondly, he wanted me to know that Paula Barr misses me. Paula’s from the South Pole, if you couldn’t tell.

If you could ask your pet three questions, what would they be?

–Funny you should ask that. I don’t have any pets.

One more? I suppose so. Go ahead.

Tell us about your most recent book.

–Okay, I guess this is a good way to end things. Well, Preying Games, book 4 in my series, was just recently published in July of this year. It took way longer to complete than I wanted, due to some medical setbacks with my wife. I usually average about a book a year, but this was one two years from start to finish. It’s all about a woman (Amy) who’s tired of being trampled on by the men in her life, so she sets about to get even. She creates a profile on a dating site to lure in her would be victims, then chooses those she deems to be high profile targets, because she wants the world to see just how jacked up the rich and powerful men of Foley really are. She wants to rid the population of their presence, but more than that, she wants to humiliate them in death. Lucky for her (and me), she’s a tech wizard, so tracking her down is no simple matter for the crime fighting detectives. You can find out all about Amy, the other degenerate killers hiding out in Foley, as well as an assortment of colorful characters, and follow the lives of the Eighth District Homicide Detectives by going to author.to/NathanBushAuthor. You can also become a FANmily member by following me on FB @ Nathan Bush-Author; www.nathanswritingagain.wordpress.com.

Well, it’s been a blast being grilled like a suspect. The polygraph didn’t help. Thanks for having me over anyway. I think I learned a lot. Like, maybe next time we do this through Skype. See ya round, Camilla. Thanks for joining us everybody.

It was great to have you on MTA and to learn more about you and your writing style. Wishing you all the best, Nathan! – Camilla

Where to find the book:

www.amazon.com/nathanbushthefoleychronicles

Connect with Nathan:

author.to/NathanBushAuthor

FB @ Nathan Bush-Author

www.nathanswritingagain.wordpress.com

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Book Shelf: Itch by Polly Farquhar

Itch by Polly Farquhar

My daughter, Lillian, read this book and suggested it for me, as she thought I might like it. Remember being in sixth grade, not fitting in, being a misfit? Isaac’s just trying to fit in, but he’s got this itch, an itch that strikes without warning. The story begins with a tornado hitting Isaac’s Ohio town, progressing to the point of Isaac having to decide just how far he’ll go to fit in, and make friends. I enjoyed reading this one. The story kept me engaged throughout!

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Latest News: Bookshop – Supporting Local, Independent Bookstores

Have you heard of Bookshop.org?

From their website:

“Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. We believe that bookstores are essential to a healthy culture and we are a benefit corporation, a company dedicated to the common good.

Bookshop is a new company—just ten months old—and we have been blown away by the support we’ve gotten from people like you, who have driven over $8.4 million dollars in profit to local, independent bookstores this year

Starting now (Friday, November 27, 2020 – Monday, November 30, 2020), Bookshop is offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed through our website with standard mail. No special code needed. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop for everyone on your list and support independent bookstores at the same time!”

I have signed up as an affiliate for Bookshop as I fully support and believe in their mission. From this point forward whenever I post in the Book Shelf category, I will link to the book on Bookshop.

I have a storefront on the site, one in which I am slowly populating with books I’ve read and books I wish to read. If you’ve not heard of Bookshop, head and over check it out: https://bookshop.org/shop/CamillaDowns.

You can use this feature to search for books …

If you’ve created, or when you create your storefront, let us know about it in the comments section. Thank you!

Meet the Author: The Last Day of June by Edward Yeoman

Today we travel to a small stone house just outside Caunes Minervois, in the South of France, to chat with Edward Yeoman about how a science background, a portfolio career, naturism, being a storyteller, a love of music, a bee, olive trees, running a holiday gite, Portugal, and the Indian Ocean come together as part of Edward’s current and past life.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I did the school and university thing, a science background, before having decided what I wanted to do. As a result, I had a bit of a portfolio career; as the current term for jumping from one line of work to another is described. Then I retired, invented Ted Bun and started writing stories about a naturist policeman, a series of light, amusing romances.

Other stories followed, most involving naturism, but some not. There was a story I wanted to write that was more serious.

That story was “The Last Day of June”.

It is very different, no naked people, no big laughs. So different I decided to bring myself out of retirement and publish in my given name.

Currently, you can find me living, with my wife, in a small stone house just outside Caunes Minervois, in the South of France.

In which genre do you write?

This is fun!

I can’t settle on what genre the Last Day of June fits into … I’d go for Romance if pushed or Historical Fiction or Political Fiction or Family Fiction. The one thing I’m sure of, it is definitely Fiction.

Romance or Romantic Comedy or Cosy Crime would encompass most of the rest of my output; (as Ted Bun) The Uncovered Policeman is a love story in ten parts and another one in two parts. Even my Dystopian Fiction piece has an undoubtedly romantic thread running through it.

How many published books do you have?

This is my first in my real name … however Ted Bun has 25 books out, plus several Short Stories on Kindle.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer and what ignited your author’s flame?

I am not really an author. I am a storyteller. I write my stories down to share my amusement with other people.

It started with a play on BBC Radio 4, I was in the car and had an appointment to keep. Be late or hear the end of the play? I was professional and missed the ending. Stuck in traffic on the way home I made up my version of the ending.

Years later I had the time to compose whole narratives.

What is an interesting writing quirk you have, that we wouldn’t know by reading your biography?

My love of music, that results in songs being referenced (note referenced never quoted!) through my books. A tool I use for giving a feel of time and place or to put ideas into my characters heads.

What would you choose as your mascot, spirit animal, or avatar and why?

A Bee.

The female lead in my first story is named Beatrice, Bea. Ashe developed into the character that I built a world around. A character that influences the lives of others, even people she never meets.

The Bee, of course, is an industrious creature and I try to match its work rate!

What does your ideal writing space look like?

It is a warm sunny corner of the garden, near the swimming pool. The nightingales are giving it large in the olive trees that protect the area from public gaze. There is a comfortable sunlounger and a small table with room for a cool drink, a notebook and a pencil.

I create stories in my head, sometimes even redrafting them three or four times before I commit them to the keyboard, sometimes days later. I am after all a storyteller, not an author!

What are you currently reading?

On the recommendation of my wife, The Chateau of Illusions by Guy Hibbert, a story set in France during roughly the same period as The Last Day of June. I am only halfway through and it is keeping me engaged.

If it is the same story … I published first!

Where did the idea for your most recent book come from?

One autumn evening in 1974, I sat on the Dining Hall floor in Elliott College at the University of Kent, Canterbury to watch a concert performance by Al Stewart.

During the show, he performed most of the songs from his just-released album “Past, Present and Future.” Out of all the incredibly good material he performed that night two songs stuck out for the wonderful images they created in my mind’s eye. “Soho, Needless to Say” was one, the other was the inspiration for this book “The Last Day of June 1934”.

 

What do you do when not writing or marketing your books?

My wife and I run a holiday gite in the summer. I’m kept busy looking after the pool and the gardens plus cooking for our guests a couple of times a week.

During the winter we cuddle up in front of the log burner.

What is the most enjoyable thing you’ve found through writing?

Companionship, I joined a writer’s group, here in the Occitanie. We find a great deal of pleasure in sharing and critiquing each other’s work. Even in the dark days of ‘Le Confinement’ we have carried on through the medium of Zoom!

What is the most crazy thing that has ever happened to you?

For three years I ran a holiday centre in Portugal, the place was only held together by the paint that my team of helpers applied every spring. Despite that, there was a special spirit about the place.

I took that spirit and transferred into a setting that matched it. The fictional L’Abeille Nue resort that becomes the location of many of Ted Bun’s books.

What’s the last movie you watched and why did you choose to watch it?

Would you believe it was Shirley Valentine. As I was writing Problems and Passions I found that there were echoes of my memory of the film and the story I was writing. I finished the final draft, then watched the film. I decided that there was enough clear, blue water between the two stories for Pauline Collins and Melody Fabricant (my heroine) to swim safely.

Describe the perfect solo date you’d take yourself on … where, time of day, weather, place, etc.

Somewhere in the Indian Ocean. The sun is setting on what has been a hot, clear, da. I am sitting on the deck of boat, a cold drink in hand watching the flying fish playing in the wake.

Something I have always wanted to do since reading a very old book of my father’s. It was about two children on the old Queen Mary, a toy sailor and falling into a book they were looking at. I think it must have been published during the Second World War from one picture.

What are you currently working on?

I am writing my first YA Fantasy story in between a new story for crime busters (Mick) Cooke and (Samantha) Loch and a cookery book (don’t ask!)

Tell us about your most recent book.

The Last Day of June was inspired by the 1974 song by Al Stewart, The Last Day of June 1934.

Each of the three verses is a beautifully described vignette of the day from the point of view of three young men: a French farm labourer, a well-to-do English socialite and a young German. The three verses inspire the first three chapters of story. From there we follow the main characters through the years.

From the Night of the Long Knives, when forces loyal to Hitler removed all effective opposition to his rule in a single bloody night – 30th June 1934. Through the brutality of World War 2 into the years of peace that followed. They fall in love, have children and grow older. Their lives intertwining, bringing them closer … again!

It was great having you on MTA, and learning more about your books and background. Wishing you all the best, Edward! – Camilla

The blurb

On the notorious Night of the Long Knives forces loyal to Adolph Hitler moved to eliminate opposition and challengers to Hitler’s position as leader of the Nazi party. Eighty-five political figures were executed without trial. The threatening power of the irregular SA, the thuggish Brown Shirts, was curtailed. Any potential opposition had lost all senior leadership overnight. In a single swift action, Hitler had consolidated power in his hands. The date?

Last Day of June 1934

Three narratives, each starting from an image inspired by a verse of the Al Stewart song ‘The Last Day of June 1934’ twist and cross over the years that follow.

The decades roll past; dangerous times. times for loving, sad times, times of joy, lives lived.

A journey through the sixty years that saw Europe torn apart through warfare and rebuilt; from the viewpoints of three very different families!

“I started to read it and couldn’t put it down!” Robert Whiston-Crisp

“Definitely a book to curl up with as the nights draw in.” Richard Savin author of the Girl In The Bakers Van

“War is hell, yet stories about the war can be fascinating” An American reader

“WOW” Bryce Mclean, USA

Where to find the book:

http://mybook.to/LDJune

or

The Shop Counter

Who is Edward Yeoman

Edward Yeoman is the given name of Ted Bun. The writer of the highly successful Uncovered Policeman books and many more 5 star reviewed stories.

Connect with Edward:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UncoveredPoliceman

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mr_Ted_Bun

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrbuns49/

Amazon: author.to/TedBun

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Friday with Friends: Writing Inspired by Travels – Lynne Shelby

Strolling along the banks of the Seine on a summer evening, I knew that this scene – the river almost too bright to look at, the lengthening shadows, the young couples sitting on the stone quay, their legs dangling over the water, the murmur of French conversation, the Eiffel Tower a silhouette on the Paris skyline – was one I wanted to capture in my writing.

Of course, these days it’s possible to research a location on-line, but I love travelling, and if I can, I like to visit the place I’m writing about to absorb the atmosphere – the scents and sounds that you can’t get from a video on the internet. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Paris, one of my favourite cities several times, but when I was writing the Paris chapters of my debut novel, French Kissing, I knew I had to visit it again. In the book, Anna, who is English, accompanies Alexandre, who is French, to Paris so that he can show her the city he adores, and I wanted to see the city through her eyes, and to make certain that their route through the city, could be followed by anyone exploring Paris for the first time – not that I need an excuse to visit Paris!

It was some years since I’d last visited the city, and as I walked the same route as my characters, I realised I’d forgotten the color of the bouquinistes on the Left Bank (dark green), how loud is the roar of the traffic as it circles the Place de la Concorde, and also how beautiful the Eiffel Tower looks when it glitters at night – all things that ended up in the book. And it was only when I was climbing up the steep winding streets of Montmartre, looking at all the typically Parisian apartments, with their French windows and iron balconies, that I knew this was where Alexandre lived.

It was a trip abroad that inspired the location of my current WIP. When I travelled from London to Athens and then on to Santorini, Crete and Kefalonia – my first visit to Greece – I knew I simply had to write a novel set in this beautiful country. I took lots of photos, wrote brief descriptions of white sugar-cube houses and silvery-leaved olive groves in my writer’s notebook, and also made quick pencil sketches – I find that drawing a scene means that I notice all sorts of details that hopefully will give my story a real sense of place when I’m back home in England, writing on my laptop.

Looking now at the sketches I did of the places I visited in Greece – beaches with black volcanic sand, glorious views from a hill top in Athens, fascinating ruins of ancient Greek temples – I can feel again the fierce heat of the Mediterranean sun, and the hear the chirping of cicadas, and this all helps me to recreate the scene in my writing.

Not everything I see on my travels makes it into my stories, but it’s all there in the back of mind, inspiring me as I write.

It was wonderful having you share your inspiration, Lynne! I can certainly understand how these locations were so inspiring. Here’s hoping for many more travels once things have settled. Wishing you all the best! – Camilla

To see Lynne’s interview previously posted, go here:

Meet the Author: There She Goes by Lynne Shelby

Biography:

Lynne Shelby writes contemporary romance/women’s fiction. When not writing or reading, she can usually be found in the audience at a theatre or exploring a foreign city – Paris, New York, Rome, Copenhagen, Seattle, Reykjavik, Athens – writer’s notebook, camera and sketchbook in hand. She lives in London with her husband and has three adult children who live nearby.

Her novels are available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Connect with Lynne:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynneShelbyWriter

Twitter: @LynneB1

Instagram: lynneshelbywriter

Website: www.lynneshelby.com

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Book Shelf: The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey

The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey

This is my third time reading this book. I think I first read it in 2016 or 2017, found during a volunteer session at the library while pulling holds. It’s just such a calming, fascinating story that also taught me much about snails. Thomas and Lillian both love this book too. They read it the first time around. Simply a beautiful book and story.

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Meet the Author: The Wake by Vikki Patis

Today we travel to Herford, UK, to chat with Vikki Patis about how two grumpy cats, a wild golden retriever puppy, the curly girl method, music playlists, Cornwall, and fibromyalgia come together as part of Vikki’s current and past life.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m an author of psychological suspense, and I also work in the medical device industry. I live in Herford, UK, with my partner, two grumpy cats and a wild golden retriever puppy. I have coeliac disease and fibromyalgia, and I follow the curly girl method. I run The Bandwagon (thebandwagonvp.wordpress.com/) and the Psychological Suspense Authors’ Association.

In which genre do you write?

I write psychological suspense novels, but I’ve recently started my first gothic historical fiction. It’s quite exciting to try something new!

How many published books do you have?

Four so far (The Diary, The Girl Across the Street, Girl, Lost, and The Wake), with one self-published short story collection, Weltanschauung, and my BSc dissertation was published by Lambert Publishing too.

What is an interesting writing quirk you have, that we wouldn’t know by reading your biography?

Every book I write has its own music playlist. I only really listen to music when I’m writing, and often listen to a specific playlist when I’m driving or walking the dog to get me ‘in the zone’. The playlists are always random, I just pick songs which seem to fit.

What are you currently reading?

I’m listening to the audiobook of The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue, and I’m probably going to reread NOS4R2 by Joe Hill at some point during the spooky season!

If you could turn into one of your characters for a day, which one would it be and why, what would you do?

Probably Isla from The Girl Across the Street, just to live through that ending and discover what happens afterwards (no spoilers!). I’d make sure she had a happy ending though, she deserves it.

What’s your favorite place to visit in your country and why?

I absolutely love Cornwall. Who doesn’t? I lived in Plymouth as a student and spent a lot of time on both sides of the Tamar. It’s just a beautiful place to be. It’s where I feel most at peace.

If you could ask your pet three questions, what would they be?

1. Are you happy? 2. Are our favourite places to walk your favourite too? 3. Why are you always wet?

What are you currently working on?

I’m just about to start rewriting a book which had been out on submission for almost all of this year, and is being published next summer. I’m excited to dive back into it!

It was wonderful learning more about you and having you be a part of MTA! Wishing you all the best, Vikki! – Camilla

Book blurb:

The Wake
Blood isn’t always thicker than water…

In the wake of Richard Asquith’s death, his family come together to say goodbye.

The Daughter
Skye hasn’t seen her father in years. Can she ever forgive him for what he did?

The Daughter-in-Law
Lexi hopes her secrets have died with Richard. Can she keep the truth to herself forever?

The Mistress
Eleanor is heartbroken, but is her grief clouding her judgement?

The Celebrant
James has had enough of death. Can he give Richard the send-off he deserves?

Everyone has something to hide, but buried secrets always surface…

Where to find the book:
Amazon link (affiliate): https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1913419924/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1913419924&linkCode=as2&tag=vikkipatisaut-21&linkId=388b2393cf825453cebfd48affd09095

Connect with Vikki:

Author website: www.vikkipatisauthor.com
Blog: https://thebandwagonvp.wordpress.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vikkipatis
Instagram: www.instagram.com/vikkipatisauthor
Twitter: @VikkiPatis

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla, Founder and Host

Book Shelf: A Pebble for Your Pocket by Thich Nhat Hanh

**Throwback to 2015** – From the time Thomas and Lillian were born (2005 and 2001) I read to them nightly before going to bed; leading to some time in 2017 when we all decided to discontinue doing so. Their tastes in what interested each of them had solidified by this point. We all continue to be heavy readers, reading daily.

A Pebble for Your Pocket – Mindful Stories for Children and Grown-ups by Thich Nhat Hanh

August 2015: Ask for help and you shall receive …

My son, Thomas (10 years old at the time) got angry the other night and it was spilling out of him in unkind ways. He asked me for help in getting past the moment and was not liking anything I suggested.

It was time for our nightly reading and “A Pebble for Your Pocket” is what we are currently reading. I opened to where we had stopped the night before and this is where we were to begin again, “When We Are Angry”.

Thomas stopped me after reading the title and halfway through the first sentence and said that I had chosen that on purpose. “No, Thomas, I did not. This is where we stopped last night. You asked for help and here it is.”

I felt his energy shift just from hearing this. He was glued to the entire section.

November 2020: This is a wonderful book for all ages. I’ve read it once or twice since this reading in 2015. It’s easy to read, with practical suggestions that work to help with a mindfulness practice.

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

Meet the Author: Story Power by Kate Farrell

Today we travel to San Francisco to chat with Kate Farrell about how using storytelling as a teaching tool, Scholastic, memoir anthologies, walking, meditating, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, motherhood, and telling stories from the heart come together as part of Kate’s current and past life.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was a storyteller at an early age. By age ten, I’d tacked signs on telephone poles in my neighborhood, announcing my fairytale play. As a first year teacher, I stumbled on storytelling as the best way to teach literature to inner city kids. By 1970, I’d honed the skill as a new librarian, and in the 1980s, funded and trained teachers in a CA state-wide storytelling project—and published educational materials on the art with big name publishers, like Scholastic and Highlights for Children.

In the ever-evolving world of storytelling, I understood by 2005, that personal narrative was the new folklore—so, I wrote and edited memoir anthologies. My work is a bridge in storytelling: from traditional folklore to authentic, personal tales. I live in downtown San Francisco.

In which genre do you write?

Personal narrative, and how-to tell stories of personal narratives.

How many published books do you have?

Eight

What does your ideal writing space look like?

Small, but with a view of the sky and changing weather

Where did the idea for your most recent book come from?

The idea for Story Power came from a how-to book I published exactly 40 years ago.

What do you do when not writing or marketing your books?

Reading, walking, meditating, Zooming with family and friends

What’s the strangest thing you’ve done or experienced to help create a scene or plot or to help you remember something if writing a memoir?

Visited a small town along the Mississippi Gulf Coast that no longer exists, swept away by hurricanes Camille and Katrina. I directed my friend who had offered to take me there from New Orleans to drive around in circles until we found the one, single building that had survived: the county bank, a stone, two-story, antique building, possibly with a steel vault in the basement. Once I discovered that one remaining relic, I knew I was not insane: there had been a town here. We’d lived right across the street from that bank in the French colonial town of Pass Christian.

I grew up in the Jackson, Mississippi area, with many holidays spent on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. My maternal grandmother lived in Gulfport when I was very young. Found memories … thanks for stirring them up! – Camilla

What is the most amusing, crazy or inspiring thing that has ever happened to you?

Motherhood! I gave birth to a strapping baby boy when I was 40 years old and found myself with a handful: an active baby, precocious both mentally and physically. I had to watch him every minute or he’d climb out the window. He barely slept; was curious; loved books and storytelling. His dark brown, almost black eyes were filled with joy and enthusiasm for life. Such a miracle, strong and brilliant! He’s now on a motorcycle tour of the Ecuadorian Andes and will soon return. At home in the world, he has given me joy in his feats, and the courage to accomplish success on my own.

You are about to speak publicly to a group and read from your latest book. What do you do to prepare yourself?

Since I am a storyteller, I don’t read from my book, Story Power, I tell stories by heart. Lately I like to practice with Zoom, record, and playback. In that way, I can watch for gestures, eye contact, pacing, and when to pause.

How do you prepare yourself to discuss your book?

My book, Story Power, has nine themes, suggested types of personal stories that are often popular. I choose one or two themes, and prepare to tell a summarized version of a story and discuss its value. For general discussion and talking points, I will often record these on my phone and listen to them before the event.

What are you currently working on?

I’m writing my own full-length memoir, calling it ONCE: MEMOIR OF A STORYTELLER.

At this stage in your life, what advice would your young self give to your more mature self?

To believe that my ability and enjoyment of solitude is my greatest strength and solace, from childhood to old age.

It was wonderful learning more about you, Kate! And, a pleasure to have you on MTA. I plan on adding your book to my ‘to be read’ list. Wishing you all the best! – Camilla

Book Blurb

Reconnect Through Stories. Stories are everywhere. The art of storytelling has been around as long as humans have. And in today’s noisy, techie, automated world, storytelling is not only prevalent—it’s vital. Whether you’re interested in enlivening conversation, building your business brand, sharing family wisdom, or performing on stage, Story Power will show you how to make use of a good story.

Connect with Kate:

Website: https://katefarrell.net/
Blog: https://storytellingforeveryone.net/

Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kate-Farrell-Storyteller-330923030933184
Twitter: @KateStoryteller

I also present workshops and talks on the art of storytelling for a variety of groups, from the general public to writers, educators to business leaders.

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla, Founder and Host