Category Archives: Life Issues/ Motivational Posts

Book Review: The Making Of Brio McPride

This week I’m reviewing “The Making Of Brio McPride” by R.A.Ruegg . This book is the inspiration for a film due to be released this year – Spiked! This book was promoted to me as being a cross between “The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time” and “Life Of Pi”. Another plus is that 30% of royalties are being given to mental health charities. As I have read both of those books, I was looking forward to a thought provoking read – and I wasn’t disappointed!

For Pinning later

BOOK SUMMARY

Sometimes to mend a broken heart, they have to blow your mind.

No matter how many shrinks they throw at him, Brio’s going to prove to his beloved Lizzy that it’s not him who’s mentally ill, it’s the rest of the world.

Logie’s a different kind of psychotherapist, though, and a despairing Brio thinks that maybe this weird ‘narrative hypnotherapy’ actually could help him find the father he never knew. It might even stop him grieving for his mum and worrying he’s gay.

But behind Logie lurks a big-data giant that’ll stop at nothing to win approval for its Al- driven mental health platform. And all Brio really knows as he disappears into the hypnotic haze of his ‘deepmind parable’ is that it’s going to be a life-or-death mission like no story he’s ever written.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

R.A RUEGG is a professional ghost writer and advertising copy writer who grew up in Britain, read law at King’s College, London, then spent several years in the US and East Asia before emigrating to Australia.

MY VIEWPOINT

Wow … this book is intense – emotional, baffling, interesting and definitely thought provoking. Exploring themes such as parenting, mental illness, gender alignment, teenage angst, grief, young love …. this book isn’t straight forward. I must admit I was a bit baffled by the “narrative hypnotherapy “ storyline at first, then all of a sudden its role in the overall tale clicked into my brain and I was then immersed and taken along on this fascinating life journey of 15 year old Brio. So, what did I love about the book? The character of Brio. I was rooting for him, all the way. I wanted him to truly find himself and love who he was. But he’s 15. He’s grieving. He’s looking for his father. He’s wanting approval and acceptance. This is a contemporary tale that isn’t lightweight, but it isn’t all doom and gloom either…there is a sprinkling of hope and love. Definitely food for thought and a truly satisfying read. 8/10

FURTHER INFORMATION

This book is available from Amazon and available to order in all good bookshops.

Check out the Brio McPride website: https://briomcpride.com

My thanks to Cameron Publicity & Marketing for a review copy of The Making Of Brio McPride. All views expressed are 100% my own

All photographs are by Linda Hobden

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The Power Of Creativity For Internal Reflection

Happy New Year!

I’m starting off 2025 with a guest post by Emily Portullo, talking about the Power Of Creativity For Internal Reflection. Emily is a certified life coach, author of 12 Creative Steps To A Fulfilling Life and a novelist too. Over to you Emily:

With the distractions of every day life doing their best to externalise our attention away from how we feel about things, it is important to also find ways to be present with ourselves. And creativity is a great way to do that. Creativity allows us to tap into aspects that speak to who we are as individuals and identify what is important to us, as opposed to focussing on what others consider acceptable. As Pablo Picasso said, ‘Art is the elimination of the unnecessary’. 

To take time to venture inside ourselves and understand how we feel, to identify emotions and then express them on paper, not only brings into the physical what we might find hard to process otherwise, but also now becomes a tangible element to work with. 

For example: dissatisfaction with our life as it is now, leads to looking around at what other people have and wishing we could also have the same. That longing in itself will not manifest the life of others we so wish for. So what if we asked ourselves the question, what do I want? And then really felt into the emotions that question brings up. Where in the body am I feeling this emotion? What does it look like? Perhaps its anger sitting in your gut, it’s black and writhing, and makes you feel nauseous. Now your attention is internalised, there’s something there to work with, you are back in control. Perhaps you write about it, and draw what that looks like to you. Visualisation is now in play also. 

For Pinning Later: A house wall mural in Fleurie, France . Photo by Linda Hobden

This technique can work with any aspect of our life that we might long to change, eventually culminating in habitually going inside ourselves to feel for answers rather than constantly seeking them externally. How do I feel about my life right now? What would I rather be doing? What is stopping me from doing what I truly desire? And so on. Now you’re on a journey of self-discovery, an exploration into the heart of you; the internal workings that are crying out for your attention if only you would take the time to notice them. 

Soon we get into the habit of noticing each time our body has a reaction to something. And rather than searching for the meaning externally, we know to go inside and explore what that might mean to us personally. What does it look like? How does it feel? Where in the body is trying to get my attention? Perhaps we write and draw about it in whatever way feels right to us. 

Now we’re building a picture of how we really feel about our lives, and perhaps the next steps we need to take become clearer. More questions arise which cause other emotions and feelings to become apparent that we can now also work with. It’s a process, a journey, one that can be extremely confronting. But if we allow ourselves, we could also see it as an adventure; a rewriting of our life story in which we get to use our imagination to create the experience we truly want. Imagine not repeating the same patterns over and over, imagine what that would look like; how rather than going round in circles you could be moving forwards, towards your heart’s desire

Using creative tools such as writing and drawing, along with imagination, ignites aspects of us that we had perhaps forgotten about. Our innate ability to make something out of nothing, to take a blank page and bring it to life, reminds us that with every step we take we are always creating something that before didn’t exist until we brought it into our reality. And that by utilising that skill every day we might remember how powerful we truly are. 

There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.’ – Edward De Bono.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: EMILY PATTULLO

Emily Pattullo is an award-winning author and certified life coach. She has worked in magazine publishing in London and then briefly in New Zealand, as well as run her own writing, editing and proof reading business. Her passion lies in human potential through creativity. Emily’s first novel, Ring Around Rosie, is a YA thriller, highlighting the terrifying world of child-trafficking and prostitution. Her second novel, Silent as the Snow, is a character-led literary thriller for adults. Originally from Dorset, she currently lives in New Zealand.

EMILY’S LATEST BOOK: 12 CREATIVE STEPS TO A FULFILLING LIFE

A creative journey of self-discovery, examining your life as it is now and exploring the steps you need to take in order to live the life you truly desire. We came here to experience a joyful and fulfilling life in which we create our every moment from a place of love and abundance. But we have got so caught up in the opinion of others, social expectation, and conforming to an out-dated paradigm, that we have forgotten how powerful we really are and that we have complete control over our life experience.This journal invites you to take a look at how you feel about your life right now, and what you would like to change about it. It is a step-by-step process in which you have the opportunity to really explore what it is you truly desire. It requires some deep inner reflection and honesty on your part to make choices around what is currently serving you and what it’s time to let go of. It is a chance to face your nemesis, your inner self-critic, the one who is standing in the way of your greatest potential. Take up the challenge and become the superhero of your own story!

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT EMILY

emilypattullo.com

My thanks to Emily for the guest post. 😊 The book cover and author photograph have been published with the kind permission of Emily Pattullo.

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Author Interview: Josje Weusten

Over the past year we have witnessed a rise of Fake News and rumours in the news and media. Sometimes we just don’t realise how fake news can shape our thinking; and those who create fake news don’t always realise the consequences of their actions. My book choice this week is the debut novel “Fake Fish” by Josje Weusten. It’s a dystopian novel about the rise of fake news and deep fakes…. and the subsequent consequences. A thoroughly enjoyable read but it is a read that gives you food for thought. Here’s a quick summary to whet your appetite:

BOOK SUMMARY

A varied group of characters in an increasingly dystopian world have to deal with ‘deep fakes’ distorting their very sense of reality. 
In a world drowning in a deluge of falsehoods, “Fake Fish” confronts the insidious rise of false news, and unmasks the far-reaching consequences that extend beyond mere headlines. With an unflinching gaze, this novel exposes the alarming impact of deceit on a global scale, as personal and national reputations crumble, and the very fabric of truth is torn apart.
As the story unfolds, the characters navigate the treacherous landscape of a society where nothing can be trusted. “Fake Fish” is a timely exploration of the fragility of reality in an age where truth is being swallowed by technology.

THE INTERVIEW

Please welcome author Josje Weusten onto the blog. Hi Josje 👋

Hello there, my name is Josje Weusten. I am an international author living in Belgium, writing in English. I know my Dutch name is impossible for many English-speaking people to pronounce. My students, who come from all over the world, usually call me Joss or Josy. Feel free to do the same 😊

As I have already mentioned my students, you may have guessed that I am into teaching. Indeed, next to a writer of fiction, poet, and essayist, I am a senior lecturer in literary studies and creative writing at Maastricht University—the European University of the Netherlands. As in life, I love crossing borders in writing, by mixing different genres, or by blending fiction with truth. My goal is to create ambiguous stories that invite readers to consider multiple perspectives.

Who or what inspired you to write “Fake Fish”? 

I find it hard to pinpoint when the idea for “Fake Fish” precisely took hold. Despite everything I’ve read and know about creative writing, there is something about writing fiction that still eludes me. Something that is too fleeting, too divine almost, to be captured in words. When I write, it often feels as if not I but somebody else is doing it, that it is a character rather than me who leads the way

But looking back at the entire process, I recall at least two key moments, which have shaped the central idea of the book. The first concerns a conversation with a student who barged into the classroom saying she did not want to read the work of a specific author, as she had seen something online about him having made misogynist statements. I heard her out, and together we looked at the information she found, which turned out to be false. This resulted in an interesting conversation about how to assess whether information is factually correct. In addition, we talked about what we should have done if it had been true. Would that indeed need to result in banning a work of fiction (of which I am very wary), or would there be other, better ways in which we could handle that situation?

The second moment, was when I lost touch with a friend during the Covid pandemic, as she became increasingly convinced of the idea that the disease, the vaccines, all of it, were part of a large conspiracy. We found ourselves at opposing ends and at the time, the distance between us seemed impossible to bridge. I still regret I didn’t try to find a common ground.

“Fake Fish” is a dystopian novel about the rise of fake news and deep fakes. The characters are very believable  – I especially loved the characters of feisty Eveline and her opposite, Martin.  Did you base a lot of your characters on you and people you’ve met in life? Which character did you enjoy writing about the most?  Which character was the hardest?

I’m so glad you find the characters credible. Since I love character-driven stories, that means the world to me. I believe it was the British-Japanese novelist Kazuo Ishiguro who once said characters are the backbone of a good story and I fully agree with him. 

A large part of my creative process consists of getting to know my characters and figuring out how to write about them in a lifelike way. One of the main challenges I encountered actually had nothing to do with the characters themselves but stemmed from the fact that “Fake Fish” has several interwoven storylines instead of one central plot. The main event connecting these storylines is the release of a video by Martin—who is a film studies student—picturing one of his professors making misogynist remarks about women in the film industry. As the video goes viral, it is not immediately clear whether the video is real or a deep fake. Is the professor who people thought he was? Are the outraged responses justified? What is the truth? Although there are no clear answers, all characters are forced to take a stance. 

To make the complexity of the situation tangible, the story continuously switches between different points of view. Yet switching between different points of view during the writing process proved to be detrimental to creating believable and complex characters with a voice of their own. I thus decided to focus on only one storyline at a time while writing and to interweave them afterwards. That way I could truly empathise with every character. 

To some extent, I indeed draw on my own experiences and emotions for this, but the characters are not directly based on me or on people I have met. Although I understand people might think this might be the case, as the book is largely set at a university and I am after all a professor in literature and creative writing.

“Fake Fish” is your debut novel – were there any aspects of writing the novel that surprised you, pleasantly or otherwise? 

Can I let you in on a secret? In a way, the whole novel was a surprise! What’s now “Fake Fish” in fact started as what I thought was going to be a poem. I love to play with the sound and rhythm of language, and the original lines I wrote that day are still in “Fake Fish”. They are even etched in my mind: 

She has tried to return to that split-second of forgetting, looking for it between the sheets in different beds and in the hands of other men. Hands with various smells, skin, and age, leathery, soft, with or without cigarette stains, scars, moles, freckles, cracks, sharp nails, bitten ones. She makes them stain her and the bedding, but they all feel the same: different.

Once I penned down those words, I started to wonder who was behind them, as they were most definitely not reflective of me. Who was the person or persona that had such thoughts? As I explored this further, the text started to grow into what’s now the second chapter of the book, which is told from Eveline’s perspective. When I finished that chapter, I knew I was dealing with something different here, something special: a novel. 

If you could visit any country/place in the world, to base your next novel in, where would you go and why? 

I am already working on my next novel, which is again a dystopian story. I don’t want to give away too much but it revolves around a society in which one’s age is not based on actual years, but on how healthy one is. Staying young has become a moral duty and anyone who cannot live up to this standard is expected to minimize the “burden” they put on society.

The story is set in the area where I grew up, which happens to be the area in the Netherlands with the oldest population. It’s a border area too, just like in “Fake Fish”. 

I find border regions highly interesting as they are places where cultures meet and mix.Moreover, border regions unsettle the idea that we can easily separate one culture or one group of people from another. In Europe at least, these regions are culturally fluid and messy(and I mean messy in a good way), and as such they can unsettle preconceived ideas we may have of ourselves and others.

Are you a bookworm? What is your favourite genre and/or authors? Kindle or actual book? 

Yes, I am. Ever since I was a little girl I have been reading and writing. I think that every writer should be an avid reader too. You learn so much about the craft from reading the work of others. I read broadly and in various languages (English, Dutch, and German). Some of my favourite international authors are Kazuo Ishiguro, Margaret Atwood, and J.M. Coetzee. My favourite Dutch novelist is Renate Dorrestein. I’m not a big fan of hard-core non-fiction publications and you’d rarely catch me reading a biography. But when it comes to fiction, I have no boundaries. From speculative to historical and contemporary novels and yes, even autofiction; I’ll devour them all.

Is “Fake Fish” available to purchase worldwide?

Yes, it is, through Amazon amongst others, but you can also order the book via your local book shop.

Growing up had you always wanted to be an author or did you have other career aspirations?

When I was about four or five years old, I wanted to be a writer or a pastry chef. Those might seem to be entirely different professions. Still, to me, writing and baking are both creative outlets, and baking still is one of my main hobbies. But I guess writing is indeed a better fit. I can be quite chaotic and love experimenting to see what might happen, perhaps a bit too much to have been a good pastry chef.

Josje, you are a Dutch fiction writer, writing in English, living in Belgium.  When you think of ideas for your stories, do your ideas flow in English or do you translate from your mother tongue into English? Why do you prefer to write in English ? 

It wasn’t a very conscious choice to write in English. For over 20 years, I have been teaching literature and creative writing in English. As a result, my writerly mind has been linguistically rewired and ideas flow in English. 

I also express myself differently in English than in Dutch. A language is so much more than just a medium, it also shapes your writing style, and how you relate to specific topics. Writing in English allows me to look at my writing more critically, weighing every word perhaps more carefully than I probably would when writing in Dutch. 

Admittedly, once I finished that first chapter of “Fake Fish”, I translated it into Dutch to see if it would be better, but it just didn’t feel right, at least not for this book, which I also wanted to be very fast-paced. English works better then. But perhaps, who knows, I will write in Dutch for a future project. 

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

Haha, that’s indeed very personal. I like to wear short A-line skirts and dresses. My favourite colours are sage green, deep camel, navy blue, and white. I like simple outfits; no prints, except for the occasional plaid skirt. I am a sucker for heels and lace-up ankle boots.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

I love second hand stores. I try to refrain from buying new clothes. Many of my clothes, shoes and bags are preloved items. It’s one of the ways I try to make a difference, although I do sometimes fall for a new item as well. My most recent purchase is set of handmade art deco style earrings with a matching a necklace. I love their timeless quality. I stumbled upon them on a market while strolling through Glasgow, which I was visiting to promote “Fake Fish”. The young woman who makes them also has a web shop(https://www.popupjewelleryltd.com). I already have my eyes on another pair.   

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

A pair of whiskey-coloured vintage cowboy boots. I have been searching for those for quite some time now, but haven’t struck gold yet. 

Boots or Shoes?

Listen to Nancy Sinatra and you’ll know why the answer to this question always has to be boots 😊

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

https://josjeweusten.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/josjeweusten

Fabulous to chat to you Josje. I adored your book (thanks for the review copy) & I love the fact that you’re a fellow boot kindred spirit! 😊

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Josje Weusten.

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July And Everything After Book Tour

I’m so pleased to be part of Allie Nava’s “July And Everything After” book tour. “July And Everything After” is a debut fiction novel inspired by true events that occurred during the civil war in Sri Lanka in the 1980s.

BOOK SUMMARY

Maya’s journey from America to her birth country was meant to be a nostalgic visit. Instead, it became a fight for survival.

On the eve of Maya’s 22nd birthday, civil war breaks out in Sri Lanka. During what will become known as “Black July,” Maya is targeted and attacked in the organized massacres and pogroms against Tamil minorities, and she barely escapes the genocidal chaos.

Haunted by the horrors she witnessed, Maya returns to the US and tries to rally a diverse group of allies to help expose the atrocities in her birth country, among them her Norwegian-American best friend, a magnanimous Catholic nun, and a gifted young man from her past.

Bent on justice, Maya isn’t prepared for the unexpected twists and turns and confrontations with a nemesis that will test her resolve. As the war and humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka intensify, so does Maya’s disillusionment, but contact with a mysterious mentor whose wisdom she once ignored holds the key to her future.

Publisher: DartFrog Books (September 16, 2024)
ISBN: 1965253059

ISBN: 978-1965253052

AISN:  B0DHFWGP1P
Print length:  238 pages

THE INTERVIEW

Hello Allie 👋 and welcome to the blog …

Who or what inspired you to write “July And Everything After”?

July and Everything After is a tale of an American woman’s resilience against extraordinary odds. It’s inspired by the transformative journeys that individuals experience as a result of a tragedy. This book focuses on the journey of an American woman in particular who gets caught up in atrocities in a foreign country which then surface other personal challenges for her when back in America, including grappling with her own sense of self-worth.

I really enjoyed reading your book, “July And Everything After ” and I particularly enjoyed the character of Maya. I was cheered by her fighting spirit and yet scared too for her!  I experienced a range of emotions whilst reading about Maya and her story. Which character did you particularly enjoy writing about? Which character was the hardest to portray?

I enjoyed exploring each character, and they each contributed a different perspective to the novel. Sister Lucy was both enjoyable to write and explore, but also challenging, because I wanted to do justice to this incredibly generous group of women in the world, but at the same time make the character very human and relatable.

Growing up, did you envisage yourself as a writer or did you have other career aspirations?

I love that fiction gives us the chance to explore what is possible or what may have been. It’s a chance to engage with storytelling that can help us learn, empathize, and maybe even guide us to better versions of ourselves. Stories are an integral part of the human experience, and they are what have held us together for centuries, and what have enabled us to work toward the common good in the world. I feel blessed and privileged every day that I get a chance to be a part of that powerful poignant storytelling world, be it through non-fiction or fiction.

Is “July And Everything After ” available to purchase worldwide?

Yes it is. The book is available for order worldwide on every major online store website and www.allienava.com and also select bookstores. For the U.S., in addition, any physical bookstore can order the book for readers.

If you could visit any place in the world to inspire your next novel, where would you go and why?

My next few books that I’m working on center on characters and experiences in the U.S. The U.S. is such a fascinating and diverse place, both geographically and culturally. I’ve visited many states across each major region here, and I’ve learned so much from the different geographic and cultural perspectives.

Myself, I’ve lived across a diversity of regions in the U.S., including urban, university-centered, suburban, rural. I feel fortunate to have met kind and generous people everywhere. I’ve enjoyed getting to know small town culture as much I’ve enjoyed big city culture, countryside as much as oceanside.

Are you a bookworm yourself? If so, what genres (or authors) do you usually like to read? And are you a kindle or “proper book” fan?

I absolutely have loved books my whole life, because I enjoy being transported to different worlds and experiences, as well as learning new things. I read as much non-fiction as I read fiction. There are too many favorite books and authors to name, but for example, some of the many adult authors I’ve enjoyed include:  Min Jin Lee, Amy Tan, Rohinton Mistry, Yuval Noah Harari, and much more.

Just for fun I’m re-reading a childhood favorite, Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White.

When you are not writing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

When I’m not writing for my next book, I dedicate myself to work that moves opportunity forward for women in various ways. Through my prior career, my current projects, and my volunteer endeavors, I focus on working with organizations that advance economic, leadership, and creative arts opportunities for women. Outside of that, I enjoy discovering new restaurants, new walking trails, and new travel destinations, though there are many places I also enjoy returning.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I’ve come to a point in my life where I really enjoy sneakers and jeans. But I appreciate good fashion as much as the next person, so at times I find myself enjoying a good window shopping day or looking forward to the next special occasion where I can wear a dress.

Boots or Shoes?

What a fun question! Shoes – sneakers. Lately I’m enjoying my “street shoe” style sneakers and have even been known to try to sneak them into night spots that have more upscale dress code.

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

Yes, please find me at www.allienava.com

or on Substack at https://alliestories8.Substack.com

or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/alliestories8

or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alliestories8 

BOOK TOUR DATES

Great to chat to you Allie! Thank you for my preview copy of “July And Everything After” .

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Allie Nava.

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Spotlight On The Bristol Pound Legacy

It’s been budget week in the UK … and talk of money, finances and taxes leads me to the interesting story of The Bristol Pound. The Bristol Pound was a local currency that operated from 2012 to 2021. Among its aims was to build community wealth and to raise awareness of the importance of local trading. The Bristol Pound was the first local currency to have digital and paper money from the outset; and was the first local currency to be accepted for payment of local taxes. Working for The Bristol Pound, my guest this week, Diana Finch, wrote a book “Value Beyond Money”, outlining the story of The Bristol Pound …. I caught up with Diana to find out more…. Hi Diana 😊

Hello. My name is Diana. I live in Bristol, but I only moved here because I got the job at the Bristol Pound. Before that I lived in many different places – Bath, Wiltshire, Devon, Kent, London and Edinburgh. I’m a mother of two grown up girls. In my spare time I currently enjoy dancing and playing the piano badly. I’ve worked in accounts most of my life, and for the last 24 years, I’ve focused on leadership roles within the voluntary sector.

Who or what inspired you to write the interesting Bristol Pound story  “Value Beyond Money”?

When it became clear that the Bristol Pound would be wound up on my watch, I suggested to the board that when the time came, I’d like to write a book to leave a legacy for the organisation. At first it seemed like an easy thing to offer, but as the time got closer, I realised that writing a book would be more of a commitment than I’d thought! 

Your book highlighted the enthusiasm, hard work and encouragement; as well as the importance of the aims; and unfortunately, its eventual closure in 2023 encompassing the Bristol Pound/BristolPay. It really is a “warts ‘n’ all” tale. Although you were not involved at the beginning of the Bristol Pound set up; did you discover anything surprising during your research that you were perhaps unaware of? 

I was really completely unaware of the story as it unfolds in chapters two and three of the book – from when the founders first met, through the height of its success and fame, right through to when the organisation was really struggling (which led to the vacancy for managing director being advertised). The biggest surprise was that so much of our funding was to create a mutual credit scheme that we never actually got off the ground! Part of me wishes I’d known more when I joined. But then maybe I would have felt more constricted in what I could do. But the main thing is, I’m really pleased to have understood all that background to my work now, as it puts it into a fuller perspective.

The Bristol Pound/ Pay aims were to raise awareness of the importance of localisation of trade to help towards reducing food miles/co2 emissions and to build community wealth by trapping money in the local currency.  It was the first local currency to have digital & paper money from the outset; and the first local currency to enable the payment of local taxes in the local currency. Who was attracted to the ideals of the local currency and why, do you think the attraction wasn’t maintained or extended? 

The people who were attracted to our ideals initially were the people who already thought like us – who had a similar understanding of the economy and the importance of localisation. It’s no surprise, as our marketing messages very much focused on our purpose. We thought, I think, that once we’d got people who understood the cause on board, the use of the currency would just grow organically. But in reality, the only people who ever joined were people who thought like us. It didn’t really speak to people who hadn’t thought in these ways about the economy, so they didn’t join. And without that critical mass, we could never really grow to the point where we would either be viable as a business ourselves, or create real impact in the economy.

How much do you think people in Bristol would have benefited, in general, from having a local currency? 

It’s very hard to say. And it would have depended on other institutions really getting on board and viewing the currency as an infrastructure project, rather than a niche hobby. I think with some additional collaboration, the potential was enormous. For example, imagine if payments in the currency were made to people struggling with food poverty, instead of using that money to support food banks. We could then encourage local grocers and farmers to set up markets in parts of the city particularly affected by food poverty, which the people in receipt of the payments could spend their money at. This would be amazing. Instead of food banks undermining the local food economy, as they currently do, we could be underpinning the local food economy whilst alleviating food poverty.  And instead of people in food poverty having to put up with whatever happened to be available at the food bank, they would have choice and control over the food they buy. There are lots of ideas like that – the scope for experimenting with different ways of addressing our social, environmental and economic problems was (and is) huge.

Reflecting on other local currency schemes worldwide, is there any method or thought that could have, on hindsight, been adopted by Bristol to ensure it remained buoyant?

In South Korea, lots of local currencies have been set up in the last decade. They have been heavily supported by local governments, with social benefits being paid out in the local currencies. The reason the local authorities are keen on this is that the money they give out in benefits gets spent in the local economy. So, they achieve two positive impacts with the funding they provide – alleviating poverty and boosting local businesses. I think that kind of approach would have been really helpful, as it would have meant that the money was available to a much wider demographic, rather than only to those who align themselves with a particular economic way of thinking. At that scale, the impact would have been much greater.

I was particularly impressed to read about the artwork on the old Bristol pound notes and so I was pleased to see the souvenir notes on display on your website. They are so colourful.   Do you have a favourite or two that you are particularly drawn to? 

Perhaps it’s because they’re the notes that I know the best, but the 2018 series are my favourites. I would find it hard to choose between them. They all feel very iconic to Bristol, though I guess urban foxes (the beautiful £B10 note) are found in most towns and cities these days.

Growing up, did you always want a career in finance or did you have completely different career aspirations? 

I really had no idea what I wanted to do when I was younger. I fell into bookkeeping because I was good with numbers. And then I decided to work in the voluntary sector after I became a mother, as I started to become more aware of the numbers of families really struggling. It was only when I got the job at the Bristol Pound at the age of 53 that I really thought, ‘Now this is what I really want to do when I grow up!’

 Is “Value Beyond Money” available to purchase worldwide?

Yes – it should be available anywhere through Amazon, I think.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I have to say, I think I’m a bit of a mess! I try not to buy new clothes because of the impact on the environment. A lot of my clothes are from charity shops or are hand-me-downs. I also make some of my own clothes – that way I can buy organic cotton and make the styles I want. If you try to buy clothes made ethically, there is little choice, and the costs are astronomical! When I’m dancing, I wear a lot of skirts and dresses that flow or swing out (wearing shorts underneath, for modesty.) Otherwise, I’m generally in trousers or jeans with t-shirts and jumpers. In terms of shoes, they’re nearly all flat. Clumpy boots most of the winter, and sensible walking sandals in the summer.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

All the charity shops down the high street are my favourite boutiques! I tend to use online shops for things like my face oil and toothpaste – I try to buy products that don’t come in plastic containers, and without any chemicals or artificial fragrances. I rarely wear any makeup, and don’t possess any perfume. I don’t wear jewellery either. 

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

I’ve got some fabric that I want to make into a skater style dress. I thought I would do it in time for this summer – but it will have to be next summer now!

Boots or Shoes?

Boots for walking – more support and I find them more flexible than shoes. I’m thinking of trying out barefoot-style footwear next time I need to replace my boots. Shoes for dancing – with leather bottoms for ease of spinning. 

For Pinning Later

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc 

My author website: https://www.dianafinch.info/

Bristol Pound legacy (with shop): https://www.bristolpoundlegacy.info/

Instagram: Diana Finch (@dadafinchy) • Instagram photos and videos

X: Diana Finch (@DianaJFinch) / X

LinkedIn: Diana Finch | LinkedIn

Thank you Diana for chatting to us today. Thanks also for the preview copy of “Value Beyond Money”.

Linda x


All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Diana Finch

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Author Interview: David Griffiths

Every now and then you come across a novel intended for the YA market but actually the storyline is so riveting and the writing is so eloquent that it appeals to older adults too. “How To Hear Ghosts” by David Griffiths is one such book. I was hooked from page one! The storyline delves into such topics such as whether there is an afterlife, the reality of mental illness and the lure of psychic shows. The characters are totally believable, and the subtle twists and turns in the storyline certainly kept me entertained. How could I not interview the author, David Griffiths?! 😀 Before I introduce David to the blog, here’s a quick summary of his fabulous book:

BOOK SUMMARY

In the wake of his mother’s death, 16-year-old Ollie is thrust into the world of his uncle, Dominic Quinn, a renowned stage medium. Communing with the dead runs in Ollie’s family – or so he believes. But as he starts to hear voices in his head, he must confront the possibility that they are no more than a spiral into hereditary madness.

Haunted by the mysterious letter that plagued his mum’s final days, Ollie embarks on a quest for answers. With the help of one of his uncle’s mysterious books and the support of his classmate, Hannah, Ollie delves into the secrets surrounding his mother’s past.

But as he navigates the blurred line between reality and the paranormal, he must face a daunting question: will it make him famous like his uncle, or dead like his mother? In this gripping young adult novel, Ollie discovers that sometimes, the most terrifying ghosts are the ones we carry inside.

THE INTERVIEW

Hello. I’m David. I’m an ex-English teacher based in Liverpool who’s had a life-long obsession with all things Gothic – that’s something often frowned upon by other English teachers. I recently started teaching at Manchester Met University where things are more liberal, and since then I’ve gone from writing about ghosts to actually becoming one – I’m currently working as a professional ghostwriter, which is a fascinating experience … except I’m not allowed to tell anyone what I’m writing about! 

Who or what inspired you to write “How To Hear Ghosts”? 

My inspiration for writing about the uncanny dates back to childhood. My parents, bless them, had the idea that we’d save money if we booked a holiday abroad out of season. This turned out to be true. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the hotel the place was completely and utterly deserted. (N.B. Never underestimate the importance of other human beings when it comes to enjoying your overseas holidays.) I was bored and increasingly spooked by the enormity and silence of the empty hotel. I turned to literature for solace. Unfortunately, the only book I’d brought with me was Stephen King’s “The Shining”. Let’s say it intensified the experience. I still find myself glancing over my shoulder whenever I’m walking a hotel corridor and happen to pass by room 217.

How To Hear Ghosts ” is a YA story that delves into the reality of mental illness, theory of afterlife and the role of mediums.  The characters are a fabulous mix  – from the main character Ollie, his Uncle Dominic – a phoney medium, Ollie’s school friend Hannah , to Marsha – Dominic’s hard nosed agent. Did you base a lot of your characters on you and people you’ve met in life? Which character did you enjoy writing about the most?  Which character was the hardest?

It’s hard to write a novel in first person and not include some element of your personality in your main character. At first, Ollie was a wittier, more entertaining (and more troubled) version of my teenage self. But it’s important to give your protagonists their own distinct identity, which emerged eventually, as all strong characters do. As for basing characters  on real people, Dominic Quinn is certainly a product of the strange climate we’ve all lived through during the last six or seven years, which have seen a bewildering rise in the number of populist politicians and chancers who have emerged to charm and seduce voters with comforting notions that a “black and white”, simple solution can solve their complex problems. Dominic is a similar type of snake-oil salesman.

It’s a huge cliche to say that the characters in a novel “talk” to the author and start writing the story themselves. It sounds phoney and pretentious but it’s true. Marsha virtually barged into the room and took charge of my pen, telling me I’d better buck up and organise things more efficiently. She’s awful and ultimately sinister, perhaps, but I absolutely adored her. She made things so easy because she’s so assertive.

With “How to Hear Ghosts” I tried to subvert the Young Adult Gothic tradition which, since Twilight, focusses on female protagonists. I wanted a young male hero but I wanted the book to appeal to male and female readers. I also wanted to avoid the usual cliches of helpless female and strong, silent, brooding male (who’s usually a vampire). I probably over-thought it initially. But that ended when Hannah came into the story. She’s stronger than Ollie and certainly no one’s idea of a side-kick or plot device. When she appeared it was natural and right.

What do you enjoy most about writing novels for young adults? 

Writing for young adults is something I’m drawn to because those teenage years are so dramatic. Everything you experience is so intense: if you fall in love, it’s HUGE. If you feel hurt or angry at someone, it’s an even bigger deal than when it happens later in life. All our feelings and experiences are so amplified, whether it’s by hormones or the newness of the situation. It’s not always pleasant, of course, and I’m particularly keen to avoid romanticising it. It’s the period where you find yourself wising up to life, hopefully.

If you could visit any country/place in the world, to base a future novel in, where would you go and why? 

It may seem boring or obvious, and I’ve already visited the United States. But I’m wondering whether the USA I visited and loved eight years ago will be the same USA I’d be visiting a year from now. The Ancient Chinese had a curious saying: “May you live in interesting times.” It was intended as a curse of sorts. America is going to be an awfully interesting place soon, (and always is, however often you’re used to seeing it on TV,) and who knows how current events might influence any story you might choose to set there?

Are you a bookworm? What is your favourite genre and/or authors? Kindle or actual book? 

I’m proud to be a bookworm. Most of the great ideas I’ve encountered in life have come from being a bookworm, whether it’s fact or fiction – which is honestly a bit of a false distinction. My all-time literary idol is Emily Bronte. (Still find it spooky how she shares her birthday with Kate Bush, by the way.) I also have to buy everything David Nicholls writes the day it comes out. Can’t recommend him highly enough. I used to regard Kindle as Satan’s plaything but started reading them recently. It’s OK. Just gimme an actual book please.

 Is “How To Hear Ghosts” available to purchase worldwide?

Yes! Proud to announce it’s available everywhere.

Photo by Linda Hobden

Growing up had you always wanted to be an author or did you have other career aspirations?

As a teenager, my literary ambitions were placed on hold for a few years while I mastered the guitar and played in local rock and indie bands. With the passing of time, it can be seen that Kurt Cobain’s status and reputation were never seriously threatened.

I must admit I have never been to see a medium or attend a show but I do appreciate that many people do feel comforted by getting a chance to have some sort of contact with their loved ones; and I am respectful of the role such mediums do play in certain circumstances. When researching for your book, did you discover anything unexpected? 

My research included visiting mediums for private readings and seances, as well as watching them perform on stage. I’m loathe to call myself a “believer” because there are so many obvious charlatans out there. I wouldn’t want to recommend them to anyone. But the second person I went to see was really quite unsettling. I still have a sound recording of the encounter I had with him, and it’s extraordinary to listen to it now and hear how accurate he was. In fact, it’s even more bizarre listening to it now because you can hear him basically predict things that did come to happen subsequently, which no one at the time could have foreseen, and which I didn’t take a great deal of notice of until later. I’d prefer not to go too deeply into it: suffice to say, I’d forgotten about some of the details on the recording and didn’t listen to it again until two years afterwards. But I think it ended up influencing the book’s rather ambiguous approach towards the paranormal.  

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

It’s hard finding anything that will make you look cool once you’ve lost your hair (though some have managed it). Personally, I’m resigned to being unadventurous – shirt, black trousers, black shoes etc, unless I’m at home, them I’m all trainers and (urk) jeans.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites ?

For clothes, it’s Next and M&S (- no real innovations to report).

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

We’re off for a week in the sun in two days, so a mad scramble for a decent pair of flip-flops is very much in order.

Boots or Shoes?

A new pair of shoes always instills confidence. Not sure why. I’m sure Freud would have something to say about that. The only time boots give me confidence is if I’m hiking in the Lakes.

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

Great to chat to you David! Thank you so much for a review copy of “How To Hear Ghosts” – I really rate it!

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of David Griffiths .

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Raising Jess: A Tale Of Hope Book Tour

I’m so pleased to be part of author Vickie Rubin’s “Raising Jess: A Tale Of Hope” book tour. Raising Jess is one of the most heart warming, uplifting and honest written memoirs I’ve come across in a long time. Before I welcome Vickie onto the blog, here’s a quick book summary:

BOOK SUMMARY

Raising Jess: A Story of Hope is the powerful story of one family’s survival when faced with adversity. Written with compassion, honesty, and humor, it tells of a family changed forever by the birth of a child with a rare chromosome deletion and their courageous decision to choose hope. Facing the challenges of caring for her daughter, marriage struggles, and the question of having more children, Vickie Rubin gives a glimpse in the world of her family and transformation while raising Jess. This beautiful, gripping memoir will delight and leave you wanting more.

Publisher: Page Publishing

Print length: 250 pages

INTERVIEW

Hello Vickie and welcome to the blog 😊

Hello! My name is Vickie Rubin, and I am the author of the award-winning memoir “Raising Jess: A Story of Hope.” This heartwarming story describes the joy and challenges of caring for our daughter, who was born with a rare chromosome deletion. I am a blogger and started my blog in March 2020, about the same time we were all told, “Don’t Leave the House!”  I am a mom to three adult children and Nana to three grandchildren. And Fur-Mom to two dogs (an Italian Greyhound, a therapy dog, and a Hungarian Vizsla). My husband Mitch and I plan to celebrate our 45th (YIKES, that’s a big number!) Anniversary in December.  

 “Raising Jess: A Tale of Hope” is definitely an uplifting and thought provoking memoir – what made you decide to write down your story? 

My Mom always said I should write a book. My adult children encouraged me to start writing after I retired from my career. Perhaps it wasn’t an official retirement since I became an author almost immediately—Hmm, failed retirement?   I felt an inspiration to share our story.  My original thought was that if “Raising Jess” didn’t get published, the narrative would still be a legacy for our family. The book was also written to demonstrate to readers that it is possible to be a thriving, active family, have more children if you wish to, and be involved in everyone’s life, “even though” you are faced with many challenges. Things WILL get better, “even though” it is hard to see that when you are in the thick of it. Additionally, the memoir raises awareness of what it is like behind closed doors for a family raising a child with severe intellectual and physical disabilities, demonstrating survival and hope with humor. It’s vital for professionals working with families of individuals with disabilities to read about the parents’ perspective. Raising Jess is our story of hope.  We believe hopecan be found in family, friends, and groups of people with similar experiences. Hope is all around if you keep looking. 

Your book highlighted for me how hard raising a child with a disability can be, how the need for a supportive network is vital; managing family dynamics as well as  the other various emotions and dilemmas faced ; combined with  moments of pure joy.  What helped you get through your toughest moments when Jess was first diagnosed?

When Jess was first diagnosed, I felt a sense of relief. I know that is not what you expect to hear. We knew she was delayed, yet the pediatrician continued to dismiss my concerns.  At one point, the doctor told me I needed counseling because Jess was fine. Well, perhaps I needed counseling, BUT Jess was not okay.  When my husband and I finally received confirmation from another physician that Jess was delayed in all her milestones, we were heartbroken, yet I felt a sense of relief. Now I can do something to help our daughter! Learning as much as I could from other families, attending therapies, and, at one point, trying alternative exercises for Jess kept my days active.  What helped me was finding friends who empathized with us without feeling sorry for us.  And having more children. Our three children and now our grandchildren are the joys of our life.  

Jess has the rare 1q43-44 chromosome micro deletion syndrome … what’s that exactly? 

1q43-44 microdeletion syndrome is a rare genetic diagnosis in which a portion of the long arm (Q) of chromosome one goes missing. This leads to a mix of symptoms, including developmental delays, intellectual challenges, speech issues, motor difficulties, unusual physical and cerebral traits, seizures, and distinct behaviors. Often, this syndrome arises due to a spontaneous gene deletion, but sometimes, it’s passed down in families.  Managing this isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It involves tailored therapies, medical help for seizures, specialized education, community services, and support. Given its rarity (fewer than 1000 cases in the USA), consulting with genetic experts and medical professionals is crucial for up-to-date information and support.

 OK, now the definition in mom-speak is that Jessica is missing a piece of her first chromosome.  It happened suddenly at conception, as confirmed by my husband and my genetic testing.  We are not carriers, so it was not passed down from us. This means that Jessica’s siblings are not likely to have children with the same genetic diagnosis.  Finding the correct diagnosis took 21 years because the technology had to catch up to our daughter, Jessica! 

Were there any aspects of writing your book that surprised you, either by being harder or easier to relate than you expected? 

Writing the chapter on the grandparent and sibling experience was difficult. First, did I really want to hear what Jessica’s brother and sister had to say about their childhood? The answer was yes, and the resulting interview is an activity I would recommend for all families. One example was when I asked Jessica’s brother, “How would you describe Jess today to somebody you just met?” He did not describe her disability, loud noises, wheelchair, or hardships. It was simple: “She’s mysister

Exploring the grandparent experience was more complicated than expected, especially interviewing my parents. I wanted to open a dialogue about Jessica’s grandparents’ perspective, so I sent my initial email to Dad. I informed him that I was interviewing everyone about their relationship with Jess and emailed the questions, hoping it would be easier for him to ponder at his own pace. 

Dad’s reply was the following:

“These are tough questions. I am thinking about them and realize I came up short as a grandfather. The questions have made me go back and think…I know I would do anything to make her life easier, but the interaction was different. It opened up a lot of questions. I am afraid Icame up short.”

I was daunted after I received Dad’s answer to my interview. “I think I came up short” resonated with me. I did not expect that response. My answer to him was:

“The questions were not intended to hurt you—your help made the difference between us making it and not, so if you think you came up short in one area, you exceeded in others.”

I truly appreciated his honesty and tried to make sense of his words. My dad was born in  1930 and raised in a highly different era where individuals withdisabilities were rarely cared for at home. Considering the time period in which my father was brought up, it was important to understand the norms for parents of that period. Back in the day, it would have been unusual for a child with adisability to be visible; most spent their childhood in institutions and were seldom seen in public.

I recognized that my parents’ experience with individuals with disabilitieswas limited, and their views were shaped by society’s attitudes in the decades they were raised. There are no hard feelings about my parents not knowing howto get involved. Perhaps I should have made suggestions or encouraged moreinteraction, but I also didn’t know how. It is a gift that this conversation with my parents was possible; it was enlightening for each of us.

I loved your writing style and the honesty that shone through.  I particularly liked the chapters written by Jess’s siblings about their feelings growing up – it’s so important for them to have their viewpoints heard, too. Did you find writing your story about raising Jess therapeutic? 

Thank you! And yes, writing was therapeutic for me. Writing each day about raising Jess and our family helped me to remember, evaluate, reminisce, and appreciate those years. My husband and children were my first editors, and that process opened up many new conversations and “Ah-Ha” moments.  The humorous instances came back with a roar and still keep me laughing.  

Talking about therapeutic, I was so busy writing, editing, publishing, and promoting during the Covid years 2020-2021 that it kept me sane; writing balanced and helped me look forward to something during those “groundhog” days.  

One thing I did feel was how strange it must have been for you to go from having Jess at home to having her at the stage of life where she wanted to be “independent”and have her own home . How difficult could you adjust to Jess living in a different place?  How well did Jess adapt? 

Choosing a group home for your loved one is monumental. Selecting a residential option outside of our home felt like giving up. We are her loving parents! Were we no longer willing or able to provide the daily physical care for our daughter? Were we making the right decision? Jessica was approaching age 25. As mom and dad, it was unreasonable but understandable to think we would always be around to provide the intense care that Jessica required. The hard reality hit us as she and we aged.  Mitch and I needed to make this decision when we were clearheaded. We knew that moving Jessica into a home in our community, with the proper support, was vital to her future and ours. We wanted Jessica to continue living a happy life surrounded by friends and family.  She deserves the privilege to live with her peers as independently as possible.  It took a while for me to find myself after Jess moved. My identity was my mom, who had a 24/7 responsibility.  Who was I now? Who were Mitch and I as a couple? It took a while to find ourselves, but we did. Even though Jess is in a group home, she is still our daughter and still needs intense family involvement.

Jess adapted remarkably well. Familiar items from home surrounded her, and we visited often. I think she was ready to leave her parents’ house!

What advice would you give to other young families finding themselves in a similar position to you?

●       When I discovered that Jess was delayed, I was so focused on fixing Jess that I didn’t stop to be momma and baby.  I was too focused on the therapy, not the fun (but this didn’t last long). Remember to have fun.

●       Accept support and help from others

●       If you have a spouse or partner, plan twosome time each week. Whether you are going out or on a date at home when your child is asleep.  

●       When you get on an airplane, the flight attendant reminds you to put on your mask first and then help others. The same applies to caretakers. Remember to take care of yourself so you remain strong to care for your child.

●       I found a Facebook group with families who have similar concerns helpful – but you need to be careful that it is a supportive, positive group and not a complaining group that can bring you down

●       Stay positive -Jessica changed our life for the better and has taught me more than I will ever teach her.           

Vickie’s current favourite shoes – Cole Haan Platform Wingtip Oxfords

You have a blog called “Vickie’s Views”  – What do you enjoy most about blogging?  

“Vickie’s Views” offers a blend of heartfelt wisdom, humor, and warmth, combining personal anecdotes and professional insights on disability, travel, and everyday life. I love writing a blog that touches others and receiving comments. Knowing that readers relate to or find comfort and humor in my words gives me joy.  I feel a huge connection with my readers.

Is “Raising Jess: A Tale Of Hope” available to purchase worldwide? Amazon UK Amazon BE

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing? 

I spend a lot of time exercising and playing with my grandchildren. So, as much as I like clothes, shoes, and bags, I typically wear leggings, tees, and sneakers! My four-year-old granddaughter is very into princess wear and gowns. She complained that I was not fancy enough for a day of hanging out at home. Below is a photo of formal wear with Noa on a random Tuesday. 

Do you have any favorite shops or online sites?

 I try to shop locally, but when I am unable to do so, I most frequently go to Bloomingdale’s. I admit I buy a lot of Amazon, which is the opposite of shopping locally. 

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

I have a pair of Armani wide-pleated trousers and a skirt. They look like pants from the front, but the back is a long skirt. Weird, right? They were my mom’s, and I tried them on and loved the fit, style, and, yes, the weirdness of the look. I am invited to a wedding in August and am looking for the perfect top to go with the pants/skirt. Please help! 

Boots or Shoes?

I live in Buffalo, NY, so I guess I should say boots, but I want to say shoes.  I wrote a blog about my first pair of fancy shoes. Finding the right shoe to go with an outfit always feels good!  I try to go for a pop of color like red or pink, more recently, light blue.  But my current favorite shoes are my Cole Haan silvery-gold Platform Wingtip Oxfords.  My husband and I traveled to Texas, and I bought my first pair of cowboy boots. I absolutely love them for their looks but not the comfort!

My real obsession is designer purses. I know, I know—what a waste—but if you divide the cost by the years of wear and tear, it’s not so bad! I own my mother-in-law’s Gucci handbag, which is over 50 years old, but if you look at it, it looks new—and it didn’t even need handbag Botox!

Below are the first pair of fancy shoes– Ferragamo

Links you would like to share:

·        Raising Jess (Amazon)  amzn.to/3DDSQt5  

·        Shop page on website https://bit.ly/RaisingJess

·        Barnes and Noble

·        Vickie’s Views- https://vickierubin.com/  

·        Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RaisingJessStory

·        Instagram 1- https://www.instagram.com/raisingjessstory.vickierubin/?hl=en

·        2-minute PBS video – Vickie Rubin

BOOK TOUR DATES

GIVEAWAY LINK

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4221b3a8357/?

Fantastic to chat with you, Vickie – and for that wedding to go with those delightful sounding trouser/skirt combo, how about a brightly coloured patterned or floral camisole/floaty top to contrast with your black bottoms ? Fuchsia pinks/oranges with splashes of black ? 😊

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Vickie Rubin

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Queering The American Dream Book Tour

I’m so pleased to be part of Angela Yarber’s “Queering The American Dream” book tour. Families come in all shapes and sizes as the memoir/travelogue, “Queering The AmericanDream” by Rev Angela Yarber, shows. Travelling the length and breadth of the USA in a camper named Freya , the queer clergywoman, her wife and child, make up a family unit that defies the normal American definition of a family unit. Before I introduce Angela to the blog, here’s a mini summary of her book:

BOOK SUMMARY

Beginning the day the Supreme Court ruled her marriage legal, Angela Yarber’s queer little family traversed the American landscape for two years in a camper named Freya, following in the footsteps of revolutionary women from history and myth. Amid her wanderings, this queer clergywoman grapples with the loss of faith, addiction, death, parenting, and what it means to reimagine the so-called dream promised to so many. With unapologetic grief, humor, and radical imagination, she creates a new dream, not just for herself, but for all marginalized people living in America.

Publisher: Parson’s Porch

ISBN-10: 195558141X

ISBN-13: 978-1955581417

Print Length: 188 pages
Purchase a copy of the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add it to your list on Goodreads.

INTERVIEW

Hi Angela and welcome to the blog!

Hi, I’m Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber, but most people call my Dr. Ang. I’m an award-winning author of 8 books and founder of Tehom Center Publishing, a press publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers. With a Ph.D. in Art and Religion, I’ve been a professor of women’s, gender, and sexuality studies for nearly two decades.

More than a formal bio or accolades, I’m a queer feminist mama of two foster kiddos with disabilities who my wife and I adopted. In addition to writing and publishing, I’m a working artist and all my work is grounded in teaching about revolutionary women. I’m an enneagram 1, INTJ, Leo sun and Cancer moon who loves the magical place between creativity and organization.

What inspired you to write Queering The American Dream?

I was inspired to write my book because I’m sick of seeing so many marginalized people bound to the so-called dreams that have been systematically designed to disenfranchise us. Heteronormativity. White supremacy. The 9-to-5 rat race. Broken education, medical, and criminal justice systems. We’ve been told to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps by a country that has stolen our boots. And that’s not ok.

Or, to quote my queer clergywomen coven, “Honey, it’s not you. It’s the system.”

I wrote and published this book so that readers can see examples of what it means to live and dream differently. Because, in the words of Toni Morrison, the only life “you can have is the one you can imagine.” My inspiration is an exercise is radical imagination, of dreaming what life and work and vocation and family could look like if we heed the wisdom of queer women of color who have been dreaming creative, alternative, dismantling dreams from the jump. It wasn’t easy, but my wife and I tried to follow this queer, intersectional wisdom.

Your book follows your travels across the USA in a camper named Freya, with your little family consisting of yourself, your wife and your child. I have a campervan too so I can appreciate the nomadic dream. Where did you feel most comfortable and accepted as a family unit? In your opinion, why do you think some people you encountered didn’t appreciate that families come in all shapes and sizes?

Well, the day we left on our journey was literally the day the Supreme Court ruled our marriage legal, so roughly half the country still didn’t believe our family deserved equal treatment under the law. And this discrimination still exists in myriad other ways, often fueled by exclusive religion and bully pulpits.

Likely the place where we felt most accepted was Hawai’i Island, though there remain pockets of exclusion there, as well.

What or who inspired you to become a clergywoman? 

Interestingly, many of the same revolutionary women whose stories fill my book also inspired my initial call to ministry. Because my beliefs have shifted over the 20 years since I became a clergywoman, I now say that I hold my ordination with an open hand, no longer serving or practicing within my faith tradition.

It’s oddly one of the same quotes that inspired my travels that also inspires my calling. Passionate nomad, Freya Stark, claims, “It’s the beckoning that counts, not the clicking latch behind you.” Whether it’s the call to activism, the call to write, the call travel, or the call to ministry, the power of the call can’t be denied.

 “Queering The American Dream ” is more than a memoir/travelogue – you introduced snippets of the inspirational power of  Frida Kahlo and Pauli Murray too as you wove your way across the US – did you find recollecting your experiences harder or easier to write down than you expected?

Probably easier. Knowing that I rest on the shoulders of so many revolutionary women—from Murray and Kahlo to Audre Lorde, Jarena Lee, Gloria Anzaldúa, and so many others—emboldened me to write, not simply for myself, but on behalf of others.

Making courageous changes to one’s life path is not easy to do – what do you feel prevents a lot of people from being brave and making that leap? 

That same “clicking latch” that Freya Stark spoke of earlier. The clicking latch of adulthood, propriety, societal expectations, parenthood, and career can sometimes stifle bravery and creativity. Simultaneously, many people—including myself in many instances—lack the privilege and resources to make such a leap. My white privilege and higher education, for example, made taking the leap much easier. At the same time, my queerness and low socio-economic background made it all the harder. Many people have the bravery, but lack the resources. I hope that my book helps readers see that resilience, creativity, and integrity can bolster courage to step into the unknown.

Can you tell us a bit more about your time on Hawaii – what were your highlights about living in Hawaii and the downside? 

Living in Hawai’i is complicated. For me, it is paradise defined and I am tremendously grateful to have called Hawai’i Island home for five years and to have adopted my daughter through the foster care system there. The beauty of the island—its history, culture, myth, and geography—was both liberatory and salvific for me during some very difficult times.

Simultaneously, my wife and I discerned we could no longer live in the islands for two primary reasons. The first was the lack of infrastructure in supporting our children’s disabilities and medical care. The second, and more overarching, was that as haoli, or white people, we realized that, no matter our intentions or support of Hawaiian sovereignty, our presence on the island as non-kanaka landowners was contributing to colonization. We now support Hawaiian sovereignty and the aloha aina movement from afar by elevating the work of kanaka maoli. 

Growing up, what were your initial career aspirations?  

As a child, I wanted to be a dancer. And I retired from a career in professional dance at 30.

Is your book, Queering The American Dream, available to purchase worldwide?

Yes!

Are you a bookworm?  If so, do you prefer “actual” books or kindle?  What genre(s) do you enjoy reading? 

I think I’d call myself a bookworm. I do run a publishing company, Tehom Center Publishing, a press publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC readers, so reading is kinda my job! 

As an academic, a lot of my reading is research based in gender studies, queer theory, and spirituality. And for fun, I really love travel memoir. I like an actual book in hand.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I’m very casual. At home, I’m usually in a sarong or gym clothes. Out and about, I usually wear shorts and a t-shirt or a sundress. Slippahs (flip flops) or running shoes.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites? 

I’m not really into shopping, but I try to support the Syracuse Cultural Worker.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

I used to be a major “shoe slut,” at one point owning 3 pairs of pink stilettos alone, but when we traveled full-time and “went tiny,” I narrowed my shoes down to 8 pairs total. All practical.

Though I rarely wear heels any more, I have been dreaming about the perfect pair of rainbow heels to wear throughout my book tour.

Boots or Shoes?

I really prefer slippahs, but if I had to choose between boots and shoes, I’d say my vegan leather Frida Kahlo combat boots are my decision.

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc 

Purchase book: https://tinyurl.com/kkv5kvk9

My website: www.angelayarber.org

Publishing Company website: www.tehomcenter.org

Get connected to Book Tour: www.tehomcenter.org/booktour

BOOK DATES

Fabulous to chat to you, Angela! Thanks for inviting me onto your book tour and for the copy of your book to review.

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Rev Angela Yarber


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Analyzing The Prescotts Book Tour

This week I’m so pleased to be part of author Dawn Reno Langley’s “Analyzing The Prescotts” Book Tour. This is the first time I’ve encountered a book in the LGBTQ+ literary fiction genre and it was extremely impressive reading – the very dramatic storyline drew me in and as each member of the Prescotts unravelled their views to their therapist, my opinions changed and then I realised I was getting caught up in the private life of Cotton Barnes, the therapist too. It was definitely a hard book to put down …. And I couldn’t wait to chat to Dawn about her reasons for choosing this storyline in our interview, but first here’s a quick summary of “Analyzing The Prescotts”….

BOOK SUMMARY

Cotton Barnes, a Raleigh, NC, therapist, leveled by a client’s recent suicide, is struggling to resume her practice when she begins working with the Prescotts, a family fractured when the father comes out as transgender and begins transitioning. They relate their stories in their chosen voices, each family member’s narrative in a different format. Journals, social media, and other nontraditional narratives challenge Dr. Barnes’ therapeutic skills. While each member of the Prescotts dodge land mines behind the closed doors of her therapy office, the Raleigh, North Carolina area is rocked by a series of LGBTQ+ hate crimes. As Cotton finds herself stalking the family, worried that she might not be able to “save them,” her husband slips away, and Cotton is forced to make a decision that will determine whether she saves her own marriage or the Prescotts.

Publisher: Black Rose Publishing

Print length: 308 pages

MY INTERVIEW

Hi Dawn and a big warm welcome to the blog 😊 Please introduce yourself to the readers …I

Hello, I’m Dawn Reno Langley. I’m a writer who has worked in every genre except screenplays (because I just like writing about everything!). Though I’m originally from the Boston area, I live in North Carolina with my scientist husband and my twelve-year-old Schichon, Izzy. I love traveling and am about to go on a new adventure — to Chile! 

Who or what inspired you to write “Analyzing The Prescotts”?

During the dissertation process for my PhD, I studied transgender authors and what they wrote both pre- and post-transition. Their works were fascinating to me for many different reasons, and the story about the Prescotts was inspired by their memoirs.

I really enjoyed reading your book, “Analyzing ThePrescotts ” and I particularly enjoyed the characters of Cotton, Hailey, & Janis.  I had sympathy for Gray too. What character did you particularly enjoy writing about? What character was the hardest to portray?

I’m so glad you enjoyed the story! That means a lot to me. I spend years with these characters, so when I release a book, it’s like sending my children into the world. 

I love all my characters, but I love Hailey and the kids most in this book. They are the ones who respond with love, while Gray is incredibly screwed up, and Cotton needs more time to recover from her breakdown before she takes on helping others. 

Cotton was the most difficult to portray, because she had to be professional yet skewed. She’s not a person really capable of helping the Prescotts, and she knows that her breaking points are affecting her ability to be an effective therapist. In essence, she’s not a bad therapist, but the Prescotts challenge her, and she probably shouldn’t be treating them. Ultimately, they teach her what it means to be a family, and I believe she is changed for the better, even though her own life falls apart.

Hypothetically speaking, if “Analyzing The Prescotts “ was made into a film, who would you consider to be great actors to play the roles of Cotton, Gray, Hailey, Janis, Marcus, Cherylynn & Cotton’s husband ? 

Wow, that’s a tough question. Hmm, I really think Meg Ryan would be a great choice for Cotton, because she has the ability to be both fragile and strong when portraying females caught in tough situations. For Gray, I think Lizzy Caplan might be a good choice. She has the ability to play a serious woman with a scary side. Hailey has to be Renee Zelwegger. She has proven to be a tour de force when taking on tough characters, and I think she’d be perfect for Hailey. As for Janis, Millie Bobby Brown can be tough and tortured, the way Janis is, and I think she’d bring an edge to the role that few others could manage.  Ella Anderson is perfect for Cherylynn. Ella has an innocent, happy face, as well as the depth to show the myriad emotions the middle child endures. Marcus could be played by Asher Morrissette, who has starred in soap operas and has a full range of facial emotions. Finally, I always imagined Thomas as Ethan Hawke–handsome, slim, and intense. That was a fun exercise!

The novel is based in North Carolina. What made you pick that location for the novel?

I live in North Carolina and know the area well. The place where Cotton lives is only minutes away from a house I used to own, the therapist’s office is based on one that I have visited, the Prescotts’ house is one I passed every day on my way to work, and the Raleigh/Durham area has experienced the type of gender bashing that I describe in the novel.

Growing up, did you envisage yourself as a writer or did you have other career aspirations?

I’ve been a writer since the age of 9 when my first article was published, but I never really thought I could make a living at this profession. I always wanted to be a flight attendant so I could travel. (And even though I’m not a flight attendant, I have travelled extensively, so that dream has been fulfilled). It wasn’t until I was in college and became editor of the newspaper that I realized all I wanted to do was write–and I’ve done so ever since.

Is “Analyzing The Prescotts ” available to purchase worldwide?

By the way, whether the book is available worldwide, we just released the audio book, and the book is now available in the US,  Canada, the UK, and Australia.

If you could visit any place in the world to inspire your next novel, where would you go and why? 

I’d love to visit Uzbekistan, because it’s a mysterious, fascinating place that is not “over-touristed.” I’m not sure what kind of story I’d place there, but visiting the country would be inspiration enough for many stories, I believe.

I’d also like to revisit Kenya to get more information for a follow-up story to my novel, The Mourning Parade. I have an outline already started for a new book, but it’s waiting until I finish editing a trilogy that’s set here in the U.S.

Are you a bookworm yourself? If so, what genres (or authors) do you usually like to read? And are you a kindle or “proper book” fan?

Oh, yes! I’ve spent my whole life with piles of books around me. When I was a child, I read every book in my little local library before graduating to the “big” library where I devoured biographies, books on traveling, and novels. Now, I read mostly literary novels (Barbara Kingsolver, Michael Cunningham, and Abraham Verghese are some of my favorite authors), but I also love fantasies, and I’d count books like Station Eleven, Night Circus, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane among my favorites. 

I love a physical book, but I have a Kindle because I do a lot of traveling and books are heavy!

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I’m a writer, so sweats are my go-to. I also teach yoga, so I wear lots of leggings and sweatshirts. However, I do like to get dressed up and for the launch party for Analyzing the Prescotts, I wore a winter white outfit — crepe pants, turtleneck top, and below-the-knee duster coat. My favorite colors are black or white, so that’s what I usually wear. (I could use some fashion advice :-)).

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

Sundance clothing is one of my fav online shops. It’s owned by Robert Redford and features a lot of casual, funky clothing that I’d love to wear.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

I’d love a pair of nice hiking shoes for the times when my husband and I are traveling. We walk/hike everywhere! 

Boots or Shoes?

I love boots in the winter, but usually wear Sperry’s in the summer.

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

www.dawnrenolangley.net

Facebook: @dawnrenolangley

TikTok: @proflangley    

Insta: @proflangley  

Pinterest: @proflangley   

BOOK TOUR DATES

Such a pleasure to have you on the blog, Dawn. Thank you for inviting me onto your book tour and thank you for a copy of your book “Analyzing The Prescotts “ for reviewing … a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading so 10/10 for me 😊

All photographs have been published with kind permission of Dawn Reno Langley, apart from the clock header photo which was taken by me.

Linda x

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Author Interview: Joan Lewis

In the 1970s in Britain, a disproportionate number of immigrant children were put into E.S.N (educationally subnormal) schools, considering them subnormal regardless of who they were or what they could achieve. This particularly affected the children of the Windrush generation who were from the Caribbean islands and had moved to England. “Because You Were There” is a powerful novel by author Joan Lewis is about the treatment of the Windrush immigrants. Although it is a work of fiction, the facts behind the story are very true. And Joan Lewis should know – in the early 1970s she was a young teacher at an E.S.N school in Bath. I caught up with Joan to find out more about her novel and her teaching career…. but first, here’s a quick book summary.

BOOK SUMMARY

A stirring and compelling novel about the scandalous treatment of Windrush immigrants. In the 1960s and ‘70s a disproportionate number of black children who came to Britain were sent to special schools for so called educationally subnormal (E.S.N.)  children whatever their talents, starting their life in Britain at a disadvantage because of their race. This introduction to racism would haunt them throughout their lives.

The failure to encourage one particularly talented child, Tina, is seen through the eyes of Felicity, her special needs teacher who would have liked to help but didn’t. Fifty years later Felicity returns to the same town and realises that Tina has suffered from discrimination throughout her life, and her family too. Is it possible to make amends, or even to say sorry?

A book about belonging. Tina left Jamaica, where she was loved and valued, for a country that treats her like dirt. In spite of all this, she feels a strong attachment to Britain. Felicity, who was born British, is alienated and feels that Britain no longer represents her values.

Tina, a bright and rebellious ten-year-old from Jamaica, leaves her homeland in 1968 to join her mother in Britain. But instead of receiving a warm welcome, Tina is forced to attend an ESN school, where she is treated as inferior due to her Jamaican heritage. Eventually, in desperation, she writes a cry for help in the form of a poem, giving it to the one teacher she trusts. But her teacher, Felicity, ignores her hidden plea, though as the years go by she remains haunted by the memory of the vulnerable teenager.

Fifty years later, Tina and Felicity cross paths again, and as Felicity grows closer to Tina’s family, she is drawn into a racist hate campaign conducted by her neighbours against Tina’s daughter. Can Felicity ever make amends for all that Tina and her family have suffered?

MY INTERVIEW

Hello Joan and welcome… please introduce yourself….

Hello. I’m Joan. I suppose my adult life can be divided into two parts: pre-France and post France. I was a teacher and primary school headteacher in the U.K. for thirty years. During that time we brought up two sons, first of all on our small holding in West Wales where we had a much loved Jersey cow called Mildred, as well as sheep, geese and chickens. We then moved to Marlborough, in Wiltshire. I loved teaching, but sadly, the job has been made overly stressful. I’m not sure I’d choose that career path again, although I very much miss the inspiration of young children. We now live in the middle of a national forest, in a stunning part of Southern France. We had to work hard to establish a living from two gîtes, but it has been enormous fun, and we have made some lasting friendships. We now have more leisure, and enjoy spending time on our boat. I have always loved to write, and at long last I now have time to do so. ‘Because You Were There ‘is my first published novel. There will be more!

“Because You Were There” is your powerful novel – a fictional story based on very true facts, about the treatment of Windrush immigrants in Britain.   What inspired you to write a novel in the first place? Why this particular subject?

When I taught in Bath, I was young and impressionable. I have so many memories from that time. It was exciting to live and work in a beautiful Georgian city. Also the children with their special needs made such a mark on me, and I  remember  every single pupil with affection.  They were all so much more than their ‘handicaps.’ One particular pupil did not have special needs. Like a lot of pupils from the Caribbean at that time, she was wrongly categorised, and removed from her neighbourhood friends. She wrote a poem for me…just imagine! It was a cry for help. But I did nothing about it. This has haunted me ever since. Recently, I was shocked to learn about the Windrush scandal, when bona fide British immigrants from the Caribbean were cruelly threatened with deportation. Could that have happened to my ex pupil? This inspired me to write a story, so that everyone could see how wrongfully we have treated this group of people throughout their lives.  It is pure fiction, but it is based on real events.

Who were the hardest characters to portray?

Perhaps the hardest character to portray was my arch villain ‘The Colonel.’  Although in real life, most of my fellow teachers at the special school were very kind, one teacher was particularly harsh towards these vulnerable children. He was also very misogynistic towards me. Obviously ‘The Colonel’ is purely fictional and much exaggerated, but I do think that I created this character in order to wreak my revenge.

Were there any aspects of writing your novel that surprised you, either by being harder or easier to write about than you expected?

I was surprised at how quickly my story was written. I think that my memories were so powerful, that they all came tumbling out. It was also as if the characters I invented took me over and said: ”Look, Joan. This is how we feel, and this is what happened.”

Hypothetically speaking, if “ Because You Were There” was made into a film, who would you love to see portraying the characters, especially Tina and Felicity?

Obviously Felicity, the teacher, is very loosely based on me. How about Penelope Cruz?(I joke!)  Letitia Wright is an exceedingly powerful and intelligent actress, who moved to Britain from Guyana when she was only seven. She would be amazing in the role of Tina as an adult,  although she would have to age quite a bit.

Have you always wanted to have a career in teaching or writing or did you have other career aspirations growing up?

I always wanted to be a teacher from the age of four, like my mum. 

Are you a bookworm? What is your favourite genre and/or authors? Kindle or actual book? 

I have periods when I love to read exhaustively, but the conditions have to be right. Kindle for me, though books are definitely more precious. I mainly read contemporary literary fiction, mostly by women such as Rachel Cusk, Claire Keegan, Zadie Smith, Maggie O’Farrell, Anne Enright , Ali Smith, and others. I recently met Natasha Brown, who is the author of a startling new book called ‘Assembly,’ and am keen to read any novels she may write in the future.

Is Because You We’re There available to purchase worldwide?

 ‘Because You were There is available through Amazon, Waterstones, and The Gurdian Bookshop.  

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I got married in the seventies in a pair of jeans, and have never given up on them, though recently I have discreetly started to wear denim joggings. It’s always been casual for me: trousers rather than dresses, and boots and trainers, rather than heels: and maybe linen trousers, or a short denim skirt and sandals in the increasingly hot summers here.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

I always shop on line: Uniqlo, M+S maybe. I find that clothes I bought from Boden years ago have aged well. I still have an ancient pair of Boden velvet trousers for special occasions that I adore.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

My leather baseball type boots from Rieker which I wear non- stop in winter, are wearing out. If the soles can’t be replaced, I’ll have to find similar ones. I love the side zips and they are soooo warm.

Boots or Shoes?

Low boots or trainers definitely!  We take daily walks into the forest , so that’s a must. 

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

I love to blog. When I’m not writing something longer, it kind a’ scratches that itch. I can be found on: joansjottings.net

Thanks to Joan for the copy of her excellent book “Because You Were There” for reviewing. Also thanks to Cameron Publicity & Marketing.

All photographs have been published with kind permission of Joan Lewis

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