Atmosphere Press delves behind the scenes prior to publication of Whispers on the Wind:
What inspired you to start writing this book?
Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2017 was the main inspiration for undertaking a countryside memoir. Strangely, having a neurological condition for which there is no cure as of yet focused my mind, making me realize that if I was going to achieve the goal of being an author, then it was now or never. A love of being with nature became a necessity—a perfect way to combine exercise with stimulating the grey cells at the same time.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
I wouldn’t say choosing the title was an easy process. There was so much time spent pondering on whether to have a punchy title or something more thoughtful. The decision was eventually made during the final draft to opt for the latter. The title Whispers on the Wind has that essence of duality, indicating both my own questions and the prospect of nature gradually providing answers.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
In a way I found this the most difficult question to answer. “The Shire” (Lord of the Rings) would be a definite. There would also be a place for “I Can See Clearly Now” (Johnny Nash) and “I Have A Dream” (Abba).
Describe your dream book cover.
The basic colours being blues and greens: artwork with a fantasy element. A partial trunk of a tree on one side forming a curve, as though a portal opening into a glade, where a brightly coloured dragonfly soars over the top of the title and the hint of mystical mushrooms can be seen below.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I have been a photographer, makeup artist, holistic therapist, jewellery designer and tutor.
Organising events was nerve-racking, especially the bead and jewellery fairs at Chester Racecourse. Much more so than creating bespoke cakes—the weirdest request being an orange octopus climbing onto a Romanesque building.
What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?
The poetic works and humorous poems of Thomas Hood are books which I turn to currently for relaxation, plus the odd mystery novel. For research, reading has tended to be more non-fiction, including those about fungi and insects. Though one of my favourites, and definitely the most useful, is Mastering Suspense, Structure & Plot by Jane K. Cleland.
Out of the countryside memoirs researched, I particularly enjoyed Meadowland by John Lewis Stempel, which was like finding that missing piece to a jigsaw puzzle.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
Not necessarily someone who has similar neurological issues, but those who are willing to look for the many healing qualities that nature provides—to soothe and comfort. There is also such a wealth of stimulation within these micro-worlds, so my hope is that my enthusiasm comes through and encourages readers to find similar benefits to myself.