Derek Thompson's Blog, page 2
November 4, 2024
Envy Queue
At the last count, I have six CVS (even if most of them arecalled resumes). As any expert will tell you it’s never a case of one size fitsall, and the key lies in attuning the CV to the client or opportunity. It’s asort of stylised authenticity.
What I find mildly fascinating is the filtering process,which is often driven by space as much as any other considerations. Forexample, I rarely refer to my stint as an NVQ Assessor (Customer Service andBusiness Administration – thanks for asking), unless it’s for a role that has asimilar approach to data handling or detail-orientated work.
I last assessed an NVQ more than 20 years ago and I recentlylearned that they were withdrawn in 2015, in preference for the Qualifications andCredit Framework (QCF). It might also explain why that particular batphonehasn’t rung for a while.
I remember assessing three people in a six-month period (two for Cust Servand one for Bus Admin). What stood out for me was how indifferent thecandidates they were about the qualification and, crucially, how passively theyapproached the study and evidence gathering. It seemed to be a case that theemployer/s wanted their staff to have them but hadn’t really sold them on thevalue of NVQs, the process, or the amount of work required.
For one candidate I attended a call centre and completed a series ofobservations, followed by two Q&A sessions and an evidence review. Thecandidate, clearly a conscript, showed almost zero proactivity. I checked andrechecked their understanding about what was required, and how they planned tobreak down the tasks and map the outcomes to the modules, and they made all theright noises. But in the end it became clear that they were hoping I couldrepeat the success of the first signed off module (i.e. I observe them in theirday-to-day work and effectively fill in the blanks with them). We arranged numerous meetings and agreed milestonedates but they never progressed beyond that one module.
Now, they may have had otherthings going on in their life and, without doubt, a full-time job does notalways lend itself to professional development, but I don’t think we could havemade the process less onerous.
Another candidate wanted to do Business Admin NVQ Level 3, but theiremployer would only support (through time and any costs) it at Level 2. Theknock-on effect was that the candidate remained less than committed. Considerablyless.
They dragged their heels with the ‘coursework’ for so long, and with somany extensions granted, that they eventually completed it less than a monthbefore they were due to leave the job. The NVQ team (Internal Verifier andbeyond) were not prepared to process it because by the time an NVQ would havebeen awarded the person would no longer be in the job. Or possibly any job.
I’ll spare you the tale of the third candidate but, suffice it to say,things did not go well. Now, to paraphrase Oscar Wilde, three strike-outsbegins to look like carelessness, and I did consider whether it was time tohang up my D32/D33 hat.
In the end, much like gardening, even though we can prepare the ground andprovide all the necessary conditions, sometimes the ground remains fallow.
Perhaps NVQs were not for them and, in some parallel universe they’rewriting a blog post about the terrible jobs that made them start an NVQ they didn’twant, and how they rebelled by failing to do the work. Who knows?
My point, if there is any, is that sometimes all we can do is turn up andgive it our best shot. Now, tell me more about QCFs…
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September 28, 2024
Why are we picking on Richard Osman?
Why are we picking on Richard Osman?
(How we got it all wrong about writers and publishing.)
Not a month goes by without one of my many author friends,or some stranger online, having a pop at Richard Osman. And yes, I have feltthe occasional twinge of gluckschmerz myself. But I think I’m cured – more on that later.
The criticisms of Mr Osman usually fall into a fewcategories:
1. He went to the right university so doors areopen to him that remain closed to mere mortals.
2. He was already fantastically successful so he isreally just another celebrity ‘having a go at writing books’.
3. His high profile garners free publicity on TV andbeyond that other jobbing writers will never see.
4. His celebrity-endorsed novels are taking oxygenaway from other novelists.
5. His novels aren’t very good.
I’ve done a modicum of research (i.e. trawling the webbefore posting this) and here are my thoughts…
1. Yes, he went to Cambridge. And if he hadn’t,that doesn’t mean they would have been knocking on your door to fill an emptydesk (they have desks there, right?).
2. I’m not sure four novels and a fifth indevelopment constitutes ‘having a go’. Should there be a limit on creativeendeavours?
3. True and true. There’s a hierarchy of success inevery branch of the arts. And everywhere else, actually. Would you have turneddown a TV plug for one of your novels?
4. Yes and no. Let’s think about the world ofpublishing for a moment. Publishersexist to sell books. Promoting RO’s books generates sure-fire sales, whichin turn leads to profits.
5. I mean, who decides when it comes to popularfiction? Speaking as an author who received a one-word review that read‘awful’, who am I to judge? And if we’re talking about ‘good’ what are thecriteria? I received another review that one of my books was ‘a good airportread’ and I was pleased. One thing is certain: Richard’s books sell well.
So what cured me of gluckschmerz? I’m not really sure but Ican tell you exactly when I noticed it.
My fellow author, EmmaBennet, posted online that she had just received word of a four-book audiodeal. My immediate reaction was delight – for her. End of story (pardon thepun…). I know how much effort it takes to write a novel – even if it’s anairport read – and I know how engaged she is with her audience. If I’m happyfor someone I know, why wouldn’t I be happy for someone I don’t know?
And let’s not forget, before I welcome a barrage of commentsabout privilege, and what about my recent post on class, Richard Osman has hadhis challenges. His father abandoned the family when he was young and he(Richard) has longstanding health issues.
You see, dear reader, I’ve come to the conclusion that lifeis like a game of bridge. I mean, it isn’t, but it will do as an analogy. I startedlearning bridge (but poorly) just before the pandemic took hold.
When I started out I thought that the object was to make thehighest number of points. I now see it differently. The skill lies in assessingthe strength of your and your partner’s hands in order to bid an achievablecontract. Sometimes the distribution of cards mean you exceed your bid; othertimes it works against you. To me it’s a study of possibility and probability.
In cards as in life, and back to books. The song says it’snot where you start it’s where you finish, but, statistically speaking, that’sreally down to the strength of your hand.
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September 13, 2024
Transgressive writing
It’s been said at many awriting workshop that we should be willing to write the unconscionable. Givingthe subconscious free rein upon the page, whether its violence, sex, cruelty ordepravity. The thinking being that no one else has to see what was written or,should we feel so inclined, we can publish and risk being damned.
That’s all well and goodwhen it comes to exorcising our creative demons but what about when we’rewriting to order? I recently applied for a writing opportunity that I knewwould challenge my view of the sort of writer I am. Sometimes it’s good to takea step into the unknown. Sometimes…
The project wanted humour materialabout the crisis in the Middle East. You know the one I’m talking about. Theclients want to use humour to promote peace at a ground level, rather thanrelying on leaders to do the right thing.
I get it. Humour is, afterall, a great way to unite people and to approach difficult subjects diagonally.Bringing in different perspectives to highlight similarities, differences andincongruities.
Against that backdrop Iapproached this assignment as I would any other. I met the clients online anddid my research in order to prepare an original pitch. We chatted, I threw insome ideas…they threw them back or stared blankly at me.
It became clear one of theclients wanted hard-hitting humour slanted in one direction only, at leastinitially, which did not sit well with me. After further discussion andreceiving some suggestions I put pen to paper.
I decided to write exactlywhat I wanted, rather than working to any brief. A sort of litmus test to seeif we were on the same page (you’re welcome). They could use the piece and payfor it or decline it as they saw fit. Turns out they didn’t get the joke.
Here’s the sample piece. Read on atyour own discretion.
What The Frick Is TheProblem In Gaza?
(Political History for Dummies)
Let's start at thebeginning. G*d** said...
Okay then, not at the very, verybeginning.
Who's to blame for thecultural beef in Israel / Palestine? The British, obviously. Every Disneyanimated movie should have prepared us for that.
A little history lesson
After the collapse of theOttoman Empire (who knew furniture could be so dangerous?) the Council of theLeague of Nations - so good they named it once - took Palestine andasked the Brits out on a mandate, 'it being clearly understood that nothingshould be done which might prejudice the civil and religious rights of existingnon-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyedby Jews in any other country'.
Simpler times, right? Therewas also the Emirate of Transjordan, which was not necessarily as progressiveas the name now implies.
It's fair to say that theBritish were not universally appreciated as landlords of a land that wasnothing to do with them (but when did that ever stop them?). They sought tolimit the number of Jewish people settling in Israel and Zionist paramilitarygroups formed to enter into political discourse with them, via the medium ofassassinations and bombings.
Of course, as the Britishthriller writer Gerald Seymour pointed out: "one person's terrorist isanother person's freedom fighter". The Brits eventually gave up and someof those Israeli freedomists were absorbed into the IDF or took office ingovernment.
The rest, as they say, ishistory. But if you ever wondered whether G*d has a sense of humor, considerthis:
Lehi, one of theparamilitary organisations during those turbulent times, had a weeklypublication called Hamaas. If nothing else, it reminds us of the importance ofspelling.
** Other G*ds are available.There's like a whole bunch of them.
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September 7, 2024
Story time
I love writing – all communication really. But sometimes itcan feel more like a profession than a vocation. So, in the last few months, Ijoined a local writers’ group who create poetry, short stories, novels-in-progress,developing scripts and memoir
Some are published, some not, and some have no interest inpublication. However, what the members have in common is a passion for thewritten word and an unwavering belief in the creative process. And flowingbetween those two poles like a living current: joy. Returning to a writinggroup is a little like returning to a well of inspiration. I can’t say it hasimproved the quality of my output but it has definitely has a positive effecton my well-being.
Through our various forms of writing we explore and sharecommon themes: what it is to be human, making sense of the world and our placein it, and the gift of imagination given free rein. It feels like play forgrown-ups and if it leads to a published story or a book…that’s just a bonus.
A recent house move saw us packing and unpacking dozens ofboxes of books. By the time we’re done I’ll have returned 50 crate boxes to thelocal supermarket. Many of pour books are now considered vintage because weare; one or two are valuable in their own right, and some books may never beread again but remain on their shelves like honoured guests.
Within the collection are individual volumes, whose coversthat instantly draw me back to a formative time in my life, like a touchstone.Richard Bach’s A Gift of Wings – oftenread on the ferry to Manhattan as I travelled to my slightly less than legaljob in the Big Apple. Irwin Shaw’s GodWas Here But He Left Early – a gift that coincided with a pivotal decision inLondon about which direction my life would take. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes– bought in Coventry when I sneaked off to meet a friend, while working on adata project in the Midlands.
Those three examples are all anthologies of a sort, as arewe. A collection of the stories we tell others (perhaps with a little editingand the occasional flourish), and the ones we don’t tell because they revealtoo much about others or ourselves.
When it boils down to it, we are all a collection ofstories.
I’ve been sifting through my own short stories – the onesfor public consumption, I mean. Some feature in anthologies and some are stillwaiting for the right opportunity. I’ve been thinking about my own anthologyfor a long time and I already have the cover ready. Who knows, I might finallyget around to it in the next few months. We’ve all got a list like that in ourheads – the someday list.
There’s no call to action here. Not a sales call, anyway. Instead,I want to remind you to find the joy in whatever you’re doing, if at all possible.Or find some joy in something else.
And think hard about what you’re carrying through the years – those favourite stories youbring out for friends or strangers, and the ones you tell yourself that shapewho you think you are. Remember, all stories are partly fiction. Even the trueones.
Lastly, consider this a public information announcement toget on with it. Whatever it is. Because not only is there no time like thepresent, individual time is a finite commodity. To quote Pete Wylie from Talking Blues [Story of the Blues Part 2]: “…well, that’s my story and I’msticking to that.”
Coming soon?
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July 24, 2024
You Must be Joking
Not so long ago, on LinkedIn, a bunch of us were lamenting the lack ofopportunities for gag writers. It got me thinking about the things I’d tried inthe past to sell some comedy material, successfully and otherwise, so here is a list of places to try if youwant to flex your funny bone.*
In no order, other than my ability to recall them...
The Grumpy Octopus – I wrote some social media content for them - a mixture of wordplay, surreal and situation-based captions. A most enjoyable gig! https://thegrumpyoctopus.com/en-gb
The Treason Show – Topical gags, sketches and parody songs. There is a huge pool of writers and it’s run on theDarwinian principle of survival of the funniest. You got to see your material performed live and they paid for whatever they used. https://www.treasonshow.co.uk/ (https://www.treasonshow.co.uk/the-team.html)
The News Revue – Run on the same lines as The Treason Show, and in fact predates it. True story, a co-writer of thetime and I got invited to submit material when we were on a train to see The Treason Show. (Because we talked too loudlyabout our comedy writing.) https://canalcafetheatre.com/our-shows/newsrevue/
Newsjack – A BBC Radio 4 Extra (still Radio 7 in our hearts!) show that had an open-door for topical material.And paid professional rates too. They used a couple of my gags. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00kvs8
The Comedy Crowd – A great resource for checking out paid and voluntary opportunities.https://thecomedycrowd.com/opportunities/
Comedy Wire – A largely US website with daily challenges involving wordplay, news stories, or open jokes. Adulthumour welcomed. They used to have ‘contests’ where the website team voted for the best entry and writers won Amazone-vouchers. Those were the days! https://comedywire.com
Greetings Cards – The days of sailing boats, bunches of flowers and cakes with candles are largely gone. These days,funny is on the money. I had seven gags picked up by the much-missed Graphic Humour Ltd, as well as a card gag forSelfish Kitty in the US. Card companies come and go so a useful resource is https://www.gca.cards/directory as well as old-school web searches,
Merchandise – Ephemera Inc is a popular site. As you’d expect, competition is fierce and bear in mind it’s a USconcern. They made one of my slogans into a badge that I imagine is still offending people. https://www.ephemera-inc.com/
Film – I’m not talking about writing off to production companies because that’s like casting a pebble into the void.(Although I am still waiting, Baby Cow Productions.) That said, there are nuggets to be found out there, sometimes onfreelance sites. Here’s a short comedy film called Wasabi that I scripted for someone. https://vimeo.com/122506746
Ebooks – Back in the day, David French and I started our own magazine (As Above So Below, a new age satire mag). It wasas regular as a blocked drain, but we had a small and loyal fan base so we kept going. Emboldened by our own brilliance,as all comedy writers should be, I approached one of those ‘little book’ companies to pitch material from the mag. Theresult was The Little Book of Cynics, first as a real book and then an ebook. After that, largely forthe fun of it (i.e. they never sold well), I put together an occasional collection of gags – some topical, some themed andsome just puns. You can find them and my novels here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Derek-Thompson/e/B0034ORY08
Honourable radio mentions for other jokes used
– Damn the Torpedoes: military themed sketch show for the British Forces Broadcasting Service.
– Watson’s Wind-up: a BBC Scotland comedy show. One of my gags appeared on their last ever episode. I’m hoping that’sjust coincidence.
– History Makers podcast.
– 4Weekly Show: Anyone remember Channel 4 Radio? I do. They used 17 gags of mine as additional material. Happydays.
Dishonourable mentions
– Contracted writer for US radio show The Afternoon Call and for comedy app iLarious (see what they did there...).Chuffed to receive both contracts and then jump through an ITIN shaped hoop, but not so chuffed to have neverearned a dollar from either one of them.
* Not literally because that would hurt. Take it from someone who knows.
July 20, 2024
Altruism for Authors
I’m a great believer in supporting the writing communitywherever possible and whenever practicable. Of course, there is competition forrepresentation, for publication, and for funding, but most of that activity happens in the privacy ofone’s outbox and those all-important decisions are beyond our control once wehave pressed send.
How can novel writers support one another, I hear you ask?(I have a very active imagination.)
Several ways come to mind for helping out your fellow authors:
1. Sharing onsocial media. It’s not so much that you’re expected to wield great influence,more that you are likely to know people (and communities) that the other writerdoesn’t know.
2. Hosting ablog post. Often the author will provide something for you to host. If not, asimple Q&A format, with one or two quirky questions thrown in, helps theauthor talk about their work in a new way for a fresh audience.
3. Readingand reviewing. This can be controversial because there may be expectations of ashining review for a less than shiny book. Alternatively, it may not be yourgenre, or your thing. Sometimes authors will agree to mutual reviews, which cantake on the nature of a poker game! Honesty is always the best review policy.Amazon has some baffling rules – which it doesn’t share – about reviews sodon’t be surprised if a review there suddenly ups and disappears.
4. Become abeta reader. You get to read the book first, sometimes as a work-in-progress,and other times it’s the pre-launch, basically good-to-go version. Here, thefocus for feedback tends to be around grammar, formatting glitches, andconsistency. You might even end up in the acknowledgements for servicesrendered.
5. Makingrecommendations to your own readers’ list. And if you’re a published author andyou don’t have a list, consider this a prompt.
Why youought to consider it
If the notion of good karma doesn’t light your inner flame,there are more tangible positives to author altruism:
· By participating in the community you are raisingyour profile, both to other authors (and their agents / publishers)and to your own followers and readers.
· Interacting with other authors can be an education inother people’s creative process, which in turn informs yours.
· It is an opportunity to see how other authors marketthemselves and their work, and then consider what you do.
· More diverse authors and posts on your blog /social media streams.
· Frankly, it takes you out of your own ‘magnum opus’centred universe. Sometimes we need a little perspective and visiting someoneelse’s universe can be a great way to do that. It normalises what youmight think of as your unique struggles, when you realise everyone goes throughthe same old crap!
· Maybe, just maybe, other authors will go the extramile for you. Who knows, you could start a trend!
Reservations
I know what you’re thinking (I did say my imagination wasactive): what about the downsides? Well, as long as you know why you’re doingwhat you’re doing, and you have realistic expectations…oh, okay then, heregoes:
· Other authors might be doing much better than me! Inthe words of an old friend from Staten Island, “Deal with it!” There willalways be more successful and less successful writersthan you. That’s the nature of the beast. But the ones ahead of you may have abigger community for you, while the ones behind you may appreciate you all themore for your kindness.
· What if people don’t help me back? Well, like therest of life, sometimes that happens. Altruism is not a payback scheme.
· Surely I should spend my time on my own writing? Yes,when you need to be writing. Only you know what time you can spare, but why notspare some of it to make a difference to someone else’s book / chances / day?
· Isn’t altruism unrealistic, nay, self-defeating, in acompetitive environment like the arts? If you see supporting others (and let’sface it we’re talking about small ways, not making a sandwich board andmarching up and down Oxford Street for hours) as a drain on energy you’d ratherdevote to your own book, then this is not for you. I think it comes down topersonal values. I’m not convinced that 20 minutes spent sharing the load ofanother author will be the decider between my success and my failure. I’drather feel good about helping someone than see it as a winner takes all, ratrace with pens.
· I feel pressured / guilt tripped / manipulated to dosomething I really don’t want to do. Then it’s not for you. No sale; no drama!But maybe let the other writer know, so they’re not building up falseexpectations (or a grudge!).
Supporting your fellow authors may not advance your ownagenda one iota; that’s not the point. It may, however, make you a morefulfilled human being, a more rounded author, and a much appreciatedcontributor to the writing community.
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March 6, 2020
New book, new characters!
This is the first in a brand new series.
October 19, 2019
Unbound by Genre
https://awordwithyoupress.com/2019/09...
June 11, 2019
Guest spot - Cathy Shuter - Talking To Children About Death And Dying
Hi Cathy, thanks for joining me. I can see from your Amazon page that your latest book is part of a wider series. What prompted you to write specifically about death and dying for children?
I work with children and young people in my role as a Wellbeing Caseworker. Quite a number of them have experienced relatives and friends being very ill and dying. They find that their parents and carers avoid talking to them about what is happening and this often leads to them feeling anxious and afraid.
Talking to parents and carers revealed that many know they really should talk to their children when their loved ones are seriously ill but they don’t know how to bring the subject up. They want to shield their children from being upset.
I thought that a book offering tips on how to tackle this subject would be useful.
Did you approach writing this book in a similar way to your previous works?
Yes. My books offer 100 free or very inexpensive tips that people can use to help them tackle a variety of issues. Other themes my books have covered include: coping with anxiety, how to approach Menopause, how to feel happier working in schools, and how to deal with transition to college from school.
Each book is designed to be quick and easy to read. People can try the tips that appeal to them and skip the ones that don’t.
Were there any particular challenges in creating this book?
One challenge was making the tips relevant to all ages and stages of development. Children develop at different rates so I wanted to ensure that the tips would be helpful to all ages.
What are your goals for 100 Free Ways To Happier Days! 'Talking To Children About Death And Dying'?
When I wrote the book, I wanted my writing to be accessible, quick to read and the ideas easy to apply. My goal has been to create a book that is helpful to as many parents and carers as possible. I have produced it as cheaply as I can so that cost is not a barrier.
Were there any influences or defining experiences that made you want to become a writer?
I love reading personal development books and have learnt a lot from them so I wanted to share what I have learnt with others. I have an informal writing style that can appeal to people that don’t usually read personal development books.
What have been your highs and lows in independent publishing?
For me, publishing my own books is thrilling. I love that a book can be created just from ideas that pop into my head. The thoughts and ideas get translated into sentences that I type using my laptop and the book is drafted. If someone buys my book it gets printed and sent out. My thoughts have become a thing!
The lows are connected with marketing. I am not very good at selling myself!
Reading your Amazon page I get a sense of a spiritual core or impetus to your work. Could you shed any light on that?
Yes, I would consider myself to be a spiritual person. I believe we are all connected and on this planet to learn from and help one another. My books are based around that core belief.
You’ve written two books that have a connection to Autism Spectrum Disorder. What would you most like people to understand about ASD?
I would like people to understand that no two people with ASD are the same. Each individual has their own unique challenges but they also have their own unique gifts to share with the world.
How important is a connection to Nature for you as a person and as a writer?
I find being in Nature very grounding. When I walk the dogs in a wood, I feel incredibly peaceful. I like wild places such as The New Forest. I believe that we all benefit from visiting wild places.
Many of my books touch upon the importance of using our senses, living in the moment and surrounding ourselves with Nature as often as possible.
What book are you working on at the moment?
I am working on another ‘100 Free Ways To Happier Days’ type book. This one is intended to help children and young people to feel safe and benefit from being online.
Where can we find out more about you and your writing?
My Trusty Life Coaching Facebook page features my writing and has some Facebook Live videos that talk about them:https://www.facebook.com/Trusty-Life-Coaching-614780095261862/
I also have a page called ‘Reading And Writing About Life’ that features all things book related:https://www.facebook.com/readingandwritingaboutlife/
I have a blog that includes my Cloud Thoughts Blog. This has links to all my writing to date:http://my-cloud-thoughts.blogspot.com/
All my books can be found here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cathy-Shuter/e/B071D3PZBK
What books and authors have inspired you?
The first personal development book I read inspired me so much. It was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I find Sonia Choquette’s books inspiring too. The Book Of Joy by the 14thDalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu stopped me in my tracks. It is simply beautiful.
Cathy Shuter - Talking To Children About Death And Dying
Hi Cathy, thanks for joining me. I can see from your Amazon page that your latest book is part of a wider series. What prompted you to write specifically about death and dying for children?
I work with children and young people in my role as a Wellbeing Caseworker. Quite a number of them have experienced relatives and friends being very ill and dying. They find that their parents and carers avoid talking to them about what is happening and this often leads to them feeling anxious and afraid.
Talking to parents and carers revealed that many know they really should talk to their children when their loved ones are seriously ill but they don’t know how to bring the subject up. They want to shield their children from being upset.
I thought that a book offering tips on how to tackle this subject would be useful.
Did you approach writing this book in a similar way to your previous works?
Yes. My books offer 100 free or very inexpensive tips that people can use to help them tackle a variety of issues. Other themes my books have covered include: coping with anxiety, how to approach Menopause, how to feel happier working in schools, and how to deal with transition to college from school.
Each book is designed to be quick and easy to read. People can try the tips that appeal to them and skip the ones that don’t.
Were there any particular challenges in creating this book?
One challenge was making the tips relevant to all ages and stages of development. Children develop at different rates so I wanted to ensure that the tips would be helpful to all ages.
What are your goals for 100 Free Ways To Happier Days! 'Talking To Children About Death And Dying'?
When I wrote the book, I wanted my writing to be accessible, quick to read and the ideas easy to apply. My goal has been to create a book that is helpful to as many parents and carers as possible. I have produced it as cheaply as I can so that cost is not a barrier.
Were there any influences or defining experiences that made you want to become a writer?
I love reading personal development books and have learnt a lot from them so I wanted to share what I have learnt with others. I have an informal writing style that can appeal to people that don’t usually read personal development books.
What have been your highs and lows in independent publishing?
For me, publishing my own books is thrilling. I love that a book can be created just from ideas that pop into my head. The thoughts and ideas get translated into sentences that I type using my laptop and the book is drafted. If someone buys my book it gets printed and sent out. My thoughts have become a thing!
The lows are connected with marketing. I am not very good at selling myself!
Reading your Amazon page I get a sense of a spiritual core or impetus to your work. Could you shed any light on that?
Yes, I would consider myself to be a spiritual person. I believe we are all connected and on this planet to learn from and help one another. My books are based around that core belief.
You’ve written two books that have a connection to Autism Spectrum Disorder. What would you most like people to understand about ASD?
I would like people to understand that no two people with ASD are the same. Each individual has their own unique challenges but they also have their own unique gifts to share with the world.
How important is a connection to Nature for you as a person and as a writer?
I find being in Nature very grounding. When I walk the dogs in a wood, I feel incredibly peaceful. I like wild places such as The New Forest. I believe that we all benefit from visiting wild places.
Many of my books touch upon the importance of using our senses, living in the moment and surrounding ourselves with Nature as often as possible.
What book are you working on at the moment?
I am working on another ‘100 Free Ways To Happier Days’ type book. This one is intended to help children and young people to feel safe and benefit from being online.
Where can we find out more about you and your writing?
My Trusty Life Coaching Facebook page features my writing and has some Facebook Live videos that talk about them:https://www.facebook.com/Trusty-Life-Coaching-614780095261862/
I also have a page called ‘Reading And Writing About Life’ that features all things book related:https://www.facebook.com/readingandwritingaboutlife/
I have a blog that includes my Cloud Thoughts Blog. This has links to all my writing to date:http://my-cloud-thoughts.blogspot.com/
All my books can be found here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cathy-Shuter/e/B071D3PZBK
What books and authors have inspired you?
The first personal development book I read inspired me so much. It was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
