Clancy Tucker's Blog, page 135

10 November 2018 - AWESOME PHOTOGRAPHY

AWESOME PHOTOGRAPHY
G'day folks,
Welcome to some great shots taken by talented photographers around the globe.



































Clancy's comment: Yes, some very clever shots here.
I'm ...

9 November 2018 - WEIRD & WACKY STUFF

WEIRD & WACKY STUFF
G'day folks,
Welcome to some more of those odd things that appear on the Internet.

































Clancy's comment: I think that sheep needs a haircut.
I'm ...

8 November 2018 - INSPIRING QUOTES

 INSPIRING QUOTES
G'day folks,
Welcome to some more great quotes.


























Clancy's comment: There ya go. Inspired?
I'm ...

7 November 2018 - FACTS ABOUT THE AMAZING NEWT

FACTS ABOUT THE AMAZING NEWT
G'day folks,
Now, here is an amazing creature. 
A newt is a salamander in the subfamily Pleurodelinae, also called eft during its terrestrial juvenile phase. Unlike other members of the family Salamandridae, newts are semiaquatic, alternating between aquatic and terrestrial habitats over the year, sometimes even staying in the water full-time. Newts have the ability to regenerate limbs, eyes, spinal cords, hearts, intestines, and upper and lower jaws!







Amazing Facts About the Newt

Newts have the ability to regenerate limbs, eyes, spinal cords, hearts, intestines, and upper and lower jaws!The Great Crested Newt, Britain’s largest amphibian, can grow twice as big as other newts – up to 18cm long and live for up to 15 years.The Great Crested Newt is black and warty in appearance with an orange and black spotted underside, with the markings characteristic to each individual. In the mating season he develops a large wavy crest down his back.Male Great Crested newts have an elaborate courtship display. It involves a male standing on his front legs in front of a female with an arched back while he waves his tail and crest around.Male smooth newts have a smaller crest to display to females, whilst palmate males have palmed feet and a whip at the end of the tail.





Female newts lay one egg at a time on a specially selected piece of pond plant. She sniffs the leaf to make sure it has the right cellulose amount and then after laying one egg closes the leaf around it with her back legs and glues it shut over the egg.Newts are predators of other pond animals – Great Crested Newts can eat smooth newts and tadpolesWhen newts come out of water after breeding they can travel up to 1km to look for food such as worms and beetles. They live in damp habitats on land.Newts hibernate in winter usually under logs and stones and in rubble piles. Some individuals occasionally spend the winter in the bottom of pondsThe main predators of young newts and the eggs (and of most other pond life) are fish. Larger predators such as foxes, grass snakes and herons eat the adults.Many newts produce toxins in their skin secretions as a defense mechanism against predators.


Quick Facts
Type: AmphibianDiet: Usually omnivores, including worms, insects, water snailsLifespan: 2-15 yearsSize: 5-20cmWeight: 10-50gHabitat: Varied. Adult newts have lizard-like bodies and may be either fully aquatic, living permanently in the water, or semi-aquatic, living terrestrially but returning to the water each year to breed.Range: North America, Europe and Asia.Scientific name: subfamily Pleurodelinae of the family Salamandridae


Clancy's comment: Extraordinary creature, eh? I hope some scientists are investigating how these critters can regenerate parts of their body.
We are ...

6 November 2018 - CLAUDIU MURGAN - GUEST AUTHOR

 CLAUDIU MURGAN - GUEST AUTHOR -
G'day folks,
Today, I interview an author from Canada. Always great to be with Canadians.
Welcome, Claudiu ...


1.   TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR WRITING JOURNEY.I was born in Romania and has called Canada my home since 1997.  I graduated Computer Science in Bucharest, Romania hence my experience in the IT industry. I have also accumulated experience in various fields such as renewable energy, real estate, finance and arts, experience that helped me create complex but real characters that brought forward meaningful messages.


I attended numerous Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions in Europe and USA giving me the opportunity to come in contact with remarkable writers that helped me improved my own trade.


My short stories have made it into anthologies in Romania in 2017 and 2018.


2.   WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?I started writing Science Fiction when I was 11-years-old. I was listening to a radio show that encouraged young writers submit their stories. Later on, during the university years, I joined a Science Fiction club that had among his members well established writers and scientists that gave the starters ton of good advice and ideas to write about.
But the more serious approach happened in 2014 when an idea that needed a long time to brew came forward very powerfully and forced me to start putting it on paper.The second book it happened in only seven month.
3.    WHAT TYPE OF PREPARATION DO YOU DO FOR A MANUSCRIPT? DO YOU PLAN EVERYTHING FIRST OR JUST SHOOT FROM THE HIP?Lately I started to plan more in terms of characters and plot, but I found that (as I’m sure that you heard this statement from other authors as well) the story takes unplanned twists many times during the writing process. I just have to go along and be sure that it ends as I initially envision it.
4.   WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WRITER?I enjoy sharing stories that no one else thought about. Like many others, I’m a storyteller and I bring further my own craft.
5.   WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?The hardest thing is that you have to keep up a certain level of creativity and not disappoint your readers. One has to work harder and pay more attention.
6.   WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME A WRITER?My near-past life still hangs around. At this point in time being a ‘pro’ is not completely possible. My day job is that of an IT project manager working on contract for the main banks in Canada.



7.   WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WRITING ACHIEVEMENT?So far I’ve published two books loaded with worthy messages that I would like people to decipher for their own benefit. Writing fiction (Science Fiction & Fantasy in my case) gives one the liberty to hide certain powerful codes in plain sight. It shields the writer from a reader’s rebuke when finding the truth which he or she had a hard time facing in the real life.
We, as writers, change peoples’ lives even if we want to acknowledge or not. And to me, this is a big achievement.

8.   WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?In ‘Water Entanglement’ I left several leads hanging so I decided to write a sequel. Water and crystals are so important in our lives that they need more attention and awareness brought upon them.

9.   WHAT INSPIRES YOU?Powerful images inspire me, feelings that engulf me all of a sudden as triggering the inspiration in purpose, a good book or an amazing musical piece. We are surrounded by beauty but somehow we forgot to see it and appreciate it.

10.              DO YOU SUFFER FROM WRITER’S BLOCK?I know writer’s block is a common symptom but I try not to pay attention to what I call ‘a short period of being an empty vessel’. What we, writers, should understand is that like any other cycle in life, we fill ourselves with inspiration then, we put it on paper. The writing process draws out that creative energy. At the end of one or two productive weeks we need a short respite. We fill empty and we need a certain amount of time to go back to that state of fulfilment. In the question ‘What inspires me” I mention how I get back to that sublime state of fulfilment.
11.              DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED WRITING SCHEDULE?Mainly between 5:00 – 8:00 PM after dealing with the daily job. Sometimes it can go as late as midnight if the inspiration hasn’t dried out.
12.              DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE WRITING PLACE?No, I can write anywhere if I have inspiration, pen and paper. I wrote several paragraphs of the Water Entanglement’s last chapter on a promotional flyer while waiting for my wife inside Victoria Secret’s store.

13.              WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM A READER?The greatest compliment came from a former work colleague which I haven’t seen in years and we met during a book signing event for my first book, ‘The Decadence of Our Souls’. She had no idea that I’m an author and was very surprised. She bought the book just because she wanted to be supportive with no expectations of its quality. Three weeks later I received an explosive email from her congratulating me for the book and saying that one of her friends is reading it now and her husband is next.
After that instance I received several more. It’s the normal reader’s feedback that gives you the most satisfaction because you are not a household name, you have a limited number of readers and any such ‘small winning’ is a significant step forward.  
14.              OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?I love to read and travel. I can’t spend a day without reading. Spirituality, new age, science (especially as part of my research for my books), Science Fiction and occasionally Fantasy if recommended by a person whose taste I trust. Unfortunately, I buy more books than I can usually read in one year so the pile of unread books is going higher.




15.              DID YOU HAVE YOUR BOOK / BOOKS PROFESSIONALLY EDITED BEFORE PUBLICATION?Yes, both my books have been edited by professionals, individuals that also write, teach creative writing at universities or colleges.

16.              WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO SPEAK TO WORLD LEADERS?The message I have for the world leaders is part of my book ‘Water Entanglement’. I would tell them how careless, egotistic, selfish and hard-headed they are in dealing with crises that involve humans and animal reign alike. I would tell them that they are minions in the big scheme of things and they should deflate their egos and serve humanity instead of the interest of a few power-hungry individuals.
You could have such wonderful lives if we apply the concepts I talk about in ‘The Decadence of Our Souls’: Love Compassion, Empathy. It cost one nothing to think positive, to love the people around him and to take a stand to things go wrong.
World leaders have to change their mindset before anything of significance would change in the world.
17.              WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?I plan to keep writing books with worthy messages and reach a point where I can do it fulltime. I  want to get more involved with the environmental NGOs, especially with those cleaning up the oceans. In fact fifty percent of the royalties generated online from the sales of ‘Water Entanglement’ go to Project Aware – www.projectaware.org
18.               WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON BOOK TRAILERS? DO THEY SELL BOOKS?I created a book trailer for ‘Water Entanglement’ and I got very positive reviews. I can’t comment on how that has translated already in sales. I think it’s too early for an assessment as it has to hit more eyeballs on TV, FB, and web in general.


19.              DOES THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY FRUSTRATE YOU?I’m a positive person.


20.              WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MANUSCRIPT TO WRITE? WHY?‘The Decadence of Our Souls’ was thirty-years in the making. Why I’m saying that? The initial idea came to me when I was 17-years-old and I wrote a short story that got published. The title was different. Then I wrote another story that had this title, but was never published. So four years ago, after a long period of accumulation, I was able to get the creative juices flowing again. In ‘The Decadence’ I write about themes that are dear to me and reflect realities of life. My characters suffer, die, have good and bad days, and in the end, when it seems that there is no light in sight, The One Who Created All gives everyone another chance for redemption. So far, this is my favourite manuscript.

21.              WHAT SHOULD READERS WALK AWAY FROM YOUR BOOKS KNOWING? HOW SHOULD THEY FEEL?While reading the book I would like my readers to feel the pain, the disappointments, the anger, the happiness and the uplifting of my characters. I want them to find in my characters that tiny piece of behaviour that they can identify with. I had readers asking me why I killed a certain character because they had an attachment to him. After explaining my reasons they agreed with me, but still felt sorry for the ‘early loss.’
No matter the emotional journey during the reading, in the end, my readers should always have to feel that there is hope for a better life, a better opportunity, a more rewarding family experience. They have to have faith and stay positive.
22.              WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR BOOKS MADE INTO MOVIES? EVER WRITTEN A SCREENPLAY?Both my books would make great movies under a good director. In fact someone has already offered to write the movie script for ‘The Decadence’.
I personally never wrote a script as I am not familiar with the process for a successful screenplay.



23.                WRITING IS ONE THING. WHAT ABOUT MARKETING YOU, YOUR BOOKS AND YOUR BRAND? ANY THOUGHTS?Marketing and promoting your own books is the tough part that almost every writer loathes. A lot of effort, time and energy goes into it but I like it. I don’t have an agent yet in order to arrange my book signing events, the convention participations or the radio and TV interviews. I enjoy this type of interaction because it exposes me to more people and gives me a certain toughness that you need in order to push forward. A good example is the way we connected for this interview.
I teach other authors how to put aside any misconceptions and just find the energy to do it.
24.               ARE YOUR BOOKS SELF-PUBLISHED?‘Water Entanglement’ was published by Author Academy Elite in USA. While initially ‘The Decadence of Our Souls’ was self-published, the same publisher has agreed to publish this book as well.

25.              DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN FIVE WORDS.Determined, focused, joyful, grateful, ‘Scorpion-ed’ 


26.              WHAT IS THE TITLE OF THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? GOOD ONE?“Sea Sick” by Alanna Mitchell (non-fiction); “The Last Summoner” by Nina Munteanu (Science Fiction)


27.               WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU HAPPIER THAN YOU ARE NOW? CARE TO SHARE?To see visible changes in the world as a result of either my writings or my actions outside writing. Most of us dream to change the world but very few have the chance to really make an impact.
Also to see my books translated in other languages so the message gets spread.
At the time of this interview ‘The Decadence of Our Souls’ was translated and published in the Romanian language and garnered amazing reviews. ‘Water Entanglement’ is next and slated to be translated and published by the end of 2018.
28.               ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?If you are new to the industry and want to connect with a well-established author don’t be shy sending him or her a message. You would be amazed how often they will reply. This type of email exchanges could develop in long-lasting business relationship or friendships.



 WEB
AMAZON

 Clancy's comment: Go, Claudiu. Well done. Keep writing, and good luck with book sales.
I'm ...

5 November 2018 - THE AWESOME PIGEON

THE AWESOME PIGEON
G'day folks,
Pigeons and doves constitute the animal family Columbidae and the order Columbiformes, which includes about 42 genera and 310 species. The related word "columbine" refers to pigeons and doves. They are stout-bodied birds with short necks, and short slender bills that in some species feature fleshy ceres. 
Pigeons are incredibly complex and intelligent animals. They are one of only a small number of species to pass the ‘mirror test’ – a test of self recognition.
Quick FactsType: BirdDiet: OmnivoreLife span: 3-5 yearsSize: 28-40 cm in lengthWeight: 250-550 gHabitat: Coastal regions, however feral pigeons have adapted well to humanised urban areas.Range: Global, except Antarctica, the high Arctic and the Sahara Desert.Scientific name: Columba livia


Facts About the PigeonPigeons are incredibly complex and intelligent animals. They are one of only a small number of species to pass the ‘mirror test’ – a test of self recognition. They can also recognise each letter of the human alphabet, differentiate between photographs, and even distinguish different humans within a photograph.Pigeons are renowned for their outstanding navigational abilities. They use a range of skills, such as using the sun as a guide and an internal ‘magnetic compass’. A study at Oxford University found that they will also use landmarks as signposts and will travel along man-made roads and motorways, even changing direction at junctions.Pigeons are highly sociable animals. They will often be seen in flocks of 20-30 birds.Pigeons mate for life, and tend to raise two chicks at the same time.Both female and male pigeons share responsibility of caring for and raising young. Both sexes take turn incubating the eggs and both feed the chicks ‘pigeon milk’ – a special secretion from the lining of the crop which both sexes produce.

Pigeons have excellent hearing abilities. They can detect sounds at far lower frequencies than humans are able to, and can thus hear distant storms and volcanoes.Despite the social perception as dirty and disease-ridden, pigeons are actually very clean animals and there is very little evidence to suggest that they are significant transmitters of disease.Pigeons and humans have lived in close proximity for thousands of years. The first recordings of this date back to Mesopotamis, modern Iraq, in 3000bc.Although pigeon droppings are seen by some as a problem in modern society, a few centuries ago pigeon guano was seen as extremely valuable. It was viewed as the best available fertiliser and armed guards would even stand by dovecotes (pigeon houses) to stop others taking the droppings.Pigeons can fly at altitudes up to and beyond 6000 feet, and at an average speed of 77.6 mph. The fastest recorded speed is 92.5 mph.Pigeons are fed by many members of different religions including Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs for spiritual reasons. Some older Sikhs will ceremoniously feed them in honour of Guru Gobind Singh, a high priest who was renowned as a friend to pigeons.  


 

Clancy's comment: My friends and I bred them as kids. We used to stuff them down our shirts, ride for miles and let them go ... Then ride home to beat them. We never did. Amazing creatures.
I'm ...

4 November 2018 - MOVING PICTURES

MOVING PICTURES
G'day folks,
Yep, time to view some pictures that move. Some are quite amusing.


















Clancy's comment: Yep, always amazing. Love the baby koala.
I'm ...

3 November 2018 - SOME SNAPS OF AMAZING NATURE

SOME SNAPS OF AMAZING NATURE

G'day folks,
Welcome to some great shots of nature at its best.



























Clancy's comment: Awesome. Many thanks to some very clever photographers.
I'm ...

2 November 2018 - 'PA JOE'S PLACE' - by Clancy Tucker – TOP BOOK REVIEWS

 'PA JOE'S PLACE' by Clancy Tucker  TOP BOOK REVIEWS
G'day folks,
Time for some self-promotion. Looking for a good book for yourself or someone else? This particular book is a very powerful story, and ideal for anyone who needs to be inspired. Pa Joe's Place has received a heap of outstanding book reviews, most of them coming from a diverse group of people - Journalists, Judges, Editors, Writers, and avid readers from  around the world. So, check out these reviews. This book should make a fabulous gift. Trust me.
FIVE-STAR REVIEW BY JENNIFER DOUGLAS, LITERARY PUBLICIST
 Pa Joe’s Place by Clancy Tuckeris sweet story that speaks volumes. At only 8 years old, and with her father dying Boo Nawigamune is sent to live at Pa Joe’s Place, an orphanage far away from her parents and seven siblings. During her journey she survives a train derailment,a snake bite, tsunami and a fire. 


 Never before have I cried my way through a book like I did with Pa Joe’s Place. I cannot remember ever having cried so early in a book with the tears flowing at only chapter three. Within Pa Joe’s Place Clancy Tucker has created a book that moves you page by page. At times I felt that what Boo went through in such a short time was a little unbelievable but at the same time it sat true in my heart and it moved me. I could not do anything but love little Boo. Her strength and compassion as she travels 1700 kilometres from her home to live in an orphanage is inspiring. At such a young age this gifted girl teaches us so much. 
 
Pa Joe’s Place is an exceptional novel that is not often seen. It is one of those gems that leaves you reeling with emotions days, weeks, months and years after you have read it. Still many months after I shed my last tear Pa Joe’s Place sits within my heart. As I write this my heart flutters and my stomach feels empty as I vividly recall the journey I traveled with Boo. I feel the loss of Boo as though she was a child of my own. 
 
Pa Joe’s Place is a cultural journey through Thailand were the reader meets the people, the culture and the environment. It educates and it inspires. I cannot speak words powerful enough to do the content of Pa Joe’s Place justice nor the spiritual journey that it takes you on. Pa Joe’s Place gave me hope. It made me smile and it inspired me to be the best person I could be. 
 Within Pa Joe’s Place Clancy Tucker does Boo proud. There could be no better tribute to a little girl with a pure heart of gold.  The deep love, understanding and friendship that Boo and Clancy had shines throughout Pa Joe’s Place. 


 I will continue to carry Boo Nawigamune with me in my heart as though I knew her personally. When times are tough I will remember the journey of a little girl that showed so much strength and courage. I smile as I think of her name. I share the kindness toward others on behalf of Boo, a little girl who’s short time on earth touched so many.
 
Boo wanted to change lives and today she continues to do so through the writing of Clancy Tucker. 
YOUTUBE REVIEW


I have never read anything as uniquely BRILLIANT as 'Pa Joe's Place'. I could not put the book down - so magnificently expressed. Very short sentences made it more catapulting , emphasizing the 'other countries' comparisons / differences. I will never be the same person.

Leisa, Victoria, Australia


Notice found in our regional newspaper, written by a lady who has suffered from cancer for the past five years. It was a letter to the editor:

LOVE TUCKER'S WORK!

CONGRATULATIONS to our own local author, Clancy Tucker, on the truly inspiring story of Pa Joe's Place. Fantastic reading. Love your work, Clancy.

Vicky Sheridan, Alexandra, Australia



Wow, what an amazing story. Loved every word of it. Last weekend my husband and I spent lots of time with our six grandkids, and I spent more time than ever actually observing and listening to everything they said. Why? Well, it was as a result of reading Pa Joe's Place.Thank you for the wake-up call. You are an inspiring writer. Keep writing and I will continue to read all of your work and spread the word.

You certainly have a gift, Clancy.

Louise Davis
Melbourne, Australia.



All my life I have never cried much, but reading your wonderful story had me very close, with moist eyes and several lumps in my throat. I just couldn't put it down. I got so involved in the story that I was there, actually picturing all you were describing in vivid detail and colour. A truly magnificent work of art and feeling.  Maybe we can attempt a movie once 'Gunnedah Hero' is completed. It is worth the Deep Love and Tenderness you, the author, generated from out of your mind. It came from you, Clancy Tucker. I am privileged to know you.

There is another great reason to admire the person you are. You have also sold me on Thailand. I will have to get there, a place I knew so little about before I read your book. No wonder you want to go and live there.




John Campbell
Australian Film Maker



Greetings Clancy.

Just finished reading Pa Joe's Place.

What a magnificent wordsmith and author you are. The book made my eyes well up a few times, and the end had me in denial. The story is superb, sensitive, inspiring, touching, teaching...wonderful. You have handled the issues of youth, poverty, family, dignity, courage, homelessness, cultural diversity, religious diversity, death, and so many others beautifully. The book is an excellent successor to Gunnedah Hero, itself a brilliant peace of sensitive didactic writing.

Well done, Clancy. Love ya work...which now having read both books is an expression that will take on new meaning. Another book everyone should read, with a special message of strength and hope for the young. Thank you my friend. I will now hand it directly to my 18 year old daughter.


Yiasou.
Paul

Paul S. Kouris
Barrister, Inventor Proprietor and Licensor
The Kouris Centri Turbine
Generator (KCT)




“Would you like to be taken away to a dreamy place, where people are gentle, hard-working and beautiful?  This is the story of ‘Boo’, a little girl, who, like a saint, creates bliss for everybody she comes in contact with.


 Only a seven year-old Thai girl, her personal adversities cannot affect her pure soul and with the help of Pa Jo, his many dedicated friends, and a very strong Aussie connection, she makes her community of children and adults prosper as her ‘Thank you’ for accepting her.


 Until a dreadful affliction intervenes in her saintly work.


The story is narrated by ‘Boo’ herself, through her own eyes, guiding you gently through a different culture. The land is tranquil and beautiful, with her soul of a seven year-old seeing everything in terms of spiritual  intervention and destiny.


 This book is another literary masterpiece, crafted by the outstanding Australian writer Clancy Tucker. Since he knows personally ‘Boo’ and the famous ‘Pa Jo’, a Jesuit priest, he brings immediacy into this fascinating narration.


This book draws the reader into another, gentler, world; the ugly knot of our civilisation dissolves, gentle bliss and divinity.”

 Peter Frederick, Author, Australia



Boo is a Thai girl, the youngest of seven children and seven years old. Extremely bright, courageous, optimistic and mature in her outlook, she always sees the best in every person and situation. Accepting of her circumstances, she obediently leaves her family, home, best friend and dying father, and sets out on a journey over 1,000 kilometres to Songkhla in the south, to be cared for and educated by Jesuit priest Pa Joe along with his other 155 orphans.

She finds another father, a new family and friends, and the opportunity to become something wonderful and experiences the greatest adventure of her life, which includes helping survivors of a train wreck, catching criminals, and meeting strangers whose lives she touches in significant ways.

This deeply moving story is inspired by and dedicated to real people: Boo Nawigamune, and Father Joe Carey who for 50 years, against great odds and with the help of many compassionate and generous people, cared for children he found on the streets of Thailand.  


Clancy Tucker has mapped out a superb social, cultural, and geographical picture of Thailand, and used it as background to his story. Tucker’s intimate knowledge of the country and the people gives an added richness and realism to every page of a story filled with inspiration and love.
Anastasia Gonis – Book Reviewer




Hi Clancy,
I just finished reading your book, omg it was truly amazing, I have never cried so much while reading and also smiled so much. Thank you. I would recommend your book to all ages … I will be spreading the word about your book as it should be a best seller ... Thanx for the good read Clancy even though I still have a huge lump in my throat.  Boo & Pa Joe will stay in my memory forever. It  is a story I would recommend for anyone to read. 
Love ya work!!!! 
Debra Baldwinson, Victoria, Australia.



“I am delighted to inform you that I have just finished reading PJP, and I am really moved. Boo seems like an extraordinary girl. It is a moving and inspiring story which can be an inspiration for so many people, young and old, regardless of their race or religion. I can't put it any other way but to say "Love your work, Khun Clancy."

Charkrieno​rrathip Sevikul
Counsellor & Consul, Royal Thai Embassy, Tehran.




"This book is a heart-warming novel based on a true story. It traces the journey of a poor Thai girl whose family reluctantly sends her away to give her the best chance for a good education. It is the story of Boo who travels by rail and helicopter to her new home - Pa Joe's orphanage. It relates the bond between her and Pa Joe, a Jesuit priest, and a brave Australian tourist named Jack and others touched by her. In a world full of tragedy and despair, this is a story of courage, friendship and self-sacrifice beyond national, religious and ethnic boundaries .


What an amazing young life! Well done, Clancy Tucker. Luv ya work."Justice Shane Marshall, Judge - Federal Court of Australia.  


“Boo Nawigamune.  An 8 year old girl with wisdom beyond her years and a heart full of love. Pa Jo. A Jesuit priest from America, living in Thailand and caring for children with nowhere else to go. This is such an extraordinary story of life, sorrow, love, joy and friendship. Pa Joe's Place will remind the reader of the good people can do without expecting anything in return. It will guarantee the reader of a journey about remarkable courage, strength and endurance. 
But most importantly it will resonate with the reader in many ways and inspire them to be better people. Tucker has managed to tell a story with such human spirit I guarantee the reader will be moved to tears. I certainly was! He has woven such detail about not only the characters but the setting, Thailand, that readers will want to book their next flights there to visit. I implore you to read Pa Joe's Place; learn about the journey of Boo and feel inspired. This is one story that will creep into your thoughts long after the last page has been read.”
Melissa Wray, Author, Australia 



“This is a powerful story of an ordinary girl. This is truly a loving, and moving story that touches  the heart of readers. ’
Anchansiri Sriyananda , Former Senior Diplomat, Bangkok, Thailand.




With true mastery of his writing style Clancy has led us on a wonderful journey into a whole new world. That of an amazingly courageous young girl and her adventure-filled journey from home and family in the north of Thailand to Pa Joe’s Place in southern Thailand. A journey of 1,700 kilometres on her own.


On her own but meeting some powerful and interesting people all of whom see that Boo has that something special. A journey filled with a senior police official, high ranking army officer, elderly Buddist monk and a senior Imam and his family. It’s almost as if her journey south has some special purpose and maybe it does with the enigmatic ‘Pa Joe.’


      Clancy has captured the story of seven year-old, Boo Nawigamune, and powerfully portrayed the physical and emotional journey to Songkhla and the home of 150 children. Pa Joe’s background as a Jesuit priest and Boo as a devout Buddhist makes for interesting times as they discover more about their faith through each other.  You will laugh, you will cry and you’ll come away with an understanding of the Thai spirit and country. From the time I had the good fortune to read an early manuscript it felt like I knew Thailand and could see an amazing young girl influencing others in her happy, positive way.


     The characters are real and well known by the author and they form a part of his love of the country and its people. What more can I say than you will love Boo and see how even a young child can change the lives of others. If this book doesn’t make the best seller list I’ll be surprised. I have never read anything like it. A movie is an absolute must. You have a gift my friend. I know & understand why you love Thailand.


            Hoei Boo!  Love your ‘great’ work, Clancy."
  Kim Stedman, Author, Western Australia.





“I am glad that I have read a wonderful story that deeply touched me, and I am glad to know that there are foreigners who love Thailand. I would like to call your story a masterpiece, because it has inspired me very much. Rarely has any story touched me this much, and rarely has any story made me want to keep reading on and on.” Veerabhatr (Jug) Sriyananda, Student, Bangkok, Thailand.




This is a heartwarming story of a very courageous young girl, courageous beyond her tender years, and mature in her outlook on life. She faces life's challenges with the same vigour and enthusiasm despite the obstacles. In the process she meets great people along the way who inspire her, and she in turn inspires them. The book is filled with action, surprises and a is realistic insight into the  local culture and traditions of a child living in Thailand.   The warmth of the people shines through. The heartbreak of the child's reality touches your soul. I recommend this book as a rewarding read for old and young alike. 


It’s a great book … A very moving story … Highly passionate. It has a real presence, and the humanitarian component. It’s great, She’s great, You’re great.” 
Dr Judith O’Malley-Ford, Author, GP, Artist, Queensland, Australia. 



Based on real-life characters, Pa Joe’s Place is a novel about an unpretentious yet extraordinary Thai girl, Boo Nawigamune, who survives remarkable events and influences many lives. Aged seven, Boo leaves her family home when her father is diagnosed with a terminal illness and travels alone over 1,000 km to an orphanage in Songkhla where she is to live. She carries little with her – food, clothes and an unopened letter of introduction. On the way, however, the train journey is interrupted by a crash, following which Boo assists stricken passengers. And, too, the girl meets strangers – influential men who aid her at the time and later when she has reached her destination.

There is much that happens to Boo which defies the odds – she is bitten by a snake, survives a tsunami, meets rich and influential people, and manages to establish a jam-making business which pours money into the orphanage’s coffers. All of her adventures point to what a remarkable, enterprising and inspirational child she is.

Pa Joe’s Place deserves a wide readership if only to showcase two remarkable people, Boo Nawigamune and her surrogate father, Pa Joe Carey.

Di Bates, Award-winning author, Australia.



Hoei, Boo! With ‘Pa Joe’s Place’, Clancy Tucker has created an extraordinary piece of writing. From the first page, I fell in love with little Boo’s unpretentious yet endearing character, as will every reader, whether young or young at heart. Wherever Boo goes, she touches people in a special way.  The novel has superb writing with excellent narrative and dialogue; a jewel. This book can be read more than once, revealing flashes of pleasure that may have been missed before.

‘Pa Joe’s Place’ also plunges the reader into aspects of Thai culture and the harsh life of its people struggling to survive in an environment tourists perceive as idyllic. Given this glimpse, the reader will be tempted to visit Songkhla for himself and see that land through Boo’s eyes. The ending is sure to leave the reader tearful. This is a story no one will forget soon.


I enjoyed reading this book immensely; a pleasure to come across such a work, having reviewed some very ordinary efforts. Stefan Vucak, Editor, Award-winning Australian author


Clancy's comment: Well, there you have some of the reviews written by a variety of people. So, if you know someone who needs a boost, buy them a copy of this book, but read it yourself first. It is available as a paperback and e-Book. Trust me, you won't regret it. Head up to the right hand side of this blog to purchase your copy, or click on Amazon below to buy an e-Book. AMAZON
I'm ...

1 November 2018 - SAPPHO - THE GREEK POET

SAPPHO - THE GREEK POET -
G'day folks,
Welcome to some background notes on a famous Greek poet. 

Sappho was an archaic Greek poet from the island of Lesbos. Sappho is known for her lyric poetry, written to be sung and accompanied by a lyre. Most of Sappho's poetry is now lost, and what is extant has survived only in fragmentary form, except for one complete poem – the "Ode to Aphrodite".


Sappho was an ancient Greek female poet who wrote lyrical poetry famous for its intense passion and description of love. Being born on the Isle of Lesbos she is also referred to as the first Lesbian poet.

Little is known of her actual life, though she was born around 620BC, and died approximately 50 years later.




Unfortunately, much of her poetry has been lost, although some poems have been painstakingly pieced together through surviving fragments.

Details of her life are hard to piece together as there are few reliable sources. For example, historians are unsure about whether to take her poetry as reliable autobiographical evidence.

However, evidence from the period suggests she was temporarily exiled to Sicily because of political troubles on the island of Lesbos.

Sapphos is sometimes referred to as a lesbian. The word lesbian is actually derived from her place of birth – lesbos. However, there is no hard evidence about her sexuality. Her poems express great passion for a variety of people – both men and women; they may have been autobiographical or not.




A philosopher Maximus of Tyre wrote that the friendships of Sappho were similar to those of Socrates – suggesting Sappho had a circle of like-minded friends brought together by a love of art, poetry and culture. It has been suggested, with little authority, that Sappho may have been the head of some formal academy like a school. However, it is more likely to be a less formal circle of friends.




 Poetry of Sappho The poetry of Sappho often revolves around themes of love and passion, and has a clarity and simplicity of language; within her poems, there is great vividness and directness. The style is often conversational – giving an impression of immediacy and action. The poems were also sung to music, meaning they needed to be lyrical in form.  

Clancy's comment: She was born a hell of a long time ago, and here she is on my blog. Wonders never cease, eh?
I'm ...