On this quiet Sunday morning why don't you put the kettle on, make your favourite breakfast and settle down for Sunday Brunch with Jaffareadstoo
I'd delighted to welcome writer, Camilla Downs
☼Good Morning, Camilla. Happy Sunday !
What favourite food are you bringing to Sunday brunch?
I’m bringing a cold pasta salad with Kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts, a few sweet and spicy peppers, capers, shredded vegan cheese, finely chopped rainbow carrots, small sweet peas, tossed with a tangy Rosé vinaigrette.
Would you like a pot of English Breakfast tea, a strong Americano, or a glass of Bucks Fizz?
I’m going to color outside the lines with my answer. HA! It would depend on my mood. I love a good, strong, cup of English Breakfast tea. Yet, I also immensely enjoy a cup of rich, creamy, Nitro coffee. Yet, again, if I still imbibed, I would go with a delightful, frothy, mug of Theakston Old Peculier.
Which of your literary heroes are joining us today?
Here I go coloring outside the lines again … John Muir is who I’m bringing as I’m inspired by his love and advocacy of Nature and how he expressed this in written form.
What’s the title of the book nearest to you?
Women Who Run With the Wolves - Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype
What’s the oldest book on your book shelf? I can’t just list one as I love old books!
Here are the four oldest on my shelf.
1883 - Treasures of Use and Beauty: An Epitome of the Choicest Gems of Wisdom, History, Reference and Recreation
1884 - One Thousand and One Gems of English and American Poetry
1876 - Emerson’s Essays
1894 - Representative Men by Emerson
Which book do you really want to read but haven’t had time for …yet!
'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***k: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life' by Mark Manson …. I’d mainly like to read this as the title and subject intrigue me. At 50 years of age, I’ve already reached the point of not giving a f***k. Ha! Although, there’s that wee voice within that, at times, brings forth guilt and shame by whispering to me that I look like a fool and a jack***.
Do you have a guilty reading pleasure, and if so will you tell us about it?
No. I don’t think I feel guilt about anything I read. Then again, I’m quite picky about what I read, so maybe that’s why.
If the house was on fire which book would you rescue?
I would get my kids and myself out first, and then if there’s time, I’d rescue one of a kind family photo books.
Do you have a favourite place to settle down to read/write?
On my couch, with a blanket covering me if it’s cold, with a cup of black coffee or strong English tea, and my laptop perched on my lap. I simply cannot write by hand, as my fingers and hands start aching after about 5 minutes.
Give us four essential items that a writer absolutely needs?
Tenacity to write
Courage to write
Tenacity to keep writing
Courage to keep writing
What can you tell us about your latest novel, or your current work in progress?
My latest book is non-fiction, a free-verse poetry memoir. If you had asked me years ago if I wrote poetry or if I would ever publish a poetry book, I most likely would have wildly laughed and answered, “No”. I have learned to never say never. Six years ago, poetry just started flowing. I “listened” and I wrote. Here we are with a published book with six years of poetry! Titled, 'Words of Alchemy', and published December 2019.
The poetry of nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of love … in one beautiful book.
Book Blurb:
In Words of Alchemy, Camilla Downs invites you to walk with her to share her love of Nature and Life through a heartfelt free-verse poetry memoir.
During her daily strolls she is mindfully present as she delves into life in the raw and experiences her heart’s observations.
Camilla embraces what happens when she opens her heart and invites the written words to flow. The Alchemy of Love and Healing is what happens.
Praise for Words of Alchemy
“Words of Alchemy, a heartfelt new collection by Camilla Downs, lives up to its namesake in numerous ways. Downs spans the broad range of nature, healing, love, and parenting, while making sure we have a little fun along the way. And the bridge she creates from the mindfulness of how we see the world at large to the poetry of everyday life is certainly worth a stroll or two across its borders.” – Thomas Lloyd Qualls, Award-winning author of Painted Oxen
“This poetry collection offers contemplative words, soothing thoughts and peace to the reader.” – Sue Bentley, Bestselling author of Second Skin
“Camilla Downs shares truth, vulnerability and wisdom in her Words of Alchemy collection, inviting readers to be inspired, contemplate and dive into her world of self-awareness and growth.” – G. Brian Benson – Award-winning author, actor and spoken word artist
“These poems take you on a calm and loving walk through the verses of the author’s thoughts. Alchemy is a perfect word for the title as Camilla Downs understands nature; connecting with its magical, medicinal qualities and beauty which she conveys throughout her poetry.” – Ailsa Craig, Author of The Sand Between My Toes
“Words of Alchemy is a chronicle of hope. These poems are an encouragement, especially when we are feeling at our lowest, to keep seeking the light that is our way forward, and focus on the real. This collection is a walk through the positive nature of life. Camilla Downs is to be commended.” – Frank Prem, Author of free-verse memoir Small Town Kid.
About Camilla:
Camilla Downs is a bestselling author, indie publisher, mentor, and mom. Nature and life experiences are a constant source of inspiration for her writing. She enjoys living a minimalist lifestyle, practicing meditation and mindfulness, reading, going for walks, and capturing nature’s essence with photographs. Camilla is the founder of MeetingtheAuthors.com and lives in Northern Nevada, USA with her two kids.
Website: http://camilladowns.com/
Family Website: http://theteamtlc.com/
twitter: https://twitter.com/camilladowns
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CamillaDowns/
pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/camilladowns/
Where to Buy:
If you're in the U.S. and would like a personalised, signed book - free shipping! (I will ship internationally, if the reader would like to pay the international shipping fee): http://camilladowns.com/books/words-of-alchemy/
Amazon - Takes the reader to my book, in their country: mybook.to/WordsofAlchemy
Amazon Author Central: amazon.com/author/camilladowns
Camilla Downs Author www.CamillaDowns.com
Founder & Host of Meeting the Authors
Facilitator of MTA Book Blog Tours
My latest book, Words of Alchemy has arrived! A free-verse poetry memoir of the last 6 years. The poetry of nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of love - all in one beautiful book. Get yours now!
Be inspired and whisked away!! Check out my 18 year old daughter's debut book, Where Would You Fly and Other Magical Stories. Published January 2018! Order here.
Check out my 14 year old son's book, Biggest Little Photographer! Published October 2016. Be Inspired. Buy one for yourself or as a gift.
And my book published in 2012, D iz for Different - One Woman's Journey to Acceptance; which reached #2 in the Self-Help Category and #1 in Special Needs Parenting on Amazon.
WoW! I was in quite the spunky mood when I answered these! It was such fun being a guest for Sunday Brunch. Thank you very much for having me! Wishing you all the best!
ReplyDeleteCamilla,thank you for being such an enthusiastic guest and for sharing Sunday brunch with us :)
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