Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was a financial corporate type who followed the plan and took an early retirement, but within a year, the thought, “Is this it. Is this all there is?” was rolling around in my head. In search of an answer, I came out of retirement and went to live in a remote location in Canada’s far north with a small First Nations band of Chipewyans The experience was life changing and resulted in a paradigm shift in my spirituality, philosophy and aspirations for the future.
My first writing, an autobiography: Awakening in the Northwest territories, spans sixty years and covers childhood years in England, emigration to Canada by myself at 19, etc., but the core of the story takes place over a two year period in the N.W.T.
It is an engrossing, thought provoking read, full of humor, intrigue and adventure with richly detailed accounts of the dene culture and their traditions, life-views and challenges.
The story is particularly pertinent today because Neil Young (Canadian rock star) has recently raised awareness in the media about Aboriginal Treaty rights, the Alberta tar Sands and the Chipewyan people. There is much material in the book about the Dene culture and traditions, and even a sub-chapter – As Long As This Land Shall Last- that recaps what the Chipewyan people agreed to (through oral testimonies from people who were there) when they signed Treaty 8.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My autobiography, “Awakening in the Northwest Territories” began as a compilation of my N.W.T. journals into a story, explicitly written for my direct family. Close friends read and enjoyed the ms. and commented that other readers, who did not know me, would need to know who exactly was this guy who went to the N.W.T., and what did he do after his “awakenings.” The resulting memoir, Awakening in the Northwest Territories, spans sixty years ”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am fortunate in that I have been retired for a number of years and have been able to travel (backpack ) to warm locations in the world to find idyllic settings in which to write. In 2010 I went to Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua and found self catering rooms by the ocean. I’d get up around six, go for a swim and a long walk up the beach, and after a light breakfast – egg and a smoothie – get into the writing until two or three in the afternoon. I found that I could get into the “zone” easily and the subsequent writing just flowed, effortlessly.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy a broad range of genres, but the most influential one was Eckhart Tolle’s New Earth. I guess that at the time I was ready to absorb and digest what he had to say about the human condition and that reinforced my own learnings from the north.
What are you working on now?
I am writing a second autobiography about my more recent life (last ten years) as an International Development volunteer with local NGOS in Asia (Bangladesh), Africa (Nigeria), South America (Guyana) and the Caribbean (Jamaica).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I refer people, whom I come into contact with online, to my web site: http://awakeninginthenorth.com
I’ve also done a Goodreads book giveaway and am looking for legitimate reviewers to do honest reviews.
Because of the unusual nature of my autobiography -plot and settings in a land unfamiliar to most people – there is a great interest in my book readings, which I present as an audio/visual package to Seniors Centers, Seniors Residences, Tea shops, Libraries etc.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you passionately believe in what you have to say you will eventually find the right words, but it can be a long slow, process. You will know when you are finished because that’s when you are happy with it, and no revisions come to mind.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show me-don’t tell me
What are you reading now?
Chris Hadfield’s “An Astronaut’s Guide to Life On Earth.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have found that I enjoy writing. I might write a non-fiction work once I am finished with auto-biographies.
Author Websites and Profiles
Alastair Henry Website
Alastair Henry Amazon Profile
Alastair Henry’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile