Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
At one time in the past I wrote newspaper articles about my cat – true. Then, against all expectations, I became a published author when Dr Teresa de Donato approached me about writing a book together ; ‘Hunting for the Tree of life: A Spiritual Journey in the Garden Traditions’. This book is based on my Master’s thesis together with the wisdom of Dr Donato.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘God is Bigger than Google’. Well, I ended in hospital after a fall [I am an old person – now 80]. There my Lord Jesus had my undivided attention and he asked me to write about our relationship. The name for the book came when I asked him about prayer. I said” You must have quite a network in heaven – how else can God hear and make note of all the prayers sent to him?’ My Lord Jesus laughed and said: ‘God is bigger than Google’. There I was, on my hospital bed laughing like a mad woman I am – and my Lord laughed with me. I know not everybody sees or hear the Divine and I asked about this and he said: ‘they don’t believe in me’. So, that is the reason I wrote this book because I need to tell others about my Lord Jesus and perhaps some will believe in him and find an extraordinary life which changes everything.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually write a little bit and think a lot. Sometimes I get up in the middle of the night because I get inspiration and need to write it down before I forget it – I am after all quite old. Often an idea comes to me when I am not at home near my computer. So, I have little pieces of paper and write on them and when I get home – well, I collect my bits of paper and write things down – as you can see I am quite an accidental writer.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was a student at the University I studied Greek New Testament – this was inspired by Professor Bruce Metzger who visited a Bible College I was attending. I love Paulo Coelho and Umberto Eco – they both have insight both to human nature and Divine mystery. But most influential book in my library is y old Bible – which I read ‘religiously’. And one more book, and I haven’t finished it yet: Fleming Rutledge’s ‘The Crucifixion – Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ’. When I was younger I used to adore Isaac Asimov and Louisa May Alcott.
What are you working on now?
absolutely nothing. As a retired minister I preach occasionally in my local church ‘Graceville Uniting’ and when such occasion occurs I write sermons. I also have a study group which will study next time ‘Theology of Worship’ … but I wrote that one a long time ago – so it sits in y computer waiting to be revealed. My computer is full of stuff which one by one finds itself exposed to pure daylight.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have no idea how to go about this – I need all the help I can get. The Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod is assessing my book at the moment and perhaps they will review it in their paper.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just go for it. Sometimes you don’t really know whether you have been called to write and you cannot know unless you try it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When I was praying one night about troublesome things in my life, including my book, my Lord Jesus said to me: ‘Let go of you and let Me’.
I think that was the best advice I ever received – I just hope I could accept it with the same grace it was given – but … I am obstinate person.
What are you reading now?
Rutledge’s ‘Crucifixion’ and David Lagercrantz’ [continuing Stieg Larson’s Millenion series] ‘The Girl in the Spider’s Web’ and my old NIV Bible. REad some of all of them every night.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure. Perhaps something will pop up but at the moment I am quite happy to write an occasional sermon. Come to think about it; I would love to write something to a weekly paper/magazine – but don’t think it will happen. I am too old and too old fashioned and not ‘with it; with this world we now live in.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The ones I am reading now – I need to know what happens next. Perhaps the newest of Glenn Cooper’s trilogy; I like something dangerous and amazing in my life.
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