Hello everyone! Welcome the last Jingle Books Author Spotlight! These will be posts where I discuss and showcase, authors and their writing talents and published works. So without further ado let’s get on with the Author Spotlight!
Meet the Author
Born 02-02-1944 (Groundhog Day). Grew up in Kuroki, a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada. Married in 1964, one wife, one son. Graduated with degree in English, University of Saskatchewan. Taught High School English for five years; then joined the Government of Canada Human Resources department where I worked as an employment counsellor, supervisor and manager for 27 years. Since retirement I have golfed, done volunteer work and written 3 books, my most recent, just published 2 days ago, a children’s book, “No! I Never Dream of Being a Potato”. Just started a YouTube Channel to read to children.
What and when started your love for writing?
I believe my love of writing came from my love of reading. My dad read to me when I was very young, and he enrolled in a book of the month club for my brother and me when we were 8 or 10 years old. We owned classics such as Robinson Crusoe, Treasure Island, Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn and Black Beauty. That enjoyment has carried on into my adult years. As for writing specifically, I believe that everyone has a story to tell. They experience emotions and moments of tremendous joy, despair and fear. Writers have an urge to share their stories, either real or imagined.
Of all of the book genres, what drew you to write about yours?
I may not have a definite genre as yet. Perhaps the closest so far is nonfiction. I enjoy variety, whether it be in music, reading, food, socializing and television. I believe that carries over into my writing. My first book, “Barking From the Front Porch” was a memoir. My second book, “Conundra, The Golden Rule Revisited” was part memoir and part investigation into religion, politics and sex.
What is your favorite part of the Holiday season?
My favorite parts are the gift-giving, visiting and definitely the food. Being raised Roman Catholic, midnight Mass and the Christmas carols were part of a beautiful tradition too.
What is your favorite part to write of a story?
Humor is my favorite. Whether I am writing something profound, serious or lighthearted, I love to inject a little humor. One of my biggest rewards as a writer is hearing that I made people laugh.
If you could meet your favorite author who would it be and why?
I would love to meet several different authors. Humorists might be the most fun. However, in doing research for my book, “Conundra, The Golden Rule Revisited” I studied the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. I admire them both, not so much for their writing, but for their dedication to non-violent activism and promotion of rights for those less fortunate. Hearing their stories first-hand would be so inspirational.
In fact, while writing the book I decided that henceforth all royalties from any of my books will go to charity. Two of the charities I support the most are an orphanage in Sierra Leone, Africa and a local homeless shelter. I know that they always need help, but that need has been exacerbated by the current pandemic.
What makes your book(s)/writing special?
My book is special because not only do I share my own journey. I also share principles to help others along their own journey
So…what are you working on now?
My most recent project has been the creation of an illustrated children’s poetry/story book together with two companion poetry/colouring books. These were published just a few days ago. The poetry/story book is entitled, “No! I Never Dream of Being a Potato”. I decided to stretch myself even further by creating a YouTube Channel called “Grandpa Gerry Reads” on which I will read poetry and stories to children. My ambition is to produce more children’s books and videos. My first video effort was produced on November 29 this year. In it, I read a five minute excerpt from my book for children. I invite you to have a peek by clicking on this link.
Gerald is such a great person and I know he’s just as great of an author! If you want to get in contact or connect with Gerald you can through:
Thank you all for reading and remember:
