June 12 2021
Many months ago I had the pleasure of being a guest of author Bill Arnott on his Spotlight feature. Join us to find out how seeing situations from different angles, ping pong, role models, loving kindness, pressing the reset button, spaghetti, and a kayak come together for this fun spotlight …
Speak Up and Speak Out – Camilla on the Bill Arnott Spotlight
November 1 2020
Thank you to Helen of Pink Quill Books for this lovely review which caused my eyes to pool with liquid gratitude. Deeply appreciated, Helen!
My review for Words of Alchemy by Camilla Downs, 5/5 stars.
Camilla Downs takes us on her journey of healing, compassion and love in this collection of poems. Each one is written from the heart, and her warmth, and her love for her children shines through every word.
Nature and its healing power is very important to Camilla, and her poems instill you with a feeling of well-being and calm. She gently guides you through the chaos and difficulties of life, and shows you how just a few moments of quiet observation of the world around you can help reset your fragile state of mind.
Looking at the world through Camilla’s eyes is a calming experience, and opens your mind to the possibilities that life holds. I loved the poems about her children, and how she acknowledges their difficulties, indeed, she embraces them, and reassures her children that they are a part of them to be accepted and talked about openly, rather than suppressed. This mother’s love, her compassion, is inspiring and humbling. Highly recommend.
October 31 2020
I’m chatting with Chelle of Curled up with a good book about jobs I’ve had over the past 13 years, Fahrenheit 451, Arsenic & Old Lace, the best thing I’ve done so far in my life, my desired super power, Equal Justice Initiative, and what I would do with a million pounds! Check it out … xoxo …. Thank you, Chelle!! 👻🎃
In mid-June 2020, I was interviewed by Emma on her lovely Books and Wine Gums blog. We chat about deciding what goes into my writings and what stays private, found poetry, why I think poetry is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, what I “pack into” my writings, imposter syndrome, wine gums, and dark chocolate …
August 9 2020
Thank you to the miramichi reader for publishing Bill’s glowing review of Words of Alchemy! Deeply appreciated!
“Camilla Downs is a powerhouse – a one-person publishing house, selfless promoter of fellow authors, bestseller, blogger, photographer, and mom – the order of which is not prioritized. I met Camilla through online authors’ networks. We swapped books, as you do. And I immediately fell for her story – relatable, inspiring – facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and being a role model. In other words, a good person. A person who, among other things, fuels her creativity and capacity to give by immersing herself into landscapes – communing with the outdoors, shooting photos, and writing about all of it.
Words of Alchemy is her compilation of free verse poetry touching on these issues – a sincere and sensitive ode to life and to nature. Divided into alchemical sections – experience, perspective, lessons and growth – we take a seat next to our author for the Alchemy of Healing.
In Words of Alchemy, author Camilla Downs relays her story – powerfully personal and enlightening. Her words reflect a recognition of challenges and rewards, the natural world she is mindfully part of, consciously present, and admirably, ensuring she shares it with all of us.” – Bill Arnott
Go here to read the full review …
July 12 2020
What a gift to receive this morning before leaving for my hike! I was in tears. Thank you, Bill!
In Words of Alchemy, Camilla Downs invites you to walk with her to share her love of Nature and Life through a 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.
Camilla Downs is a powerhouse – a one-person publishing house, selfless promoter of fellow authors, bestseller, blogger, photographer, and mom – the order of which is not prioritized. I met Camilla through online authors’ networks. We swapped books, as you do. And I immediately fell for her story – relatable, inspiring – facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and being a role model. In other words, a good person. A person who, among other things, fuels her creativity and capacity to give by immersing herself into landscapes – communing with the outdoors, shooting photos, and writing about all of it.
Go here to read the full review …
June 13 2020
I’m chatting with Jess about my weird aversion to doing anything the typical way, how my 10 year marriage ending led to my first book, and imposter syndrome. Join us…(photo mentioned in interview) ….
JF: Let’s start out with five fun facts about you. Go.
JF: Do you have a day job? If so, what is it? What other jobs have you held? Have they influenced your writing?
Before I became a mom, I was a ….. Follow the link to read further …
June 6 2020
Thank you to the lovely Stefanie in Flanders, Belgium for having me on her magical book blog.
We’re chatting about which non-fiction writers and fictional characters I’d love to invite for coffee, writing rituals, and whether people in my life should be worried about making an appearance in future books … (Belgium Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay)
Words of Alchemy – Camilla Downs @CamillaDowns , an #Interview #QandA
May 2 2020
Why do I openly share personal issues and what happened in the beginning of 2020 for me? Thanks to the lovely Mai for having me on her book blog, Mai’s Musings.
” ….. Thank you Mai, for having me as a guest on your lovely blog. I deeply appreciate your time and effort.
My latest book, Words of Alchemy, is a culmination of a six year journey. A journey of turning into my writing, of a solid walking practice, a journey of going within, a journey of travelling to the past, a journey of living, and of healing.
Six years ago I wrote my first free-verse poem. This continued through to the publication of Words of Alchemy. I’m currently taking a break from writing, a break from the intensity of the past thirteen years. I reached the tipping point of my healing journey in the beginning of 2020. On the other side of it now, I can look back and see that it was one hell of a ride. Thirteen years of going within, excavating, confronting, feeling, feeling, feeling, and getting to know myself.
I share this to convey how much writing was a vital component of ….. ” Follow the link to read the full interview …
April 5 2020
Thank you to Jo for inviting me to a virtual Sunday Brunch this morning. What fun questions! What food, drink and literary hero did I bring with me? Let’s see …
“What’s the oldest book on your book shelf? I can’t just list one as I love old books!