An Interview with Clare Rhoden – Why Writing is Important to Me

March 30 2020

Why is writing important to me and what five words best describe my writing style? That and more in this great interview with fellow author, Clare Rhoden. I’m grateful to Clare for putting together such thoughtful questions ….

Welcome, Camilla, and thanks for speaking with me on Last Word of the Week. Why is writing important to you?

Writing has been a sanity saving bridge, in processing life experiences, in being a single parent, in being a parent to a special needs child, in making decisions. Writing has been my way of sharing what I’m experiencing, getting it out of my head, being comforted, assured, cheered on, and, at times, receiving direction.

It’s definitely a two-way street. What’s the best response you’ve ever had to your writing?

The best response is a compilation of the responses in which others share how my writings have inspired or helped them in some way. There’s nothing better than receiving a message or review that lets me know that my writing was useful to someone.

What five words would best describe your style?

Wild, unfiltered, from the heart.

Delightful! Do you write for yourself or for a particular audience?

To date, I have always written for myself. Writing is how I process and experience life. The feedback received when sharing what I write is what encouraged me to pursue publishing the content ….. Follow the link below to read further …

Camilla Downs, soul writer, on giving and receiving

 

Authors Unite – Enter to Win a Book A Day for 30 Days

Would you like the chance to win a book a day for 30 days? Here it is!

(In the spirit of COVID-19 solidarity, we are not asking you to follow us on social media, sign up for a newsletter or share the contest details with friends in order to enter this contest.)

My latest book, Words of Alchemy, will be given away on May 2, 2020. If you’d like to enter to win, visit this link … https://authorsmstevens.com/30days/words-of-alchemy/

To see the full list of books, with descriptions, and to enter to win, go here … https://authorsmstevens.com/30days/

30 Days of Free Books — A COVID-19 Book Giveaway Contest: Authors unite to offer literary escape to housebound readers.

Twenty-three authors, many of them award winners and best sellers, have banded together to offer “30 Days of Free Books” — a month of giveaways to provide some free books to housebound readers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, poetry or prose, children’s books or Young Adult or Adult, memoir or historical fiction or mystery, print or ebook format, you’ll find something you like on this list.

COVID-19 Note: Many writers are offering the winners of their books a choice of print book or ebook. We encourage winners of print books to check the latest expert guidance on how long the virus lives on cardboard and paper before opening their package.

HOW TO ENTER: Click on the name of a book (here … https://authorsmstevens.com/30days/) for more details including a book description, book format (paperback or ebook) and the contest entry form. Enter for as many books as you like. On the date noted, a winner will be chosen to receive that day’s book. Winners will be notified by email. Open to U.S. residents only.

Happy reading, and stay safe.

For Whom Do I Write

March 10 2020

Thank you to Colin for his time and thoughtfulness with this interview .. 🙏💚💚💚🙏

” …. I think I know the answer to this one, but do you write to please your readers or to please yourself?

I began writing for myself, so it follows that the books I’ve published contained writings that were for my own benefit. I have openly shared most of my writings since about 2008 and the feedback received is what encouraged me to pursue publishing.

Although I have stepped back and am taking time off from writing, up until the end of 2019, my writings have been from my heart, an intuitive knowing that I could not possibly stop from flowing. I would sit to write and the words would simply flow, at times flowing so fast I could hardly “catch” all of them before they disappeared. I am still sporadically journaling in the mornings, yet, I’ve allowed myself to step back to focus on family issues, market my latest book, and to spend time on rejuvenating myself. Over the past 6 years, I have gone through deep healing by connecting with buried emotions and events from my past. It was completely worth it, yet deeply exhausting …. ” Go here to read the full interview …

Author Interview – Camilla Downs

 

First Two Shipments Have Arrived and Flying to the UK By Way of Cookie Heaven – Words of Alchemy

January 4 2020

Guess what arrives next week? The first two shipments! Who else would like one?

January 6 2020:

Just received the first shipment! I’m ready to personalize, sign, and mail these beauties! Who’s in?

January 9 2020:

A bowl of tomato soup at GreatFull Gardens. The perfect lunch to accompany chatting with you Gerry Foster McCarroll! May you enjoy the book! Thanks for the support. 💜💜💜

January 13 2020:

It was a great day to mail a book to the UK. Along with getting caught up with nearly all books ordered to date. It’s funny how the really long, slow moving line at the post office doesn’t bother you as much when you’re mailing your book to readers!

I’ll be making another trip to the post office near the end of the week or early the following week. Let me know if you’d like to be included in that mailing. Overflowing thanks to all! 🙏❤️

January 16 2020:

Making a trip to the post office tomorrow morning. Got one headed to cookie heaven by way of Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies in Georgia, that’s some sweet alchemy, there! And bunches headed to warmer weather in Pensacola, Florida! I’ve got new material to create the fun little messages hidden inside the books, too. Can’t wait to be creative tomorrow morning! Let me know if you’d like a personalised, signed copy sent your way. ❤️❤️❤️

January 18 2020

Has anyone received your book yet? Hope they are arriving with the TLC they were packaged with!

The Poetry of Nature – I DID IT

December 15 2019:

Just finished reading a great book. Am I prejudice? Maybe a wee bit. All looks good and it’s a go. Should launch this week!

It’s kinda weird. I’m reading along and thinking, “Oh, that’s good. This author speaks to my soul.” And, then, I’m like, “Oh. That’s me.” HA!

Here’s praying and setting intentions that more than 10 people buy the book. Deep gratitude to the few that have pre-ordered!! The poetry of Nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of Love … All in one beautiful book!

December 18 2019:

Pressed the publish button today! I’ll be placing the first order in a day or two. If you’d like a personalized, signed one, let me know! I DID IT … Again! Thank you to all for the love and support!

December 21 2019:

Placed the first order yesterday, placing another today or tomorrow. Wahoo! They could possibly arrive on December 31st. What a GREAT start to the New Year that would be! Official launch will be in beginning to mid January.

Proofing the Digital Version and Proof Ordered – Words of Alchemy

December 4 2019:

Just finished proofing the digital version of the printed book. Just need to get the cover in the system and can then order an actual proof book. So close! …. The poetry of nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of love ..

December 7 2019:

Proof ordered yesterday! Fingers crossed all looks as beautiful as it does digitally … then …. we are ready to publish! Now is a GREAT time to pre-order. You get a personalized signed book, 10% off the Amazon price, PLUS free shipping! Oceans of thanks to those lovely souls who have already pre-ordered!

Words of Alchemy – Animated

November 20 2019:

Just a fun animated version to share!

Interested to have your own copy? Go here … https://camilladowns.com/books/words-of-alchemy/

Words of Alchemy – Kindle Version with Chromosome 18 Registry Information Page

October 27 2019:

Just emailed the proofed manuscript back to the book designer. A few grammar errors, along with a few apostrophes removed or added, with a dash or two removed or added. Now, circling back around to the back cover; which I think is in its final state so that the cover can be loaded to Amazon. I like to include a page at the end of our books with information about The Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society. Nearly there!!

October 29 2019:

Back cover is finished! Just need to decide on which photo of me to use. Would you mind helping? I’ve not had professional photos taken since 2012, so will be using what I’ve got!

I’m attaching the back cover with the photo that Kate used as a place holder (yet, I like the one she chose) along with other photos to choose from .. Comment with “yes” or simply “like” the photo to let me know your choice. Thanks for your input! Deeply appreciate it! 💜💜💜

 

Words of Alchemy – The Kindle Version with a Strong Urge for Apostrophes and Dashes

October 23 2019:

Incredibly excited! Just received the Kindle version from the book designer for proofing!! Stay up late proofing or get to bed now so I can get up early and proof?? What a joy to be to this point now. Thank you to everyone for the support, love, and encouragement!

October 24 2019:

Deep into proofing the Kindle version of the book. During this entire process from the beginning stages of putting the manuscript together up to now; I sometimes feel a strong urge that a writing wants to be shared (right now!). That just happened with this one. Written in June 2018.

Knowing of the Heart

We have come together upon this Earth
to travel our own separate paths
Yet, traveling them together.

It has not escaped my attention
that there were and are places
and events we talked and
dreamed of experiencing.

Our lives together seem to
have become mundane and boring.

Seeming to have the same days
over and over again.
With little new experiences
by way of sights, sounds,
and adventures.

Sadness and failure encroached
upon these shoulders and heart
As the message was received
of how important it is to
travel with one’s family.

Travel so as to have one to one
time together … away from the
normalcy of being in the
same place and routines.

Yet, before the cloud could
fully envelop this heart,
the heart whispered to
the sadness a response
so profound and enlightening
the sadness and failure
did halt and lift to be
transmuted to peace and knowing.

The heart whispered …
Wait.

Each walk taken,
Each drive around
neighborhoods,
Each date day,
Each spontaneous trip
for simple life’s
necessities,
Each trip to the park,
Each drive to a lookout
to watch the sunset or
have a car picnic,
Each occasion you chose
to make special …
Each of those times was
a trip to a beautiful
and everlasting destination.

You and your children
have taken many trips.
They may not be the
actual destinations the
three of you envisioned.

No. They are not.

Yet, each of these trips
led to destinations
that many may never get
a chance to experience.

The trip. The destination.
Within you it is.
Take it with you
always, you do.
This is the alchemy
of the heart.

Glory be.
Take notice of
your profound ability
to make something
out of seemingly nothing.

Know this.
And be free.
Hallelujah!

June 2018

Dedicated to my children … Thomas and Lillian

There’s nothing better than a walk with my loves. I cherish every walk taken with each one of them. Every walk …. Since they were wee tiny ones growing within me. As of the writing of the previous poem, Lillian and I have taken walks together for nearly 17 years; and Thomas and me for nearly 13 years. Love, sweet love.
(Picture of us July 2018 – midnight at the Vegas airport, returning from the C18 Conference in Baltimore)

October 26 2019:

Apostrophes and dashes, oh my!! I’m surprised I didn’t dream about apostrophes and dashes haunting me! On the last round of proofreading and then back to the book designer. Nothing major to correct … Except … Many apostrophe slip ups and a few grammar errors! (The dandelion seed will be smaller in the final version. The designer missed that in my original instructions.)

Word Art – Words of Alchemy

October 19 2019:

Word art image created using the content from the web page for ‘Words of Alchemy’ … Beautiful!

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. The Alchemy of Love and Healing is what happens.

Advance Praise for Words of Alchemy

“Words of Alchemy, Camilla Downs heartfelt new collection, 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. Camilla Downs poetry is 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

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The poetry of nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of love … in one beautiful book.

Pre-order a personalized signed book for $14.40 (10% off and includes tax and free shipping). Go here and enter the total of $14.40 (or more if you’d like to throw in a tip). Want more than one book? Add $14.40 for each book. FOR U.S. ORDERS ONLY.

Arriving on Amazon December 2019 (discount and personalized signed book not available from Amazon). Go here to learn more …

Words of Alchemy