Inspirations and
Aspirations
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved reading
books. And for as long as I can
remember, I’ve always wanted to be a writer of books. This fire was lit inside of me at a very
young age, and it still burns bright today.
As a child, I was never in need or want for books. My mother always made sure my book shelves
were actually filled with books. She would take me to the library, give me
extra money for when the book order forms came at school, and read to me from
books until I fell asleep. Books were an
integral part of my life. Let me change
the wording of that just a little bit.
Books are an integral part of
my life.
Inspirations
My first real inspiration came when I was 9 years old and in
the 4th Grade. Every day, for
about 30 minutes after lunch break, our teacher, Mrs. Parks, would read to the
class out of a book. There were some
books I remember that she read, such as “How to Eat Fried Worms”, “Charlie and
the Great Glass Elevator”, “Little Britches – Father and I were Ranchers”, and
just about any Encyclopedia Brown book.
There are others that I have forgotten over the years. However, when she read “Where the Red Fern
Grows” by Wilson Rawls, my fire was lit.
I absolutely loved that book and began to dream of becoming a writer
someday myself. I was truly inspired.
The very next year, in the 5th Grade, I
discovered The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander and my fire was further
fueled. It was probably these books more
than any others that opened my eyes to the wonderful world of books and
writing. It was more than just a fantasy
story. It was the story of a young boy
growing into manhood, learning the value of self worth and making friends. I knew then, that this is what I wanted to
do. Write, write, and write some more.
Aspirations
Later, in my teen years, the television show “Knight Rider”
was very popular and I began to fashion a story of my own around a specialized
car that I had named Whisper. My 4th
Grade teacher, Mrs. Parks was still teaching her class across the street from
my High School. So, I decided to bring
it over to her to read. I dropped it off
and came back about a week later. And
what did I find? She was reading it to
her 4th Grade class. When she
introduced me as the story’s author, excited 9-year-olds surrounded me,
bubbling over with questions about Whisper.
One little girl even asked me for an autograph. Wow! I
felt fulfilled. My dream was coming
true.
Today, I have a fun, cozy mystery published titled “Deathbed
& Breakfast”. It isn’t about
money. It isn’t about fame. It is about sharing my stories with the
world. Bringing a smile to the reader’s
face. That is all I aspire to be.
And I will continue to do so.
Until I have no stories left to tell.
And guess what? I will always
have a story to tell.
Deathbed & Breakfast (Pookotz Sisters Bed & Breakfast Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
File Size: 372 KB
Print Length: 217 pages
Publisher: Cozy Cat Press (June 30, 2013)
Synopsis:
Richard Forester, a retired CEO for a major software company, and his granddaughter Penny show up at the Pookotz Bed & Breakfast one evening and find themselves in some rather unpleasant company. All the guests somehow seem to be connected to Richard’s past and when he is found dead the next morning, everyone is suspect. However, there are a few wrinkles that the inn’s owners Edna and Mildred Pookotz need to iron out as the investigation unfolds. Not only was Richard deathly ill, but he was also accused of embezzling $750,000 which is still unaccounted for. The local Sheriff suspects that this victim’s death is not a natural one, so he–and the sisters–set forth to discover who the murderer is.
Richard Forester, a retired CEO for a major software company, and his granddaughter Penny show up at the Pookotz Bed & Breakfast one evening and find themselves in some rather unpleasant company. All the guests somehow seem to be connected to Richard’s past and when he is found dead the next morning, everyone is suspect. However, there are a few wrinkles that the inn’s owners Edna and Mildred Pookotz need to iron out as the investigation unfolds. Not only was Richard deathly ill, but he was also accused of embezzling $750,000 which is still unaccounted for. The local Sheriff suspects that this victim’s death is not a natural one, so he–and the sisters–set forth to discover who the murderer is.
About This Author
Bart J. Gilbertson is the author of the Pookotz Sisters Mystery Series. Although he was born in Wisconsin, he spent most of his youth and later years in the rocky mountain state of Idaho. He has been all over the northwest and it is his love for the lush green state of Oregon that inspired the setting for Pleasant Lake and its inhabitants. He attended ITT Technical Institute in Boise, ID and received an Associate in Applied Science Degree for Computer Networking Systems and graduated with honors. Bart has worn many hats over his lifetime career, but the one he is most proud of is that of being a writer. He currently resides in O’Neill, NE. He has two children.
Website: http://bjgilbertson2.wix.com/bartjgilbertson
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BartJGilbertsonAuthor
Blog Page: http://bjgilbertson2.wix.com/bartjgilbertson#!blog/c29d
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BartJGilbertson
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7172645.Bart_J_Gilbertson
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Bart-J.-Gilbertson/e/B00DV4JMO2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Cozy Cat Press, my publisher: http://cozycatpress.com/
Book Trailer Vid on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FuvPpkc1os
Purchase Links:
AMAZON B & N
10 comments:
Lovely interview, I love how teachers read to him/them and helped develop his love of reading.Deathbed & Breakfast sounds interesting, thank you both for sharing :)
Good interview. Good book too. I have read it. We never know who we influence with the things we do. Bart you influence will live on in readers too.
My fifth grade teacher read to the class on Friday afternoons. One of the books was "The Bears of Blue River." How many kids will sit still nowadays for a story? Thanks for your interview--the best writers are heavy readers.
I loved this book.
Terrific interview. It's so important for teachers and parents to read to kids! There's no better way to introduce children to the joys of reading -- and in this case, writing. And to answer Sally's question: actually, quite a few of today's children will sit still for a story if it's well-written and well-read (or well-told, in the case of storytellers like Jim Weiss.)
Hi! Thank you for the comment. Mrs Parks was VERY instrumental in helping me to develop a love for reading and writing. It was a highlight of my elementary school years. :)
Thank you :) I am glad you enjoyed the book. I think there is a lot of truth in your statement. Even little things, such as reading a book to a class, can be very influential.
Thank you, Sally for the comment. I've never heard of that particular book, but I am sure it is just a memorable to you as some of the books that were read to me. Great comment!
Thank you, Kaye! I am very happy you liked it!
Thank you, Lark :) I couldn't agree with you more. I got to sit in on a reading one time at a library. The book was a simple book, but it was read with such energy that all of the children's eyes were lit up. It something I'll always remember. Thank you again for the comments!
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