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Good Overcoming Evil
The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City follows a young boy visiting with his grandparents in the Arizona desert who winds up in an exciting Wild West showdown adventure. What was the inspiration for your story?
My grandson, Daniel remains the inspiration for my children’s books. During another difficult period of my life he came along just at the right time, and since his birth, he has been a constant inspiration to me. I firmly believe, that in everything we do in life, we need to be inspired – after all, life is not a rehearsal, and nothing is more important than family.
I am a big believer in fate, things happen for a reason, as has happened in my life. I started Biddick Hall Infants School in 1962; Daniel started the same school in 2022. He has called me Papa since he started to talk.
In addition to this, I wanted to write stories that would create escapism for children but at the same time add a dash of magic. I want children to understand that if they work hard, they can play hard too, and behind every marshmallow cloud, there is a dream – because dreams do come true.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Undoubtedly, good overcoming evil is the fundamental message in the book. The story also has a strong moral message, like ‘no one likes bullies.’
I also felt it was important to demonstrate that helping each other can have its rewards.
So, Daniel and his Papa along with the help of some colourful characters defeat the evil gun (water- pistol) slinger, Wild Will Hickory Dickory Jock.
I found Two Clouds to be an interesting character. What was your inspiration for that character and his role in the story?
Good questions, here is the short answer:
I am humbled to be one of the longest survivors of cancer in the UK at fifty years since diagnosis. I wrote my three-dimensional memoir, Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor, in the hope it would deliver hope and inspiration to anyone in society touched by cancer. I mentioned above about the importance of inspiration – my inspiration during the years of failed treatment was the Lakota Sioux Nation, after I read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown. In 2018, despite being in the UK, I contacted the tribal council of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, in South Dakota, requesting a visit. Subsequently, I spent a week on the reservation with the indigenous people who, unknowingly supported me through my cancer journey – whilst there, I was made an honorary member of the tribal council.
In all of my books, there is a Native American. On this occasion, as the story is set in Arizona, then it had to be a Navajo.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
So this is the third book in a series of Daniel and Papa. The next release will be early 2025 and is title, Kingdom of Huckleberry Jam. On this adventure Daniel goes it alone and is tasked with saving the kingdom from an invasion of super powered ants, deriving there super power, and growing four- times larger from consuming huckleberry jam – hence their invasion.
Following this book, again likely for 2025, will be, Lunar Von Buella, the Mystical Mouse from Missoula. This is the story of a warlock from the underworld, determined to destroy the American dream with the help (against his will) of a field mouse called Lunar. During his vacation in Montana, and on a trip down the mighty Yellowstone River, Daniel is contacted once again by Two Clouds and tasked with stopping Zagan, the warlock.
Two further titles are complete but without a publication date: Admiral Percival Pigeonforge (the cave of eternal screams). Finally, Mind-Boggling Stories will be published at a future date.
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Splodge City is being bullied by a band of evil gunslingers, determined to get their grubby hands on Papa’s book of magic.
Two Clouds, an Indian chief with more magic than there are stars in the sky, whispered an old Indian spell and the surrounding ground began to shake, revealing the entrance to Splodge City.
When the fighting started, the water was flying everywhere. In the corner sat a smelly stranger with bloodshot eyes, which hid a hundred and one evil secrets. Ringo Smarty Farty Pants was his name, and no good tricks were his game. When Spike ‘The Fool’ Gooseberry steals Papa’s black book, it seems that Daniel and his friends are beaten. However, Weston Wolf has other ideas.
Eventually, Daniel stood face to face with Sir Stumpy Slugworm from Spoonstone. Their hands twitched and they both went for their water pistols – SPLOOSH!
But who would be The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City?
The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City
The Fastest Water Pistol in the West by John Walker Pattison is a lively adventure set in the Wild West, where young Daniel joins his grandparents on a thrilling trip to the Arizona desert. The heart of the story is the bond between Daniel and his “Papa,” who loves to recount daring tales from his past. One evening, Papa shares the story of his showdown with Wild Will Hickory Dickory Jock, a legendary water-pistol gunslinger. But when Daniel visits Splodge City with his grandfather, he stumbles into a real-life adventure of his own. Alongside a colorful cast of characters like Weston Wolf, Two Clouds, the Navajo Warrior, and Marshall Marvin Marwood, Daniel must help save the town from evil forces using his smarts and a trusty water pistol.
I was immediately drawn to the playful tone of this book. Papa’s vast network of friends keeps the story buzzing with excitement. The way reality blends into fantasy right before Daniel’s eyes feels seamless, making the reader as surprised as Daniel when the real adventure begins. The illustrations, though not always perfectly aligned with the descriptions in the text, are bright and full of life. I particularly enjoyed the prairie dogs—they added a layer of charm that kids will love. I also appreciated the “kid-friendly” take on the classic western showdown. Instead of whiskey and guns, we have root beer and water pistols, which keep the stakes high but are suitable for younger readers. There’s a lightness to the writing, especially when Papa and Daniel bicker good-naturedly, showing a real bond between them. These moments of humor balance nicely with the story’s adventurous spirit, making it feel both fun and heartwarming. The book’s cast of supporting characters is another highlight. Two Clouds, the Navajo Warrior, stood out to me as a unique addition.
The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City is a fun, whimsical read that will appeal to young readers who love a good adventure with a lot of humor. The book is best suited for kids who enjoy imaginative stories and love rooting for the underdog. With its playful tone and quirky characters, it’s an entertaining story. It’s a great pick for a light, adventurous read with a good dose of laughs.
Pages: 58 | ISBN : 9781838758226
Hope and Inspiration
Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor shares your story of battling cancer, your daughter’s diagnosis and treatment, and your decision to become a cancer nurse helping others. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Scarily, one in two of the population will be given a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives and it remains the greatest fear in society. So, at the risk of sounding contrite (that is definitely not my intention) I wanted to give something back to society – to deliver a meaningful book that would help cancer patients and their loved ones.
I decided that if this piece of work was to achieve its objectives, then it had to be written from three perspectives in order that it would be different from any other survivorship chronicle. Firstly, my experience as an immature adolescent facing the turmoil of both the physical and psychological battle with cancer. This was then followed by the unimaginable trauma of having to confront and accept a cancer diagnosis of my four-year-old daughter and watch helplessly as she underwent chemotherapy, followed by the emotional journey of her terminal diagnosis. Third, I wanted this to provide an educational angle for healthcare professionals working in the challenging field of cancer services. Sadly, at the risk of sounding critical, there are nurses (and some in senior positions) who do not understand the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis – I have witnessed this with my own eyes during my working career in cancer nursing.
I never intended to ‘just write my story;’ it had to have meaning and provide inspiration to not just the cancer patients themselves, but also their loved ones who are often left out of the cancer equation. Like me, they will need inspiration.
Moreover, I felt this would be a cathartic experience and would eliminate once and for all the demons that lurked in the canyons of my mind. Sadly, it failed to do that.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Everything, it had to be warts and all if it was going to have an impact. It was, however, important to include some humour along the way. Sadly, you cannot sugar-coat a cancer diagnosis, and although the treatments we deliver today are very different from the treatments I received in the seventies – today, we use less traditional chemotherapy and use more immunotherapies, immunomodulatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and a few vaccines, making them less aggressive by way of side effects. Nonetheless, cancer instills fear and like I did, everyone needs inspiration.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you
to write about?
As you would expect, recalling and writing about my daughter’s diagnosis, treatment, and then being told that she would not survive, brought about some chilling memories. I requested access to my medical records, and I was fortunate enough to be given that access. I needed that information to ensure I got the correct chronological order of the treatments, but paradoxically I wanted to confirm the actual terminal nature of my disease. So reading that, did hit me very hard, even though I clearly knew my own story – seeing it written in a legally binding document confirmed to me how fortunate I am. But, to be totally honest, even today, my cup is often half empty. I am burdened with a number of health-related issues (all as a consequence of the salubrious chemotherapy and radiotherapy I received almost fifty years ago), including another cancer battle, and I cannot help but wonder where my health will take me, luckily, my wife is constantly topping up my cup to make me realise how fortunate I am. ‘If you are fortunate enough to survive a cancer diagnosis, that legacy lives with you forever.’
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Undoubtedly inspiration – Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor is not a prescriptive guide in respect of how to deal with a cancer diagnosis – no such prescription exists. However, I would say to readers, take from my book whatever you can, hopefully, hope and inspiration, but feel free to criticise where you feel is appropriate because the cancer experience is an individual one and we all cope in different ways.
Finally, I would like to share a few words from the final chapter of my book. ‘Life is not a rehearsal – it is for living, a once-only opportunity to enjoy. Our future is uncertain; no one knows what lies ahead, what fate has planned. Never look back on your life unless you are prepared to smile and be reflective, never look forward unless you can dream–we all need dreams and we all need hope.’
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Award-winning author, John Walker Pattison has created an inspirational chronicle. A book that anyone touched by a cancer diagnosis should read. It has fifteen independent reviews (all five stars), plus more than thirty reviews on Amazon (all five stars) and over a dozen reviews on Goodreads (all five stars).
This is a true chronicle from three perspectives – he was diagnosed with cancer at eighteen years of age. After years of failed treatments, his parents were told that he would not survive. Yet eight years after his unexpected recovery, his four-year-old daughter is diagnosed with terminal leukaemia – he went on to become a cancer nurse specialist at the hospital that made his diagnosis decades earlier.
Today, he is one of the longest cancer survivors in the UK and recently has once again embarked upon another cancer battle of his own. A remarkable memoir that is poignant, funny and most of all, inspirational.
Today, he is once again, facing a cancer battle – but he remains philosophical and determined.
Me and My Shadow
Me and My Shadow by John Walker Pattison is a deeply personal account of his lifelong journey with cancer, exploring his roles as a patient, father, and nurse. Pattison opens his story with a childhood overshadowed by a cancer diagnosis, a fact kept hidden by his parents. This narrative takes us through the complexities of his treatment, its enduring physical and psychological impacts, and the isolation from normal childhood experiences.
Pattison’s story extends beyond his own battle with the disease. As a father, he recounts the heart-wrenching experience of supporting his daughter through her own cancer treatment, a chapter that lends a poignant depth to his narrative. His dual perspective as both patient and caregiver enriches the book, culminating in his decision to become a nurse. Here, Pattison’s personal insights blend with professional care, offering a unique view into the world of healthcare.
The book does more than just shed light on the cancer experience. It delves into the broader tapestry of Pattison’s life, including his exploration of Native American cultures, a vibrant childhood, a passion for rock music, and reflections on a challenging marriage. These varied experiences contribute to the richness of the memoir, painting a fuller picture of the author beyond his identity as a cancer survivor. This book resonates with authenticity and understanding for those touched by cancer, whether personally or through a loved one. Healthcare professionals, too, may find valuable lessons in Pattison’s insights on patient care. The book weaves together heartfelt stories and reflections, revealing life’s unpredictability and the importance of resilience.
Pattison’s narrative is more than a memoir; it is a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. His candid reflections and thoughtful observations offer a window into the complexities of living with and beyond cancer. Me and My Shadow is not just a story of survival but an invitation to embrace each moment of life with appreciation and awareness.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0BKYJYPY3
LITERARY TITAN 