Blog Archives
Keep the Faith
Behind Her Smile: The Adventures of a Tall Girl from WVA and Her Life as a Stewardess shares with readers your experiences of growing up near poverty and taking a leap of faith, and getting a job that allowed you to see the world and changed your life dramatically. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I really wanted to share what may have been “Behind the Smile” on the Stewardess whose flight they were on. I felt it was important for future passengers to think that there was more to their Stewardess than just a pretty face. And he or she may be going through some challenging things in their lives regardless of the fact that they were there to interact in a positive way with their passengers. And I hoped to encourage my readers to “Keep the faith!” regardless of what might seem like insurmountable circumstances.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Just to know that regardless of the smile on their Stewardess’s face they could have just had a challenging occurrence in their personal lives that they had to put on “the back burner” to be able to go out on that airplane and maintain a positive attitude for their passengers. As I shared a story of a fellow co-worker who had just spent the night with her former husband thinking they were about to possibly get back together to wake up to a note on her pillow stating “Fooled you again didn’t I?” She had to come to work on a three day trip after having gone through this the night before she was scheduled to fly.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Actually the most difficult thing for me to write about was my relationship with Wendell Ladner, the Professional Basketball player that I had an affair with for over three years. I was not brought up to ever consider doing such a thing. However I was in a loveless marriage and did not have a fulfilling relationship with my husband at the time. I had never experienced a passion like the one I shared with Wendell. But the absolute most difficult thing was to have to relive and share what happened to Wendell, on of all things, an airplane. To say my heart was broken into is an understatement!
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
I hope that my readers will be encouraged to believe in themselves regardless of circumstances that may say “NO” to their dreams.
Being raised just above the poverty line in Parkersburg, WVA, Janie didn’t have big aspirations and dreams for her life. Yet moving to Columbus, Ohio changed everything about her including her name.
She was in a dead-end job at the phone company when a dare from her best friend took her to an interview to become a Stewardess. Fearful she would be rejected on sight because of her height; she was shocked when she was accepted to be the one out of 5,000 applicants who applied for the job.
A whole new world opened up to her. Seeing places she had only read about, spending time with politicians, movie stars and professional athletes. One very special athlete, a professional basketball player named Wendell Ladner stole her heart with his southern charm. An extraordinary ‘connection’ with the King of Rock & Roll (Elvis Presley) allowed her the unique experience to spend ‘one on one’ time with him and remain in touch until his passing. You’ll share with her the challenges of marrying someone so different from her upbringing and coping with the attempts to try and fit in. Behind Her Smile reveals a devastating event that deeply affected Beverly and made her reexamine her life and what she truly wanted out of it.
Becoming More Greek Every Day
A Parthenon in Pefki: Further Adventures of an Anglo-Greek Marriage shares the journey you and your wife have been on combining your lives and making memories together. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea to write this series of books?
My journey began when Alex and I fell in love. Alex, being Greek, lived in a suburb of Athens, while I lived in London. We agreed I should move to Greece as our long-distance relationship blossomed. Her incredible and loving family warmly welcomed me with open arms.
When I first arrived in this beautiful country, my fiery Greek wife made it a mission to convert me from a strait-laced Englishman into something resembling an Achilles-type character with sharpened sword and wits to match. My transformation would sometimes be hilarious, always embarrassing, but would change my outlook on life and open my eyes to the world around me.
My books cover my introduction to Greek life, cultural differences, and laugh-out-loud moments together with my becoming more Greek every day. This feeling just had to be shared. My first book, A Parthenon on our roof, became an overnight success. The second in the series, A Parthenon in Pefki, is also riding high in its Amazon category and quickly gaining ground. My third book is due to be released soon, Musings from a Greek village, and the next in the Parthenon series is coming next year.
Both Alex and I are very proud of the reception our books received. From the day of publication, they both became best sellers on Amazon worldwide. They reached number one in the category of Greek Travel, Humorous Essays and remain in the top 20 in Australia, USA, and UK. Gold medal winner. The Global Book Awards. Biographical–Travel.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Writing a book about our lives together in Greece was a project which I enjoyed immensely. So many incredible experiences, visits to idyllic Greek islands, exploring the traditional foods and hospitality. But the most important message to share in my books is the love and kindness shown by the Greek people. The Greek word philoxenia, literally meaning “love of strangers,” is an example to the world.
What is one of the most unexpected or humourous moments you had once decided to build a new home on Pefki?
There are so many laugh out loud moments. Being arrested and spending the day in police cells for building a wall was one memorable experience. Being introduced to the local homemade fire water, Tsipouro. The only challenge is getting past the first glass. The first sip hits the back of your jaw like a hammer. You feel you have poured concentrated lemon juice into your mouth as it causes a shooting pain just below your earlobes. Then the burn starts. As you gather the confidence to swallow, your throat tries to close to protect itself. You must resist your body’s gagging instinct to rid itself of this interesting flavour, but you must persist. As you swallow the first mouthful, fire runs down and settles on your chest. First-time drinkers usually assume they are suffering a heart attack at this point, but it soon fades away, leaving you sweating and disoriented.
Here, life is simpler. If you miss a bus, there’s probably another tomorrow. Things run in a different time zone. People are more relaxed, there’s no pressure to rush and keep appointments and everyone is happier for it.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Greek family values. Families are closer here. Older people are respected and loved. It is unthinkable to make a family decision without the approval of Grandma or Grandpa. People treat others with love and respect, regardless of their occupation.
Everyone is proud of what they do. Job satisfaction here has always been high. There is no class structure in the village, and everyone is proud of their work. Our friend Maria spends the summer months helping in her brother’s taverna. She also helps her mother as a cleaner in some of the hotels. Her father transports them from workplace to workplace in a battered transit van. When not driving, he is the local cheese maker.
In many countries, people look down upon workers who perform the menial tasks. People in many countries consider road sweepers and cleaners as invisible necessities, while they perceive themselves as superior because they have higher-paid jobs.
Not here. Maria is proud to be a cleaner. Demitri is proud of his wine. Maria’s dad makes the best cheese in the village.
Then, at the end of the day, everyone comes together as one enormous family. The cleaners relax with the hotel owners. The woodcutter chats with the doctor, the charcoal maker and the mayor share a glass of Tsipouro. Everyone is equal in our village.
Here, your status in life is not what you do, it’s who you really are. Long may that last.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
After perfecting their new apartment (complete with mini Parthenon) in a cosmopolitan suburb of Athens, Englishman Peter and his Greek wife Alexandra check out life in an authentic fishing village on a Greek island. They instantly fall in love with Pefki and plan to build a house there.
But all is not as it seems. As Peter and his feisty wife delve below the surface, they discover the sleepy village is hiding a wealth of secrets. Unperturbed, they embrace the fascinating village culture with unexpected and hilarious results. What could possibly go wrong in paradise?
Behind Her Smile: The Adventures of a Tall Girl from WVA and Her Life as a Stewardess
Beverly Golden Cuevas’ Behind Her Smile: The Adventures of a Tall Girl from WVA and Her Life as a Stewardess offers a rich tapestry of historical context, personal growth, and nostalgia. It traces the journey of Janie, the protagonist, from her modest beginnings in Parkersburg, West Virginia—a town marked by limited opportunities for women and above-average poverty rates—to her transformative career as a flight attendant.
The narrative starts with Janie’s early life, highlighting her transition from a stagnant job at a telephone company to the dynamic world of aviation, spurred by her best friend’s encouragement. Despite initial apprehensions about her height affecting her employability, Janie embarks on a career that takes her to numerous cities and introduces her to a variety of notable figures, including politicians, movie stars, athletes, and musicians. A particularly poignant aspect of Janie’s story is her interaction with Elvis Presley. Their heartwarming connection, forged during her time as a flight attendant, remains a memorable part of her life, enduring until Elvis’s death in 1977. Cuevas masterfully uses first-person narration to bring alive the 1950s, skillfully weaving together the challenges of the era with personal struggles and the journey of coming of age. The novel not only serves as a memoir but also as a vessel for valuable life lessons, such as perseverance and the importance of a strong work ethic.
Behind Her Smile: The Adventures of a Tall Girl from WVA and Her Life as a Stewardess offers insight into the demanding role of flight attendants, highlighting the extensive work and various challenges they face in ensuring passenger safety. This portrayal aims to garner appreciation and respect for the profession and the dedication of those who serve in it.
Pages: 532 | ASIN : B0CKYBJ2YW
Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere
Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere, by Terry A. Repak, offers an insightful and captivating account of her family’s life during their time overseas. Repak’s narrative style is engaging and eloquent, drawing parallels between their international experiences and the challenges akin to scaling a mountain – demanding yet extraordinarily rewarding. The memoir skillfully intertwines her personal journey with her husband Stefan’s professional endeavors in addressing the AIDS crisis. It presents a rich tapestry of experiences, evolving from her initial days as a new mother in Ivory Coast to becoming a seasoned traveler settling in Seattle.
Repak’s memoir stands out for its honesty and emotional depth, particularly in depicting family and friendship dynamics. Her interactions are not limited to fellow expatriates; she equally values her relationships with locals like Gladys, Adama, and Ousmane, showcasing the enduring connections formed despite geographical relocations. The narrative poignantly covers challenging times, such as her father’s illness, with a rawness that deeply resonates with readers.
Repak’s portrayal of her relationship with her daughter, Elena, is an especially compelling aspect of the book. Parents who have adopted will find comfort and understanding in Repak’s reflections on parenthood and the unique experiences of expatriate children. The portrayal of Elena’s growth is handled with nuance, acknowledging the complexities of her experiences thoughtfully and respectfully.
Circling Home is a commendable memoir, particularly for those intrigued by travel and life in foreign lands. Repak’s narrative is a reassuring guide for anyone navigating the intricacies of living in unfamiliar territories, providing a sense of kinship and understanding for those who have ever felt like outsiders. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of travel and the enduring strength of human connections, regardless of physical distance.
Pages: 308 | ASIN : B0BQDTBVSJ
Entertaining Fact-Filled Journey
Delaware from Railways to Freeways explores the little-known history of this small state from the period of 1800-1907 and the emergence of freeways. Why was this an important time period to cover?
This was the birth of the Industrial Revolution, and it impacted both Delaware and the nation enormously. Several ‘firsts’ originated in the state during this period. Early in the 19th century, the Delaware Breakwater, completed in 1835, was the Western Hemisphere’s first such structure. The bay’s barrier protection has been pivotal in facilitating safe maritime passage and trade, bolstering Delaware’s economy as well as Pennsylvania’s and New Jersey’s. Its strategic location also rendered the Delaware Bay more secure for naval operations, particularly during times of conflict like World War II. By mid-19th century there’s the ‘first’ from Betts, Pusey, and Harlan of Wilmington, who stand as pioneers in American industrial history for their role as the first iron shipbuilders in the country. Their groundbreaking work laid the basis for the broader American shipbuilding industry, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and naval capabilities. And finally, heralding the freeways era, Delaware’s DuPont Highway introduced the concept of separated lanes, enhancing road safety and efficiency. Funded by T. Coleman du Pont, this seminal model set a precedent for the U.S. highway system.
With so many interesting facts included in this book about Delaware, like Return Day, how did you narrow down what information to include and what to save or discard?
That’s a challenge for all three of the books I’ve worked on or am working on in this series. On the one hand, I look to academic history book models to get an idea of broad topics that should be tackled: Historical Context, Key Figures and Personalities, Major Events and Turning Points, and so on. On the other hand, I personally love to include quirky anecdotes and folklore items that add local color. One of my favorites from this particular book is about an innkeeper who trained a goose to keep an eye on his bar while he was out back plowing the field. If a customer entered the bar, the goose knew to go out to signal the innkeeper in the field with a honk! It’s a delicate balance to maintain gravitas without getting dull and to entertain the reader without being trivial. Writing a nonfiction book takes a lot of time and research, as well as talent, to take it from the level of a textbook to an entertaining fact-filled journey.
What would you say is your strength as a writer?
I was trained as a journalist. Reporters are drilled with a who-what-when-where approach to writing that always keeps an eye on the word count. And so, I’m always crosschecking my writing to make sure that the pace is brisk, that I’m getting to the point, not losing my reader through mountains of dull verbiage. I was fortunate to have writing professors who in addition to instilling bullshit monitors into me, also insisted that good journalism is about good storytelling. I think I spin an ok yarn.
What can readers expect in the third installment of this series about Delaware? What time period will it cover? When will it be available?
The third book is tentatively titled Delaware from Freeways to e-Ways, covering the 20th century. I’d like to have it in the public’s hands by Christmas 2024. The term “e-Ways” is a made-up word that refers to digital avenues of transportation, drawing from the 1990s trend of using “e-” as a prefix for things related to the nascent e-commerce industry. Digital technology has modernized traditional transportation methods, enabling, for example, self-driving cars, and rendering unnecessary outdated tools like sextants for ships and cabooses for trains. And while Delaware may not be a tech hub like Silicon Valley, the University of Delaware has offered up pure research and patents that have aided in the development and commercialization of the Internet’s physical infrastructure. In between freeways and e-ways, of course, there’s lots more to talk about. Stay tuned!
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Complex Issues Of Other Countries
Where Are You This Time? is an amazing account of your experiences traveling far and wide and the positive impact you left behind in each country. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Working in places like Kosovo and Afghanistan was a life-changing experience. It was exciting and eye-opening to find out what life was like there. I felt it was important to share the excitement and the challenges with other people so that they understand some of the complex issues other countries need to deal with.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I suppose it would be the first time I travelled to a foreign country when I was young. I landed in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and suddenly realised that absolutely everything was different from what I was used to – the weather, the smells, the trees, the food, the people. Photographs don’t really communicate the experience, only writing it down can do that, so I started keeping diaries to try to capture everything I experienced.
What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of the characters?
The book is based on the diaries I kept while I was travelling. I often had plenty of spare time after work to write about what had happened during the day and what I thought about it so it stayed fresh in my mind. Later, I used this material to build a story about the most important things that happened.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for you as a writer, and can we expect more books about your experiences?
The first draft of this book was very long, so I had to leave out many stories and even whole countries to get it to a publishable length. So there is a lot more material. But I am not currently planning another book like this. The basic messages about the work of international aid projects and the problems facing people in developing countries that I wanted to communicate are already covered in the book. However, I still write blog posts about things like what has happened in Afghanistan and the problems of international aid on my Where Are You This Time? Facebook page and website.
Author Links: Facebook | GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Where Are You This Time? Making a Difference in Places from Kabul to Kyiv, Kosovo to Kazakhstan and Kismayo to Qatar
Mary Venner’s memoir, Where Are You This Time?, provides a riveting account of her nomadic life as a financial consultant in far-flung locales such as Kabul and Kyiv, among others. With remarkable precision and lucid prose, Venner’s stories spring to life, captivating readers from the opening lines to the closing punctuation. The narrative unfolds with a mysterious email offering Venner a consultancy role in post-crisis Kosovo, a beginning that quickly gives way to the challenges and triumphs of rebuilding a nation torn by civil unrest, energy deficits, and social constraints.
Venner’s journey as a consultant is not confined to Kosovo. Her zeal to make a difference leads her to traverse a multitude of countries, each facing distinct economic and political challenges. By deftly weaving personal experiences with expert insights into historical contexts, she crafts a literary tapestry that is both rich and engaging.
What sets this memoir apart is its accessibility, particularly concerning the technicalities of consulting and accounting. Rather than overwhelming readers with details, Venner’s explanations are concise and pertinent, allowing for a greater exploration of the cultures and relationships that inform her work. Her introspective reflection on Western-focused ideology initially tinged with a rose-colored optimism, evolves and deepens as she gains experience and understanding.
Where Are You This Time? also excels in character development. Every individual Venner encounters is vividly portrayed, fostering a connection between the reader and the subject. Whether introducing characters that offer comedic relief in a dense narrative or sharing her emotional response to leaving friends behind, Venner’s writing resonates with sincerity.
This memoir stands as a valuable contribution to contemporary nonfiction. It sheds light on a unique career path that might otherwise remain obscured, infusing it with human warmth and intellectual insight. Where Are You This Time? is an exemplary read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone interested in a combination of personal narrative, global issues, and an insider’s view of a specialized profession. It not only entertains but also educates and inspires.
Pages: 308 | ASIN : B0C3LM4MY2
LITERARY TITAN 