Today we’d like to introduce you to Patty Ihm

Patty, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I guess I should start by saying that I’m not exactly sure where I am today! I didn’t have plans to be a beekeeper or a writer. I did, though, always want to be a mom. Our first sons were born three years apart; there were three of them. Then began the years of fostering and adoption. It was the trials of this type of parenting that led me to write as a form of therapy, really. Working with my bees and growing our family’s apiary has, too, been a creative outlet through the struggles.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

My days would, I am certain, be entirely different if not for the rocky terrain, but I am grateful for every step. We have periods of time when mental illness ties us down. Staying home is enough, and we have our little piece of land where we can run free, hug trees, and tend to the bees and chickens. If we need to, we can scream. And when inspiration finds its way, I can write.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

It’s an interesting question for me because my life has evolved into my work. My debut novel, Goldie Bird, will be released December 10 with Our Galaxy Publishing. I have written a memoir about motherhood and fostering called, “Isn’t that Enough?”, also published by Our Galaxy, as well as a self-published poetic tribute book, “Ode to a Boy.”

My friend, Seth Deming, an independent filmmaker with Anomaly Video, produced a book trailer for Goldie Bird. Part of the filmmaking took place at our farm, and it was the most magical thing to see my vision of Goldie’s story come to life in this trailer. I have to say I am super proud of every aspect of Goldie Bird, and I could not be more grateful to Seth, and to Christine Weimer at Our Galaxy Publishing for pulling all of this together over a number of years.

I guess I am unique in that I am also a foster parent and a beekeeper. Inevitably, bits and pieces of things I have done and have been have found their way into my story. We write what we know, and each of us is unique.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?

Our Galaxy Publishing’s website (ourgalaxypublishing.com) is a wealth of information for aspiring writers or for anyone looking for publishing help or writing resources.

I love to watch David Burns’ YouTube videos on beekeeping. He’s a great mentor and teacher.

Two of my favorite parenting books are “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel Van der Kolk and “The Primal Wound” by Nancy Verrier. Though there will never be enough resources to make parenting children with trauma easy, both of these books were invaluable in our journey.

Pricing:

• Goldie Bird hardcover retails at $28.
• Goldie Bird paperback retails at $18.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pattyihm.com
• Instagram: @pattyihm
• Facebook: Patty Ihm

Image Credits

Patricia Kirk (Goldie Bird cover art)
Christine Weimer (bookmark design and promo materials)