Thanks for joining us for part two of our conversation with Shirley Bahlmann. If you missed part one, click here.
Shirley, thanks again for being here. Yesterday we talked about your new releases. What was your inspiration to write these books?
“Friends From Beyond the Veil” came about by accident. I was researching stories for a pioneer book and found some modern day haunting stories. People kept telling me more and more stories until I had a book. The Oddly Enough book is the result of readers of the Odds series asking and asking and asking me for another book! I was delighted to oblige. I get lost in great stories, and I enjoy the short story format because I can present so many of them! The Unicycle book was created from an off hand comment to my publisher, who said, “Hey! I’d like to publish a book about you learning how to ride your unicycle.” It grew from there.
How long have you been riding a unicycle?
I first rode that magical one wheeled beast when I was 16. Then I got back on when I was 47, and kept going and kept going until I was close to 49 when I could peddle six times without holding on, and I could go further distances with a pair of broomsticks (named DellRay and Greg, after my brothers.)
What other hidden talents do you have that we don’t know about yet?
I can let go a piercing whistle that’ll call the cows home (without using my fingers), I can say the alphabet backwards, I make up patterns to sew my own clothes, and I like to sleep with a huge dog bed pillow on my stomach.
What projects are you working on now?
BAHLMANN (Big Adventures Happen Learning MANNers…-or-…Brats Always Have Lousy MANNers…take your pick) SKITS (Social Kids Interactive Teaching Skills) SKITS for elementary schools, consisting of 18 skits, 18 storybooks, sheet music for skit songs, and a CD of raps and songs that go along with each skit. This program allows children to teach one another appropriate social skills and good manners. I’m going to travel the state of Utah to get this information to as many caretakers of young people as I can, since I’ve seen the difference it’s made in our local school. And I like kids! What else can I say? I’m still a kid at heart.
Wow – I’m really impressed.
Thanks for talking with us today, Shirley.
Be sure to check out Shirley’s website and learn more about this amazing lady and all the projects she has on her plate.
Related Blogs:
Interview with Prolific Author, Shirley Bahlmann