Virtual Book Tour Pit Stop with Tommy Batchelor

Today I'd like to welcome Tommy Batchelor,  author of Lost On Spirit River.  Welcome Tommy and thank you so much for stopping in and chatting with me and my readers today.  Today Tommy and I were enjoying our chat by a warm fire,  listening to the crackling wood with a hot cup of cocoa.

BK:  Please tell us a little about yourself...


TB:  I grew up with many books on the shelf and reading was an everyday event in our home. Growing up in central Georgia gave Author Tommy Batchelor had many outdoor adventures either in the woods or along the banks of the Flint River. His first book, a 28-page picture book for ages 6 - 10. Sunday's with Papa T, A River Adventure, published by Mirror Publishers in 2008. “Lost on Spirit River”, is Book 1 of the Spirit River Trilogy and Tommy's first Middle grade fiction for ages 9 - 12. He resides in Middle Georgia with his wife, Cathy. Contact the Author at tombatch50@gmail.com

BK:  What inspired you to pen your first title?

TB:  I challenged myself to write a first picture book for my granddaughters. I have heard how much Authors tell about it being the hardest gender to write. Now I know what they meant, this was not only my first book ever! It's also the hardest thing I've ever attempted. My new release, Lost on Spirit River is more my speed, so to speak. I can relate more to Tony and Kathryn. I have experienced some of their feeling and troubles.

BK:  How long have you been writing?

TB:  I've been writing for over 12 years now, most of what I have written is put away in files. Most of the stories are for my grandkids and I hope is passed on to they're children.

BK:  What was the hardest part about writing this particular novel?

TB:  For Lost on Spirit River, the hardest part about writing this book. Nothing! As I sat down and began to write, the words flowed like a stream in spring. Within a couple of days the first draft was done.

BK:  Have any dreams been realized as a result of your writing?

TB:  The biggest result in my writing is my children, grandchildren's have realized, how I was as a child, and the things I loved to do growing up. It I leave my children money when I'm gone, they spent it. If I leave photo, they get lost, faded, torn up. If I leave them a book, they can hold it in their hand and be close to me when I'm long gone.

BK:  Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?

TB:  I did not realize until my first pre-published review I had written a multi-pronged message.

Cooperation to achieve a common goal, Children from homes where separation and divorce is reality will identify with Tony and his situation and Readers are treated to a glimpse of the spirit world of ancient native tribes.

BK:  Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?

TB:  I enjoy writing just for fun…I don't think I will every write that great American novel. I love writing for the Middle Grade group of Children. Maybe that's where my brain quit growing. As I take pen to paper( type on computer) my second Lost on Spirit River book, I just want to be able to give the children a great story to read.

BK:  What advice do you have for writer's just starting out?

TB:  It takes a lot of Patience to be an Author these days, either with a big publishing house or self-publishing. It will come together! Someday, will be the day, when you open that box and hold your book in your hands for the very first time.

BK:  Anything else you would like to share with us today?......

TB:  I want to Thank-you for allowing me to be here today and to everyone who stops by a Very Merry Christmas and may the New Year be your Best Every.

BK:  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too Tommy.  Thank you so much for being with us today and we are wishing you much success!  Stop by Tommy's site at http://www.tommybatchelor.com/ to stay updated with all that is happening with him.

About Lost On Spirit River:

For ages 12 and up. Thirteen-year-old Tony's parents are in the middle of divorce, his mother sends him to his Grandpa's along the banks of the Flint River in Southwestern Georgia. With his younger cousin Kathryn, they set out to look for a Christmas tree for the holidays, along with Grandpa's aging beagle, Sally. The three become lost in a snowstorm, which has not hit Georgia in three hundred years. Finding shelter in a hidden cave, stumbling upon Native American art. Now the adventure begins... In Lost on Spirit River, author Tommy Batchelor has written an entertaining young-adult novel with a multi-pronged message. He uses suspense and adventure to capture his audience's attention...The dialogue is crisp...The characters are well developed... Readers glimpse the spirit world of ancient native tribes in a way that will stir imaginations...Kim Reale's illustrations solidify the images already created by Batchelor's exceptional ability to describe scenes and setting. Highly Recommended by William Potter for Reader's Choice Book Reviews. Author Bio Growing up in central Georgia gave Author Tommy Batchelor many outdoor adventures either in the woods or along the banks of the Flint River. "Lost on Spirit River", is Book 1 of the Spirit River Trilogy and Tommy's first Middle grade fiction for ages 8-12. Tommy resides in Middle Georgia with his wife, Cathy.

Contact the Author at tombatch50@gmail.com