booktalkcorner

Angus Munro has roots that run deep. His farming ancestors came from Scotland in 1830 and his relatives still reside on the same farmlands in Southern Ontario, Canada. His grandfather left Ontario and took his family to Saskatchewan in 1905 and became a prosperous wheat farmer. When Angus’ father married, the grandfather leased other farmlands to get his son established. Angus’ father lost the total proceeds of his first wheat crop in a wild poker game at the local grain elevator. The grandfather was none too happy and decided to relocate to Vancouver, B.C.

The Depression deepened and sadly Angus’ grandfather passed away - leaving his entire estate to his second son. Angus’ father traveled to see his brother to seek financial assistance and received nothing. He returned to Vancouver unexpectedly one evening and found his wife in bed with someone else. Thus, his father became a single parent to three children - Laura 6, Angus 3, and Marjorie and infant. The following day, Angus became very ill with appendicitis and spent seven weeks in the Vancouver General Hospital. The author vividly covers his early childhood years and living with another family - similar circumstances, a father with five children, coping with the Depression and, thereafter, addressing their dual basic family needs.

Angus’ new memoir, A Full House - But Empty, is the gripping story of young Angus’ life growing up in the Depression years based on the positive lessons he had learned from his father during their somewhat traumatic and hectic years together.

If you would like to find out more about Angus and his new book, visit here.

About his book, A Full House–But Empty:

Filled with anecdotes, lessons learned, and an inspirational message for everyone who believes that hard work breeds success, this moving autobiography shares the remarkable story of Angus Munro.

Munro is just three when he suffers from appendicitis and spends several weeks in a Vancouver hospital as his family struggles to survive the Great Depression. After finally arriving home, Munro asks his sister, “Where is Mummy?” and is promptly told his mother doesn’t live there anymore. It is this traumatic event that changes the course of Munro’s life forever. His father is suddenly a single parent while simultaneously turning into Munro’s mentor and hero. He teaches Munro the motto, “Always do the right thing,” while raising his children in an environment that is at the very least hectic, and more often completely chaotic.

Through a potpourri of chronological and heartfelt tales, Munro reveals how he learned to view incidents in life in terms of responsibility, recognition, personal conduct, and consideration of others. Despite dropping out of school at a young age, Munro perseveres, eventually attaining professional success.

Munro’s memoir is a wonderful tribute to his father’s legacy and the greatest lesson of all - whatever you do, follow through.

INTERVIEW:

Why don’t you begin by telling us a little about yourself?

In 2003, I retired after thirty-nine years in hospital administration in both California and Alaska. As a divorced person, I found myself, during my daily walks, reminiscing about my past –particularly my childhood years. This was a poignant, yet productive and cathartic experience. I was born in Vancouver, Canada during the Great Depression.  My father, a single parent with three small children, was faced with many challenging situations. Thus, with family encouragement, I thoughtfully decided to write my Memoirs.

When did you decide you wanted to become an author?

Continuing: Apart from those difficult struggling Depression years, I became a grade school dropout at age fourteen due to an unfortunate incident. World War II was just ending and I became a busboy at a major Vancouver hotel.  Thus, eventually my limited educational background became my focus of picking up the pieces and moving on. I believe I have a positive message to convey during my upward climb.

Did your book require a lot of research?

No. Fortunately I have been blessed with a good memory.  I simply stated my life experiences throughout the years and how I addressed both the time and circumstances of this journey.   

What will the reader learn after reading your book?

I believe most of us, from time to time, attempt to reassess whom and where we are and if we are fulfilling our desired expectations. A measurement of whatever standards or criteria we have set for ourselves.  Mine has been to obtain an upward climb and potentially considering my individual circumstances for fulfilling both personal and vocational achievements. 

Describe your working environment.

My computer is located in the corner of my small kitchen. Strangely enough, when I started writing my story, I seemed to leave my kitchen and re-enter the past unfolding the circumstances at that time.  I seemed to revisit both my home and later my individual work scene. The latter - visually revisiting the office (workplace) and those whom I worked with at that time.  It was a rewarding revisit but rather an uncanny experience.  Nevertheless, it was a very productive and cathartic journey.

What type of scenes give you the most trouble to write?

Sadly, writing about my beautiful and talented sister, Laura was the most difficult for me.  Unfortunately, her great potentialities were lost due to drug abuse and being involved with nefarious characters throughout her short life. 

As a writer, what scares you the most?

I have one burning question, “Is my story interesting?”

When it comes to writing, are you an early bird, or a night owl?

I am retired, thus having open affordable writing options. I am basically an early bird seeking a fresh start.  However, many segments of my chapters were completed as a night owl when I would experience a somewhat creative literary binge. 

Do you have an agent?  How was your experience in searching for one?

My book was self-published through iUniverse.  I have used some of their promotional services.  Additionally, I have worked very closely with three wonderful ladies. Tracy Roberts of Write Field Services and Shirley Roe of Allbooks Review for book reviews and other promotional services.  And ongoing with Dorothy Thompson, Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Tours.

Do you have any unusual writing quirks?

Hum, I don’t think so! I hope not!

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? What seems to work for unleashing your creativity?

Presumably, I selected the easiest category, Memoirs!  I am simply telling my story and fortunately I have been blessed with a great memory.  Throughout the entire process, my thoughts poured out in tandem, both ebulliently and effortlessly. However, my fingers were typing like mad – trying to keep up!

Who are your favorite authors?

I am an old movie buff and Bob Thomas has written several books, such as (Irving) Thalberg, Marlon (Brando), Joan Crawford, and others.  I am also a World War II buff and love Winston Churchill’s writings.

What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

It was wisely stated and immediately addressed. Do not disclose future similar thoughts – as an afterthought, wait until they actually occur.  (e.g.)  I mentioned seeing the Northern Lights as a child and stated that I had seen them years later in Alaska. (Do it in progression.)

Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you and your work?

Yes indeed!  My web-site is www.angusrmunro.com.

As an author, what is your greatest reward?

A good review from whomever - really pleases me.  Also working with great people - such as those three ladies I previously mentioned, Tracy Roberts, Shirley Roe and Dorothy Thompson.  

Thanks for stopping by! It was a pleasure to have you here!

Trackback URI | Comments RSS