The Yak caught up with author Nigel Simmonds to talk words, whys and wherefores.

So Nigel, what have you been up to since we last spoke?
Growing, I hope. Moving on with things. It’s been a crap two years with the pandemic but it’s allowed us all to see what’s important … it’s brought us back to what’s central. I’ve been concentrating on family, my animals, and the things I am good at, which are words, storytelling and I guess communicating those stories across today’s platforms for both me and a few like-minded clients.

Tell us about your book and what it took to write it…
People always ask me how long it took to write Eating The Wind. It’s a question that comes up over and over again. In all honesty, I started it when I was 28 and I finished it when I was almost 58. So I guess the easy answer would be 30 years.

Where did the inspiration come from for the book?
From life, and from my perceptions of what it is to seek some kind of truth. Bali plays a big part. I wanted to write a book that would go beyond Bali that talked to anyone who has ever sought out a different path. In the end, it’s a tale about seeking some kind of unachievable freedom, which is pretty much what life is all about for the privileged few among us.

Why did you choose self-publishing on Amazon over more conventional ways to get the book out?
I had an agent back in the day and I dreamt of getting an advance from a big publishing house, but frankly it took me so long to get the book into a shape that he died waiting. Amazon is so convenient.

What do you hope to achieve from writing the book, and what do you want people to take away from reading it?
I hope people like it and I hope the story stays with them after finishing it. That’s pretty much it.

Is there an audio version?
Yes! On Audible, Kindle and paperback from Amazon, or from me directly. There’s a hardcover version if that’s your thing.

Ok, top 3 books of all time… go.
That’s an impossible question as it depends on who you are, and what you’ve read. But for me: Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway and Fear and Loathing by Hunter Thompson. I would like to add Diceman by Luke Rheinhart to that list, and more than a few others.

What’s next for you?
I’m sticking with my core strengths, as people like to say these days, and rolling them out across the available technology. I’m doing a podcast called SGNFCNT with The Yak in Bali, and I’ve been doing a bit of public speaking to test an idea for another book. And I’m working on that book.

Nigel thanks so much for spending time with us and we look forward to seeing you at the Diva lunch.
I get thirsty just thinking about it!

Eating The Wind will be available for sale at the Diva Charity  Lunch on July 8. 20% of sales will go towards Christina’s chosen charity.

It’s also available on Amazon or Audible, or directly from the author at www.eatingthewind.com.
Photo Credits: Big ups to Costes Portrait www.costes-portrait.com @ryersonanselmo – the best in Bali!
Shot at 40 Thieves Bali, frankly the most awesome speakeasy on the island.