Meet Nancy Houser-Bluhm | author

My business is my current novel, Whispers for Terra, and my writing. I was recently introduced to ‘green solutions’ as it pertains to novels.  Some element of an environmental solution is weaved into a fictional story. It uses a unique and engaging  avenue to inform people about environmental issues.

That’s how Whispers for Terra enters the conversation. It introduces the general reader to the life teeming in our forests and in our soil,  along with discussing regenerative farming. It accomplishes this through an enjoyable quickly paced,  fiction story. My next novel will continue the effort of informing the audience about changes in our food production while embedded within a time travel story.

There are many caring,  but incredibly busy people,  not overly excited about documentaries or nonfiction books on climate issues. For me, it’s a bonus when someone informs me about a noteworthy historical event or social issue within an otherwise fictional story. There are many groups who involve themselves in climate solutions but they are often speaking in more depth to an already knowledgeable audience. Whispers for Terra introduces an issue while entertaining.

My career for 40 years was that of a Speech-Language Pathologist. Much like wanting to inform people of llesser-known climate issues, many in the general public have little understanding of the scope of Speech Pathology. It was a gift that I was guided to such a field. I have never been bored as a professional helping others communicate.. Speech Pathologists work in a broad spectrum of settings such as schools, hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and home health. Whenever I started to feel burned out, I was able to change settings. I have worked with children as young as 3 and as old as 97 years of age.

Whispers for Terra’s main character is a Speech Pathologist in a skilled nursing facility. Although that aspect fades to the background, it is Mary’s ability to communication that causes the woods to reach out to her and ask for help.

I am still developing my brand as an author but want to be viewed as a person who cares about lifting up issues, our earth’s need, and providing an entertaining read  while learning a bit along the way.

I love this question. Living the past 20 years in the foothills outside Denver, but hailing from the midwest, showing people the Colorado outdoors is part of nearly every day when we have visitors. I am not sure any view is more impressive to a midwesterner than the valley seen after rounding Kenosha Pass.

Red Rocks is a stand out to every visitor. Whether we attend a concert, walk the stairs or just admire the amphitheater from the top, it’s a must see. While in  Morrison I recommend enjoying a  brew or glass of wine from a tree filled patio or rooftop bar. The Cow is my choice for breakfast and a Bloody Mary. Don’t forget to make a stop at at the Moxi Poppy for locally sourced gifts.

Being a mountain local everyone needs at least one visit to the Bucksnort Saloon. Not sure one goes for the food, but it’s location in Sphinx Park is as unique of sight as there is and the age of the bar, makes it an iconic visitor memory. One must travel down S. Elk Creek Road in order to get the whole experience.

Sticking with the mountain theme, the Bistro in Marshdale is a place worth eating for both the cuisine and the mountain elegant atmosphere.

My book’s dedication in Whispers for Terra is: “To those in our lives who casually speak the kind words we carry with us and repeat over and over to ourselves in the moments we most need them.” I hope we all have those statements that whisper to us, lift us up when we want to give up, or are caught in a loop of self-criticism.

My family lived rurally, so I discovered an early love for nature and long walks. Friends and family championed me whenever I was floundering in belief of myself. I have developed friendships with many authors that inspire me daily. Writer’s groups and the people in them are wonderful guides whether self or traditionally published. Colorado Author League and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers offer tremendous support. Writing sprints with Kat Caldwell of Pencils and Lipstick, has recently been instrumental in getting me sitting and writing again.  I still meet each Thursday with some authors I met day one of this author’s journey, ( I  realize we really need to name our group! ) They will always be people who saw something in me I doubted was there.

If I were to name one book that has shifted my life, it is The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks. In a reader friendly manner it helps a person navigate and shed limiting beliefs and that nasty imposter syndrome too many of us carry. I have read it at least 3 times and gifted many copies.