FROG IN MY THROATFrog in my Throat is the first of three Bernard Preston books. It's quite a venture of faith to write a book. Me, write a book? You must be crazy! I very soon discovered that I had no idea what demands would be made on me before I had a completed volume in my hand. Just as well, as I would probably never have started! But what a proud day the arrival of Frog was, despite the enormous energy and persistence it took. And what a pleasant surprise when a fan wrote, saying how much Frog made her think, laugh and relax.
The vital moment.Probably the supreme moment came during an adaptation of Steven Covey's "Seven Habits" for Christians (yes, I am a Believer). "Is there something left that you really want to do?" asks Covey. All the lights came on! I want to write a book! That day I made a choice to go in search of myself in quite another realm. Was there another depth, a capacity yet unfilled, untapped?But did Bernard Preston believe in himsself sufficiently to do it? And carry it to completion? Do I really have stories worth telling, tales that people will delight in? Yes, absolutely! Needless to say, many were doubtful! Was this another of Bernard Preston's absurd notions? Not so! Here's my baby. She was very nearly still-born!
Let me hasten to say this is not a religious book, but I do openly believe in the Lordship of Jesus Christ in my life. I say it humbly, because I've made a lot of mistakes that bring him no glory. Like Uriah Heap I hope to remain a humble man! Interested in reading more about becoming a Christian? Writing, editing, publishing, distributingI quite soon discovered that writing the first draft of a chapter was relatively easy. But editing it, that was altogether another matter. A bear! Each chapter of Frog has gone through at least 15 formal edits, and was preceeded by at least another half dozen before that. Probably more. The first and last chapters were written, and rewritten at least 25 times. Then there's the matter of a publisher. And a formal edit by 'the official editor'. A second nightmare! Letting go of one's baby is no easy business. And then the burden of distribution. Frankly, that has been the worst. I had no idea! But finally the sense of achievement, the great many people you meet along the way, the new experience of life in the complex new world of publishers and authors. Wonderful.
The backpage says:From the pen of a local Chiropractor come these delightful cameos of incidents and anecdotes and fascinating glimpses into the professional world of complementary practitioners. Those who are familiar with James Herriot's vet stories will find "Frog in my Throat" a must read. It's a great privilege just to be mentioned in the same breath as the great Herriot. I hope you won't be disappointed. He remains one of my all time favourite authors. Frog in my Throat
From the publisher's deskBernard Preston D.C. has been practising as a Chiropractor for nearly thirty years, in one of South Africa's smaller towns. Known by widely differing patients from small children to famous artists in pain, he is well equiped to give us some fascinating insights into the world of Chiropractic. No holds barred.Bernie is married with two sons, and a daughter who is also a chiropractor. He is a person who believes in the fullness of life both in a general sense, as you will soon see as you accompany him in his wide interests in nature, mountains, fishing, and gliding, beekeeping and carpentry; and, as a layminister in the Anglican chruch, in a religious sense.
Preston's books are beautifully illustrated by Lorraine Harrison. Of Frogs, Bats and now Tadpoles.
Go from FROG IN MY THROAT to the home page BERNARD-PRESTON.COM
If you're an animal lover, and are interested in other people's leap of faith, you will enjoy Jim Harris's lovely book. Ostensibly about training a wolf, Jim finds that he is the one being trained. Click on the wolf.
There's a free download of the first two chapters. Well worth a read. LINKSMonthly Newsletter
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