Eucatastrophe: The Story of a Modern Day Fairy Tale received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Josh Bottomly.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Eucatastrophe: The Story of a Modern Day Fairy Tale. It was published on December 19, 2024.
What’s the book’s first line?
“As a high school teacher, during the first couple weeks of school, I like to use icebreakers to begin the process of building trust with my students.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Eucatastropheis the story of a high school teacher that touches upon everything from literature and psychology to theology and philosophy in an attempt to make sense of his depression. Josh’s story is filled with humor, deep insights, and a renewed passion for living.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
A trusted friend encouraged me to write a book after she saw me give a PechaKucha presentation on the topic. Her name was Whitney Finley. She is a long-time friend and colleague in the English department at my school. Whitney herself is a published poet.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
We’ve all either struggled with or know someone who has struggled with depression. Part of the reason we read is to know we are not alone, and this book is for those who feel alone or know someone who feels trapped inside their lonely battle with depression.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I’ve always wanted to write a book but I’ve spent almost thirty years instead teaching the great books as a high school English teacher.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
No. I co-authored a book with my wife, Amy, titled From Ashes to Africa. We published the book in 2009. The book chronicles our adoption journey.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I’m a full-time teacher, coach, and college counselor.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
Summer is when I have protracted time to write. It’s one of the perks of teaching.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part is the creative license and autonomy. The hardest part is marketing and knowing how to make the most of a limited budget with no expertise.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Have the courage to open a vein. Not my advice. It’s Frederick Buechner’s advice. But it has stuck with me.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I would and I am. My next book is under contract with Roadrunner Press. It will be the young adult version of Eucatastrophe and come out in
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I’m motivated to tell a good story, share hard-earned insight, and then send the book out into the universe in hopes that it finds its way to those who need it.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Anne Lamott.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
I wish I could have written Cloudstreet by Tim Winton. What a gorgeous book of magical (almost mystical) realism. It reads like poetry—such terse prose.