Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Stella Stella, a proud Mother and Author of A Personal Journey: 26 Days Traveling The Camino De Santiago: Spiritual, Adventurous, Pilgrimage, and Backpacking.
Hi, Great to have you with us today! Please tell us about what it is that you do.
Hello, I am an African-American mom and author. Typically, I write short stories and coffee table reads that different span genre. My writing style is casual and conversational, a perfect fit for your chill time or your weekend travel bag.
Please tell us more about your journey.
It is a pleasure to share my personal journal from the Camino De Santiago, a perspective from behind the scenes.
As described in the journal, my Honey and I decided to adventure away from our comfortable suburban life in California, USA, and embark upon this epic 800Km (500 miles) pilgrimage, primarily in Spain. We experienced the amazing scenery along the Camino De Santiago. However, this journal is not a typical version of the same.
Because I share my “behind the scenes” views and opinions, this writing was initially intended to be a private journal only for a few close friends. So, keep that in mind as you read through the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
In addition to the beauty and simplicity of the Camino, we also experienced some truths of how and why each person’s Camino is different. It is a fitting environment to learn real truths about oneself, and it’s not all roses.
In the end, this was a beautiful experience that I/We will do again someday, ‘My Way.’
We met many wonderful people on our Camino’s. From all around the globe. To date, we still have contact with some of them. All names were changed for the published journal.
Today, back into our comfortable and familiar suburban lives, a part of us is forever pilgrims.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
I write stories out of passion and having a hobby for an easy/enjoyable read. My success is personal. It is doing what I love authentically. As an example, when I write to translate a specific dialect or person, it needs to be authentic (and possibly grammatically incorrect).
I read all kinds of books. I try to read a chill book between intense reads. My short stories fill that gap perfectly.
I prefer short stories for many reasons:
1. I can actually finish them.
2. I don’t stay focused long enough to write a lengthy story.
3. I write stories that are fiction, non-fiction, funny, and/or whatever genre fits.
4. I am really into making memories – with that in mind, if one of my reads makes you laugh out loud, or feel some kind of way, or nudges you to check your own paradigm, then my writing becomes a part of that memory. I think that is a good thing.
Any message for our readers.
My Camino journal is different from my other short stories. My actual Packing List is available only on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, same book title. Just add the words Packing List at the end. However, if you would be willing to post an honest review AND send me an email to confirm, I will send you a FREE copy of the packing list.
One of the last stories in the journal related to the ‘almost’ fight at mass is hilarious (now, it wasn’t funny at the time).
Fantastic! So tell us, how can people find out more about you?
Please email me at Stellastella122333@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions if you are preparing for your own Camino. And, look for Used People and Bingo-Pam, other short stories by Stella Stella via my Amazon Author Page.
You can also check out the audio version of my book on Audible.
Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!