Official Interview: Patrick C Notchtree

[kandscreeley]

Today's Chat with Sarah features Patrick C Notchtree author of The Clouds Still Hang.

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Official Interview

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1. What do you do when you aren't writing?

I spend time with my family and, as a carer, I devote time to those I care for. I also am secretary of a social and support group for older LGBT+ people in my area. I sometimes attend and address seminars on LGBT+ related issues with various organizations. I am a news junkie and watch a lot of factual television. Once I am writing - and I am currently writing my fifth book - I try to be very focused with a target of up 2000 words a day, but of course, things intervene and I don't always manage that.

2. Who has most influenced you?

Readers of my memoir will know that Daniel was a major influence when I was young, but my mother, who was far from the weak person some reviewers, whoever read the whole trilogy, think. Also, inevitably, my dear wife of over fifty years. She would say my mother because she describes me as a feminist. I have always believed in female equality and doubtless, that is my mother's influence.

3. Let's discuss your book The Clouds Still Hang. You make it clear that this isn't an autobiography. How would you classify it?

I think I see an autobiography as written in the first person which I found constricting. Sometimes I needed to describe things from another person's POV. Also to qualify as an autobiography all names of the people involved should be genuine. I changed names and some place names. So I call it a biographical memoir. The events described are true.

4. Why did you change the names of the characters?

Some of the narrative is controversial. Indeed one literary agent described the book as "too hot to handle". That was ten years ago so maybe that might be less so now. Many of the people mentioned in the memoir are still around and might not wish to be named. One or two in particular might take exception to the way they are described in the book and although I'd be quite happy to defend that description, why have the hassle as it does not materially affect the narrative? "Ruby Simmons" springs to mind in this context.

5. Why was it important to tell this story?

My life has been varied, difficult at times, traumatic even. Others faced with similar issues might find hope in it because as I say, Love triumphs in the end. After one traumatic episode, my therapist suggested I write things down and from that germ, the book grew. It might also have lessons for professionals in certain areas such as the legal system, psychiatrists and researchers into the issues the book raises.

6. What was the most difficult part of writing the story? What was the most rewarding?

The events of 18 October 1963 were very difficult to write. It is graphic but in some sense, it was cathartic for me. It took a long time, and I still find it hard to re-read. Nevertheless, I felt I had to describe that in some detail in order that the reader can understand just how traumatic it was and how it has affected my life to this day. This is why I include the quote in the foreword:

"Let us have the honesty to see things as they are, since to see things as they ought to be is to miss them entirely." Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935)

Next in difficulty would be 30 November 1960. If I re-read that it still makes me cry. I still feel shame when I read about the events of 1979 and also of 2007.

The most rewarding was my meeting with the young woman who later became my wife and has remained so since. Also, I loved reliving my time with Daniel. The time I had with "James" was rewarding in itself as he was such a great help to me and I will forever be grateful to him, although that relationship had its own difficulties of course.

7. What message do you want to convey to your readers?

I felt I wanted to tell my story so that people who only know the bad things about me get to see the whole picture and then they can make a valid judgment. But also to show that whatever trauma one suffers in life, that need not be the end of it. My life could have ended in 1963 so I hope that others facing such desperation from whatever cause can see that things can change and that there is always hope.

8. What's next for you?

Since publishing The Clouds Still Hang ten years ago, I got the writing bug and have written three more books, two non-fiction; A Little Book of Islam and Apostrophe Catastrophe; a novella Hunting Harry originally written for a competition. I am now writing a fiction novel but based in fact, Maxym about a young, gay, orphaned Russian boy who becomes a psychopathic, highly paid sniper assassin.

I like to end with fun questions.

9. What is the greatest accomplishment in your life?

My relationship with my father was problematic as readers will know. So I was determined to be as good a father to my own children as I could be. Both have had different problems but both are good people with good values and a strong moral compass. Both now know I am gay but that has not broken the bond because neither are bigots and both are loving and caring people, values they are passing on to my grandchildren.

10. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I have travelled quite widely, mainly in Europe and North America. Since 2007 the US Department of Homeland Security will not allow me to enter the USA again (they actually vetoed permission granted by the State Department) and as my daughter and her family live in Ohio, that is where I would go again.

11. What's the most unexpected piece of advice you've ever received?

This is the hardest question to answer so far. People usually come to me for help and advice. People have offered me advice over the years of course, like everybody, some of it not complimentary but none of it was especially unexpected. Sorry.

12. What makes you unique?

All seven billion of us are unique. I suppose my life experience is unique as is everybody's, but perhaps mine is unusual, more than most. Certainly not mundane. One reader commented that I have "been to hell and back" but I prefer to concentrate on the "and back" part of that. It's a positive end overall and it's a shame that some were dissuaded by the sadness in parts of the initial chapters. "Love triumphs in the End!"

http://www.notchtree.com

http://www.thecloudsstillhang.com

[Lakshyaaj J]

Your interview was insightful and engaging, providing a deep dive into your creative process and inspiration. Thank you for sharing your journey and wisdom with us.