Welcome back to a new Showcase interview! Today we visit with Camilla Downs (Camilla is pronounced like Pamela), a poet, photographer, and founder of Meeting the Authors, itself a showcase of international writers. Camilla, what a treat to showcase a showcaser! Welcome. Let’s introduce you with a bio:
Camilla Downs is a bestselling author, indie publisher, mentor, and mom. Nature and life experiences are a constant source of inspiration for her writing. She enjoys living a minimalist lifestyle, practicing meditation and mindfulness, reading, going for walks, and capturing nature’s essence with photographs. Camilla is the founder of MeetingtheAuthors.com and lives in Northern Nevada, USA with her two kids.
Q. What do you feel you’re best known for, Camilla?
A. It’s funny you have asked this question as I have just recently asked friends and connections what they have noticed about me and about how I solve problems. So …. I’m best known for my perseverance and being a problem solver who is able to see the situation from different angles, beyond mainstream thinking. As well as my writings, books, and nature photography, living from my heart and making intuitive decisions, being grounded by nature, and having a calming presence.
Q. (Something I consistently see in your positive writing.) What do you feel brought you here?
A. You and I have been playing a game of ping pong! We met in an online Facebook group for authors and bloggers. I interviewed you on my website of MeetingtheAuthors.com, you read and reviewed my book, and now I’m answering these fun questions for your Showcase! And, I’m reading your book, Gone Viking: A Travel Saga, right now and really enjoying it!
Q. (Thanks Camilla. We have been dancing around in similar circles!) Who do you consider a role model to you?
A. I think I’m in-between role models at the moment. There are several people I admire and am inspired by how they do business and live their lives. I have had role models in the past who inspired me, too. Perhaps it’s because I’ve pressed the “pause” button of my life, but I’m not able to name a person at the moment.
Q. (I understand; people in these roles can “appear” at different times.) What’s your advice to others?
A. Live your life as you see fit, with a solid foundation of loving-kindness. Speak up and speak out about what offends your heart, and try not to be concerned with what others think of you.
Q. (Oh, I like that a lot.) And what have you been working on lately?
A. Currently I’m trying to take it somewhat easy. I’m just on the other side of a years-long emotional and mental healing journey, while also being a single parent to two kids. I decided at the end of 2019 that 2020 would be a year of rest, relaxation, and of pressing the reset button.
I do plan on writing more books, I’m just not sure yet what they will look like. I’m beginning to think about goals for myself moving forward, and am participating in a challenge to get started with how I’d like to be of service to others with my skills and knowledge.
Q. (That sounds wonderful.) Now, let us know, please, what are your favourite: album, movie, and food dish?
A. Album: I seriously cannot choose a favourite album. I’m one of those people who likes to listen to music on shuffle, just to be surprised. I love 70’s and 80’s disco and rock n’ roll. Yet, I also love 50’s and 60’s rock n’ roll. On the flip side, I enjoy hard rock and some heavy metal! It absolutely depends on my mood.
Movie: It may be easier for me to name my least favourite movies. HA! I don’t like horror/scary movies or movies with tons of violence (unless it’s based on a true story or event from history). My favourite movies are ones that inspire me, make me laugh, teach me something, or expand my awareness.
Food Dish: Spaghetti with a lovely side salad and a chunk of Ciabatta bread (Now, if you ask me this next week, you may receive a completely different answer!)
Q. (Ah, a diner after my own heart!) And now for our Quirky Question. Make a choice: Kayak or Canoe?
A. I’m going with a kayak as I’ve been in a two-person kayak exactly one time, and that was only recently! I can’t recall that I’ve ever been in a canoe.
Q. (Well, alright. I often think of canoes as exemplary Canadiana.) Thanks very much, Camilla. This has been fun! And I wish you continued success with your writing and your Meeting the Authors showcase.
A. Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your showcase, Bill! I had a great time!
Find Camilla’s poetry memoir Words of Alchemy here and her author website here.
Bill Arnott is the bestselling author of A Season on Vancouver Island, theGone Viking travelogues, andA Perfect Day for a Walk: The History, Cultures, and Communities of Vancouver, on Foot(Arsenal Pulp Press, Fall 2024). Recipient of a Fellowship at London’s Royal Geographical Society for his expeditions, Bill’s a frequent presenter and contributor to magazines, universities, podcasts, TV and radio. When not trekking with a small pack and journal, Bill can be found on Canada’s west coast, where he lives near the sea on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh land.
