The Whispered Teachings of
Grandmother Trout
On the surface, Ali Stephenson has everything—a thriving career as managing editor at Southern Style Magazine, financial security, and a picturesque life on the Chesapeake Bay. With close friends, daily yoga, and peaceful beach walks, she appears fulfilled. Yet, she’s unaware that she’s being primed to step into the role of publisher, following in the footsteps of her mentor, Joe Driscoll.
Before that transition, Joe sends Ali to deep South Texas to cover a story on fly fishing in the Lower Laguna Madre. She expects a routine assignment but instead embarks on a journey that forces her to confront the past she has worked so hard to suppress.
Ali has long been drawn to unavailable men, a pattern rooted in childhood trauma—her father’s murder of her mother left her to be raised by her grandparents in the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, her path to healing begins when she meets Mama Kate, a fiery lodge owner deeply devoted to the divine feminine. Under Mama Kate’s guidance, Ali must face her demons and embrace her inner wisdom.
A feminine counterpart to A River Runs Through It, The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout explores the complexities of human relationships through the lens of saltwater fly fishing and a profound connection to nature.
While at its core a woman’s coming-of-age novel, the story resonates with men as well. Through the journeys of Captain Jack Cooper, Ali’s fly fishing guide, and Gus Lammons, Mama Kate’s steadfast companion, readers witness struggles with trust, love, and the courage to make choices rather than simply react to life’s circumstances.
What Readers are Saying
Kathy’s Commitment
to Tithing a Percentage of Sales
I have a deep appreciation for the work of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and the organization’s commitment to the healing of disabled veterans through the world of fly fishing. There were times when in my role as Media Lead for the Colorado Springs Chapter, I received more than I gave. I made good friends and experienced the beauty of Colorado waters. Most importantly, I witnessed the incredible transformation of men and women through fly fishing. Because of this, I will be donating 5% of the net sales, split between the national headquarters and the Colorado Springs Chapter.
Being on the water, learning to fly fish, and eventually becoming a guide, taught me a lot about myself. I became more confident both on the water and off. I also deepened my connection to myself and my inner wisdom.
FFI Women Connect is dedicated to creating a community of women fly fishers where sharing inspiration is offered in a fun, non-intimidating environment as women develop and improve fly fishing & tying skills. FFI Women Connect will also receive 5% from the net sales of this book.
About Kathy Sparrow
Kathy Sparrow has been captivated by the power of storytelling since childhood, inspired by hours spent with Marguerite Henry’s Chincoteague pony series and the vibrant tales shared by the women in her family. This early passion naturally evolved into a lifelong vocation, shaping her career as a writer, educator, and mentor.
Kathy began her professional journey as a freelance writer, profiling fascinating individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her academic pursuits deepened her understanding of narrative’s transformative power, culminating in her thesis, Stories that Heal: Building Cross-Cultural Bridges through Literature, which explores how stories can foster healing and connection across cultures.
An accomplished author, Kathy’s novel, The Whispered Teaching of Grandmother Trout, draws from her experiences on the Lower Laguna Madre and has been hailed as the feminine counterpart to A River Runs Through It. Her memoir, On the Mother Lagoon: Fly Fishing and the Spiritual Journey (re-releasing Fall 2025), chronicles her psycho-spiritual adventures in deep South Texas, where she became one of the nation’s few female saltwater fly fishing guides.
Kathy is also the producer and co-creator of Stanky & Cece Adventures, a children’s book series currently in development as an animated series, featuring titles such as Stanky & Cece: Break the Rules (2022) and Stanky & Cece: Out of Control (2023).
As a collaborative writer and project lead, Kathy has contributed to anthologies including The RIM® Institute founder Dr. Deb Sandella’s Mind Over Trauma, Fave Lifestyle Founder Karen Rae’s Being Brave: #Celebrating1mWomen and Their Courage, and Ignite Your Leadership: Proven Tools to Energize Teams, Fuel Momentum, and Accelerate Results She is also an accomplished ghostwriter, with credits such as The Precipice of Life: Leadership and Personal Growth Insights from a Mountaineer’s Edge.
Known as a “Literary Midwife,” Kathy mentors aspiring writers through every stage of the creative process, guiding them in crafting books, blogs, and articles. She has supported the literary journeys of Olympic athletes, fitness experts, and thought leaders, helping bring their stories to life. Visit A Writable Life with Kathy Sparrow
Kathy’s work has appeared in national and regional publications, including E Magazine, American Fitness, Indiana Business Magazine, Hudson Valley Magazine, Hartford Monthly, Indiana Runner, Saltwater Fly Fishing, and Rio Grande Valley Woman, among others. She has profiled renowned personalities such as Carolyn Myss, Christiane Northrup, Steven Halpern, Kermit Love, and Anita Roddick. She has held editorial roles with IDG Press (the former For Dummies publisher), Master’s Press, and the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.).
As a university professor, Kathy has taught writing, literature, theatre, creative writing, and marketing for authors at institutions including National University, Southern New Hampshire University, and the University of Texas-Pan American. A lifelong learner, Kathy has studied with leading figures in human potential, including Jack Canfield, Dr. Deborah Sandella, Laurie Seymour, and Dr. Joe Dispenza. Committed to improving her skill as a writer, Kathy is studying the art of screenwriting with several notable experts in the industry.
She resides in Toluca Lake, California, with her partner, and enjoys yoga, indoor cycling, neighborhood walks, and time with family and friends. For more about Kathy, visit A Writable Life with Kathy Sparrow and Stanky and Cece Adventures.
The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout
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