On the surface, Ali Stephenson has it all–a secure position at Southern Style Magazine, where she’s risen to the ranks of managing editor and the possessions that a six-figure salary makes possible. She has good friends, practices yoga daily, and takes long strolls on the beach near her home on the Chesapeake Bay. Yet, little does she know that she’s being groomed to take over her mentor’s role as publisher.
Before that occurs, however, Joe Driscoll, the current publisher, sends Ali off to deep South Texas to write about fly fishing on the Lower Laguna Madre. She has no idea that her life was about to change drastically–and that she’d be forced to face much of her past that she has been diligently keeping at bay.
Like many women, Ali has a history of choosing unavailable men, stemming from her childhood trauma. Her father murdered her mother, leaving her to be raised by her grandparents on a farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, Ali’s healing begins when the feisty lodge owner Mama Kate, who has a deep devotion to the divine feminine, challenges Ali to face her demons and embrace her inner wisdom.
The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout is best described as a feminine version of A River Runs Through It, weaving together the complexity of navigating human relationships set against the backdrop of saltwater fly fishing and the connection to nature.
While it is a woman’s coming-of-age novel, men are also seeing themselves within this story. They forge a connection with the prominent male characters–Captain Jack Cooper, Ali’s fly fishing guide and Gus Gammons, Mama Kate’s faithful companion, whose complicated relationship with Kate, mirrors Ali’s own resistance to trust her heart and make decisions for her life that are choices rather than reactions.
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
Literary Midwife Kathy Sparrow is an award-winning author, ghostwriter, and publishing consultant who has been mentoring aspiring writers of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry for over two decades. Many have penned bestselling books because of her book coaching services. Known as a “behind-the-scenes secret weapon” to thought leaders, Kathy specializes in the areas of self-development, leadership, and memoir.
Kathy is the co-author and project lead of Ignite Your Leadership: Proven Tools for Leaders to Energize Teams, Fuel Momentum, and Accelerate Results. Her novel, The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout, is touted as the feminine version of A River Runs Through It. She is co-author of the children’s books, Stanky & Cece: Break the Rules (2022) and Stanky & Cece: Out of Control (2023). She is completing It’s All in the Cast: A Fly Fisher’s Guide to Presence, Power & Performance (2023). She has ghostwritten books and blogs on the topics of banking, personal growth and development, memoir, and leadership, including The Precipice of Life: Leadership and Personal Growth Insights from a Mountaineer’s Edge.
Throughout her career, she has worked with IDG Press (the former For Dummies publisher), Master’s Press, Wish Publishing, ARE Press, and others. Her work as a journalist has also appeared in Saltwater Fly Fishing, Indianapolis Woman, Indiana Business Magazine, E magazine, Hudson Valley Magazine, and many more. A university professor, she has taught writing in first-year writing programs, sophomore literature, theatre, and marketing for authors.
Kathy has studied transformational methodologies with Jack Canfield founder of Chicken Soup for the Soul and author of The Success Principles, Dr. Deb Sandella of The RIM® Institute, Laurie Seymour of The Baca Institute, and Renee Moorefield of Wisdom Works. She is a Certified Canfield Trainer in The Success Principles and Canfield Methodologies, Certified Be Well Lead Well Pulse® Guide, and Master RIM® facilitator. Kathy relies on the science of success tools to assist her clients in overcoming obstacles and mindset limitations, as well as identify how to create a life filled with vitality and wellbeing. She holds a master’s degree in English with a concentration on literature and cultural studies.
Kathy enjoys yoga, hiking, fly fishing, and adventures with her partner and family. She spends her time in LA and San Diego, and you can also find her in Colorado, Mexico, Oregon––or wherever her travels take her. Her websites are: www.kathysparrow.com and www.awritablelife.com
The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout
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