Trust life: Interview with 80-year-old Bold Author and Blogger Christopher Foster and Giveaway!

by Tess

 

Rueben Bailey is the winner of The ReAwakening Meditation System!

Today's Interview and Giveaway:

Christopher Foster has been a blogger for three years and is author of an inspirational novel entitled “The Raven Who Spoke with God” which has just been published as a Kindle book at Amazon. Chris writes about happiness and shares his life lessons at The Happy Seeker blog.  

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born in London in 1932. My dad was a reporter on London daily newspapers and my mother was a teacher. I was an only child in a traditional middle-class British family but as I got into my teens I became very unhappy. I longed to find the meaning of life and writing and truth have been my passions ever since.

Tell us about your book, what’s it about?

Joshua is a brave but sensitive young raven who learns to listen to his own heart and follow his dream no matter what challenges life brings. He experiences many difficulties and traumas but his own integrity will not let him give up his mission to restore the true honor of the raven.

The message of the book is really this: Trust life. Trust your own unconquerable spirit. And if you do you will find the freedom and happiness for which we all long.

How would my readers benefit from reading this book?

Instead of just presenting dry ideas and principles the book invites the reader to experience for themselves first-hand what happens when we do trust life and open our heart to the timeless qualities of our own true character. We are not the limited creatures we sometimes imagine ourselves to be.

Greatness is in every one of us. Joshua is a metaphor for the longing in every one of us to experience greater happiness and purpose in our lives.

When did you first realize you were destined to be a writer?

When I was 8 years old during the early days of the Blitz in WW2. I lived with my Mum on the 5th floor of an apartment building in Central London for a few months before I was evacuated to the country.

Sometimes bombs fell very close to where we were living. I had an old scrapbook and for some reason just began writing a story. I still remember how much I loved writing this story and I didn’t want to stop. Dad was away, serving as a war correspondent overseas during the war.

What has been your biggest challenge?

I was an only child. Saying goodbye to my parents when I was young – just like Joshua did – to go to British Columbia was one of the hardest and most difficult things I have ever done. And yet it was also truly exhilarating because this voice in my heart was telling me I would find freedom and truth and a new life in British Columbia — and so I did.

If I had not followed that inner nudge my life would not have unfolded as it has. I am so grateful to be in a place in myself where I am more and more aware of the timeless peace of my own true nature.  

I am also so thankful for the magic we call synchronicity that I believe helped me get started on my book in the first place.

About 15 years ago I came down to Denver from BC to marry my wife, JoAnn. She noticed how I loved to visit the coffee shop each afternoon. So she said to me one day, "Since you're going to the coffee shop anyway why not start writing a new book while you're there?"

And that's exactly how my raven story was born.

How can someone purchase your book?

The Raven Who Spoke with God costs $3.99. Please click the link below for more info on the book and to visit my author page at Amazon.

If you want an opportunity to win a free copy of Christopher's book leave us a comment below!

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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }

Vidya Sury April 27, 2012 at 7:30 am

What a wonderful interview! Thank you, Tess. Great message. (I have the book :-) )
Have a happy weekend!
Vidya Sury´s last post…An Interview At BlogAdda

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Christopher Foster April 28, 2012 at 8:08 am

Hi Vidya, just want to thank you for your kind response. I’m glad you’ve got the book and send love and best wishes. Have a good one as we say here in Colorado and maybe in your neck of the woods too?
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Cathy | Treatment Talk April 27, 2012 at 9:01 am

Hi Tess and Christopher,

Love the interview. The book sounds wonderful and from reading Christopher’s blog, I’m sure it will be a good one! Take care.
Cathy | Treatment Talk´s last post…A Valuable Guide to Understanding Alcohol

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Christopher Foster April 28, 2012 at 8:13 am

Cathy, I was just thinking about you (good thoughts:-) and then I check in to Tess’s lovely interview to respond to comments and there you are. It really is one of the great blessings of this blogging experience isn’t it? The opportunity to meet up with kindred spirits like you and Tess and Vidya and many more. Blessings to you.
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Rose Byrd April 27, 2012 at 12:22 pm

Thanks you SO MUCH for sharing this interview with us. So wonderful to read about him starting his writing career during the London Blitz as a young boy. What a positive way to cope with danger.
Rose Byrd´s last post…“……and Jitters did WHAT for that little injured girl?”

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Christopher Foster April 28, 2012 at 8:19 am

Rose, I’m so happy to connect with you. One night in particular from those early days of the Blitz I will always remember. Our entire building began to shake back and forth from the blast of the bombs.

Just me and my Mum. So I was hanging on to her for dear life terrified out of my skull but she kept saying to me, “It’s all right, It’s all right.” Soothed me right down. Thanks for all you are doing to give your gift Rose. By the way I love the penguins.
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Michelle Crowther April 27, 2012 at 12:45 pm

What an amazing life you have lead and what a wonderful nudge your wife gave you in suggesting you write your book while you drink coffee!

It was really good to hear your story, your a true inspiration.

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Myriam April 28, 2012 at 6:47 am

I agree with Michelle. You have a wonderful wife that was able to read you well enough to nudge you to write “The Raven who spoke to God”.

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Christopher Foster April 29, 2012 at 10:04 am

Thanks Miriam. I remember so well the moment when JoAnn made her suggestion to me re writing a book during my visits to Starbucks. It just felt absolutely like the right thing to do.

Isn’t it interesting how really important moments in our lives can sometimes show up in the simplest way and in the simplest moment?

I went and bought some legal pads at home depot and for the next 4-5 months that’s what I did, get myself and my legal pad over to the coffee shop and let the adventures of Joshua unfold. Blessings to you Miriam.
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Christopher Foster April 28, 2012 at 8:27 am

Michelle, thank you so much for your kind words. You know I think there really is some kind of loving intelligence that helps us in life. I was in a pile of despair when I met JoAnn and it gave me a new lease of life (mind you, I mustn’t be too modest here, maybe I gave her a new lease of life too?:-).

But my point is l don’t think for a moment we met by chance.
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Baron April 27, 2012 at 1:01 pm

I think I would relate myself as the raven. How I wish I could directly speak to God on the physical level but I think it’s better off on the spiritual level. How much is the book by the way? I would like to be inspired by it.

-Baron
Baron´s last post…Click this

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Christopher Foster April 28, 2012 at 8:38 am

Your words are very touching to me Baron. Thanks for your comment. Probably the word ‘God’ means something different to all of us but for me personally it’s a very beautiful word that has something to do with the totality of existence.

And so when for example I see araven flying around here at the townhome complex where we live (and there is quite a large flock in this neighborhood) I do feel as if I’m communing with God even as I say “Hi Joshua”. The book is $3.99. Hey, if you do read it, and like it, could you please consider writing a review to Amazon?
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Glori April 27, 2012 at 6:20 pm

What an inspiring post and interview!
My favorite part:
“If I had not followed that inner nudge my life would not have unfolded as it has. I am so grateful to be in a place in myself where I am more and more aware of the timeless peace of my own true nature.”
Thank you!
Glori´s last post…10 Introvert Quotes to Get You Thinking… and Smiling

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Christopher Foster April 28, 2012 at 8:41 am

Lovely to hear from you Glori. Thank you for your words. Okay to send you a “virtual” hug?
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Carol April 28, 2012 at 7:10 am

What a lovely and inspiring man. Thank you for sharing!

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Christopher Foster April 28, 2012 at 8:43 am

Thank you Carol. Have a beautiful day. Blessings.
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Galen Pearl April 28, 2012 at 10:32 am

Thank you both for this personal and moving interview. Christopher, you have overcome some deep challenges from childhood to grow in wisdom and joy. Thank you for sharing your views in your wonderful book.
Galen Pearl´s last post…A Legacy of Blessing

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Christopher Foster April 29, 2012 at 10:07 am

I always light up inside when I see your name Galen. It’s a rare gift you offer your world. Love and blessings.
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Fran Sorin April 29, 2012 at 3:52 am

Christopher…
The lessons you share so freely with us is a real gift. And your gentle souls always shines through. Tess, thanks for a wonderful interview. Fran

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Christopher Foster April 29, 2012 at 10:09 am

Good to connect with you again Fran, many thanks for your kind words.
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Rick April 29, 2012 at 7:19 pm

Great interview, and wonderful new site for me to visit. Thanks to both Tess and Christopher for sharing.

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Christopher Foster April 30, 2012 at 2:09 pm

Thanks Rick. God bless.
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Betsy at Zen Mama April 29, 2012 at 9:00 pm

What a great interview! I read Christopher’s blog! And I think we even live near each other in Denver. Don’t you live near Littleton? Glad to read about your book as well. I’ll check it out!
Betsy at Zen Mama´s last post…Did Getting Mad Find The Sock Any Faster?

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Christopher Foster April 30, 2012 at 2:12 pm

Betsy, thanks. You’re kidding, you’re in Denver? Wife and I are in Centennial next door to the new Southglenn mall. Be great to connect with you. My phone is 720-328-8246. Bye for now.
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Vlad | Simpler Life Today April 30, 2012 at 9:42 am

Hi Tess and Chris,
Great interview! Chris, I just finished reading your book and I love the timeless message in it! I’m having my 13 year old son read it next. As always, thank you for the inspiration!

Vlad
Vlad | Simpler Life Today´s last post…Let Go of the Past

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Christopher Foster April 30, 2012 at 2:15 pm

It’s always such a pleasure to connect with you Vlad. Thanks for your kind words. You mention your son, about a year ago I was invited to a reception in my honor at a private school in Loveland. The principal had made my book part of her curriculum for the previous year and they wanted to express their appreciation. I was blown away by their kindness. I still have the drawings and great comments from her students aged 13-16 or so.

Blessings to you Vlad. Stay well.
Christopher Foster´s last post…Your heart knows where happiness lies

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Sandra / Always Well Within May 1, 2012 at 11:04 pm

What a gorgeous photo of Christopher and his wife! Thank you for this interview, Tess. “The Raven Who Spoke with God” is one of my favorite books. I was so entranced I practically read it all the way through. I love how each chapter leaves you hanging just a bit so that you are compelled to find out what’s next. The book truly mirrors the ups and downs of the spiritual path in such an honest and authentic way.

I loved reading more about Christopher’s background in this interview and especially how he became a writer. All my love to both of you…
Sandra / Always Well Within´s last post…The Power of Living From Your Vows

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Denise May 3, 2012 at 2:56 am

Nice give away…I love how each chapter leaves you hanging just a bit so that you are compelled to find out what’s next.
Denise´s last post…dog training tricks

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