Ruth E Wilson, the author of Conquering Clouds, took some time out to have a chat with Beauty and Lace.
Get to know Ruth in this interview.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My love for my family fills my heart as I am blessed with beautiful souls in my life. Born in Queensland, I have spent a life as a traveller with homes in the US, Japan, New Zealand, Canada and in Australia – Byron Bay, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Corlette.
I have been privileged to find my destiny – aviation. Stepping into a hot air balloon basket in 1975 I knew instantly I was born to fly, and I have – gas and hot air balloons and Cessna aircraft.
I have gathered core beliefs that have allowed me to manage huge challenges both emotional and physical. As a pioneer in both my corporate world and aviation I have needed those core beliefs.
How long did it take you to write Conquering Clouds?
Once I committed to the task of writing my memoir, I spent about 20 months. Mostly during 2019 and 2020.
What can you tell us about ballooning?
Lift off in a balloon and there is a sense of cutting ties with earthly responsibilities.
Below sits a 360-degree view of scenery – nature, villages, mountains. The balloon moves at one with the wind so there is no movement of breeze at all. The final landing space is mostly unknown so there is a sense of adventure, and a challenge to find the ‘return to earth’ spot.
The joy of sharing such an aerial experience with others is wonderful. And there are always the people chasing or waiting at the landing, watching the magical balloons land.
Is there somewhere we can watch you fly?
Ballooning is a micro weather sport. Totally dependent on stable calmer weather and winds. It is a last-minute decision whether to GO or NOT.
I fly at the annual 10-day Canberra Balloon Spectacular in March and at times in the Hunter Valley. Mostly I fly in Switzerland.
Check out this video of me flying over the Swiss Alps and the Italian Dolomites in a gas balloon:
What is an interesting fact about you?
I discovered my biological father’s name, E. Lee from Rockhampton, in 2006 at the age of 63. I am hopeful through publicity around my memoir or a person reading my story that I will be contacted. I don’t expect him to be alive, but I want to know what kind of life he led.
Who is your favourite author?
Richard Bach… I identify strongly with his writings… a pilot and gifted storyteller with a spiritual bent. ‘Illusions’ is one of my favourite books.
What are you currently reading?
The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman.
Where can our readers follow you?
My website www.ruthwilson.net/blog
Sign up for my Newsletter here: www.ruthwilson.net
What is next for Ruth E Wilson?
Working to set up Author Talks and Book Signings around Australia and New Zealand to
share Conquering Clouds. To blog more regularly and to continue to appreciate any and all feedback on my writing.
To acknowledge Bradley Shaw who believed I had a story to tell. And his Shawline team who brought my work to reality.
I am a mother of four beautiful children. I can’t leave a book unfinished which equals a lot of late nights! When I’m not reading you can find me in the garden, or helping out at Beauty and Lace.