Stephen and I chat about what's important - The Value of a Pen and his book "Madagascar" - which feels like it changed me as a person. We talk briefly about time and how our time is one of our most precious resources. 

We talk about community and the support of family, friends and community. 

Our conversation reflects on when Steve knew he wanted to be a writer and the years in between that have fed his stories. 

He offers advice to writers to "know what happens next" before you stop writing for the day.

I LOVE that Steve puts Pen to Paper for his first draft! We share the joys of finding the perfect pen and paper and the feel of handwriting.  We also discuss the excitement we both feel that being able to read and write cursive is making a come-back!

He announced his newest book which will be available by the end of August 2026 and we chat about Wyoming and the history of one of Custer's Scouts - Isaiah Dorman. Steve is busily writing Isaiah's Story and plans to have his TENTH book released in 2027! Stay Tuned!!

This was Fascinating conversation. Please enjoy this episode of Off The Shelf With Sarah. I hope you feel inspired to express your unique creative genius!

Here is a link to Stephen Holgate's Bio: (Not the Doctor) Hah Hah!

About the author

Stephen Holgate is a fifth-generation Oregonian who served as a diplomat for American embassies in France, Madagascar, Morocco, Mexico and Sri Lanka. 

In addition to his Foreign Service posts, Mr. Holgate has served as a congressional staffer; headed a committee staff of the Oregon State Senate; managed two electoral campaigns; acted with the national tour of an improvisational theater group; worked as a crew member of a barge on the canals of France; served as a university instructor; and lived in a tent while working as a gardener in Malibu.

His first novel, "Tangier," won the Silver Medal in Fiction from the Independent Publishers' Group. His second novel, "Madagascar," gained a starred review from Publishers Weekly and was nominated by Forward Review as best book of the year. Both books were listed by critic L.Dean Murphy as among the top ten indie mystery/suspense novels of the year. 

"Sri Lanka" his third novel has been rated by many as his finest work. "To Live and Die in the Floating World," a suspense/thriller of murder, sex and mayhem, is inspired by a true incident on the French tourist barge of which he was a crew member. All are available through Amphorae Publishing, Amazon and other online outlets and through your local bookstore.

Most recently, he has published "The Goddess and Martin Dayson," set in Oregon, which tells of the redemption of a politician defeated for re-election, and the search for freedom of a young woman crushed by the convention-bound world of the 1950s.

"A Promise to Die For," a suspense/thriller set in Paris, is available also available for purchase. 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephen-Holgate/author/B06XFHQ1JC?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_47&sr=8-47&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

• Special Thanks to Stacie Marquez for the Off The Shelf With Sarah Logo Design
• To sign up for The Heart to Heart inspirational, faith-based, real letter with a stamp in your mailbox- please check out this link for the heart two heart mail club website!
  https://hearttoheartmailclub.com/
• Special Thanks to Hollywood in Hillsboro and Dawn Sellers for directing, filming, recording and editing this episode of Off The Shelf with Sarah

Rachel channels her inner Creepy Doll Voice in the perfect vocal introduction to her debut book All The Dark and Pretty Things. 

We chat about muses including her sister and Agatha Christie and the importance of finding community support. 

And speaking of community support - we talk about how supported and vibrant the creative arts are in Portland and how she feels at home here after extensive travel and living abroad. 

For a chance to meet Rachel in person - she will be appearing on the Experience Theatre Stage in Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. 

All The Dark and Pretty Things by Rachel Baker is available to add to your shelf on all the places--  Amazon, Goodreads, Everand with several links below: 

All the Dark and Pretty Things: Baker, Rachel: 9798231446964: Amazon.com: Books

All the Dark and Pretty Things by Rachel Baker | Goodreads

All the Dark and Pretty Things by Rachel Baker (Ebook) - Read free for 30 days

The following was copied from Everand "New writer Rachel Baker bursts onto the scene with her collection of thirteen short stories about the twisted and fantastical. A suburban fever dream. An underworld property dispute. A blind date with an unexpected ending. A theme park performer who finds more than sweat and body odor when she dons her character costume. These and other horrors await you. Come for a tour through the strange mind of this captivating new author to see All the Dark and Pretty Things." 

• Special Thanks to Stacie Marquez for the Off The Shelf With Sarah Logo Design
• To sign up for The Heart to Heart inspirational, faith-based, real letter with a stamp in your mailbox- please check out this link for the heart two heart mail club website!
  https://hearttoheartmailclub.com/
• Special Thanks to Hollywood in Hillsboro and Dawn Sellers for directing, filming, recording and editing this episode of Off The Shelf with Sarah

• Doug and I discuss the writing process and his preferred writing space and style
• We talk about the importance of family and our stories and discuss the importance of authentic story telling. He also brings up the question that I think all artists ask... Am I the right person to tell this story and discusses how he dealt with imposter syndrome
• Doug shares the adventures and stories of the amazing people who inspire and support him in his writing
• We also chat about the importance of sharing our art 
• The Road To Belmont Bible to Brothel is available in Hard Cover and Soft Cover through Doug's Website theroadtobelmont.com. 
• The Website also lists his Author Appearances scheduled July 3 & 4 in Belmont Nevada; July 5th at the Meadow Wood Court Barnes & Noble in Reno Nevada and he is schedule to appear as a guest on Wild Nevadacast on July 6

• Special Thanks to Stacie Marquez for the Off The Shelf With Sarah Logo Design
• To sign up for The Heart to Heart inspirational, faith-based, real letter with a stamp in your mailbox- please check out this link for the heart two heart mail club website!
  https://hearttoheartmailclub.com/
• Special Thanks to Hollywood in Hillsboro and Dawn Sellers for directing, filming, recording and editing this episode of Off The Shelf with Sarah