Pamela DeMuth – Horse Author Interview

Pamela DeMuth is an artist, coach, writer, and published author of “The Spirit of Horsemanship: Natural Training though Feel for Harmony with Your Horse”.

Tell us a little about yourself for those who haven’t yet read the book.
I came to horses at a young age via an inborn passion and to horsemanship years later, after purchasing a particularly difficult young horse. The love of Zorro sent me on a quest for information in order to better communicate with him. After a degree of success from my studies, I found myself in a rut. Eventually I found Ray Hunt, the teacher of horsemanship through feel, timing, and balance. Later Brent Graef and other teachers who were willing to share their knowledge and skills.

These horsemen went beyond conventional ideas of horse handling and training. It was then that I began to see inside of the horse that which was really inside of me.

A full bio is on my web site www.SpiritofHorsemanship.com.

What is your earliest memory of writing, and do you remember what you wrote about?
I wrote advertising blurbs in the 80s as a graphics designer and descriptions for my art shows, but secretly wrote stories and books which I never intended to publish. I also wrote many papers during college for my BFA. My writing instructor was a department chair and an excellent teacher.

I do enjoy conversation with others and sharing experiences and ideas. It is a joy to express in words the images that enter my head on a considered subject. All I need is a question and the images flow.

However, The Spirit of Horsemanship is about specific horse related studies which have evolved over many years and much practice. My book is intended for the consummate seeker of harmony with horses.

What inspires you when you get writers’ block?
I have days I am not sure about the direction of the writing, but generally I have a specific outline of the material to cover, then the outline is rearranged. The subjects in the outline act as guidelines for the content. The material is so well-lived, it comes easily to be converted to writing. I rarely have a true block.

Do you have any secret rituals (that you are willing to share) to help you through writers’ block?
If I have any outside pressure or intention other than the documentary of the pictures in my mind, they will not come. It doesn’t help to think of anything but the moment right where I am in the telling. Then I enjoy the writing and it writes itself. Later I can rearrange, edit, whatever may be needed. Just go with the flow without self restriction, just as in a daydream.

What kind of books did you read as a young girl, and do you remember which ones were your favorites?
I was not particularly interested in reading until about 12 years old when I discovered horse stories in the library. My favorite for a time was a book about a young girl who had a circus pony: “The Piebald Pony”.

Before my horse book discoveries, my father read many books to us. He mostly read children’s classics such as “Freckles” and “Daddy Longlegs”.

Are there certain authors or other people who helped to influence and shape your writing?
As an adult I have read zillions of books of every type. I would say that the accumulation of styles have influenced my writing, but ultimately it has become my own style.

What is the best advice that you ever received regarding your writing?
Be as brief and clear in meaning as possible.

Use words, examples, and descriptions that are easy to understand.

Arrange new information between commonly understood information for ease of conception.

Be positive and encouraging while explaining the benefits of each new area of expertise (what is it, how does it work, and what are the consequences of using the new method or skill?)

What is the worst advice that you ever received regarding your writing?
Really only any reference to doubting myself or my writing; there is no reason or place for self doubt.

Was the publishing process what you expected and in what ways?
No, because I had no idea where publishing would come from but believed in the possibility. I can’t remember how I was led to my publisher, Outskirts Press, but they proved everything they claimed and more.

The book took only a few months to publish and most of that time was due to my changes and delays. I learned as I went and it will be much easier to publish the next book.

What is similar about the horse as an animal and the art of writing?
Believe in your horse as you believe in yourself and your writing.

Gain the harmony with your writing without losing the spirit.

Self expression and communication is life.

Many Thanks

Thanks to Pamela for answering the interview and sharing more about her. Be sure to check out her Spirit of Horsemanship website, follow her on Twitter & friend her on Facebook to learn more about her.

And thanks again to Eleanor for putting the interview together, you can subscribe to learn more about her and her palomino Sage on her horse blog.

Stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists, photographers & authors.