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.
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
An award-winning author, leadership and empowerment expert, and university professor, Kathy Sparrow is the CEO and Founder of A Writable Life Publishing. She has been mentoring aspiring writers of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry, for over two decades, many of whom have penned best-selling books and whose works have been included in anthologies.
Kathy was the co-founder and manager of Kingfisher Inn, a dedicated-only fly fishing lodge located in Arroyo City, Texas, just a short boat ride from the Mother Lagoon, the Lower Laguna Madre. She was also one of the first female saltwater guides in the nation.
Her memoir, On the Mother Lagoon: Fly Fishing and the Spiritual Journey (to be re-released in the Winter of 2022.), chronicles her experiences as she learned to fly fish and discovered more about herself and the importance of connecting to nature. She is also the co-author and project lead of Ignite Your Leadership: Proven Tools for Leaders to Energize Teams, Fuel Momentum, and Accelerate Results.
Kathy has studied transformational methodologies with Jack Canfield, 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.
When she’s not working with her clients or penning her own blogs and books, Kathy enjoys yoga, hiking, fly fishing, and adventures with her family. Her basecamp is currently in San Diego, but you can also find her in Colorado–or wherever her travels take her.
The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout
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