Gert Scholtz

5 years ago · 1 min. reading time · ~10 ·

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Paul Walters - A Short Story of his Short Stories

Paul Walters - A Short Story of his Short Stories

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By Paul V. Walters

There are few posts that I open with as much anticipation as those of Paul Walters. 

His travel stories transport me to another time and place. His other pieces contain a real human element - some are funny, some are serious, some are tragic, but all reveal something of the human condition in its many forms. Take a moment and read any of these: Preserve your memories,  Why I live where I live, and  I never sang for my father.

I first encountered Paul online and was hooked by the first paragraph of his profile: "I was born in the splendid city of Bath in the UK. At a relatively young age, my parents dragged me to Africa – a continent I was once told was not for sissies. A Long sojourn under African skies followed where I gained a questionable education and great sun tan." 

Few have the privilege of meeting an author and reading his books. I had the pleasure of the former last year in South Africa -  Three African Bees Meet -   and this past week I read Paul's book of short stories: Looking for Lionel 

He says in the introduction:

“In many ways, writing-wise, this has been the hardest journey I have ever undertaken. I soon came to realize that crafting a short story is no easy task. It was to the greats I turned – O’Henry, Carver, Munroe, Hemingway and the like – to see if I could glean just a little from their genius, but sadly, their writing only made me more despondent. At the urging of my family, my friends, and even though my publisher was sceptical, I began to scribble and the end result is this slim volume of tales and short magazine pieces, all gathered together in one place.”

I am glad he did. The book is a delight. 

Quick changing plots, irreverent characters, and Paul’s fine ear for dialogue from various parts of the world had me reading on end. From the sad Looking for Lionel and First Love, to the hilarious Heavenly Summit and Burying Izzy Lazzard. My personal picks are A Letter to My Bank Manager and The Art of Procrastination: A Beginners Guide. 

Looking for Lionel contains 20 short stories  - written with Paul’s signature wit and deft hand at colorful prose. 

Now, if this were a commercial book review, here is where I would say: Buy it. But I won’t. For this is about the writer that is Paul. I say: Read it and savour the finely crafted tales and appreciate anew the art of the short story.


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Comments

Robert Cormack

2 years ago #25

Not any easy book to find, but I'll keep looking. Nice words, #Gert Scholtz. Paul does have a way with words.

I am very grateful for @Paul Walters 's continuous support during these years, I hope I can provide you with better tools and that you keep thinking that beBee is your home, more than ever ! 

Ian Weinberg

4 years ago #23

#27
That's not where the danger lurks in SA. It's when making the braai in your own backyard in the city ...

Ken Boddie

4 years ago #22

#26
Glad to hear that he's OK, Ian Weinberg, and hasn't been eaten on safari by one of those big pussy cats you have in SA, or trampled by one of those horned mobile fire extinguishers, while organising a braai in the bush. 🤣😂🤣

Ian Weinberg

4 years ago #21

#24
#25 Just connected with Gert. Currently vacationing on the SA coast. He moved off from SM over the past year to direct energy towards other pursuits. Sends his regards to you both.

Paul Walters

4 years ago #20

#23
Ian Weinberg Please track him down, we miss him !

Ken Boddie

4 years ago #19

#23
Onya, Ian

Ian Weinberg

4 years ago #18

#22
Nothing since last year. I’ll try and connect via mobile in the next couple of days.

Ken Boddie

4 years ago #17

Anybody heard from Gert Scholtz recently?

Paul Walters

5 years ago #16

Ken Boddie After nearly four months away I am safely back on Bali and a lot of catching up to do re my writing and reading. Thanks for the warm words!!

Ken Boddie

5 years ago #15

Since formulating my earlier comment on this excellent post, Gert Scholtz, I have obtained and read a copy of "Looking for Lionel" and both wholeheartedly and unreservedly recommend it to all those who enjoy a 'good read'. Many thanks, Gert, for bringing this unique document to my attention. I note, Paul Walters, in your introduction, that you mention turning to "the Greats", O'Henry, Carver, Munroe and Hemmingway, for inspiration. As all of these authors are kicking up the daisies, I trust that you are keeping well?
🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Paul Walters

5 years ago #13

Gert Scholtz . Oh Mr ScholtzI am truly humbled by this tribute. I have been a little tardy of late in writing on Bebee . I have been travelling to far flung places on the archipelago and many of the locations are bereft of the luxury of wifi. However, I have just arrived back in Bali ( for short period before heading to some lesser known spots in Europe) I am ploughing through my notes and have a piece or two simmering ...watch this space. Thank you once again ...Im not quite sure what to say!!!!

🐝 Fatima G. Williams

5 years ago #12

Another book to read on our kitty :)

🐝 Fatima G. Williams

5 years ago #11

Indeed an awesome tribute Gert Scholtz Paul is one of the coolest bees who takes us on a travel to places and gives us a different view of those countries.

Lisa Vanderburg

5 years ago #10

Two bees buzz into a bar.....

Lisa Vanderburg

5 years ago #9

What fortitude to hit upon this buzz - like cool water to shrivelled kidneys! Paul Walters :)

CityVP Manjit

5 years ago #8

This presents a different side to Paul V. Walters because in the tethered irons of our overly branded age, it is a common form of lazy thinking to prescribe him as a travel writer. This book review reminds us all, he is far bigger than that, and the book looks interesting.

Ali Anani

5 years ago #7

I agree with your buzz as I find Paul Walters an amizing stryteller. He hooks me with his travel stories.

Ken Boddie

5 years ago #6

It appears that Pak Paul is AWOL somewhere in Indo. Looking forward to another therapeutic trove of travel tales when he returns. Nicely executed tribute, Gert and thanks for the tip on Paul’s short stories.

Debasish Majumder

5 years ago #5

lovely tribute Gert Scholtz! his writing are always fascinating! enjoyed this lovely buzz and shared.

Randall Burns

5 years ago #4

Nice tribute Gert Scholtz , you were mentioned in this post. :-))

Ian Weinberg

5 years ago #3

Great tribute to a fine writer and a real decent human being. Thanks Oom Gert Scholtz

Pascal Derrien

5 years ago #2

A super tribute to one of the best contributors on this platform coming from one of best contributors on this platform 👏👌👍

Gert Scholtz

5 years ago #1

Paul Walters I am not 100% certain - but I think you are mentioned in this post :)

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