On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, one of the longest living cancer survivors in the UK, John Walker Pattison, talks about his memoir, Me And My Shadow, Memoirs Of A Cancer Survivor.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed John Walker Pattison about his life and career, what inspired him to write his memoir, Me And My Shadow, Memoirs Of A Cancer Survivor, and the work that went into it.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I was born in the wonderful seaside town of South Shields, North East England, 67 years ago. I have been a dedicated Newcastle United supporter since 1969 when I took my steps through the clackerty clack of the turnstiles at St James Park; however, there is little doubt that the crucial hinge my life is my beautiful wife, June. “Nothing is more important than family.”
I retired from my post as a senior clinical nurse specialist and head of service in haematology at the local hospital, partially due to chronic illnesses as a consequence of the salubrious chemotherapy and radiotherapy I received decades ago – this being the same hospital that established my cancer diagnosis almost 50 years earlier. At the time, my parents were told that I would not survive, yet here I am today, humbled to be one of the longest living cancer survivors in the UK.
Eight years after my unexpected recovery, my four-year-old daughter Donna, was diagnosed with terminal leukaemia.
During my career, I have written dozens of articles for national and international nursing and medical press – presented lectures the length and breadth of the country on many aspects of haematology and cancer management. I have won numerous awards both locally and nationally for my work in haematology. However, I fully appreciate that being one of the longest cancer survivors is without doubt, my greatest achievement.
My memoir, ‘Me, and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor’ was published on 31st October 2022, and its purpose is to deliver hope and inspiration to society, but especially to anyone touched by a cancer diagnosis.
In addition, following the completion of this memoir and in retirement I am now focused on writing children’s fiction. “I have always been an elasticated Grandpa – relaying exaggerated stories to my grandchildren for many years.” These unbelievable tales are now the basis for my children’s books.
I enjoy the solitude and escapism of fly fishing and photographing Native Americans. More significantly, I found solace throughout my cancer journey in the history, and spirituality of the Lakota Sioux Nation. In 2018, I spent time on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation with the indigenous people of South Dakota, the people who, unknowingly, supported me through my greatest challenge, cancer.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
Strangely, I never had any inclination to write a book. However, when I attained the age of sixty-five and I retired (due to chronic illness), I decided to put pen to paper and describe some of the elasticated tales I have been telling my grandchildren for the past two decades – like the time a climbed Mount Everest barefoot and captured the Abominable Snowman before letting him go again or, the time I built a sherbet fueled rocket and blasted off to Jupiter, and many, many more.
However, as one of the UK’s longest cancer survivors, I knew I had a story that would resonate with cancer patients and which could deliver that all important inspiration. ‘Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor’ was born, allowing me to give something back to society.
In 2021, I published my inaugural title, ‘Strange Trips and Weird Adventures’ was published, as part of a series of adventures of Daniel and Papa. ‘Blenkinsop Blabbermouth and the Ghost of Broderick McCaffery,’ was published on 16th December 2022. ‘The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City’ has a target publication date of summer 2024 and the fourth title, ‘The Kingdom of Huckleberry Jam’ is likely to be late summer 2024. Meanwhile, ‘Lunar von Buella the Mystical Mouse from Missoula’ is aimed to be published Christmas 2024.
When did you take a step to start writing?
Almost the day after I retired.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
Approximately twelve months.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
My latest title took, (or is taking) longer following the writing and editing process, as it is still with the publisher.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Me And My Shadow, Memoirs Of A Cancer Survivor?
Simple, I have so many ideas for my children’s books, that I finish one, and just start another.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Me And My Shadow, Memoirs Of A Cancer Survivor?
Funding my initial publications, followed closely by the struggles of marketing.
What was your research process for Me And My Shadow, Memoirs Of A Cancer Survivor?
My imagination is my research tool. However, once I develop a concept, I usually google specifics to make sure I have animals, plant-life issue correct.
In respect to my memoir – I got permission to review my hospital records. This allowed me to make sure the chronological time frame was correct.
How did you plan the structure of Me And My Shadow, Memoirs Of A Cancer Survivor?
In respect to me memoir – I’m not sure I did (which is a bit silly really). I had the idea, started to write from the heart, or at least what I could remember of that difficult time. I had dozens of pieces of paper covering all aspects pf the story (sounds totally disorganized), but I had a plan in my head of how I wanted to structure it and, bit by bit it just came together.
To be honest, it’s a similar process when I am writing my children’s books; I have this idea and bit by bit it (almost magically) comes together. Once I have a completed manuscript, I go over it multiple times and make necessary changes.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Me And My Shadow, Memoirs Of A Cancer Survivor need?
No, I could not afford an editor in the early days.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Write from the heart.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I have a further two titles for 2025, ‘Mind-Boggling Stories,’ and ‘Admiral Percival Pigeonforge.’ More importantly, I have no intention of stopping after these books either.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Yes, most definitely. With regard to my memoirs, the reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and elsewhere have been phenomenal. Most importantly, it would appear that ‘Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor’ is indeed, providing the inspiration I set out to deliver.
It’s also a yes for my children’s books; although sales have been slow, to see children laugh and smile while reading one of my books is worth more than any royalty payment. Going into local schools to talk about my books is incredible and some of the questions I get asked are hilarious, well worth it.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Website: https://www.strangetrips.net/
Books:
Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor. (Adults)
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4ccF5CT
Kindle: https://amzn.to/45IqigQ
Paperback: https://amzn.to/45DAmaJ
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/45ycsgR
Strange Trips and Weird Adventures
Blenkinsop Blabbermouth and the Ghost of Broderick McCaffery
The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City (Summer 2024)
The Kingdom of Huckleberry Jam (Late summer 2024)
Lunar Von Buella the Mystical Mouse from Missoula (Christmas 2024)
Mind-Boggling Stories (2025)
Admiral Percival Pigeonforge (2025)
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079279083793
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-walker-pattison-23535654
https://www.instagram.com/patj0402
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jjbarnes@sirenstories.co.uk
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