Randy Godwin Interviews Alastar Packer
Insights from a History Buff and Southern Gentleman
One of the great things about being a member of the HubPages content site is having an opportunity to meet some wonderful writers of like interests. Alastar Packer is one of those people who, not only shares my love of American history, but also lives in my area of the Deep South. I hope you will enjoy a look a true southern gentleman’s answers to my queries about various aspects of his life and his time spent on HubPages.
Alastar is one of several Hubbers involved in creating the e-book Mysteries and Miraculous Book I. A Legacy Keepers has been formed from these Hubber’s efforts to not only benefit charities, but also to preserve folk stories for our future generations to enjoy. Now on to the interview.
You’re known for your excellently researched historical articles on HubPages; how did you first become interested in history? Did it happen at an early age or later on in your life?
It sure did Randy, happen at an early age, that is. And let me thank you for the kind words, they mean a lot coming from an esteemed writer such as yourself. This first question is most welcomed as it allows a little bit of history to be told from those early years, personally and in general.
During those growing up years in the 1960s and 70s,for the most part, the United States had an excellent educational system that inspired students in subjects like history. Not that it isn't happening today, but few would argue it is not as good a system as in those days. Test scores and such bear this out, unfortunately.
Also, grown-ups were more likely to instill in youngsters the country's history. Of course this still occurs today, but not as often it seems. For example, two of my most prized gifts from adults as a child were a Civil War board with soldiers, cannon, horses, etc. all finely molded in America, and a thick Reader's Digest book of American Folklore. The book's pages became fairly dog-eared as the years went by I can assure you.
You are often referred to as a “Southern Gentleman” by your readers. What is your own definition of the term and are you indeed proud to be described as such?
I asked a lady yesterday what went through her mind when the she heard the words "Southern Gentleman." Her answer, after a short reflection, was they were polite, respectful of women, and had good moral values. If I am any of those things then I take the appellation gladly with appreciation. As a Southern Gentleman yourself, Randy, I would imagine you'd do the same.
Has HubPages played a significant role in your writing career? If so, in what manner?
It certainly has. Many moons ago I wrote for a newspaper and racing magazine, but then opted for another career path and the writing went by the wayside, to be frank about it. Around three years ago a fine lady and writer named Brenda Barnes suggested I try writing again on a site called HubPages.
Well to cut to the chase, this was a Godsend in how easy it made writing. When I first started I was rusty but encouraged by so many excellent people and Hub writers that I can never thank them enough. I got better as time went on, largely thanks to them. Let's call it the P's: patience, persistence, and people.
You’re also known on HubPages for your interest in the paranormal. When did you first become aware of this fascination with the supernatural?
In a way it started as a youngster reading books like Ghosts of the Carolinas and such. There were a few incidents as a child, but nothing to put the experiences in any kind of context but a mundane one. Many years later several more of what might be called paranormal occurrences happened. This, of course, started an interest in the subject.
The proliferation of serious TV shows and movies in the popular culture attest in my mind to the fact that the worm has turned in regard to the supernatural. In addition, 21st century physics is opening areas that may well answer many of these mysteries in our lifetimes. Let's hope some remain, though, to keep our imaginations forever seeking out new life and new...well….you and the Hubbers know that one.
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