Pam. My interest in the environment definitely came first. I remember talking to trees as a child. My mom has a video of my as an infant, wrapped up in a blanket, staring up at the tree she had set me under, just jabbering away.
Pam. I have no idea what we were talking about, me and the tree, but it was in earnest. After college, I went to work for a law firm as a paralegal and after a year I was bored. My bosses convinced me to go to law school; I didn’t really want to be a lawyer.
Pam – But I decided that being an environmental attorney would be the one kind of law I could happily practice so that’s what I did. Ran it into the ground, you mean.
Pam – Although, despite all my blog posts about how we have to care for the Earth and live sustainably, etc., I think we’re more like fleas on a dog where we and the Earth are concerned. She don’t pay us no mind when you really think about it and She will always have the last word (as women should!).
Pam — My favorite experience so far has been writing my novel, “Oil and Water.” It’s a crap-ton of fun, being in the zone, letting your characters lead you to wherever the heck they feel like going. I am working on another novel right now, but haven’t hit my stride yet from a time perspective — always a challenge to find enough time to write — so the characters haven’t started talking to me. I’m trying to find the magic hour where I can write every day. When I wrote “Oil and Water” it was 5 a.m., but I go to bed way too late to get up that early this time around.
Pam — Probably more than I even realize.
Pam – “Oil and Water” was an eco thriller, but I also wrote “The Quality of Light” which is about hydraulic fracturing and am currently working on another novel about pharmaceutics. Even when I’m not writing about the environment, there are eco themes running through the stories. I start with a basic rough outline, not anything as elaborate as a five-act structure, but more like a screenplay’s three-act structure — in the beginning there is this premise (plotter), then there’s this wide open sea of possible ways to get there (panster), and then the end is going to be this (plotter). Not sure what that makes me.
Pam -Well, my husband had kept bees for a long time, long before we even met, and it became one of the staples of our marriage and what we did with the kids, keeping the bees, collecting the honey — every year we’d have a big party when we harvested the honey — making stuff like soap and lip balm and hand lotion with the honey and bees wax, and it’s not something I would have ever thought to do on my own. Sadly, the last few years we haven’t had bees. There were a few years in a row where they all just up and died or disappeared. We kept starting new hives and they’d make it through the winter and then die in the spring. My husband gave up in frustration and I can’t talk him into starting up again. He thinks we’d need all new equipment, that maybe the frames are contaminated with pesticides and that’s what’s killing the bees or maybe contributing to their disappearance. Some years ago we moved our bees to an organic farm, but bees have a 6-mile foraging radius so that wasn’t going to be enough to keep them from eating pesticide-laden food. Each of the last three springs I’ve thought I’d make a go of it on my own, but I really am not ready to do it alone, hence the apprentice.
Pam – It’s like breath. And it’s cheaper than therapy.
Pam–What’s next? A full deep breath and then another sentence.
When inventor Martin Tirabi builds a machine that converts trash into oil it sends shockwaves through the corporate halls of the oil cognoscenti. Weeks later, Marty and his wife, Ruth are killed in a mysterious car accident. Their son, Gil, a 10-year old physics prodigy is the only one capable of finishing the machine that could solve the world’s energy problems. Plagued with epilepsy from birth, Gil is also psychic, and through dreams and the occasional missive from his dead father he gets the push he needs to finish the job.
Meanwhile, Bicky Coleman, head of Akanabi Oil is doing his best to smear the planet in it. From a slow leak in the Gulf of Mexico to the most devastating oil spill the Delaware River has ever seen, Akanabi’s corporate practices are leaving oily imprints in their wake. To divert the tide of bad press, Bicky dispatches his son-in-law and Chief Engineer, David Hartos to clean up his mess. A disillusioned Hart, reeling from the recent death of his wife and unborn child, travels to Philadelphia to fulfill his father-in-law’s wishes.
There’s no such thing as coincidence when Hart meets Gil and agrees to help him finish Marty’s dream machine. But how will he bring such a revolutionary invention to market in a world reliant on fossil fuels and awash in corporate greed? To do so, Hart must confront those who would quash the project, including his own father-in-law.
You’ll find murder, mystery, and humor as black as fine Arabian crude filling the pages of Oil and Water. The characters are fictional, but the technology is real. What will we do when the oil runs out? Open up and see.
P. J. Lazos is the author of the novel Oil and Water, about oil spills and green technology, and of Six Sisters, a collection of novellas; a blogger for the Global Water Alliance (GWA) in Philadelphia; on the Board of Advisors for the wH2O Journal, the Journal of Gender and Water (U of Penn); a member of the Jr. League of Lancaster; a former correspondent for her local newspaper (Lancaster Intelligencer Journal now LNP); a literary magazine contributor (Rapportage); an editor; a ghostwriter; an author of a children’s book (Into the Land of the Loud); an environmental lawyer; and, because it’s cool, a beekeeper’s apprentice. She practices laughter daily.
https://greenlifebluewater.wordpress.com/
mikesteeden said:
How heartening to hear someone championing the cause of the humble bumble bee, a subject I can get quite passionate about. Good be on you, Pam.
shehannemoore said:
I know you do Mike. Pam is wonderful when it comes to doing her bit for the planet. xxx
pjlazos said:
Thanks, Mike! And you as well. ox
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. said:
Love bumble bees and always try to plant good food for them. Terrific interview and I hope Pam that one day you will be able to have bees again.
shehannemoore said:
Sally hugs for sharing to facebook. Pam is a fascinating woman who does her level best to practise what she preaches. I hope she can have bees again too xxxx
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. said:
Sounds like a fascinating woman to talk to Shey.. and you know I love the Dudes.. xxxx
shehannemoore said:
Pam is lovely. She is a lady I greatly admire x
pjlazos said:
Ah, as do I. Thanks for your well wishes. ox
zoolonaudio said:
Bees do all the work for not that much reward, so I’m with anyone who promotes them. As a random thought, I’m not a fan of wasps but would never harm one.
shehannemoore said:
I am allergic to wasps Lord George. Badly allergic. Bees now? Bees are just fine.
zoolonaudio said:
This may sound pathetic, and it was quite a few years ago, but I once got chased by wasps.
shehannemoore said:
it is not pathetic. I read somewhere that they are like aliens almost, that their DNA matches nothing else on the planet. They contribute nothing apparently to the eco system And that they do stalk. Years back we used to holiday in this remote villa and every damn day when I stepped out to hang out washing there was one waiting. I am totally allergic to them, which I didn’t know till the first time one stung me. So I don’t think you’re pathetic at all.
pjlazos said:
With you on both counts for bees and wasps! I still have an indentation in my leg from where a wasp flew into our car window as we were driving down the highway, bit me, and flew out. It was like, 20 years ago!
zoolonaudio said:
I remember being chased by a wasp when I was a kid. There’s an anger in wasps that isn’t there with bees.
pjlazos said:
I know, right?! Like they’re out to get you and you did nothing wrong!
zoolonaudio said:
The story of my life thus far.
shehannemoore said:
That’s what I find. When I am cutting bushes in the garden and there’s bees on them, they don’t bother, but asps chase you. Last year we had a nest under the ground and they were getting in, probably through pipe work into our kitchen. Every day there were like 10 12 of them. It was a nightmare.
pjlazos said:
Also, yellow jackets! 🐝 They, too, are angry! 😡
shehannemoore said:
I know someone and the queen wasp came down their chimney one day. The next thing was the outside of the house was covered in wasps. it was apparently like a scene from a horror movie. I can’t remember who they phoned but they had to get services out pronto.
pjlazos said:
OMGGGGG!!! 😲😱😳
shehannemoore said:
Yeah. She was in the house with her kids at the time and was rightly terrified.
pjlazos said:
😩😳🐝
♥ Eddie ♥ said:
♥
shehannemoore said:
xxx Eddie
PS. Where’s your blog got to?
♥ Eddie ♥ said:
no
shehannemoore said:
Oh…. I liked it.
robbiesinspiration said:
Pam’s writing sounds very interesting and diverse. Such a pity about the bees. Our house attracts bees for some reason and every summer we get a swarm of bees under our sprung board wooden floors. We have managed to have the bees removed to bee farms twice but it is not always possible to remove them. We can’t have them around as I am highly allergic to bees.
shehannemoore said:
I have that prob with wasps Robbie, so I sympathise. And these things can’t be helped either if it is not possible to remove them. Pam is lovely. O am so glad to welcome her to the line up. I will get you questions next. What with all that is going on right now |Robbie, I ain’t had time to get my head up ! xxxx
robbiesinspiration said:
Well, publishing two books at practically the same time is definitely not for the faint hearted, Shey. You have done fabulously well.
shehannemoore said:
Well, my darling Robbie, I am going to keep my mouth shut here, be nice professional.–ahem– just say that these books were never meant to go out together and I am somewhat disenchanted with traditional publishing. There now. Although the dudes would have lots to say. But thank you, thank you. I haven’t had time to think about this latest release cos I am now up to my neck directing my Mr’s play and taking a lead at 23 weeks notice, after a certain theatre company got too big for their boots……. (May this work out….) x
pjlazos said:
My sis-in-law is the same. But doesn’t mean you can’t still appreciate what they do for you. oxo
skd said:
Haha!Tree whisperer Couldn’t help laughing over this one. Nice interview Sheh. Your hammies seemed a bit intimidated by Pam.
On a serious note Pam seems to be an inspiring writer and environmentalist. Best wishes to both of you.
shehannemoore said:
They were put out cos Pam said no to them and they are in trouble–big trouble– as it is, So they have been trying to be nice and disguise all their little plans. Lovely to see you. I have missed you and your wonderful recipes. But I know you are back. Pam is a lovely lady and a total inspiration too.. And yes, she is an environmentalist. xxx
pjlazos said:
Thank you for your kind words. :o) ox
nananoyz said:
Great interview!
shehannemoore said:
Hugs Leslie. I’m thrilled to have Pam here. ( Especially as she took on the dudes.) x
thecontentedcrafter said:
Love this opportunity to meet with some really good, interesting people Shey! Visited, was impressed and followed – I’m going to have to get up earlier than 6 am to keep up with all my fascinating new friends!! 🙂 ❤
shehannemoore said:
Lol, sorry about that!! I’m thrilled you liked this. Truly. I usually have more guests around but alas I was hit by book releases kind of unexpectedly. But I do have a nice varied line up planned though and I will get to them all. Pam is just a great lady in every way. x
pjlazos said:
There’s so much out there in the world. How does anyone have the time to sleep!?
Tina Frisco said:
I love your interviews, Dudes; you add such color and diversity ❤
Shey and Pam, this was delightful and inspiring. Bringing our activist passions into our writing is an effective way to stir the conscience of deniers and greedmongers. Back-door approaches are necessary when people refuse to remove the blinders. Wishing you great success with your books, Pam. Hugs all around ❤❤
shehannemoore said:
We know Tina, so it quite shocking no-one wants us to run the world.
We have been sobbing ourselves to sleep
Love
The Dudes
Tina Frisco said:
I think you would do a great job running the world, my lovely Dudes. All you need is the chance ❤
shehannemoore said:
We know this Tina and after all it’s not as if a hamster isn’t already in certain places, living in a certain house.
Love
the dudes
Tina Frisco said:
May your tears be few and your blessings be many, sweet Dudes ❤
shehannemoore said:
Glad you liked this Tina. Pam is an inspiration in every way and it is nice to have different genre writers coming along to speak about their work, even if sometimes the dudes don’t let them get a word in (I whispered that by the way.)
xxx.
Tina Frisco said:
Indeed, Shey; it adds flavor to our blogs. (Don’t worry; your secret is safe.) ❤❤
shehannemoore said:
Phew xxxxxxx
pjlazos said:
Thanks so much, Tina. Twinsees!
Tina Frisco said:
I think so, Pam! Been an activist all of my life 🙂 And you are most welcome ❤
pjlazos said:
Same!😘
Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.com said:
Pam’s interview is really cool. I’m glad to meet her, and this line was a good hook, “The characters are fictional, but the technology is real. What will we do when the oil runs out? Open up and see.” I’m impressed by all of her knowledge and creativity – more answers than questions – is a relief, considering the era we currently live in and the current state of the planet that we inhabit. So cool that the Hamsters discovered her daily laughter habit, too. Thank you, Shey <3, for another fun read. Pam, thanks for shining the spotlight on the environment, and finding so many ways to share your love.
shehannemoore said:
Ka, lovely to see you. I’m really impressed by all my guests. They have done a wonderful job even if the dudes can’t stop moaning. Pam is another wonderful writer I’ve met through blogging and she is so inspiring the way she lives her life too. I’m thrilled she is being so warmly welcomed x
pjlazos said:
Thanks, friend. Still need to pick up your book. It’s not the list! oxo
Ka Malana - Fiestaestrellas.com said:
My pleasure. Likewise! Life is a little bit busy right now, on the list 🙂 xox
shehannemoore said:
Die Erste Zeitung Eslarner xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx for the reblog
https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/382486
Peace Kathure said:
This was a lot of fun, as always!
And I haven’t read a lot of environmental novels, but Pam’s work seems to be quite remarkable. Writers really are going to save the world!
shehannemoore said:
The pen is mightie3r than the sword in every way. I absolutely believe that. You know I was interviewed by her a few months back and she asked me that question did I think writers could save the world!! Lovely to se you xxx
pjlazos said:
Awww, let’s hope so!! oxo
Sarah Potter Writes said:
That sounds like one incredible novel, and love the interview. The book is now on my reading list, as I’m really into all things eco.
Thinking about the dying bees — apart from pesticides, there are parasites that can kill bees. Doubtless you know about these, Pam, but just in case you don’t, here’s an article of interest http://caes2.caes.uga.edu/bees/disorders/honey-bee-parasites.html
I just love bees. Yesterday, as I spent ages unwinding bindweed from the foxgloves in my garden, I really enjoyed seeing all the bees flying in and out of the flowers. Very busy they were. And when all the lavender comes into bloom in my front garden, it’s so abuzz with bees that the postman sometimes wishes that he wasn’t wearing shorts!
Thanks for this interview, Shehanne, and for increasing my book reading list still further. xxxx
shehannemoore said:
Lol….. (Ducks about that) Pam is lovely, so I am thrilled you liked the interview. Sarah you must come by too. I have a new list of guests–Ka and Pam were the first – and it would be fabulous to add you. It may take a week or two after being smacked with that new release the other week and needing to get some promo out there BUT I will space that with interviews. It is quite a mixed list, not all authors so let me know. xxxxxxxxxx for coming by
Sarah Potter Writes said:
That sounds good, and a week or two would be fine as I’m behind with everything, partly due to major internet maintenance going on in my town. The darned thing keeps going down, which isn’t helpful when I’m trying to submit my latest work electronically to publishers. Also, having just updated the cover on one of my other books, I had wanted to run a promo throughout June, which I can’t set up if the internet continues to be unhelpful. …Perhaps a plague of hamsters have got into the system 😉 xxxx
shehannemoore said:
Sarah, we have the lousiest internet signal here, there’s days I lose the will to live over it. I think, talking hamsters, I should just set the dudes on the providers. x
shehannemoore said:
Warm honey for a sore throat is so soothing. I swear by it.
pjlazos said:
Ah, yes, the varamite (sp?), that varmint! I hate that we had to medicate the bees to keep the varmites away. :0(
Sarah Potter Writes said:
I know. It’s very hard achieving a balance. In an ideal world, there would be no need for medication or pesticides, but… I’m really hoping that those mites keep away from the wonderful bees that are responsible for my favourite honey — Raw Scottish Heather honey. It’s my cheap alternative to Manuka and, without it, I would require medicating myself!
pjlazos said:
Oh my, that sounds delicious and also quite necessary (because of the medication and all).😘😘😘
Sarah Potter Writes said:
Yes, it is absolutely delicious. I have a spoonful of it on my porridge every day to prevent acidity. It also helps keep my singing voice healthy. My son has raw English Wildflower Honey before and throughout the hayfever season. It seems to lessen his reaction to pollen. Honey is so medicinal, so we must treasure our bees, as we would sorely miss them if they weren’t there, quite apart from our diet being very boring — just pork and alfalfa and not much else D:
pjlazos said:
We eat honey to combat allergies, too!
Annika Perry said:
A terrific interview! I like the sound of being a ‘tree whisperer’ – such a good, albeit wrong, guess! Pam, you’re doing great work and wonderful you can put your environmental knowledge into such exciting books.
shehannemoore said:
AS this interviewwent back to front….and like my writing I never know where a post is going… I was alarmed but hey the sense is sort of there. Pam is lovely and she does do great work in every way she can. Lovely to see you Annika xxx
pjlazos said:
Thank you so much, Annika. I hope that it helps our collective Mama! oxo
catcavendish said:
Great interview and the book sounds great too! it’s a shame about the bees. I do know there was some disease they were catching that was killing them. A friend of mine lost all her bees to it.
shehannemoore said:
I have little water places for them in the garden after hearing how thirsty their work made them. We have to look out for our bees. Lovely to see you Cat xxxxxxx
pjlazos said:
So very sad. I don’t know the answer, but think it has a lot to do with pesticides, bee Alzheimer’s, and a society fixated on money as opposed to a healthy planet. :0(
voulaah said:
Thank you dear for sharing great interview as always
Kisses
shehannemoore said:
Lovely you see you Voulaah. Hugs and kisses and a great week to you xxxxx
pjlazos said:
thank you. :0)
Christy B said:
An eco-thriller! What a fascinating genre. Thanks Shey for introducing us to Pam and for the fun interview! I’m “buzzing” about this one now on social media (I couldn’t resist the pun!) ♥
shehannemoore said:
LOL!!!!!! having a giggle here at that. Pam is lovely Christy AND one inspiring lady is many ways. You and I both like to keep up with inspiring ladies. Thrilled you are buzzing about this post. xxxxxx
pjlazos said:
Thanks, Christy. oxo
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Adele Marie said:
I am so sad to hear about the bees. People have to realize that no bees, means no crops, no us. Excited about reading the book. Love to the dudes and yourself. xxx
shehannemoore said:
Adele, I am sad too. We need them as you know. That is why if the dudes, so much as touch a hovering wing on their bodies, a cut bristle on their spine, we could be in…Oh.. Sheyland, where we all send love xx
pjlazos said:
Right?! 70% of our crops are pollinated by bees!
dgkaye said:
So interesting to learn about Pam here today Shey. I think it’s so interesting she tied in her law experience with her books. Sounds intriguing. And oh those little dudes had me lmao!!!! 🙂 Big hugs to you and the dudes xoxo ❤
shehannemoore said:
Debs I have had to make them go lie down in a darkened cage after this one xxxxxxxxxxxxx (BTO more to come. 0
dgkaye said:
Omgggggggggg, you crack me upppppppppp. xoxoxoxo
shehannemoore said:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
pjlazos said:
Thanks for reading!
Kate Furnivall said:
What a great job you are doing, Pam, in focusing attention on our environmental future – and on bees. Such exquisite and valuable creatures. I have twice had bees swarm in my garden, a fascinating process to watch how they protect the queen. Thanks, Shey. Interesting as always. Don’t let those dudes eat the bees!
shehannemoore said:
I think the idea of a swarm of bees round the hamsters would soon sort them out. Need to get one! Lovely to see you and hoping you are enjoying the high life on your trip still xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
pjlazos said:
Oh, gosh, I love a swarm. My husband has caught more than a few! Good for you to have witnessed it!
Aquileana said:
Pam is great… I can see why she writes so many great articles on Ecology issues… And environmental lawyer: sounds excellent. Wishing you her best of luck with Oil & Water… Oh and, by the way, love the “philosophical discussion” of the hamsters: Today, tomorrow?… which one matters most… *Carpe Diem*…. 😀
Sending love & best wishes ⭐
pjlazos said:
Thanks, my friend. I was reading about Hermes today, but didn’t get to finish the article and comment. I will do so soon! oxo
shehannemoore said:
She is wonderful my Angel. An absolute eco warrior. The dudes were in fine philosophical mood…also in a bit of an awkward one but hey, that is just the dudes xxxx
pjlazos said:
Oh, MG, first, sorry for coming late to the party! I’ve been on travel for fun (Shenandoah Valley in Virginia camping with family and friends over Memorial Day weekend) and for work (in Pittsburgh for a mediation) and am just getting to read what the dudes had to say about me. Well, I’m humbled and most happy that: a) no one wants to eat me; and b) they allowed me to have a moment or two in their grand presence(s) to say a little something about writing and the environment. Thanks to you, Lady Shey, for your gracious hosting, your joie de vivre, and your friendship. Dudes Rock! Long live the Dudes! Big love and ooxooxoxoxoxoo!
shehannemoore said:
I knew you would be away camping somehow!! Sounds fabulous. It was wonderful having you over here and the dudes loved you xxxxxxxxxxxx
pjlazos said:
The camping was, at times, wet and rainy, but the hikes were great and, of course, the campfire 🔥 divine. Thank you and the Dudes again, my sister, for your hospitality!! 😘❤️ oxooxox
shehannemoore said:
OOH, my pleasure my sister. You HAVE had a great time. Brilliant. The rain doesn’t even matter really when you have times like these. xxxx
shehannemoore said:
A friend of Shey’s is of course, a friend of ours.
Love
The Dudes
pjlazos said:
Whew! That’s a relief. Now I need not worry about being eaten.🙏
shehannemoore said:
No No. We are really very misunderstood dudes. Plainly we are, that no-one wants world domination by us. But maybe when everyone sees how very very nice we are, they will change their minds….
The Dudes x
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jeanleesworld said:
I hope Silv’s managed to keep her world domination plans hidden…for now….
shehannemoore said:
Hmmm….. as we see next post she still has them. And the strain is showing xxxxx
jeanleesworld said:
Oh dear. I think Silv needs to have her own respite…not at Glencoe, what with moss monsters and bridge monsters, and mountain trolls. Maybe a spa somewhere in the most urban of places would suit her fancy. 😉
shehannemoore said:
Yes………… Then we would all get peace. xx
Ann Fields said:
Wow! What an interesting interview. I am adding Pam’s book to my summer reading list. It sounds great and her literary background is impressive. It was so kind of the furry ones to let this post ride. Thanks, guys!
shehannemoore said:
Pam’s another amazingly creative, talented and inspiring lady who the dudes had their work cut out enticing here, cos I don’t know she sees just how amazing she is in the way she lives her life, the things she does and the things she battles in every way. Like so many wonderful people I have met on here, I love her to bits and I am thrilled you want to read her book xxxxxx
nsnunag said:
Nice
shehannemoore said:
Thank you xxxxxxx