Talk 49 World

 

 

Interviews and stories   - Alphabetisch  

 

A

 

A. Maximilian -  Summer Time Fun 

(2020)  Interview English - A short look at a student's point of seeing things.

2021 -  Interview - A talk about a water - Interesting

Arbeithüber, Johanna - Interview in English

April 2023.  Listen to this interesting interview.  School, bread, music, buttons,  wool, and much more.  Upper Austria and Vienna.

Annemarie of Venus Frequency -  Annemarie talks about New York,  yoga and yogism, and how she recovered - thanks to yoga - after a very bad accident. 

B   

BARNOR, Cristel -   An Angel for many! 

(2020) -  German.-  Before Corona, Cristel Barnor ran a small workshop for people with restricted perspectives. She gave many people hope and helped them on their way.

BESER, Deniz  and Nigel A. JAMES -  Zines, exhibitions, and a very creative story. March 2023,

BREUER, Heide - Creative pure.  Pottery, writing, painting,  and more. Very interesting.

C

CLIFFORD, James - English folk singer with more than one story to tell and sing about. 

CRONIN, A. J.  An interesting story.  A great writer who nearly didn't take off!

CURRAN, Patrick - Chaplain of Christ Church Vienna. A family story.  His mother turned 101  - Recorded 2021  English

D

Gräfin Marion Dönhof  - The Power of AttractionGräfin Marion Dönhof was a very special lady.  Gräfin Marion Dönhof's life included the excitement of her escape on her faithful horse Alarich, Working on the German newspaper Die Zeit, and the meeting of high and interesting people.  Listen to her story.    Click here to listen

DUNCAN, Canon Bruce - Talking about sermons. Very Interesting.

Interview in English - 2021

Dworak, Karli hat eine Geschichte. Die Ostsee, ein Segelschiff und all die Arbeit, die von Frauen geleistet wird. + + + Karli Dworak has a story. The Baltic See, A sailing ship, and all the work being done by women. Klicken Sie hier zum hören

E

EDGAR, Stephan - Performing arts in a very new way. Interview - English February 2023

Evans, Rosy - Young, in Vienna, a future that's coming.  The ministry. Brave steps.

F

 

FERRY  Dr. Kathryn  - Beaches and history. Interesting discussion. 

(2020)  Interview English

Ferry, Dr Kathryn - Interview - Her latest book - The Old Convent East Grinstead   2022 English 

Ferry, Dr Kathryn Ferry -  Book website 2022 - English

 

Ferry, Vanessa - A picture of life in Great Torrington in Devonshire, England. 

Flasch Gabi  - Kurz Erzähung Deutsch.  Ein böse Streich.  Ein Gloggenspiel. 

Fischer Lisl Interview Deutsch - Ein Kampenbus und viel Spaß!  März 2022

FISCHER, Lisl -   An unusual early morning garden surprise!

German. 2018

Lisl Fischer im Gespräch mit Nigel A. JAMES.  Ihr Garten und alles, was dazugehört.  Ein sehr überraschender Cocktail aus allem, was man sich vorstellen kann, und noch viel mehr.  Interessantes Gespräch.   Deutsch - Summer 2023

Lisl Fischer in discussion with Nigel A.  JAMES.  Her garden and all it involves.  A very surprising cocktail of all one can imagine, and much more as well.  Interesting listening.

Dr. Tatjana Fischer.  Ein Diskussion.  Utopien, Thomas Morus, Stadt Planung, neue Perspektiven und vieles mehr.

Hannah Flachberger  A Christian Mission    Interview in English 

Flasch Gabi  - Kurz Erzähung Deutsch.  Ein böse Streich.  Ein Gloggenspiel

G.

 

GEIGER, Manfred - Berge und Abenteuer.  Mountains and adventures.  Interview in German.

Geyerlechner Franz

Franz Geyerlechner hat sich zur Ruhe gesetzt und gelernt, ein sehr traditionelles österreichisches Instrument zu spielen. Harte Arbeit, viel Spaß, viele neue Freunde und die Verwirklichung eines alten Kindheitstraums.

Franz Geyerlechner retired and learned to play a very traditional Austrian instrument. Hard work, good fun, lots of new friends, and the realising of an old childhood dream.             Click here to listen - Zum Anhören hier klicken 

 

H. 

HAARER - Herbert - A model railway fan with a very big story and layout!

HERRMAN, Bernhard - Kunst und Radio. 

HOBIGER Wolfgang  

Eine alte Sonntagstradition.  Bier, Wein, ein oder zwei Lieder, dann nach Hause zu einem sehr guten Mittagessen.  Hören Sie sich diesen kurzen und interessanten Austausch an.

An old Sunday tradition.  Beer, wine, a song or two, then home to a very nice lunch.  Listen to this short and interesting exchange.

Listen Here

HOUSTON, James -  A funeral reader.  Interesting short discussion with thoughts of both life and death.  English - 2021

HUGHES, Rebecca - Village life in Eastoft in Yorkshire in England.  Silver linings in even the darkest of clouds.  2022 

HUGHES, Rebecca -   A bee keeper's story. It took 12 solitary bees for a brand new direction!

English 2019

I.

Inou. Kamerun in Afrika.   Radio mit Geschichten.   Deutsch, English. Französisch.  Radio Man Inou erzählt.  Ein Diskussion in Deutsch,   Nigel A.  JAMES und Inou. Spannend.

Inou - A radio man from Camaroon. Listen to this highly interesting interview.  Inou talks about what radio means in the Cameroon. Radio is more than just something to listen to, Radio is part of the substance of Cameroon living.  

This interview is in English.  Moderated by Nigel A. JAMES

J

Jelen-Lornitzo, Margret-  Gedanken zum Thema Lesen - Zum Anhören hier klicken

Jelen-Lornitzo,  Margret Es gibt heute sehr viele Menschen, die weder lesen noch schreiben können.  Margret Jelen-Lornitzo hat einige Gedanken zu diesem Thema.There are now very many people who can neither read or write.  Margret Jelen-Lornitzo has some thoughts on this subject.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icMM2va0k8

K

KAMINSKY, Pawel - A family holiday.  Sheep, hard work, and good fun!

KANNENBERG, Dr. Susanne,  Guinea pigs. Stop being a monster.  Listen

Susanne Kannenberg - Interview in English - Listen to this interesting interview.  A wonderful East German communist childhood that ended with a painful western bang!  No happy end!

Alfred Kantner hat ein sehr interessantes Hobby.  Ein Oldtimer.  Ein schönes Auto. Und das Hobby von Alfred Kantner ist nicht nur sehr interessant, es öffnet auch viele Türen. Viele neue Freunde und auch die Entdeckung vieler interessanter Orte.  Hören Sie Alfred Kantner im Gespräch mit Nigel A. JAMES 

Alfred Kantner has a very interesting hobby.  An oldtimer.  A beautiful car. And Alfred Kantner's hobby is not only very interesting, it opens many doors, too. Lots of new friends, and the discovery of many interesting places as well.  Listen to Alfred Kantner talking to Nigel A.  JAMES

Klicken Sie hier für Interview mit Alfred Kantner

Kurt Kantner schreibt Kinderbücher.  Kurt hat eine interessante Geschichte.  Hören Sie sich dieses interessante Gespräch an. 

Kurt Kantner writes children's books.  Kurt has an interesting story.  Listen to this interesting discussion.

Click here to listen to Kurt Kantner

Interview in English -  Emil KASCHKA - Poet, writer, and film maker.  Listen to this story of the making of a film.  No easy job. More to it than one sees on the screen.  An interesting lesson.

Kühbauer Helga - Helga Kühbauer ist auf einem Bauernhof in Österreich aufgewachsen. Das ist schon lange her.  Jetzt ist alles anders. Das Leben hat sich völlig verändert.  Hören Sie sich Helgas Geschichte an. 

Helga Kühbauer grew up on a farm in Austria. It was a long time ago.  Now, things are differnet. Life has  totally changed.  Listen to Helga's story. 

 Klicken Sie hier zum Zuhören /  Click here to listen

KASCHKA, Emil - Poet from Pfafenhoffen in Tirol. Poetry, writing, recitals, Poetry Slams, nerves, and more.

KATJA from The Ukraine - A moving very short interview in English.  Listen to hopes and fears and more as well. 

KLAR,  Andrea -  The passions and depths of weaving fine works (2020)

KLOUCEK, Rainhard - Secretary General Pan Europa, Wien. Interview Deutsch

Irmi Knoblauch  -  Bad luck nearly always comes in threes.  True.  Listen to Irme's story.  Das Pech kommt fast immer zu dritt.  Das stimmt.  Hören Sie sich die Geschichte von Irme an.    Click here to listen - Klicken Sie hier

Knafl, Franz - A man of great determination who's following the path of hard iron discipline. Martial arts.  Listen to Franz Knafl's story. A tale of international perspectives and friends all over the world.  Discussion in English with Nigel A.  JAMES 

Click here to listen

KORPI, Paula.  Paula Korpi of Helsinki. Listen as she talks about life in Finland.  From kindergarten to schools, Getting back to normal and things to come. NATO, climate change and Finnish fears.  They have a very big neighbour.

KOVTUN, Olev - Priest of the Greek Catholic Church.  Thoughts and comforting words.

L

LANE, David -  A man of the airwaves.  A radio story  

(2020)   English

Libby Love - Life and some yogic thoughts that go just a little bit under the surface.  In English. 

Alexandra Lanz - Life is the sweetest of all.  A true story of lost years, suffering and miracles.  Listen and read. English

LAZOROVA Hristina - A young Bulgarian singer with a very big future.

Interview 2022 in Deutsch

M.

Vanessa Mdluli and Pavitre Tottokara A moving interview about the struggle to help prevent the ultimate irreversable tragedy.  Femicide.

Johanna Malfer  Interview Deutsch. Hören Sie sich dieses sehr interessante Interview an.  Einen Kirchenchor zu leiten ist mehr, als man sich vorstellen kann. Verschiedene Stimmen, verschiedene Menschen.

Listen to this very intersting interview.  Leading a church choir is more than one can imagine. Different voices different people.

Stefan Malfer - Interview Deutsch. Kirchgänger.   Ein Buch über die Geschichte Breitenseer Kirche.

Carlos Mezario - Interview in English - Carlos is a Spanish pigeon fancier. A man of pigeon history, too.  Listen as Carlos tells us all about pigeon racing and other pigeon surprises as well. 

Barbara Mittere - The soft gentle tones of healing  . Click here to listen 

MITTERE, Barbara  in Discusion with Lucia Romera

Interview German and English, and a grain of Spanish as well.

MOHAUPT Gunther - Composer, conductor, and more

Interview German 2022, November

MOOSHAMMER, Traudi -   A family that arrived small.  Now big! 

(German 2020 November)

MOOSHAMMER, Traudi  -  The beginning of a new direction.  Interesting interview. 

2017. Deutsche Sprache

N.

NABER, Sabina - Krimis - Interview in Deutsche Sprache

NAPRAVINIK, Tanja.  A lively chat with Lucia Romero. March 2023

Jordanke Neidenova and Martin Schlamberger.  Interview in English.  A spontaneous discussion just after a chance encounter at a bus-stop.  A multi-directional discussion.  Two very interesting people. Changes and developments.

Andrea Nemeth talks to Nigel A.  JAMES

An interesting discussion from Australia.  Great Barrier Reef and more

Novak Petra

Petra Novak has a society in Vienna. "Wegather"  It's all about bringing people together on an intellectual level. Listen to Petra. 

P.

Hansi PAIGEL - 9. March, 2025 - Ein sehr positives Bild des hervorragenden Wiener Gesundheitswesens.   A very positive picture of the brilliant Viennese health service.             Zum anhören klicken Sie hier - Click here to listen

PAIGL, Hansi - Musik ist mein Leben.  September 2021 - Deutsch.

PAIGL, Hansi -   Wonderful evenings, piano and singing.   

(2017 Nov) German interview.

PFEIFER, Magdalena  - Making short films  2023 March

 

PFEIFER, Magdalena - An exhibition

PRIRSCHING, Andy - An online dart club.  Corona beater!  Interview German

R.

RAINER, Wolfgang -   A boy scout castle that was not a castle in the air! 

(2019) Interview English

Ingrid Reifingerhütte  -  Interview in English.  An interesting look into Schloss Ambras in Tirol.  A schloss with surprises that's well worth a visit.

Ranftler, Martin,  Hören Sie sich diese sehr bewegende Diskussion an.  Martin ist ein Besucher. Und die Menschen, die er besucht, brauchen ihn sehr.   Listen to this very moving discussion.  Martin is a visitor. And, the people he visits need him a lot. 

Click here to listen to Martin Ranftler

ROMERA, Lucia  - Films, Sunshine, Clear thinking, and freezing cold fun!

(2021) English Interview

ROMERA, Lucia - Life through Spanish Eyes - February 2022 - 

ROMERA, Lucia - Talking to Barbara Mittere  - March 2023

S.

SCHARF, Riki  Interview Deutsch. Oldest school in Vienna. 

  Interview in English.  A spontaneous discussion just after a chance encounter at a bus-stop.  A multi-directional discussion.  Two very interesting people. Changes and developments.

SCHMIEDERER, Ernst - Collecting interesting stories and listening and writing in a very big and very unusual way. - English - Feb 2021

SCHÖNESWETTER, Maria - A Viennese artist who recycles materials to produce comfort and help.  An interesting interview in English with an interesting sprinkle of German.  This interview was first broadcast in Vienna on Radio Orange on the 19th of November 2021.

SCHWEIGER, Herbert - Director VHS WIEN  -  Positive message.

German 2021

SIWY, Marty -   Cemeteries and Thoughts 

(2020)  English

Siwy, Marty - A walk in the woods - nearly  her last! 

English - 2021 August

Niki Stanek ist ein leidenschaftlicher Fotograf. Hören Sie sich sein faszinierendes kurzes Stück an. Eine seiner Schwarz-Weiß-Fotografien, Das Bild wartete schon.  Es ist das Wissen, wann man auf den Auslöser drückt, das zählt.  - - - -Niki Stanek is a very keen photographer,  Listen to his fascinating short piece. One of his black and white photographs,  The picture was already waiting.  It's the knowing when to press the shutter that counts,   Click here to listen to Niki Stanek   Ein Photo Beschreibung - Klicken Sie hier, um Niki Stanek zu hören 

Stanek, Nikolaus - Schwarz/weiss Photos. Interview Deutsch

Stanek, Nike Interview Deutsch

Niki Stanek fotografiert schon sehr lange. Er macht nicht nur die Fotos, er entwickelt sie auch und druckt sie ab.  Alles Kunstwerke. Niki Stanek bevorzugt schwarz-weiß.  Hören Sie Niki Stanek im Gespräch mit Nigel A. JAMES.  Diskussion auf Deutsch.

Niki Stanek has been taking photographs for a very long time. He not only takes the photos, he develops them and prints them as well.  All works of art. Niki Stanek prefers black and white.  Listen to Niki Stanek talking to Nigel A. JAMES.  Discussion in German.

Streibl, Robert - Ulysses and a project in exile!   

Deutsch,

Steiner, Pia - Ideas and thoughts on Feminism

T.

 

THALER, Heinrich - Talking and thinking in verse, and more. 

(2020)  Interview English

Heinrich Thaler  Interview in Deutsch - His book, Irgendwohin und Zurück. 

German.

Isabella Thaler - In English - Photography is not only an interesting hobby, it is very satisfying as well.  An interesting discussion. 

 Vanessa Mdluli and Pavitre Tottokara A moving interview about the struggle to help prevent the ultimate irreversable tragedy.  Femicide.

U.V.W.

WECHSELBERGER, Klaus - City trees Stadt Bäume - Interview Deutsch

Weish, Ulli - Interview Deutsch.  Ein Radio Lady

WRIZAL, Michi - Life in a small Austrian town.  Retz.  Interview in English.  February 2023

X.Y.Z

YIANNOUDES, Constantinous - An opera company on the move - USA, Austria, Cyprus

Interview in English. 2022

ZANUSI Paul - Spontaneous theatre. Interview in English

Welcome to Talk 49 World and Talk Clemelee

 

My name is Nigel A. JAMES. 

Talk Clemelee is my YouTube channel. 

German and English. Articles of general interest, 

short stories, interviews, Easy English 

 to help with your learning, and

much more as well.

 

>Bitte klicken Sie hier<
>Please click here<

Mein Name ist Nigel A. JAMES. 

Talk Clemelee  ist mein YouTube-Kanal. 

Deutsch und Englisch. Artikel von allgemeinem Interesse, 

Kurzgeschichten, Interviews, leicht verständliches Beiträge 

das Ihnen beim Lernen hilft, und vieles mehr. 

Marga Frank - The Little Dream Man

From Clemelee English  - Life in Austria was getting back to normal after WW2.  This was the start of children's radio.  The Little Dream Man.  Marga Frank's story.

Listen to this story on our Clemelee English Podcast

Klicken Sie für Podcasts / Please click here for our podcast channel

Herbert Haare

 Ein Leben auf Viels Gleise

Listen to this video on our Podcast

Klicken Sie für Podcasts / Please click here for our podcast channel

Marga Frank - Das kleine Traummänlein

 Marga Frank - Österreich - 1955 - Radio -  Ein neue Start - Marga Frank - Das kleine Traummänlein

Listen to this on our Clemelee Podcast - Hören Sie auch auf unsere Podcast Clemelee

Klicken Sie für Podcasts / Please click here for our podcast channel

Doris Kalus English Version

 

Doris Kalus is an angel of winter. A light in the darkness. Doris goes to the forest every day in the winter.  Food for runaway very hungry and very cold cats.

Click here to listen >    Doris Kalus.

Talk 49 World is written and produced by Nigel A. JAMES -

Klicken Sie für Podcasts / Please click here for our podcast channel

Doris Kalus

Hören Sie sich diese Clemelee-Aufnahme auf Deutsch an.  Es geht um eine Frau, die ich vor vielen Jahren getroffen habe. Eine zufällige Begegnung am Rande eines Waldes.  Nicht gerade ein Ort, an dem man erwarten würde, jemanden zu treffen. Die Dame hieß Doris Kalus und hatte ein Herz für Katzen.  Diese Kurzgeschichte handelt von Katzen, Kälte, Hunger und Hilfe. Eine interessante Hörgeschichte.

Listen to this Clemelee recording in German.  This is all about a woman I met many years ago. A chance meeting.  A chance meeting at the edge of a forest.  Not the sort of place one would expect to meet anyone. Doris Kalus was the lady's name and she had a heart for cats.  This short story is about cats, cold, hunger, and help. An interesting listen.

Klicken  Sie bitte hier für Podcasts / Please click here for our podcast channel

 

Prester John

Prester John.  A king from the east.   The Pope needed help.  A friend with an army.  Listen to this short story.  An answer to a mystery.  This short story  is in English.  Written and read by Nigel A.  JAMES 

Click here > Prester John to listen

 

Christina Harecker - Smartschnapps

Ein geübtes Auge - Ein Smartphone -  Super Bilder

Klicken Sie für Podcasts / Please click here for our podcast channel

Die Maria Magdalena Kirche in Felsöörs

A church.  The second oldest in Hungary.  A secret.

Eine Kirche. Die zweitälteste in Ungarn. Ein Geheimnis.

You can listen to this article on our  Clemelee  Podcast channel.

Sie können diesen Artikel auf unserem Podcast-Kanal Clemelee anhören.

Klicken Sie für Podcasts / Please click here for our podcast channel

Talk 49 Podcast

You can now listen to our stories and interviews on our Podcast, or if you wish, still enjoy them in the same way as before -  

Sie können unsere Geschichten und Interviews jetzt auf unserem Podcast anhören oder, wenn Sie möchten, weiterhin wie bisher genießen – 

Klicken Sie hier für Podcast   

 

Gudrun Heinrici

 Urlaub auf Schienen

Mit dem Zug zu reisen bedeutet, eine Reise zu unternehmen.

Legin V. Semaj TV Evenings

 First published 2010

Tea, cakes, and TV

The fun of watching TV!

 

Doors

DOORS -  A true Hungarian story about many new doors!  Jenö and Marika

First published 2010

Alexandra Lanz

 

Listen to this very unique story  - Truth cannot be invented.

Talk 49 Address

 

Good Morning!

Welcome to Talk 49 World

Willkommen!

Our address is

talk49.blogspot.com

Pawel Kaminsky - Summer Repeat -

Pawel Kaminsky took his family on holiday.  To an Austrian farm in the mountains. He lovd it, his wife loved it, and his children loved it the most. Sheep, fresh air, and mountian life.  Listen to this interesting discussion-

KAMINSKY, Pawel - A family holiday.  Sheep, hard work, and good fun! 

Also listen on Talk49 podcasts

Michael und Judith Brasch

 Ein Mongolisches Wunder.  Eindrücke die bewegen!  Sehr interessant.  Hören und genießen.

Mehr  Geschichten auf Clemelee 

Rosa Nowak

 

Eine Nordesee Insel.  Inspiration.  Eine Gechichte 

Evi Kinast-Zeggl

Evi Kinast-Zeggl

Gedanken zum Thema Frauen und wie es heute ist.  Überlegungen zum Frauentag.

Thoughts related to women and how things are in the present day.  Women's Day reflections.

Klicken Sie hier zu hören

Doris Kalus - Geschichte auf Deutsch

Doris Kalus geht jeden Abend in Winter in den Wald. Sie hat ein großes Herz für streunende Katzen.  Doris gibt ihnen etwas zu fressen. Für viele dieser Katzen ist das die einzige Mahlzeit am Tag.   Doris Kalus ist eine sehr bemerkenswerte Frau.

 Weitere Kurzgeschichten auf Deutsch auf Clemelee

Doris Kalus goes to the woods every evening in winter. She has a very big heart for runaway cats.  Doris gives them something to eat. The only meal each day for many of these cats.   Doris Kalus is a remarkable woman.

Doris Kalus

Hören Sie sich diese Clemelee-Aufnahme auf Deutsch an.  Es geht um eine Frau, die ich vor vielen Jahren getroffen habe. Eine zufällige Begegnung am Rande eines Waldes.  Nicht gerade ein Ort, an dem man erwarten würde, jemanden zu treffen. Die Dame hieß Doris Kalus und hatte ein Herz für Katzen.  Diese Kurzgeschichte handelt von Katzen, Kälte, Hunger und Hilfe. Eine interessante Hörgeschichte.

Listen to this Clemelee recording in German.  This is all about a woman I met many years ago. A chance meeting.  A chance meeting at the edge of a forest.  Not the sort of place one would expect to meet anyone. Doris Kalus was the lady's name and she had a heart for cats.  This short story is about cats, cold, hunger, and help. An interesting listen. 

Margaret Weithera-Bachlechner

 

This is an extremely fascinating short discussion. Margaret Weithera-Bachlechner.  A very engaged lady.  Changing women's lives for the better, and for the rest of us, too.  This story spans the world from Austria to Africa.  This is a "must listen to" interview.

Click here to listen to  Margaret Weithera-Bachlechner

 

Please visit my YouTube page.  There you will find easy access to my PODCASTS. Listening fun and interesting subjects.  

Talk 49 Podcasts

Hansi Paigl

Musik ist mein Leben - Ein kurzes Gespräch mit Hansi Paigl.  Sehr interessant.

Music is my Life  - A short discussion with Hansi Paigl.  Very interesting. 

 PAIGL, Hansi - Musik ist mein Leben.  September 2021 - Deutsch.

Kurt Kantner

Kurt Kantner schreibt Kinderbücher.  Kurt hat eine interessante Geschichte.  Hören Sie sich dieses interessante Gespräch an. 

Kurt Kantner writes children's books.  Kurt has an interesting story.  Listen to this interesting discussion.

Click here to listen to Kurt Kantner

Werner Wiesler

 

Werner Wesler und seine Freunde.  Die Ratten. Deutsch.

Klicken Sie hier, um Werner Wiesler zu hören

Martin Ranftler

Hören Sie sich diese sehr bewegende Diskussion an.  Martin ist ein Besucher. Und die Menschen, die er besucht, brauchen ihn sehr.   Listen to this very moving discussion.  Martin is a visitor. And, the people he visits need him a lot. 

Click here to listen to Martin Ranftler

 

Audry Bowls - Deutsch

Audry Bowls and Apple Crumble 

Hören Sie sich diese Geschichte an.  Die wahre Geschichte über woher der Apfelstreusel kommt. Eine faszinierende Geschichte.

 

Maxi B. ACS

Maxi B.  ACS

In this short discussion,  Maxi B. Acs talks to Nigel A. JAMES about loneliness.  An interesting start to this season of the Parletorium.

Click here to listen to Maxi B. ACS

A. J. Cronin

A.  J. Cronin - The man who gave up  giving up.

A. J. Cronin was one of Britain's most popular writers and his best known book was The Citadel. A story of medicine, poverty and riches. But, The Citadel nearly didn't happen at all. It was saved by a walk in the rain.

At the time, A. J. Cronin was 33 and working in London. He was a general practioner and worked very hard. His days began early and sometimes lasted all night. Burning the candle at both ends. But, despite his very heavy work load, A. J. Cronin always found time for studying and keeping up with medical developments. He was not only a popular doctor, he was dedicated, too. But, his private life was completely the opposite.

A. J. Cronin could never find himself. He was always looking for other things to do. A balance in life. A hobby. He was never short of ideas, but none ever worked. He simply lost interest and stopped. Being a doctor was all he could do. He worked harder and harder and longer and longer. But, was always too busy to see what was happening.

One morning, A. J. Cronin woke up with a terrible pain in his stomach. He tried to ignore it but it got worse. The next day, he called on a colleague to examine him. A.J. Cronin didn't like what he heard. He had an ulcer. He was seriously ill. His choice was simple. A dangerous operation or 6 months off doing nothing at all. A. J. Cronin went to the far north of Scotland.

The fresh sea air and going for walks did him good. His health began coming back. But, very, very slowly. He would need time. But, what else could he do except nothing? Then, whilst down on the beach, he had an idea. Something he'd always wanted to do. Write a good book. There was nothing to stop him. Now he had time. On his way home he stopped and bought pencils and paper. Then, after dinner, he sat down and started.

Writing a book wasn't easy. Until then, A.J. Cronin had only written prescriptions. But, he had an idea and knew his direction. So far so good. But, the words were the problem. They just wouldn't come. It took him two weeks to write 800 words. He persisted. A month later, he was writing a thousand each day. His book was coming on well. He was happy. Then, the inevitable happened.

All of a sudden, A. J. Cronin lost interest. He stopped writing. He was frustrated and angry. Angry for starting something so silly. A book that no one would read. He was sour. In a fit of white rage, he threw everything into the the bucket. In to the rubbish went his work. Never again would he do such a thing. Then, he went for a walk in the rain. He had to cool off. And, there, not far away and working his field was Angus.

A. J. Cronin and Angus had become very good friends. Angus immediately knew. Something was wrong. A. J. Cronin explained. But, Angus showed neither compassion nor understanding. Angus was angry. Very angry. How could A. J. Cronin simply give up! If everyone gave up, nothing would happen. Giving up for old Angus was simply no option. A. J. Cronin was a big disappointment. A. J. Cronin was stunned. He was ashamed. He turned and went home.

The first thing he did was rescue his work from the bucket. He sat down and continued his writing. Now, very intensively.  Angus's words had struck home. Three months later, A. J. Cronin found a publisher in the phone book and sent in his manuscript.

A. J. Cronin recovered completely and time quickly came to go back to London. He had got to know the entire village and was now saying goodbye. Suddenly, he heard his name being called. It was the postmistress. A telegram was waiting for him. It had just arrived from London.

A. J. Cronin was to contact his publisher as soon as he got back to London. He and Angus went out for a drink.

A. J. Cronin's book, The Citadel, sold more than three million copies. A huge success. It was translated into nineteen languages and filmed as well. A.J. Cronin had made it. He had won. He had beaten himself. And, all because of a walk in the rain and some very straight words from old Angus, a very good friend.

A. J. Cronin never gave up again. He went on to write many good books. Amongst them, Dr. Finlay's Casebook, and, The Stars looked Down. A. J. Cronin was born in Scotland in 1896, and died in Switzerland in 1981.

A. J. Cronin – A man who gave up giving up.

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