A Very Special Catch

The book A Very Special Catch was originally written as 3 smaller books. A Very Special Catch, plus A Very Special Catch Part 2 and Part 3. When Brenda realized she would be self-publishing she decided she would combine the three books into one. It was actually Brenda’s grandson, Jakob, (12 years old at the time) who first told her and her husband about the new show coming on called Deadliest Catch. After that first episode, they were “hooked!” and have never missed a single episode since.  She loves the TV series Deadliest Catch, and was most intrigued by Captain Phil Harris. To Brenda, he was an interesting and multi-layered individual, authentic and endearing. After he passed away the idea began to take shape that she wanted to write a children’s book loosely based on him and his boys. It was a bit tricky to take an adult show and weave it into a children’s story. In the book, Brenda wanted to honor Captain Phil, and share positive messages of hope, love, bravery, friendship, the importance of protecting and embracing our environment, and exploring our differences as beings on this planet. Brenda also wanted to honor her own parents and the love they shared as a family.

My dad, Rocky, like most of us mermaids and mermen, had keen eyesight and as he scanned the surface of the water he saw another fin, then another. We found ourselves surrounded by these huge black and white fishes. At the time I thought they were some type of shark.

Brenda Hill Ramsdell

Brenda Hill (Reagan) Ramsdell is a former teacher who lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Gary, their granddaughter Amber, their golden retriever Buddy, and the enduring spirits of their beloved goldens; Howie, Charlie, and Teddy, and their turtle, Shel Turtlestein. Brenda’s inspiration for this book is loosely based on the popular television series Deadliest Catch. It has always been her dream to be a published author. Reading, writing, and music are among her many passions.

 

Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea
Mermaids are chanting the wild lorelei

Stephen Foster
(lyric from Beautiful Dreamer)

The orcas were back. My dad smiled at me and said it would be our little adventure and that everything would be okay. We would head north toward a cluster of islands. We must leave at once.