Dr. Mel chilling after the eclipse.
Today's author, Jim Bollenbacher, knows too as he often works during festivals as an EMT. His book, "Molly, Mushrooms, & Mayhem: Stories from Inside the Music Festival Medical Tent" is worth the read. Take a look and meet the author.
Molly, Mushrooms, & Mayhem: Stories from Inside the Music Festival Medical Tent Kindle Edition
by Jim Bollenbacher (Author)
Go behind the scenes of
popular music festivals with the medical professionals who risk it all to keep
everyone safe. From intoxicated teens to patients in porta-potties, discover
the hidden, often hilarious, side of music festivals from the points of view of
dedicated EMT's and paramedics. Written by lawyer-turned paramedic Jim
Bollenbacher, this lighthearted collection of stories provides an inside view
of the world of music festival medicine. And all proceeds from the sale of this
book benefit the First Responders Children's Foundation.
REVIEWS
"Interesting tales of his experiences...covering the craziness of
music festivals from the EMS perspective...funny stories that ring true...an
enjoyable read about a little known aspect of the EMS experience." Peter
Canning, author of Paramedic: On the Front Lines of Medicine, and Rescue 471: A
Paramedic's Stories
"Author Jim Bollenbacher flawlessly compiled stories from fellow first responders that showcase the unpredictability of working in the field and display a remarkable sense of compassion for patients. Packed with hilarity, reflections of personal growth, off-the-wall encounters, and medical/EMS tidbits, this is one book that won't disappoint." Kerry Hamm, author of Real Stories From a Small-Town ER series.
"This book will open your eyes! Jim Bollenbacher, a kind, formerly straight-laced attorney and corporate management leader shares his “retirement” as an Event EMT in jaw-dropping fashion. I laughed out loud in between gasps of astonishment at each story. Do yourself a favor, read about “this side” of the event/concert world. You’ll laugh at, learn from and feel deeply grateful for Jim and his peers’ experiences." Melanie Goldish, Author of How Was Your Day Baby, and Founder of SuperSibs
"Author Jim Bollenbacher flawlessly compiled stories from fellow first responders that showcase the unpredictability of working in the field and display a remarkable sense of compassion for patients. Packed with hilarity, reflections of personal growth, off-the-wall encounters, and medical/EMS tidbits, this is one book that won't disappoint." Kerry Hamm, author of Real Stories From a Small-Town ER series.
"This book will open your eyes! Jim Bollenbacher, a kind, formerly straight-laced attorney and corporate management leader shares his “retirement” as an Event EMT in jaw-dropping fashion. I laughed out loud in between gasps of astonishment at each story. Do yourself a favor, read about “this side” of the event/concert world. You’ll laugh at, learn from and feel deeply grateful for Jim and his peers’ experiences." Melanie Goldish, Author of How Was Your Day Baby, and Founder of SuperSibs
JIM BOLLENBACHER
Tell your readers a little about yourself,
where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them
get to know the personal you.
I
grew up in a small town in Western Pennsylvania. I always wanted to be an FBI agent, so I went
to Indiana University of Pennsylvania and majored in Criminology, thinking that
was the route to the FBI. While there, I
met an FBI agent who was a complete jerk and turned me off of that career. So, I went to law school at The Dickinson
School of Law, now part of Penn State University, in central Pennsylvania. It was there I met my wife Sandy.
I
started my career in Pittsburgh but have moved first to Lafayette IN and now
the Chicagoland area. We have two
daughters and two cats. Despite the
moves, we remain avid Pittsburgh Steeler fans.
What inspired you to author this book?
I noticed the reaction I got when I talked
about the things I experienced while working at music festivals and thought
others might enjoy hearing about the craziness that can go on. I had read other
books where authors compiled stories about the ER or 911 calls and enjoyed
them, so that was the model for what I intended the book to be.
Where did you get the inspiration for your
book's cover?
I
really wanted the cover to reflect the energy and vibe of the music festivals
that I have worked. In addition to some
craziness, these festivals are vibrant and alive with energy. The mood is very positive, and there is a
great culture of compassion and inclusion. It's what I like the most about
working at them.
Who has been the most significant influence
on you personally and as a writer?
Kerry
Hamm's books on stories from an ER were the model for my book when I
started. But Peter Canning and Keven
Grange have written great books in this space that included more personal
reflections. I ended up adopting a
little of both types of writing.
What were your struggles or obstacles you
had to overcome to get this book written?
As
a lawyer and paramedic, my writing style was much more focused on being fact-oriented,
as in "just the facts ma'am." My very early drafts of stories were
more like incident reports than stories.
My wife continued to give me feedback to tell more of the story, set the
scene, be descriptive. That was not
natural for me. Fortunately, some of the
contributors to the book had that style, and I was able to see it in a context
I understood. My editor also helped me
quite a bit.
Tell your readers about your book.
The
book is a compilation of stories about experiences that my colleagues and I
have had taking care of patients at music festivals. They are loosely organized into topical
chapters and connected by some medical or music festival "factoids."
Those factoids are things that I learned as a paramedic that the general public
might not know. I also use some of the
stories to tell of my transition from a pretty conservative button downed
lawyer and business executive to a fun-loving, more relaxed festival medic. The book is mostly lighthearted, intended to
entertain readers who may not have been aware of this side of music
festivals. Readers will laugh, cringe,
and maybe even gasp as they learn of some of the situations in which we find
ourselves as we respond to calls for assistance.
Who is your target audience, and why?
I
think this book has a broad appeal. For
sure, people who are interested in medical issues will like it, so anyone in
healthcare or thinking of a career in healthcare. I also think those who attend the festivals
will be interested as it is a side of their experience they don't usually
see. And finally, people who are
contemplating a career change, or a new direction in their life will enjoy the
story of my 180-degree change in career.
If you were going to give one reason for
anyone looking at your book to read, why should they buy it?
It
is a funny, entertaining read that goes behind the scenes of a big part of our
culture and shares stories about dedicated first responders in a very unique setting
What do you consider your greatest success
in life?
My
wife and I raised two daughters who are successful, independent, compassionate
adults committed to fairness and equality for everyone. They have taught me
much in the process.
What one unique thing sets you apart from
other writers in your genre?
My background as a lawyer is unique, for
sure. And I have daughters who have experienced the music festival scene about
which I write.
How do you overcome writer's block?
I didn't have too much trouble with writer's
block, but when I did, I walked away from writing and refocused on something
else. When I came back, I was usually
able to find my place and have more clarity in what I wanted to say.
What one piece of advice do you have for
new authors.
Find
the right editor. First, have an editor,
but also find the right one. There are
many good ones, but the best one is the one that fits your personality, the way
you work, and understands the book you want to write, rather than the one they
think you should write
Tell your readers anything else you want to
share.
Writing
this book with a cause in mind has made the process so much more
meaningful. I started with no
expectations of selling books to anyone other than friends and family. But with a great charity as the recipient of
the book's proceeds, I now want to do everything I can to make the book the
best it can be and to convince readers to buy it.
