Author Q&A with Former Houstonian Pamela Lamp

Podcaster and blogger Pamela Lamp’s first book, Do the Next Thing, published in late July. When she desired a purpose, a passion, friends, and a community, Pamela Lamp devised a project for herself. She took those first few steps – steps anyone can take – to find herself and begin the journey she wished to travel. Like a conversation with a good friend, this book is full of observations of what might just happen when you take a step back, embrace uncertainty, and let go of control. I really enjoyed this one – it is a September Buzz Reads pick.

Pamela Lamp is a wife, mom, grandmother, blogger, and podcast host. She is the author of Do the Next New Thing and a frequent contributor to online magazines. At Who I Met Today, she interviews people from all walks of life, with topics ranging from health and food to books, aging, and travel. She hopes to encourage listeners and readers to explore uncharted territory and learn something new every day. Pamela enjoys traveling, cooking, playing golf and pickleball, reading and, of course, exploring new things. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband.

Pamela answers some questions that I posed to her about Do the Next New Thing:

What inspired you to start writing Do the Next New Thing?

When I moved to Nashville, I started meeting with a great therapist. She helped me work through our relocation and the issues surrounding my aging parents and in-laws. When I explained my New Thing project to her, she was excited about what I was doing. At each visit, we’d discuss the new things I’d done and how they helped me. She explained that my project was a standard clinical treatment for anxiety and depression. “You are on to something,” she said. She encouraged me to begin writing about my experiences and what I learned along the way.

Throughout the writing process, I continued to consult with her to determine if my new things were truly beneficial or if I was simply imagining they were. And she confirmed that new things – of all types and sizes – are quite helpful.

Can you share something with me about your book that is not in the blurb? 

Do the Next New Thing includes interactive portions at the end of each section to encourage readers to begin their own journeys. To start, readers are encouraged to make lists of what they might like to do – in their home, town, or beyond – without regard to time, resources, or likelihood. Throughout the book, the suggestions continue so that readers may map out their own plans and reflect on what might be interesting or fun for them. 

What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

I hope readers realize that if this project worked for me, it will work for anyone. Doing new things led to a multitude of gifts for me. Not only did I discover a passion, friends, and community in my new place, but I also learned a lot about myself and how I wanted to live going forward. Of course, I didn’t flip a switch – ta-da!, we have a new Pam – but nowadays, when I feel like I’m straying off course or I’m worrying too much for my own good, I re-read a chapter and try to re-center myself. 

Did you have any say in what your book cover looks like? 

Yes! I studied a lot of book covers, and I wanted a colorful, happy cover that depicted doing something new. The publisher liked my idea of watercolor paint splotches (as in, trying a painting class), and I wanted a white cover with staircase lettering. We went back and forth with fonts and placement until I said, “That’s it!” I will say that I absolutely love the cover!

Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.

When I was a teenager, I taught swimming lessons and lifeguarded at our local pool. And, of course, I barely wore sunscreen then. Nowadays, one of my very favorite things to do is head to the pool with my 4-year-old granddaughter. She loves the water as much as I do!

What are you reading now and what have you read recently that you loved?

I just started reading The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali, and I already know I will love it! I am a huge historical fiction fan. I love a compelling story wrapped up in a place and facts I know little about. So, this novel, set in Iran, checks those boxes. Recently, Fiona Davis, one of my favorite authors, was a guest on my podcast. She recommended I read The Caretaker by Ron Rash. And I’m so glad I did! What a gripping, tender tale of the lengths some parents might go to determine what’s best for their child. I enjoyed all the layers and the backdrop of the Korean War. 

For more book recommendations and bookish thoughts, see Cindy’s monthly Buzz Reads column, her award-winning Thoughts from a Page Podcast or follow @ThoughtsFromaPage on Instagram.