Robin Woodsford is a creative soul, an artist of life. A keen observer of human behaviour at all levels. A father, a partner, an entrepreneur, a lover of nature. An activist at many levels from political protest to the business development of progressive ideas. A good friend. A family man. A maker of fine wine, buildings, gardens, and restoration of old cars. Restoring the planet is his life’s passion! Robin talks to NZ Booklovers.
Tell us a little about me and my generation.
The book is about the baby-boomer generation, those born from 1945 to the mid 60s. I look at who they were and what was their journey. I share my experience as a boomer growing up in the 1950s and 60’s, telling my story and suggesting that it was similar to many boomers around the world.
I put the idea forward that in the 1960’s in particular, a reforming of thinking swept through the world. The Vietnam war which was hugely unpopular particularly by the young generation who were expected to fight it. The advent of oral contraception for women. Both these were galvanizing events that challenged and changed social norms and conventional thinking. Often referred to as the counter-culture movement, I argue that the issues of racism, sexism, militarism, consumerism and environmental issues were tabled as key issues that the world needed to address in order to be more open, healthy and sustainable.
I also point out that these may have been tabled but have not been resolved. Sure, some progress has been made but they are now here today right on our doorstep begging to be sorted. In particular, climate dislocation which is now challenging our insurance system as well as the physical environment to the point of breakdown and collapse.
I lay down a challenge to the boomer generation to not sail off into the sunset on their well- stocked cruise ships leaving the mess to their offspring…. kids and grandkids to manage. They were and have been a generation that gained much material wealth, more than any generation before them. So, what responsibility do they have in terms of their legacy, what do they want to stand for and be remembered by? Rampant materialism or the fight for a healthy, co-operative, safe and sustainable world?
What inspired me to write the book?
Partly as a result of my work as a counsellor and therapist. Working all over the world I listened to stories of people trying to better their lives, deal with anxiety, create a better relationship, manage stress etc. I began to see patterns in all cultures that were similar. Sexism, racism, violence, alcohol and abuse at many levels both institutional and otherwise had been rampant in all societies. Why was this and where did it arise from?
I saw that in the 1960’s many of these issues were raised by the counter-culture movement and I began to think about the boomer generation and their journey as well as mine. I began to formulate the idea of consciousness being shifted and challenged in the 60’s in particular, to look more deeply at the human condition.
What research was involved?
In some ways the research was done via my professional work experience. The gathering of stories over time. However, there was the need to get facts settled more clearly. What is a generation time span?
The chapters on drugs and alcohol needed research. I looked at the Portugese experience with drug law reform and their new programs. The history of drug use over time and in various cultures took a lot of research. The issue of reforming education and financial structures was an area of much looking at and research.
Tax havens, international monetary systems. Who owns what? Who is doing new educational work and what are the current theories?
While I wanted to write a book that was easy and accessible and was not too dense. I also wanted it to have some meat on the bones so to speak. My goal was to raise issues and ideas for discussion. Not present a set position or argument. To allow space for challenge but then thinking and stimulation of thoughts.
What was your routine or process when writing this book?
The book had been in my mind for some time. I was in the south France staying with dear friends who have an old farmhouse with an old -style atrium. I sat in that space and wrote each day for an hour for two weeks and out the book just came. Most of the components of the book were there, the bones. On my way back to NZ, I stopped in Hong Klong and in a dingey cheap room I wrote through the night in the heat and added more material.
It was like having all the parts to build a house. The issue was how to put it together and make it flow. That took longer. I mucked around with it and in the end I sat down with a friend Naomi Miller. She had worked as an editor and journalist and was a writer friend. We poured over it for two or three days and worked out the shape and flow and then I sat down and added more. Eventually I gave it to her and she did a basic edit for me. My friend and author Des Casey also went through it and gave me feedback. Morning was my best time to write overall.
If a soundtrack were made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
Bob Dylan ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’
Sgt Peppers, Van Morrison ‘Into the mystic’
Pink Floyd and of course the Rolling Stones.
What did you enjoy the most about writing me and my generation?
The editing with my editor Jane McKenzie.
What do you hope readers will take from reading the book?
Think about their life and what legacy that they want to be remembered for and to realise what an amazing gift we have….this life to live. To know that my journey is also their journey. We all have a story that is deeply personal and amazing. To stimulate some thinking and discussion about more than just rugby racing and beer. We are so more than just butchers and bakers and candlestick makers!
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
Mmmmmm….. not done that yet. Still in completion mode but ready now I think. Especially with official launch coming up on the 20th August in Christchurch.
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
That’s a tough one. Toss-up between my Sci Fi addiction….. and Gabor Mate…The Myth of Normal. Entertainment for Sci Fi and cutting edge clinical material on Trauma with Gabor.
What’s next on agenda?
Finish the extension on our house by end of summer.
Plan next book that’s rattling around in my head.
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