The following is an interview with Linda Rhodes regarding the release of her memoir, Breaking the Barnyard Barrier: A Woman Veterinarian Paves the Way, with University of Nevada Press. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Rhodes about her creative process in bringing her personal narrative to life on the page, the experiences that she hopes may resonate with readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Today sees the release of your memoir, Breaking the Barnyard Barrier: A Woman Veterinarian Paves the Way. What inspired you to share your story with readers?
Linda Rhodes: I wanted to write down the stories from these chapters in my life, so that when my son got old enough to be interested, they would not be lost. Also, I have worked with a number of young women who face issues with trying to get ahead in male-dominated workplaces and are needing encouragement and inspiration. I thought it might be encouraging for people to read a story focused on the difficulties of breaking into a profession that was not at all welcoming, and what it takes to succeed.
BD: What can you tell us about your creative process in bringing this personal narrative to life on the page, and what did you find to be the most challenging or reward aspects of this creative journey?
LR: After my time as a large animal veterinarian, I went back to school, got a PhD, and went into research, where I worked to bring new medicines to market. In that role, I published a number of scientific papers. When I started writing my memoir, I had to learn how to tell stories, not just analyze data. That was challenging, but as I grew into a new way of writing, thanks to several talented teachers, and reading many memoirs, I realized I enjoyed the craft of bringing the stories to life. Most rewarding was developing a sense of place—I remembered so many sensory details of life in Utah—the smells, the mountain views, the quality of the air, the colors. I hope my readers will feel what I experienced in a visceral way.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that your story may connect with and impact readers?
LR: I hope my story will connect with anyone who tackles something difficult in their life, and will serve as encouragement to not give up, but persevere, with grit. I came to realize I could not have it all—that my marriage suffered because of the time and energy I had to devote to being a successful veterinarian in a man’s world. The story should help people to realize that it’s OK to not to be successful in having it all—making choices doesn’t mean failure. Also, I hope that readers will enjoy learning something about what is required to run a dairy, and to take care of cows—in modern society we know so little about where we get our food.
BD: What makes University of Nevada Press the perfect home for your story?
LR: This publisher has, as part of its mission, a focus on stories related to the West. My memoir is centered on Utah and Idaho in the late 1970s. The stories I relate help the reader feel the culture of that particular place and time. The acquiring editor loved my story and was an early champion. Publishing with a university press is a very deliberate process and the manuscript underwent peer review. By the time we signed a contract, I knew the Press was solidly behind the book, which is a great feeling.
BD: Are there any additional projects or work – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
LR: I have a Substack, (Rhodesl.substack.com) “Gutsy Women; Stories of struggles and successes of women entrepreneurs,” where I will be highlighting other women who have tackled what is traditionally a man’s job. Their struggles and successes, their thoughts and stories will inspire folks. I have plans to interview one of the first women to run a commercial fishing boat in Alaska, a woman who at the age of 25 started her own travel company to exotic places, and, of course, other women large animal veterinarians!
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find out more about Breaking the Barnyard Barrier?
LR: My website, www.lindarhodes.com, where you can see a gallery of pictures, find information about events, and read blurbs of readers.
