In the dynamic world ofliterature, there exists a realm where authors wield their creativeprowess to redefine norms and take readers on unique voyages.

JosiahHatch, III, the versatile wordsmith hailing from Savannah, Georgia, hasrecently made a striking mark in this realm. His latest work, AJourney to St. Thomas: Tales for Our Time, serves as atestament to his multifaceted talents, drawing inspiration from adiverse educational background, a dynamic career, and an unwaveringpassion for storytelling.

In this summary, weexplore the captivating interview I had with Josiah, where he sharesinsights into his remarkable journey, the literary influences thathave shaped his work, and the intricate process of crafting a modernnarrative inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. 

AJourney to St. Thomas stands as the focal point of ourexploration, bridging the gap between the past and present, offeringreaders a distinctive literary experience that resonates withcontemporary themes.

A Scholarly Odyssey:

Josiah embarked onan educational journey that laid the foundation for his uniqueapproach to storytelling. Graduating with honors from Princeton, hespecialized in Ancient Greek and Latin, a choice that kindled hislove for words and the subtlety of their meanings. His immersion inmusic theory added a rhythmic quality to his later works, reflectinghis multidisciplinary interests.

His scholarly pursuitstook him to Oxford's esteemed Pembroke College, where he delved intoAnglo-Saxon and Middle English studies. 

A year spent in Italy exposedhim to the worlds of Latin literature, history, and art, enrichinghis understanding of language, culture, and history. 

These diverseinfluences left an indelible mark on his creative process, as he wovea narrative that celebrated the power of interweaving a variety ofdisciplines.

Blending Diverse CareerTrajectories:

Josiah's career path is atestament to his versatility and ability to transition seamlesslybetween professional domains. 

His journey can be aptly described asan odyssey, with each step adding a unique layer to his creativeexpression.

From serving as aSmithsonian museum administrator to pursuing a law degree atGeorgetown, he embraced the challenges of diverse careerexperiences. 

The insights gleaned from these multifaceted roles haveplayed a pivotal role in shaping his perspective on literature andwriting. 

As a professor at the University of Denver's Josef KorbelSchool for International Studies, he cemented his standing as anauthority on international relations and diplomacy.

The Intersection of Lawand Literature:

Beyond his professionalaccomplishments, Josiah emerges as a creative force, donning the hatof a writer and composer. 

His written works span a wide spectrum,including a legal treatise and the notable Forbidden Carols ofChristmas. 

The latter, in particular, represents a uniqueconfluence of his involvement with Denver's Cactus Club and otherprestigious literary circles. 

This eclectic mix of professional rolesand artistic endeavors has allowed Hatch to draw from a richrepository of experiences, giving depth and authenticity to hisstorytelling.

Reimagining Chaucer in aModern Context:

Josiah embarks on aliterary expedition that reimagines Geoffrey Chaucer's CanterburyTales in a contemporary context, serving as the backdrop for thismodern-day pilgrimage. 

This reinterpretation challenges the reader'sperceptions and offers fresh perspectives on timeless themes. 

Thechallenges in updating Chaucer's characters lie in striking a balancebetween paying homage to the original and ensuring that the narrativeremains firmly anchored in the present-day setting.

The Poetry of Connection:

Josiah's unique narrativestyle shines through in A Journey to St. Thomas. Heemploys iambic pentameter, a traditional poetic form, to infuse thestory with a timeless and musical quality. 

This decision challengesthe conventional separation of prose and poetry and invites readersto experience the joy of reading aloud to each other.

Stories That Connect Us:

At the heart of AJourney to St. Thomas lies the concept of strangers bondingthrough storytelling in the confines of a cruise ship. In a worldmarked by political and economic fractures, storytelling emerges as apotent tool for building connections. 

Josiah's narrative invitesreaders to recognize that we are all on a shared journey, with acommon destination.

A Literary Mirror toReality:

Josiah's work isnotable for its ability to reflect the world in real-time, even whenconceived before the actual events it mirrors. 

The role of thepandemic in A Journey to St. Thomas initially served as aliterary device to heighten the sense of confinement and sharedexperience. 

However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in the realworld added an unforeseen layer of significance, strengthening thebook's metaphorical resonance.

Josiah's remarkablejourney, from his educational pursuits to his dynamic career, and hispassion for storytelling, converge in A Journey to St. Thomas. 

This work stands as a bridge between the past and the present,offering readers a literary voyage rich in language, culture, andcontemporary relevance. 

It challenges conventional norms andemphasizes the unifying power of storytelling, urging us to listen,understand, and connect with each other on our shared journey throughlife's ever-changing seas.

To Read Norm's Interview With Josiah Hatch Follow Here