​HOW THE STORY CAME TO BE… 

Brian didn't set out to write a novel, but when the muse landed on his shoulder, he followed her lead. Luckily for us, Brian's muse (and co-author!) helped him craft a truly unique & captivating novel.

Brian writes, "I created a fly-fishing club at the high school where I serve as a visual art teacher.  Throughout the years, the club has gone from being all-white and all-male to being an all-inclusive club with women of color holding equitable membership."

From the simple beginnings of a club teaching teenagers the magnificence of fly fishing, a story began to emerge. "This club ignited the fire within me to write a book with an African-American female lead (Maya Jones), whose unique life journey inspires an unlimited audience."

But he needed more than a muse to help tell the story, so he called the only author he knew, his cousin, Barbara Beam. "When Brian called me and said he had an amazing story that HAD to be told, I was skeptical. According to one journalist (Christopher Hitchens), 'everyone has at least one good story in them, but that, most of time is where it should stay.' But as Brian started telling me his idea, I was intrigued. I had never heard anything like it.  Of course I jumped on board!”

Brian sent Barbara a 40 - page outline and Barbara wove the ideas into a novel. Then Brian took that rough draft and added the fishing technicalities, embellishments, and the glory of nature. Now, five years later, they have released their debut novel, She Talks To Fish.

Barbara's reason for co-authoring the novel was simply to help tell this tremendous story. Brian's goals were much more lofty.

"I have made it my mission," Brian says, "to do whatever it takes to expose and excite an audience who may never get the opportunity to experience the power of fly fishing’s divinity. I believe everyone should fly fish, and if you don’t, you should start, because it’s medicine, therapy, counseling, and a tool for positive mental health.”

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Because so many women of color were joining the club & becoming outstanding fly- fishermen, Brian has become a champion of change in a sport seeking new voices & providing new opportunities to share in the simple beauty of fly fishing.

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She Talks To Fish is the compelling story of perseverance with distinct, powerful voices, strategically encouraging an unapologetic truth.