10.1.15 - 7 Minutes With... Barbara Freethy + a giveaway!

I had the honor of meeting Barbara Freethy at one of Catherine’s awesome author lunches, and we hit it off. She’s incredibly smart, incredibly dedicated, a take-no-prisoners business woman, and a wildly creative writer—talk about the whole package. When Barbara talks, I listen, and I’m not the only one. From her groundbreaking self-publishing career to discussions of love and life, she always has the right thing to say. And her books are fantastic—for all my romance, romantic-suspense and women’s fiction reader peeps, Barbara’s your writer. With multiple series and titles and sagas, there’s enough of her work to keep you busy for ages! I can’t wait to sit down with her and get all the insider scoop on independent publishing. At least we’ll get a sneak peek today. 

Oh, and she’s agreed to give away three copies (print or digital—winners’ choice!) of her latest book, BEAUTIFUL STORM, which comes out today! Contest details are below.

Barbara, take it away! 

_________

Set your music to shuffle and hit play. What’s the first song that comes up?

“Blank Space” by Taylor Swift
 

Now that we’ve set the mood, what are you working on today?

I'm writing LIGHTNING LINGERS (Book #2) in my Lightning Strikes Trilogy.

What’s your latest book about?

BEAUTIFUL STORM (Book #1 in my Lightning Strikes Trilogy) begins a three-book overarching romantic suspense trilogy. The heroine, Alicia Monroe, is a news photographer by day and photographs lightning storms at night. She's obsessed with lightning after her father's plane went down in an electrical storm ten years earlier. When the book begins, Alicia sees what appears to be a murder in the flashes of lightning. She finds a military ID tag on the ground that belongs to a missing woman, and soon Alicia is on a dangerous search for truth and justice.
 

Where do you write, and what tools do you use?

I write on a laptop, and I often sit in a big, comfortable chair with an ottoman. I have one in my bedroom and another in my office. I also write some afternoons with two writing friends at Starbucks.
 

What was your favorite book as a child?

That's a difficult question. I was a voracious reader as a kid. I probably read every single Nancy Drew adventure, so I'd have to put that series high on the list of favorites.
 

What’s your secret talent?

I'm a really good tennis player.
 

What book are you reading now?

I'm reading THE HARBOR by Carla Neggers.
 

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Probably in college, but I didn't realize I could actually make that a career until years later. But eventually I sat down and wrote that first book, and that started the fantastic journey I've been on for quite a few years now.  
 

Who is your writing idol? Have you met him/her? If so, did you completely nerd out or keep your cool? 

I really love Nora Roberts. I respect her writing philosophies and love her books. I've never met her personally, so that would be fun. I have met Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Catherine Coulter, and Debbie Macomber, and each was amazingly wonderful and charming.
 

 What’s your favorite bit of writing advice?

Don't worry about writing a bad first draft. I always find that once I start digging into my story, wonderful things come out that I never imagined. For me the experience of writing is about telling myself the story, so I try to give myself permission not to be perfect during the draft stage. There is always time for revision!
 

What do you do if the words aren’t flowing?

I look in the refrigerator a lot for inspiration—LOL! But I rarely find it there. I do find that taking a shower sometimes loosens up the jam in my head. But ultimately when there is no time for writer's block, I just push myself to write something—anything—and that usually gets me going.
 

 Are you creatively satisfied?

Yes, I love being a writer. I can't think of a better job. Even when it's difficult and the words don't come or the story doesn't seem to work, there's nothing more fun that creating a story and a world out of nothing. 
 

What would you like to be remembered for?

I'd like to be thought of as a good storyteller.
 

Alright, now for the really important questions:

• Beach or mountains? Beach! Love the crashing waves.
• Coffee or tea? Tea, but my real vice is Diet Coke.
• Skydive or bungee jump? Neither—I am definitely not a thrill seeker when it comes to heights.
• Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate!
• Winter or summer? Summer—I grew up in Southern California. I love the summer heat.
• Cake or pie? Cake
• Cats or dogs? Both but currently have two kitties—so I have to say cats!
• Pens or pencils? Pens, unless it's a cool automatic pencil. But I rarely write with anything these days. It's all about the keyboard.
• Truth or dare? Truth.
• Print or ebook? Ebook—except at the beach. Then I still love print. 

_________

About Barbara Freethy

Barbara Freethy is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 45 novels ranging from contemporary romance to romantic suspense and women's fiction. Traditionally published for many years, Barbara opened her own publishing company in 2011 and has since sold over 5 million books! Twenty of her titles have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Known for her emotional and compelling stories of love, family, mystery and romance, Barbara enjoys writing about ordinary people caught up in extraordinary adventures. Barbara is launching a new romantic mystery trilogy in 2015 with BEAUTIFUL STORM, the first book in the Lightning Strikes trilogy.

If you like lighthearted family series and romance, check out Barbara's ongoing Callaway Series. 

For information, visit Barbara's website or follow Barbara on Facebook.
 

And here's a little more about BEAUTIFUL STORM, which is out TODAY!

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Barbara Freethy comes the first book in a new romantic suspense trilogy, Lightning Strikes. In these connected novels, lightning leads to love, danger, and the unraveling of long-buried secrets that will change not only the past but also the future . . . 

When her father's plane mysteriously disappeared in the middle of an electrical storm, Alicia Monroe became obsessed with lightning. Now a news photographer in Miami, Alicia covers local stories by day and chases storms at night. In a flash of lightning, she sees what appears to be a murder, but when she gets to the scene, there is no body, only a military tag belonging to Liliana Valdez, a woman who has been missing for two months. 

While the police use the tag to jump-start their stalled investigation, Alicia sets off on her own to find the missing woman. Her search takes her into the heart of Miami's Cuban-American community, where she meets the attractive but brooding Michael Cordero, who has his own demons to vanquish.

Soon Alicia and Michael are not just trying to save Liliana's life but also their own, as someone will do anything to protect a dark secret . . . 
 

Like I mentioned earlier, Barbara is giving away three copies of BEAUTIFUL STORM to you, my lucky chickens! To enter, leave a comment below answering this question: 
 

Have you ever seen anything that gave you the creeps during a storm?

9.24.15 - 7 Minutes With . . . Lee Mossel

Hello there! I hope everyone has been doing well whilst I was away. I'm super excited about today's guest. Lee Mossel is a personal favorite of mine. We met through my dad, with whom Lee plays golf. Knowing we had a love of literature, we were paired for a match several years ago, and a friendship was kindled. But Lee isn't just a writer: he's a standup comedian, and anyone who's tried to play golf with him happily rides along to the dulcet tones of some seriously funny (and sometimes off-color) jokes. Lee's a geologist by trade and came to writing as a second career. (He's also father to the wonderful Eric Mossel, who you will see thanked in the credits of WHAT LIES BEHIND - I owe all the Mossels drinks the next time I'm in Colorado.) He's been tearing it up in the indie world, and I highly recommend you check him out. (See what I did there, Lee? Check him out??? Hahahahaha!) 

Yeah. I'm not a comedian. But maybe Lee will leave us a funny in the comments today. Please welcome my buddy to the blog!

_________

Set your music to shuffle and hit play. What’s the first song that comes up?

Following your instructions, I hit shuffle (from Pandora) and am greeted with “My Brother Works for the CIA” by progressive blue grass band, Trampled By Turtles. I have totally eclectic tastes in music: 40’s Big Band; 50’s rock and roll; Classic Country; easy listening, etc. 

Now that we’ve set the mood, what are you working on today?

Today, and for the foreseeable future (ha, ha), I’m working on the rewrite of BED OF THORNS.  Following two exhaustive editorial reviews, I’ve decided maybe, just maybe, my editors make some good points.  As ego-deflating as it might be, editing is going to make this book!

What’s your latest book about?

In a departure from my Cortlandt Scott crime thriller series, BED OF THORNS is a standalone novel about a turn-of-the-(20th)-century woman who makes bad choices in love and life.  Although fiction, there are some elements of this book that may relate to my paternal grandmother who died in 1936 . . . woman of apparently “questionable repute.”  The book plays out from Ohio and Kentucky to Montana and features hard times, hard people, and hard choices.

Where do you write, and what tools do you use?

I write at a desktop computer in my office in our home in Parker, Colorado.  Our house backs up to open space and a 70-acre regional park, so I have continual “interruptions” for wildlife sightings.  Deer, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, hawks, and (best of all) a family of Great Horned Owls provide year around “moments of nature.”

I use Microsoft Word; a ROGET’S THESAURUS; and A WRITER’S REFERENCE.  Since I’m self-published, I use Createspace.com (an Amazon.com company) for print books and Smashwords.com for e-books.

What was your favorite book as a child?

As a child? Hmm, probably HUCKLEBERRY FINN.

 What’s your secret talent?

I’m a fair hand in the kitchen and at the grill.  Although mostly simple “man fare” (steaks, lamb chops, pork tenderloins), I like to prepare and cook things like veal piccata and spaghetti with meat sauce.  My real specialty is pork green chile, which is simmering even as I write this.

Hopefully, it isn’t/wasn’t a secret, but I had a successful, 35-year career as a petroleum geologist.  I discovered and developed oil and gas reserves in nine states, plus Canada.

What book are you reading now?

PAST REASON HATED by Peter Robinson

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

It was a “late in life” decision. While reading a particularly bad novel, I said, “I can write a better book than this.”  But talk is cheap . . . when you say something like that, you’d better back it up.  I found it’s harder than it looks, but I’ve published one book per year since 2012.

Who is your writing idol? Have you met him/her? If so, did you completely nerd out or keep your cool?

I have several writing “idols” including Robert B. Parker, Robert Crais, James Lee Burke, Elizabeth George, TJ Box, Larry McMurtry, P.D. James, Stephen White, and, of course, JT! 

Of these, I’ve only met JT.  After fawning at her feet and offering gifts of wine and books, we played 18 holes at awe-inspiring Perry Park CC in Larkspur, Colorado.

What’s your favorite bit of writing advice?

Listen to your editors . . . they really are trying to help!

What do you do if the words aren’t flowing?

Primal scream therapy!  Actually, I usually read something . . . whatever book I’m currently reading, the newspaper, or a magazine.  Often, a good night’s sleep helps; I usually wake up early with lots of new ideas for characters and plots.  Recently, I’ve discovered working on two books at once can be beneficial if they are different genres.  When I’m stuck on one, I’ll try writing a few pages on the other and it seems to help.  I haven’t tried working on two books of a series; that seems difficult.

Are you creatively satisfied?

An emphatic “YES!”  During the “finishing stages” of each book, I’m already thinking about the next one.  My books have been favorably reviewed and my last, MORE THAN 100% DEAD, was a finalist in genre fiction for the Colorado Authors’ League book awards.

(I’m not sure if it falls under the heading of being “creatively satisfied,” but I’m somewhat frustrated in not being able to attract an agent or publisher.)

What would you like to be remembered for?

Being a good companion and friend; I would love people to remember me as a modern day “Renaissance Man" -- someone who could tell a good story, recommend a good wine, cook a good meal, and carry on a good conversation on virtually any subject.

Alright, now for the really important questions:

• Beach or mountains? Mountains!
• Coffee or tea? Coffee
• Skydive or bungee jump? You’ve got to be kidding!  Why jump out of a perfectly good airplane?  And, although I might wish to be somewhat taller, I wouldn’t try bungee jumping to stretch my legs!
• Chocolate or vanilla?  Vanilla
• Winter or summer?  Summer(actually, Fall)
• Cake or pie?  Pie
• Cats or dogs?  Love dogs…own cats; go figure?
• Pens or pencils?  Pens
• Truth or dare?  Truth
• Print or ebook?  Print!!

_________

Lee Mossel was born in Eugene, Oregon, and raised in the small logging and mill town of Noti about twenty miles west.

He attended the University of Oregon, graduating with B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in geology, and spent thirty-five years as a petroleum geologist in Denver, Colorado, working for several oil companies.  He co-founded and managed two independent petroleum exploration companies.

Since retiring, he has served on various boards of directors, written numerous op-ed pieces and newspaper columns, given talks on the oil and gas business, and generally enjoyed life.

Beginning with THE MURDER PROSPECT in 2012; THE TALUS SCOPE in 2013, and MORE THAN 100% DEAD in 2014, Lee writes and self-publishes crime thrillers and mysteries inspired by the rough-and-tumble Denver oil and gas business.  MORE THAN 100% DEAD was a finalist in the genre fiction category for the Colorado Authors’ League 2014 Book Awards.

He enjoys world travel, sports, fine wines, good food, and golf . . . not necessarily in that order.  He lives in Parker, Colorado, a place featured in the Cort Scott series, with his wife, Jan, and two rather entertaining cats, Kosmo and Gracie.

And here's a little more about Lee's latest novel, BED OF THORNS!

A novel about bad decisions, tough times, and hard choices. 

Cincinnati in 1896: Rose Schirrack is pregnant, unmarried, and abandoned.  Having already made at least one bad choice, will she compound her problems with more?  BED OF THORNS plays out across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Montana in the tumultuous times at the turn of the 20th century.  The Spanish-American War, the First World War, and America’s changing racial and ethnic attitudes all play roles.  In a rapidly evolving societal mosaic of farmers and townspeople, soldiers and immigrants, brothels and saloons, cowboys and Indians, and horses and automobiles, will Rose’s choices continue to take her toward the fringes of society . . . or over the edge?

BED OF THORNS will be available in late 2015.

The Cortlandt Scott Series

THE MURDER PROSPECT

THE TALUS SLOPE

MORE THAN 100% DEAD

Lee Mossel’s Cortlandt Scott series is available on Amazon.com and through Smashwords.com. 

9.17.15 - 7 Minutes With... Chris Goff

Chris Goff has a delicious new thriller out—DARK WATERS—that I think you will love. I sure did! The setting, Israel, completely drew me in; the story clips along; the characters are fascinating, and Raisa Jordan kicks serious ass. It’s a wonderfully crafted book, not a surprise to anyone who’s read Chris in the past; her Birdwatcher mystery series is highly acclaimed. And, she’s from Colorado, which should say more than anything I ever could. I know you’re going to love her.

Welcome, Chris!

_________

Set your music to shuffle and hit play. What’s the first song that comes up?

Tracy Byrd's "Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo"

Now that we’ve set the mood, what are you working on today?

RED SKY, the sequel to my first thriller, DARK WATERS. It's a book set in Ukraine, and with the changing landscape there, I might really need the Cuervo.

What’s your latest book about?

DARK WATERS is a thriller set in Israel. It introduces Raisa Jordan, a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent. She is the new ARSO in Tel Avi, when a shooting happens in Dizengoff Square, killing a Palestinian with ties to the Palestine Liberation Committee and her predecessor at DSS. She is sent to investigate and to protect a federal judge and his daughter who were caught in the crossfire. During the course of her investigation, she uncovers a plot years in the making—one that leaves millions of lives hanging in the balance.

Where do you write, and what tools do you use?

I have a great little office with an eight-foot picnic table as a desk and a view of the backyard and the tomato plants. I love pens and pencils. I use a fountain pen, lots of markers, a dry erase board, a large foam board for plotting and my trusty PC.

What was your favorite book as a child?

SILVER PENNIES. It's a collection of Modern Poems for Boys and Girls published in 1925 by Blanche Jennings Thompson. My favorite poem was one about a little doormouse who takes refuge under a mushroom during a rainstorm – "and that's how umbrellas first were invented."

What’s your secret talent?

I knit. I love to knit, especially baby sweaters. I think my favorite to date was one I made for my niece, Evelyn. My family name is McKinlay (Scottish) and I took the family tartan, graphed it for a sweater and knit it as a baby shower gift.

What book are you reading now?

CRASH AND BURN by Lisa Gardner

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

It sounds cliché, but I made the decision in third grade after writing a "book" as a school assignment, and my grandmother told me I should be a writer. The book was entitled "The Haunted Mansion," and it was about these kids who discovered a haunted house. They would wait for the witch to go out at night and fly on her broom, and then they would sneak inside and play with her Eye of Newt. That is, until one night when the witch came home early and . . . 

Who is your writing idol? Have you met him/her? If so, did you completely nerd out or keep your cool?

I have a lot of writing idols, and I've been fortunate to meet a lot of them. But the first big name writer I ever met was Mary Higgins Clark. I had read her first suspense novel, Where are the Children, my first year in college and loved it. I remember being really inspired by her personal story, too. Years later, I met her at my first Malice Domestic conference. Of course, I had every intention of playing it cool, but I'll admit it—I went totally fan girl.

What’s your favorite bit of writing advice?

A workshop instructor once said, "Never forget that your villains are the heroes of their own story." It stuck. It helps me keep my villains real. While I may not like what they do, my villains aren't just evil. They have strong motivations for what they do.

What do you do if the words aren’t flowing?

Not writing isn't an option, not when you're on deadline. So, I usually go back a few pages, maybe a chapter, and work through the pages until I'm back into the story and can move forward. Usually if I'm stuck it's because something is wrong with how I'm laying the story out on the pages. If I can just figure that out . . .

Are you creatively satisfied?

Yes. There have been times in the past when I would have said no, but right now I'm writing what I want to write, and I have a publisher who's publishing my books. It doesn't get much better.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Professionally? For telling a great story. Personally? For being a great mom. I have one son and five daughters. I hope I've taught them by example to follow their dreams and to know they can be anything and everything they want to be.

Alright, now for the really important questions:

• Beach or mountains?  Beach, though I've lived in the mountains all my life.
• Coffee or tea? Coffee
• Skydive or bungee jump? Neither. I'm terrified of heights. If you made me pick, skydive. Death would be less immediate.
• Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate
• Winter or summer? Summer, though I love to ski.
• Cake or pie? Cake
• Cats or dogs? Dogs
• Pens or pencils? Pens
• Truth or dare? Dare
• Print or ebook? Print

_________

Chris Goff is an award-winning author of international thrillers and the Birdwatcher's Mystery series. She began her career as a newspaper columnist, and has written for local, regional and national publications. She has edited rock and ice-climbing guides for Chockstone Press, worked in graphic production for a division of The Morehouse Publishing Group, taught writing workshops and served on the board of Mystery Writers of America. She lives in Colorado. DARK WATERS is her first thriller.

You find out more about Chris at ChristineGoff.com.

And here's a little more about DARK WATERS!

Raisa ''Rae'' Jordan, an agent for the United States Diplomatic Security Service, isn't in Israel for more than a day before her predecessor is gunned down in a Tel Aviv square by a sniper. Assigned to investigate the assassination of one of her own, she must also protect Judge Ben Taylor and his teenage daughter. A desperate cadre of terrorists has their sights set on the secretary of state's upcoming visit. But is an attack on the secretary of state just the beginning?

With millions of lives hanging in the balance, Dark Waters, Chris Goff's explosive new thriller, is a series debut that mirrors the headlines around the globe and will have readers frantically turning pages.

And you can pick up a book and meet Chris at these signings:

September 24, 7:00 p.m.
Tattered Cover Bookstore
2526 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO

October 8-11
Bouchercon
Raleigh, NC

October 21, 7:00 p.m.
Author's Night at the Douglas County Parker Library
10851 S. Crossroads Dr.
Parker, CO

November 18, 12:00 Noon
Moby Dickens Bookshop Book Club
124A Bent St.
Taos, NM
 

8.13.15 - 7 Minutes With... TJ Mackay

TJ Mackay is irrepressible. I saw this from first-hand experience, having done an interview with her for InD’tale Magazine. The bubbly blonde and I hit it off immediately (I know y’all are shocked that two blondes might bond, so hush). We talked ourselves into a frenzy about stories, cops, love and friendship, and, of course, books! I was blown away by her fantastic, positive, can-do-anything attitude, and knew I wanted to introduce you to her. Here she is!

_________

Set your music to Shuffle and hit play. What’s the first song that comes up?

Hah!  If you could see the size of my music list, you’d see what a gamble I take!  “Change the World” the Babyface arrangement. 

Now that we’ve set the mood, what are you working on today?

As a publisher of a worldwide monthly magazine, there are always deadlines, content, and formatting to do. Plus, we are sponsoring the InD’Scribe Author/Reader Convention in September that has more things to stay on top of than my brain can cover some days. And I think everyone can relate to the mountain of email that is always waiting.  So that’s what I’m working on today!  (Hey, you asked!) 

What’s in your latest issue?

Our latest issue features a 7-page, in-depth (and very rare) interview with the husband and wife writing team, Ilona Andrews. (And JT is an up-coming feature, so stay tuned for that!!) This issue also has a secondary interview with Christine Brae, the worldwide top executive who is now writing romance!  And there are some great articles on archetyping personality traits, learning about deep point of view, and a whole bunch more.  We just started a new serial mystery this month, AND we ALWAYS have more than 100 professional reviews of the latest Indie and small published books with both content and steam ratings to help readers find the perfect book.  Whew!  Now you understand the depth of the “What are you working on today” answer!  

Where do you write, and what tools do you use?

I have a home office that is decked out to my taste and needs: a big Mac computer (heh, heh, sounds like a burger),  large desk and comfy chair, a tablet sitting beside me, a cell phone in easy reach and a great music system to keep me calm and happy.

What was your favorite book as a child?

When you say child, just how young do you mean?  I have always been a voracious reader and can remember as far back as three or four years old having Buster’s Busy Day read to me! 

What’s your secret talent?

I dance!  In the dark when no one is watching, I put on that massive playlist and dance and dance and dance!  I did it professionally in my younger years, but it has slowly become a very well-kept secret to anyone other than my closest friends . . . and now YOU! 

What book are you reading now?

I actually have three I am reading at the moment.  Because of my profession I read a massive amount.  There is rarely a day that I don’t end with a few hours of reading.  Right now I am reading one book for InD’tale to help a reviewer out.  I’m reading the Significant series by YA author Shelly Crane in preparation for an interview with her, and I am plowing through the addicting historical monster that is THE RISE OF THE DEFENDER by Kathryn LeVeque.

When did you know you wanted to publish your own magazine?

It happened when I was working as the Special Features editor of another industry magazine. It was right at the time Amazon, Kindle, and e-book publishing were just exploding.  I was receiving so many personal requests from up-and-coming authors asking if I could help them find a platform where they could be seen.  Many of these new authors were incredibly talented but just weren’t fitting into the traditional pigeonholes.  Thus, the idea of starting a magazine for Indie and small published authors and readers was planted, and InD’tale magazine was born.  That was a little over three years ago, and we are now the #1 Indie and small published magazine in the world!

Who is your writing idol? Have you met him/her? If so, did you completely nerd out or keep your cool?

Oh my goodness, I am SUCH a fan-girl!  Because I read so much, I have many writing idols—most of whom I have had the wonderful opportunity to not only meet but interview, as well.  However, the first two idols I got to interview are Charlaine Harris and Julie Garwood.  With both I was so nervous I could hardly stand it!  Charlaine has such a sweet, southern mom personality. The minute I met her, she gave me a big hug and asked how I was doing in that slow drawl that put me instantly at ease.  With Julie, I was so nervous I couldn’t open the door!  The key wouldn’t work, I fumbled, turned red and made a joke of it, to which she started telling me the most hilarious story of an instance when she embarrassed herself. I immediately lost the nerves and ended up laughing more than I ever have in an interview (she is truly hilarious to visit with)! 

What’s your favorite bit of writing advice?

Edit, edit, EDIT!!!  Have someone edit for mistakes, someone else edit for flow, content, etc.  Then take the results, fix them, and repeat the process. And, please not just with family members or friends who love you and never want to hurt you.  Use people who are not afraid of telling you the brutal truth. That is the only way you will stand a chance of success in this very competitive publishing world. 

Are you creatively satisfied?

Absolutely!   

What would you like to be remembered for?

For being someone who truly loved others and succeeded in helping talented authors grow and find success, happiness, and joy in this amazing journey!

Alright, now for the really important questions:

• Beach or mountains? Beach!
• Coffee or tea? Blech!  Coffee is nasty crap, and tea has a horrible after-taste.  Give me a Dr. Pepper any day. :)
• Skydive or bungee jump? Skydive.  Hey, if I’m gonna commit just as well commit all the way. :)
• Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate (no-brainer)
• Winter or summer? Gosh, that’s hard, I love them both for different reasons.  Winter because of all the smells, warm, fuzzy clothes, crackling fires and food, and summer because of the easy, slower pace, the sunshine, and long days.
• Cake or pie?  Love both, but pie—IF it’s homemade!
• Cats or dogs? Again, love both. 
• Pens or pencils? Pens, definitely.
• Truth or dare? Truth, always—although dares don’t scare me.
• Print or ebook? Ebook for ease, print for reference.

_________

Here's a little more about TJ in her own words!

With more than 2,000 professional book reviews under my belt and rising weekly, I'm not sure where to begin. Obviously, I love to read!  I juggled a double major in both English Education and Dance in college (English Ed. to land a job, Dance for the pure joy of it!)  From there, I've worked in both fields consistently to the present.

While working in this industry I've had the wonderful opportunity of meeting and interviewing some of publishing's most famous (and fun) authors and celebrities. Since the biggest complaint people had about me while growing up was that I ask way too many questions, this career has been the perfect fit.  I LOVE people (one has to work very hard for me not to like them!). The past few years, however, I have become increasingly aware that many talented authors are not afforded media exposure simply because they choose to self or small publish, rather than accept the strictures of mainstream publishing. Thus, the idea of InD'tale Magazine was born!

Through more hard work than I thought possible and more love and support than I thought imaginable, InD'tale is quickly becoming the magazine of choice by thousands of people who want to learn, be entertained, and discover new and interesting books in the indie and self published field.

Along with making InD'tale the very best magazine of its kind, I still take time to teach private music lessons. Music (all kinds) is a passion I will always indulge in, no matter where life takes me. I am also passionate about traveling, learning, and enjoying new experiences. I'm continuing an on-going bucket list of visiting a new and interesting place in the world at least once a year. 

Wow, isn't she great? TJ's passion for her work is so infectious! It was such a pleasure to introduce her to you.

And, gentle readers, don't forget to check out InD'tale Magazine for the latest on Indie and small press publishing. You may just find your new favorite author or series, and help a new publishing career take off!

8.6.15 - 7 Minutes With... Les Kerr

I’m so happy to do something a bit different, and welcome my friend Les Kerr to the blog today. Les and I go way, way back, to my pre-writer days, when my husband worked for The Tennessean alongside Les’s most wonderful (and, sadly, late) wife, Gail Kerr. This friendship has stood the test of time through festivals and libations and conferences, with joy and heartache as constant companions. Les is an incredible singer/songwriter/musician, who plays gigs all over the south. If you ever have a chance to see him play, don’t miss it. He’s wonderful, and I’m so happy to introduce you to him today!  

_________

Set your music to shuffle and hit play. What’s the first song that comes up?

"Silver Lining" by Kacey Musgraves

Now that we’ve set the mood, what are you working on today?

Preparing for a radio interview this afternoon and a songwriting show tomorrow.

What’s your latest album about?

The title song of the album is called “Contributor.” I was inspired to write it by the men and women who sell Nashville’s street newspaper, The Contributor. The album is a collection of songs about various topics, including the late New Orleans poet Everette Maddox (who was a friend of mine), trains, grief, the importance of a handshake, and other subjects. Of the ten albums I have recorded, only two are about a recurring theme: Christmas on the Coast (2002) and New Orleans Set (2010).

Where do you write, and what tools do you use?

I scribble ideas whenever I get them on anything from paper napkins to the pad I keep in my car. Ideas have occurred to me in conversations, restaurants, bars, while driving and even in the shower. After I settle on the idea, I work them out and seriously in my home office. I use a legal pad, a pen and my guitar. My favorite songwriting pen is a wooden fountain pen my wife gave me on our first anniversary, but if I’m travelling or it’s out of ink, any pen or pencil will do as long as I can get my thoughts on paper.

Since I don’t read music, I often record the lyrics and melody on a hand-held Tascam digital recorder as soon as I find what I’m happy with so I won’t forget the melody.

What was the first album that struck a chord with you? (pun completely intended)

Elvis’ Golden Records by Elvis Presley.

What’s your secret talent?

When I was growing up on the Gulf Coast, sailing was my sport. While it’s been a long time since I was an active sailor, I could probably dust off those skills and handle a boat. Many people do not know that about me, so I suppose that would be a “secret.”

Which album or artists have been pumping through your headphones lately?

I wore headphones during my radio news career and use them in recording studios now, so when I listen to music for pleasure, I prefer to listen to speakers. The music in my car, where I listen the most, right now includes Kacey Musgraves’ Same Trailer, Different Park (she is a refreshingly moving and entertaining songwriter), B.B. King Live, Elvis Presley (his first RCA album), Jimmy Buffett, Louis Prima, and Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.

When did you know you wanted to be a musician?

I can’t remember not wanting to be a musician. As a child, I stood in front of the television set imitating whoever was on (my mother’s bridge club friends loved that!), then singing along with records and eventually learning to play guitar and starting a rock and roll band in high school. After getting a degree in journalism from Ole Miss and working in news for seven years, I made the commitment to move to Nashville and pursue music professionally.

Who is your music idol? Have you met him/her? If so, did you completely nerd out or keep your cool?

There are many musical heroes to me. Elvis Presley was the biggest one and I regret that I never met him. I did see him perform in concert three times, and I am grateful for that.

I've actually met a few of my other heroes: Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe and B.B. King. With Acuff and Monroe, I interviewed them during my radio career, so it is my hope that I was cool (on the outside, at least). With B.B. King, I was able to shake his hand and chat with him on two different occasions. Each time, we talked about being from Mississippi and had very pleasant and brief conversations.

What’s your favorite bit of performing advice?

Here are two pieces of advice that I have tried to live by:

1.    When Minnie Pearl was nervous about her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, the “Solemn Old Judge” George D. Hay, the founder of the Opry, told her, “Go out there and love the audience, and they’ll love you back.”

2.    In Will Rogers' autobiography, he writes: "I learned the secret of the show business: I learned when to get off. It’s the fellow that knows when to quit that the audience wants more of.” I put that one in a little frame and I keep it on my desk. It not only applies to performances, but I use the same philosophy when I write my blog.

What do you do if your creative juices aren’t flowing?

As I mentioned, I write ideas on scraps of paper and I keep a stack of them on the coffee table in my office where I write. If none of those ideas move me, I pick up my guitar and just start playing songs I enjoy, whether I wrote them or not. It was the joy of music that got me here and it helps to remember that.

Also, I read a lot. Everything from books about professional and personal development to biographies and books on various topics, like the history of New Orleans’ unusual street names.

Finally, I try not to put myself under any pressure to write. I’m a performer, too, so if I don’t have a song to write, I work on my guitar playing or singing.

Are you creatively satisfied?

I am happy that I can write songs and find outlets for them to be heard, either on my albums or by playing them at shows. That is very satisfying and something for which I am very grateful.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Just being remembered is enough, but specifically, I would hope people remember that I care about my friends, family and loved ones. I do my best to show that now.

Alright, now for the really important questions:

• Beach or mountains? Beach
• Coffee or tea? Coffee
• Skydive or bungee jump? Neither. I’ll stay in the plane or on the ground.
• Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate
• Winter or summer? Summer
• Cake or pie? Pie
• Cats or dogs? Dogs
• Pens or pencils? Pens
• Truth or dare? Truth
• Mp3’s or vinyl? Vinyl

_________

Here's a little more about Les' new album!

"Contributor" is the title song of Les Kerr’s new CD, scheduled for release in Summer 2015. In addition to the title song, eleven other songs not related to the newspaper will be included. The subject matter of Kerr’s songs reflects the Mississippi and New Orleans influences identified with his music. A native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and a frequent traveler and performer in New Orleans, he refers to his music as “Hillbilly Blues Caribbean Rock and Roll.”

The blues influence is evident in "The Blue and White," inspired by a diner in the Mississippi Delta. His love of New Orleans music and culture is reflected in "More to Life" and "Inspiration and Bar Scotch," and Coastal culture comes through in "The Gail" and "Seductive Eyes." The album will be available at www.leskerr.com and though Tunes, Amazon, and other internet download sites.

You can watch the music video for "Contributor" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDP3m_-7nko