Rendezvous With A Writer Podcast

#55 Guest Author W. Michael Farmer

I was born on the prairies where the wind blew free and there was nothing to break the light of the sun. I was born where there were no enclosures. ---Geronimo - as per author W. Michael Farmer Multi-award-winning author, W. MICHAEL FARMER, has a passion for the history of the Western frontier. Combining 15 plus years of research into 19th century Apache history and culture and his own Southwest living experience, he fills his stories with a genuine sense of time and place. We chatted with Michael about his newest book TRINI! COME! GERONIMO'S CAPTIVITY OF TRINIDAD VERDIN. The year is 1886, based on an actual event we follow Geronimo and his small band of Apaches as they travel back-and-forth from the U.S. Arizona Territory into Sonora, Mexico evading capture by both American and Mexican troops. Through the eyes, and first person voice of 12 year-old captive, Trinidad, we see Geronimo up-close and personal - as leader of his family and his people.Author Michael Farmer takes us on Geronimo's journey through the mountains - ambushing, raiding, running, resting, and refueling - doing all he knows to do to stay free. Trini is quick to understand what she needs to do to survive yet stays vigilant for the opportunity to escape. Michael shares the rich backstory to this actual historical event, shares insights into his research and writing process, and provides tips for writers.Hosts: Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Open and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy of the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by OutWest Shop Shop all Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired September 14, 2023

#54 Guest Poet Darrell Arnold, Singer/Songwriter Tom Hiatt, and True West Film Editor Henry Parke

It was a full house in the studio! Kicking off the show, True West Magazine Film Editor HENRY PARKE shared the latest news on what's happening in Western film and TV - including his recent interview with the movie Tombstone's starring actress Dana Delaney. Cowboy poet, DARRELL ARNOLD and singer/songwriter Western musician TOM HIATT joined us to talk about their recent collaboration - the Western music album "5" FROM THE HEART OF THE WEST. Together they chose 5 poems from Darrell's new book of poetry, THE BARD IN BOOTS, and Tom set them to music. The result is an entertaining album featuring the final lyrics based on these poems with music and vocals by Tom Hiatt. When does a poem become a song? How does the poet and the musician collaborate? When do they know the poem has become a song? We listen to 3 of the songs and hear Tom and Darrell provide their back stories.Hosts: Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Open and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy of Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by OutWest Shop Shop all Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired September 7, 2023

#53 Guest Author Jeanne Cooney

WHO DUNNIT IT? That's what every mystery reader wants to know! Author JEANNE CONNEY shares the story behind her humorous, entertaining, and puzzling cozy mystery, IT'S MURDER, DONTCHA KNOW?. The first book in a new 3-part series, Jeanne's cast of characters in a small northern Minnesota town will charm and beguile you. But which one is the murderer? Could it be one of the victim's ex-girlfriends? Sisters Doris and Grace, (think Lucy and Ethel) along with their 90-year-old friend, Rose, are on the hunt to find his killer. And, we're right alongside them! Jeanne shares insights into her process of crafting a cozy mystery that is both lighthearted and serious. Her characters confront life's daily challenges (think aging) as they undertake the serious task of bringing the killer to justice. It's a great read! Hosts: Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Open and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy of Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by OutWest Shop Shop all Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired August 31, 2023

#52 Guest Author Kathleen Morris

Award-winning author KATHLEEN MORRIS joined us for a lively discussion about her latest novel GOLDDIGGER: THE LEGENDARY NELLIE CASHMAN. Jim and I have spent time in Tombstone, AZ (one of the many mining towns she lived in) and often saw her name in museum label copy - but couldn't find out much about her. Finally, Kathleen Morris presents this remarkable woman's story to the world! A full and interesting life led by a woman who grabbed every opportunity that came her way - and created opportunities wherever she traveled. Even the whisper of a new mining strike grabbed her attention - she itched to go! Kathleen Morris writes Nellie's story in the first person and we, the reader, feel like we are riding along beside her through each of her adventures. Kathleen provides many tips for writers too as we discuss research and other challenges in writing the story of a historic personality. Hosts: Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Open and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy of Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by OutWest Shop Shop all Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired August 24, 2023

#51 Guest Author Parris Afton Bonds

New York Times Best Selling Author PARRIS AFTON BONDS joined us to chat about her newest Romance Thriller ANSWERING THE CALL. With her 70th birthday looming, main character, Lauren Hillard, awakens each morning wondering if there isn't an easier way. One day, in the shower, she hears a clear call to adventure - walk away from the comfortable but mundane routine of her life and move to Mexico! With a sense of urgency, and feeling of excitement, she makes the move. More than adventure awaits!!! You must read this book! Follow Lauren into Mexico - an exotic place - where she finds both danger and romance!! Tune into the broadcast to hear Parris read aloud, share the inspiration behind the story and share insights into her writing process. This is another enjoyable Rendezvous between a best-selling writer and her reading fans!Hosts: Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Open and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy of the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by OutWest Shop Shop all Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired August 17, 2023

#50 Guest Author Kathleen M. Rodgers

“We’re the Flying Cutterbucks,” Daddy announced into the shiny cigarette lighter he’d pull from the dashboard, pretending it was a microphone. “Sit back and enjoy the ride.” Author KATHLEEN M. RODGERS joined us to chat about her fourth book, THE FLYING CUTTERBUCKS. Set in 2016-2017 with deep roots in the early 1970s, the story is told through the lives of five remarkable women, the men in their lives, and two lovable dogs. The Land of Enchantment - New Mexico - is the book's setting with action happening in the fictional town of Pardon, the Pardon Air Force Base, and the historic and charming town of Las Vegas. Set against the 2016 Presidential Campaign, the women - Aunt Star and Lupi, and the Cutterbuck gals- Mom-Jewel and daughters Trudy and Georgia continue their lives under an umbrella of loss that includes divorces, unexpected deaths, and grieving for a husband and father - fighter pilot Shep Cutterbuck - missing in action over Vietnam since 1972. This is an engaging story of the power and forgiveness of love - love demonstrated in unique and unexpected ways. Pick up THE FLYING CUTTERBUCKS and Soar! Hosts: Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Open and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy of the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by OutWest Shop Shop all Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired August 10, 2023

#49 Guest Author Manuela Schneider and True West Magazine Film Editor Henry Parke

This week we are CELEBRATING! It is our ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW, and we are joined by True West Magazine film editor HENRY PARKE and award- winning author MANUELA SCHNEIDER. HENRY shares all the latest Western film and TV production news. With the 30th anniversary of the movie Tombstone being celebrated this year, look for his interview with actress Dana Delany in the October 2023 issue of True West magazine.MANUELA SCHNEIDER joined us from her home in Germany! Manuela has had a long-time love affair with the American West, especially the history of silver mining and mining towns like Tombstone. She has written several books, including the one we chatted about tonight ARMA DEL DIABLO: THE COLT OF DESTINY. What's the backstory? Question: Is there a connection between Johnny Ringo and the Devil? What's the story behind the Colt 45 with serial number 222? What's the connection between a Benedictine monk and this unique firearm? This book drew us in, and you'll enjoy it too!Hosts: Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Open and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy of Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by OutWest Shop Shop all Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired August 3, 2023

#48 Guest Authors Peggy Chambers and The Rev. Dr. John Toles

Author PEGGY CHAMBERS returns to the show along with Jim and Bobbi and her guest, THE REV. DR. JOHN TOLES, author of the FATHER ANTHONY SAVEL MYSTERY SERIES! It was an interesting and engaging talk between two authors and two readers. John shared the backstory to the series, the joys and challenges of writing mysteries, and what he's working on next. He provided some writing tips too. Tune in!Hosts: Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Open and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy of Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by OutWest Shop Shop all Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired July 27, 2023

#47 Guest Author J.R. Sanders

Do you enjoy "hard boiled detective" stories? Have we got a series for you! Meet Los Angeles based private eye, NATE ROSS. The year is 1939, he's hired to determine the truth behind a father's death - was it suicide or murder? Written in the first person, we ride along with Nate as he uncovers the clues...along the way we meet a cast of unforgettable characters set against the backdrop of steamy LA. You'll turn the pages quickly...except when the prose is too delicious it demands to be read aloud! Tune into our conversation with author J. R. SANDERS as he reveals the backstory to the Nate Ross Series and Nate's latest case BRING THE NIGHT! Hosts: Jim And Bobbi Jean Bell Open and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy of the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by OutWest Shop Shop all Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired July 20, 2023

#46 Guest Author Sandi Wright

Children's book author and illustrator SANDI WRIGHT joined us to share the backstory to her SANTA FE SAM SERIES including the books:THE ADVENTRUES OF SANTA FE SAMSEDONA'S SEARCH ALBUQUERQUE GERDYEach book has a compelling main character and story line, and each one comes to life with the MAGIC of Augmented Reality! Don't know what AR is? Join us!Hosts: Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Open and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy of Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by OutWest Shop Shop all Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired July 13, 2023