Rendezvous With A Writer Podcast

#176 Guest James Wade

A RIVETING SOUTHERN GOTHIC NOVEL!JAMES WADEHosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Watch the live video! 
2026 WESTERN WRITERS OF AMERICASPUR AWARD FINALIST - HISTORICAL NOVEL
Award-winning author, JAMES WADE, joins us for a conversation about his critically acclaimed novel NARROW THE ROAD. We couldn’t put it down, and neither will you! Set in 1932 in East Texas this story will grab a hold of you and won't let you go! Our suggestion - have a pitcher of water at hand for those times the landscape will leave you parched, and a light on for the eerie moments. We chat about Wade's writing process and the inspiration behind the storyline including WWI Veterans and their challenges, the daunting landscape, and a cast of memorable characters. Alive with grit and tenderness, this is an unforgettable story of the power of friendship to sustain us through loss, betrayal, and devastating consequences. Find "everything Rendezvous" in one place! A BIG thank you to Janell Madison of "Clicks By Madison" for creating our landing page! Check it out - rendezvouswithawriter.com Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band "A Hard One To Know" written and performed by Allan Chapman from his album "Under Blue Skies.""Git Along Little Dogies" performed by John A. Lomax from his album "Folk."Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired March 19, 2026  
 

#175 Guests Nick Wale, Jackson Lowry and Charles Ray

AMERICA250 SERIES LAUNCHES!NICK WALE, JACKSON LOWRY, AND CHARLES RAY Hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Watch the live video! 
Join us for a lively conversation with three great storytellers! NICK WALE, CEO of a leader in the Western publishing business, Dusty Saddle Publishing (DSP), and two of DSP’s most popular writers, JACKSON LOWRY and CHARLES RAY.
During this year of AMERICA250, DSP is releasing a special series of twelve novels to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. Each celebrates the grit, pioneer spirit, and the heroism of our Western American heritage.
The series opens with Book #1 – One of author Robert Vardeman's pennames is Jackson Lowry and he has written THE PATHFINDER: JOHN FREMONT a novel about John Charles Frémont and Kit Carson, and the opening of the West. Lowry is well-known to Western readers and he tells his tale with his customary narrative drive and grace. Here is a tale of fortitude, privation, courage and patriotism. "Song of the Trail" performed by Keeter Stuart and Trio Bravo from the album "Deeper West" opens this segment.
The series continues with - Charles Ray’s JIM BECKWOURTH, MOUNTAIN MAN-TRAILBLAZER. Ray brings Beckwourth roaring back to life with his signature blend of historical accuracy, high-stakes action, vivid frontier details, and the kind of unbreakable spirit that defines the America250 Series. "Man of the Mountains" performed by Jim Jones, a co-write with Bruce Huntington from Jim's album "Favorites" opens this segment.
Meet these entertaining storytellers and the heroes they write about under the DSP America250 banner!Find "everything Rendezvous" in one place! A BIG thank you to Janell Madison of "Clicks By Madison" for creating our landing page! Check it out - rendezvouswithawriter.com Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band "Song of the Trail" performed by Keeter Stuart & Trio Bravo is from their album "Deeper West.""Man of the Mountains" performed by Jim Jones, a co-write with Bruce Huntington is from Jim's album "Favorites."Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired March 12, 2026  

#174 Guests Bob Boze Bell, C. Courtney Joyner and Henry C. Parke

TRUE WEST COVERS THE AMERICAN WESTBOB BOZE BELL, C. COURTNEY JOYNER, AND HENRY C. PARKEHosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Watch the live interview!STUART ROSEBROOK, True West Magazine Editor At Large, was planning to be with us. At the last moment, he was called away yet sent everyone a "Big Western Howdy!"Engaging stories all around!Join us for an engaging conversation with our three guests! Executive Editor BOB BOZE BELL, Film Editor HENRY C. PARKE, and former Film Editor C. COURTNEY JOYNER all part of the TRUE WEST MAGAZINE editorial team! Henry takes the lead and gives us his scoop on current Western films and TV shows, “Henry’s Western Round-up.”  Bob Boze Bell, “America’s Western Storyteller,” gives us a “behind the scenes” look at stories gathered for the publication. Courtney Joyner, an author, screenwriter, filmmaker, director and historian of the American West shares his insights into why the West remains relevant today.  Tune in for a lively discussion about today’s publishing industry, what’s changed, and what we can expect in the future. Find "everything Rendezvous" in one place! A BIG thank you to Janell Madison of "Clicks By Madison" for creating our landing page! Check it out - rendezvouswithawriter.com Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired March 5, 2026  

#173 Guest Clarissa Willis

STRENGTH TAKES MANY FORMSAUTHOR CLARISSA WILLIS CHATS with hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean BellWatch the LIVE video on YouTube Have you enjoyed the “Little House on the Prairie” series of children’s books written by Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder? Did you know she had a sister, Caroline Celestia Ingalls, known as Carrie?
Join us with our guest award-winning children’s author and educator CLARISSA WILLIS for an enlightening conversation about her book CARRIE INGALLS: THE FORGOTTEN SISTER. Clarissa shares her insight, “While Laura chronicled their life on the frontier, Carrie became an independent journalist, newspaper editor, and landowner. She quietly influenced the future of fellow homesteaders and shows that strength can take many forms.”
A native of Arkansas and lifelong advocate for children’s learning, Willis has built a distinguished career blending storytelling, scholarship, and service. An award-winning children’s author and educator Clarissa Willis has been named the 2026 inductee into the Arkansas Writers Hall of Fame, honoring her decades-long
contribution to literature and education.Music Played"Song of the Pioneer" - Al Pickrin - CD  "Pale Moon on the Prairie""Little Old Shanty on the Claim" - Liz Masterson - CD "Hills of Early Morn'""The Blizzard" - Barry Ward - CD "Lonesome County Road"Find "everything Rendezvous" in one place! A BIG thank you to Janell Madison of "Clicks By Madison" for creating our landing page! Check it out - rendezvouswithawriter.com Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired February 26, 2026  

#172 Guest Olivia Harms

MAKING MUSIC ON THE ROAD RECORDING ARTIST OLIVIA HARMS CHATS with hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean BellWatch the LIVE Video on YouTube
Enjoy the music and backstories of guest singer/songwriter/ and recording artist OLIVIA HARMS! Born to Western Music royalty, Olivia Harms, known as the "Rhinestone Cowgirl" has stepped out on her own to craft music that is equal parts Texas, Bakersfield, and Nashville country, making her very own Country Western Honky-Tonk sound.
Olivia knew early on that she wanted to chase a career in music. When she was 6 years old, Santa Claus delivered her first guitar and sparked her love of songwriting. She grew up performing on stages all over the world with her mother, International Western Music Hall of Fame member, Joni Harms. Today, she handles most of her own booking, PR, and social media accounts in addition to writing, recording and playing more than 200 shows a year.
In 2025 Olivia was hand selected by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton to be part of their brand new television series, “The Road.” The series followed twelve musicians on tour while they opened for Keith Urban each week competing, trying to win over fans, and stay on tour for their chance to become the next big country star. The series premiered on CBS and Paramount Plus. We talk about music, songwriting, and her experiences making music on the road.Music Played"I'm On My Way""Hey There Cowboy""This Ain't My First Rodeo" "Kiddie Pool""Sent From Above"Find "everything Rendezvous" in one place! A BIG thank you to Janell Madison of "Clicks By Madison" for creating our landing page! Check it out - rendezvouswithawriter.com Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired February 19, 2026  
 

#171 Guest Thomas D. Clagett

COME TO ME CHILDREN. COME TO THE RIVERSIDE.THOMAS D. CLAGETT CHATS with hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean BellWatch the Live Video on YouTube.Add one part history, one part legend, one part murder, one part greed, and one part horror. Combine well with a ghost story, add the author’s gripping writing and what do you get? A haunting tale you will not be able to put down…or forget… THE RIVER GHOST.
Award-winning author THOMAS D. CLAGETT joins us to share the backstory to this riveting, thrilling Gothic Western set in 1883 New Mexico Territory – in a town called Santa Fe.
 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThomasDClagett Find "everything Rendezvous" in one place! A BIG thank you to Janell Madison of "Clicks By Madison" for creating our landing page! Check it out - rendezvouswithawriter.com Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired February 12, 2026  

#170 Guests Paul Andrew Hutton and Henry C. Parke

A GRAND NARRATIVE OF THE AMERICAN WEST PAUL ANDREW HUTTON and HENRY C. PARKE CHAT with hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean BellWatch the live interview! 
Join us for an engaging conversation with our two guests! PAUL ANDREW HUTTON, award-winning historian and author, joins True West Magazine Film Editor HENRY C. PARKE. 
First, Henry presents his monthly, “Henry’s Western Round-up,” reporting on current Western films and TV shows. Then, we talk with Paul Andrew Hutton about his latest critically acclaimed book on the history of the American frontier, THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY: TRIUMPH, TRAGEDY, and the SHAPING OF THE AMERICAN WEST. The Wall Street Journal named it one of the Top Ten Books of 2025.   Jim and I must tell you...this is an amazing book - reads like a novel, at times humorous, at times horrifying and heartbreaking, yet so engaging and instructional you won't be able to put it down. In addition to the 7 iconic personalities we met a George Washington we didn't know, along with Dan Morgan, Pontiac, Rebecca Boone and daughters...the list of personalities Paul brings to life goes on and on. If you read nothing else of our nation's factual history during this year of America250 - you must read this!Find "everything Rendezvous" in one place! A BIG thank you to Janell Madison of "Clicks By Madison" for creating our landing page! Check it out - rendezvouswithawriter.com Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired February 5, 2026  

#169 Guests Natalie Bright and Manuela Schneider

GERMAN FREEDOM UNDER TEXAS SKYNATALIE BRIGHT and MANUELA SCHNEIDER chat with hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell
Based on authentic diaries guest authors, NATALIE BRIGHT and MANUELA SCHNEIDER, tell the dramatic, stirring story of two families who risk everything and lose so much. Hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell talk with Natalie and Manuela about Book One of a planned trilogy, THE NEW FATHERLAND. Texas, 1834. Far away from their old homeland, countless Germans seek their fortune in the land of opportunity. Political unrest in the monarchy drives them away-into a world where vast fields and freely accessible land await settlers. But behind the tempting promise of freedom lies a high price. Join us for this lively conversation!Music Featured:Allan Chapman & Rodeo Kate - "Immigrants" - Album "Travelin' West"Judy James - "Beautiful Texas" - Album "Beautiful Texas""O Tannenbaum" - Album "German Christmas Songs"Watch The Video Find "everything Rendezvous" in one place! A BIG thank you to Janell Madison of "Clicks By Madison" for creating our page! Check it out - rendezvouswithawriter.com  Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired January 29, 2026  

#168 Guest Katie Ryan

GHOSTS OF CALIFORNIAKATIE RYAN chats with hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean BellProducer, songwriter, author, and director, KATIE RYAN, joins us to talk about her newest, highly anticipated, documentary. GHOSTS OF CALIFORNIA explores the people, places, and legends that helped shape California's history. Discover the mysteries surrounding the people, places, and legends that make up California's rich history. Katie and her production team pride themselves on their unique approach to storytelling, using a combination of historical research and cinematic techniques to make their films feel like you’re stepping back in time. Author Scott Yanow writes: "Ghosts Of California," written by Katie Ryan and David Kaufman (who is the main narrator), is beautifully filmed, and filled with original music that fits each story, this film is a very valuable addition to American history. It looks towards the future with optimism while paying homage to the past in a truthful and vivid manner.We also chat about her first documentary The Last Coyote - The Don Edwards Story and her book Horse Wisdom Alchemy.Watch the live interview on YouTube.Music featured:Don Edwards - "West of Yesterday"Don Edwards - "Coyotes"Katie Ryan and Janine Cooper Ayers - "Ghosts of California"Mike Fleming - "On California Ground"Dave Stamey - "The Mission Bell" Katy Moffatt - "St. Francis Dam Disaster"Find "everything Rendezvous" in one place! A BIG thank you to Janell Madison of "Clicks By Madison" for creating our page! Check it out - rendezvouswithawriter.com  Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Opening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired January 22, 2026  

#167 Guests Nick Wale and Scott McCrae

EXCITING WESTERN ADVENTURES! NICK WALE and SCOTT MCCRAE chat with hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell  Join us for a lively conversation with NICK WALE, CEO of Dusty Saddle Publishing, and returning guest SCOTT MCCREA author of westerns, thrillers, adventure and a whole lot more! They enlighten us with what’s happening in the Western genre today and what we can look forward to reading this year. We take an in-depth look with Scott McCrea, about his latest bestseller Ezra Flint U.S. Marshal: Flint’s Honor and DSP's new 2026 landmark series collection of 12 books America250. Watch the live episode on YouTube.Find "everything Rendezvous" in one place! A BIG thank you to Janell Madison of "Clicks By Madison" for creating our page! Check it out - rendezvouswithawriter.com Hosts - Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell I Am The Storm - written and performed by Randy HustonOpening and Closing Music - Hot Texas courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by Blue Cottage Agency  Clicks By Madison  and OutWest Shop Shop ALL Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired January 15, 2026