Rendezvous With A Writer Podcast

#61 Guest Author Dr. Barbara Koltuska-Haskin

 DR. BARBARA KOLTUSKA-HASKIN joined us to chat about her award-winning book HOW MY BRAIN WORKS: A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING IT BETTER AND KEEPING IT HEALTHY. Have you ever walked into a room not remembering why you're there? Perhaps you've found yourself struggling to find the perfect word - usually a simple task, but frequently a challenge? In an easy to read and understand format, neuropsychologist Dr. Barbara Koltuska-Haskin provides practical information about how the brain functions and what we can do to improve brain health and function. I know two things we need to do...get more sleep and eat healthier! 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 October 26, 2023

#60 Guest Author Writing Team Sue Boggio and Mare Pearl

The writing team of SUE BOGGIO and MARE PEARL authors of the recently released critically acclaimed novel, HUNGRY SHOES, joined us tonight. So much to talk about...their long lasting friendship, the Beatles, collaborating, and the inspiration behind their powerful story, "Hungry Shoes." Tune in to find out what "hungry shoes" refers to and meet Grace & Maddie and the cast of unique characters that make up their world. This is a compelling story that will move you to laughter and to tears...may these characters be with you for a very long time!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 October 19, 2023

#59 Guest Host Poet Tom Swearingen and Singer, Songwriter, Playwright Claudia Nygaard

Guest Host, award-winning cowboy poet TOM SWEARINGEN, is joined by Special Guest award-winning Singer/Songwriter and Playwright CLAUDIA NYGAARD. Tune in for their conversation about Claudia's songwriting process AND the backstory to her first ever musical play production. Hosts: Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell - out-of-town this week 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 October 12, 2023

#58 Guest Author Carmen Peone

Jim and I read both books, the first two of a three book trilogy SEVEN TINE RANCH series, by our guest CARMEN PEONE. Her books are compelling reads - inspirational stories of hope, healing and horses. Important issues Carmen addresses include MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women), domestic violence and abuse. She writes inspirational stories of hope, healing, and horses...sprinkled with a good helping of romance. BROKEN BONDAGE successfully launched October 3, 2023! We chatted about Carmen's writing career, the inspiration behind this engaging series, AND what she did to prepare for, and execute, the book launch. Carmen offers resources for more information on MMIW and Domestic Violence and Abuse - Carmen Peone Website Resources  Hosts: Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell Open and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy Hot Texas Swing Band Sponsored by OutWest Shop Shop all Rendezvous With A Writer book titles HERE Aired October 5, 2023

#57 Guest Poet Gayle Lauradunn

Join us and our guest poet GAYLE LAURADUNN for our discussion of her award-winning book of poetry ALL THE WILD AND HOLY: A LIFE OF EUNICE WILLIAMS 1696-1785. Who was Eunice Williams? What was it about her story that compelled Gayle to research her for 12 years? Are you familiar with the events of February 29, 1704? That's the date of the infamous Deerfield, Massachusetts Massacre...the attackers appeared to be Native American and killed 48 villagers, wounded many more, and took 112 captives including the entire Williams family. Eunice Williams was 7 years old at the time...she lived to be 89...a remarkable life. Through Gayle's pen, Eunice shares her story, in her own voice...finally. 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 September 28, 2023

#56 Guest Author Writing Team Natalie Bright and Denise F. McAllister

What happens when two talented authors decide to write together? They discover their interests, knowledge, and writing styles complement each other. The result is nine books! Welcome to MAVERICK HEART, Book One of the six book WILD COW RANCH SERIES, and the world created through the imaginations of writing team NATALIE BRIGHT and DENISE F. MCALLISTER! The story opens in Georgia and quickly travels to Texas as the main character, Carli Jameson, finds herself with a life changing dilemma. With a cast of engaging characters, unexpected twists and turns, and two landscapes demanding Carli's attention, the story is a reader's delight. Natalie and Denise share the backstory to MAVERICK HEART, Book One of the WILD COW RANCH SERIES. Along the way they answer questions about character development, ranching, story arc, and their process of writing as a team.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 21, 2023

#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