#67 December 28

Guest Host Tom Swearingen – Poet-  with Guest Micki Fuhrman – Author, Songwriter & Performer

Episode #67 – What happens when two award-winning word wranglers share an hour of conversation? Magic! Poet TOM SWEARINGEN steps in to guest host this broadcast with his special guest author, singer, songwriter, and musician MICKI FUHRMAN. Together, they explore the mysteries of how lyrics and songs are created, (when is it similar to writing poetry – if it ever is) what inspires great songwriting – and storytelling. Along the way, MICKI shares stories of growing up in the South and the West, songwriting insights, why she loves driving the I40, and what is expected of an author (hint – they should take a journalist approach – report the truth – in their own words). This is an illuminating and entertaining show with a few surprises including Micki’s live performances and readings AND a special “Happy Birthday” to absentee host Bobbi Jean Bell’s Mom. What a way to close out 2023!! 

#66 December 21 

Ann Parker – Author- The Secret In The Wall – Silver Rush Historical Mystery Series

Episode #66 – Featured Guest Author ANN PARKER joins hosts JIM and BOBBI JEAN BELL to discuss her latest title, the multi-award winning THE SECRET IN THE WALL, Book #8 of her popularSILVER RUSH MYSTERY SERIES. The year is 1882 and the location is “The Paris of the West” – San Francisco. What happens when a typical remodeling job – breaking through a wall to connect two adjacent boarding houses – reveals a skeleton with a glass eye and a canvas bag of gold coins?? Is there a connection to the San Francisco Mint and Alcatraz? Protagonist Inez Stannert and a cast of engaging characters, set out to solve the mystery. Tune in for a fun conversation! ANN shares the backstory to the series and this title, insights into her research process, how she meets her characters and more!!!! 

December 14 – Show #65

Erin Pringle – Author- Unexpected Weather Events 

Episode #65 Featured Guest Author ERIN PRINGLE joined hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell for an engaging conversation about her newly released book of stories, UNEXPECTED WEATHER EVENTS. Each story takes place against a wintery background with characters deeply involved in life changing experiences. Trust author ERIN PRINGLE to take your heart and soul into unknown territory and bring you out on the other side with a deeper understanding of life’s unexpected events. She shares the inspiration behind these stories and her own unique perspective on writing and life. 

December 7 – Show #64 

Henry C. Parke – Film Editor- True West Magazine

Lynn Downey – Author- Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World and Dude or Die: H Double Bar Dude Ranch Series, Book 2

Episode #64 Features Guests HENRY C. PARKE and LYNN DOWNEY What fun hosts Bobbi and Jim Bell have chatting with their guests HENRY C. PARKE and LYNN DOWNEY! Tune in for True West Magazine’s film editor, HENRY PARKE’S latest news about Westerns on Film and TV, and an important announcement! LYNN DOWNEY shared engaging backstories about two of her books. Firstly, we chatted aboutLEVI STRAUSS: THE MAN WHO GAVE BLUE JEANS TO THE WORLD (did you know 2023 is the 150th Anniversary of the patent of the blue jean?). Then, we talked about her historical fiction novel DUDE OR DIE, the second book of her “H Double Bar Dude Ranch Series.” And…find out what they are reading now!

November 30 – Show #63

Chris Mulllen – Author- Rowdy: Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen

Episode #63 Award-winning Guest Author CHRIS MULLEN joins hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell to chat about ROWDY: WILD AND MEAN, SHARP AND KEEN, the first book of his six book ROWDY Series. If you enjoy adventure stories packed with fast-moving action, unexpected twists and turns, engaging characters set in the West, then this book (and series) is for you! From the first to the last page, you’ll be captivated by ROWDY and you’ll look forward to…the next book! Chris shared backstories to the setting, the characters, and the adventures. Tune in to find out how ROWDY and Chris met, where his favorite places to write are, and what’s coming in 2024!

November 23 – Thanksgiving – Best Of Rendezvous With A Writer

Jeanne Cooney – Aired August 31, 2023

November 16 – Best of Rendezvous With A Writer

Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson – Author Team of Andrews & Wilson – Authors of Dempsey –  Aired June 29, 2023

November 9 – Best Of Rendezvous With A Writer

Manuela Schneider – Author –  Arma Del Diablo: The Colt of Destiny – Aired August 3, 2023

November 2 – Show #62

Gretchen Cherington – Author – The Butcher, The Embezzler, and the Fall Guy: A Family Memoir of Scandal and Greed in the Meat Industry

#62 Guest Author GRETCHEN CHERINGTON returns to chat about her recently released memoir THE BUTCHER, the EMBEZZLER, and the FALL GUY: A FAMILY MEMOIR OF SCANDAL AND GREED IN THE MEAT INDUSTRY. In 1922, George A. Hormel-founder of the multibillion-dollar company Hormel Foods–fired Gretchen Cherington’s grandfather, Alpha LaRue Eberhart, after a decade-long embezzlement scandal. Was he, as rumors suggested, complicit? Cherington digs deep to understand what really happened one hundred years ago–and to make sense of her complicated legacy. Gretchen’s in depth research led to insights never before revealed. This book reads like a suspenseful mystery…was her grandfather the “embezzler” or the “fall guy?”

October 26 – Show #61

Dr. Barbara Koltuska-Haskin – Author – How My Brain Works: A Guide To Understanding it Better and Keeping It Healthy

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!

October 19 – Show #60

Sue Boggio & Mare Pearl – Author Team – Hungry Shoes

The writing team of SUE BOGGIO and MARE PEARL authors of the recently released critically acclaimed novel, HUNGRY SHOES, joins 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, 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!

October 12 – Show #59

Tom Swearingen – Guest Host with Special Guest Singer/Songwriter and Playwright Claudia Nygaard 

Guest Host 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.

October 5 – Show #58

Carmen Peone – Author – Captured Secrets and Broken Bondage – Books One and Two of the Seven Tine Ranch Series

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! We chat 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 – https://carmenpeone.com/resources/

September 28 – Show #57

Gayle Lauradunn – Poet – All The Wild And Holy: the Life of Eunice Williams 1696-1785

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 captive 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!

#56 September 21

Natalie Bright & Denise F. McAllister 

Author Writing Team – Maverick Heart – Wild Cow Ranch Series, Book One

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 teamNATALIE 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. 

September 14

W. Michael Farmer Ph.D. – Author – Trini! Come! Geronimo’s Captivity of Trinidad Verdin

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 chat 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. 

#54 September 7

Henry Parke – Film Editor True West Magazine, Darrell Arnold – Western Poet – A Cowboy Poultry Gathering and A Bard In Boots, Tom Hiatt – Western Singer/Songwriter – Collaborator with Darrell Arnold – Album “5” From The Heart Of The West

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.

#53 August 31

Jeanne Cooney – Author – It’s Murder Dontcha Know? A Quirky Murder Mystery With Recipes

WHO DUNNIT IT? That’s what every mystery reader wants to know! Author JEANNECONNEY 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! For fun – there are recipes for many of the dishes mentioned in the book included!! 

Jeanne shares insights into her process of crafting a cozy mystery that is both light hearted 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! 

#52 August 24

Kathleen Morris – Author – Golddigger: The Legendary Nellie Cashman 

Award winning authorKATHLEEN 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.

#51 August 17

Parris Afton Bonds – Author – Answering The Call

New York Times Best Selling Author PARRIS AFTON BONDS joins us to chat about her newest Romance ThrillerANSWERING 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! 

#50 August 10

Kathleen M. Rodgers – Author – The Flying Cutterbucks

“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 joins 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!

#49 August 3

Happy One Year Anniversary – Manuela Schneider – Author – Arma Del Diablo: The Colt of Destiny

This week we are CELEBRATING! It is our ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW, and we are joined by True West Magazine film editor HENRY C. 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 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!

#48 July 27

Peggy Chambers Hosts The Rev. Dr. John Toles –    Author of the Father Anthony Savel Mystery Series

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 interesting and engaging talk between 2 authors and 2 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 tips too. Tune in!

#47 July 20

J. R. Sanders – Author of the Nate Ross Series – Book #3 Bring The Night

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!

#46 July 13

Sandi Wright – Children’s Author and Illustrator – The Adventures of Santa Fe Sam Series

Children’s book author and illustrator SANDI WRIGHT joins us to share the backstory to her “Santa Fe Sam Series” including the books “The Adventures of Santa Fe Sam,” “Sedona’s Search” and “Albuquerque Gerdy.” Each 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!

#45 July 6

Frank F. Weber – Author – The Haunted House Of Hillman (H2OH)

Two guests tonight – HENRY PARKE brought us up-to-date with the latest news on the Western film and TV front. Returning true crime thriller author, FRANK WEBER, spoke about his newest release, “The Haunted House of Hillman- H2OH” #frankweber Do you believe a house can be haunted? Was there a house in your neighborhood with that reputation – even though you knew you should stay away – it called to you again and again to come “visit?” This story just won’t let you go! Frank shares the backstory to this ‘grim thriller.”

#44 June 29

Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson – Author Team of Andrews & Wilson – Dempsey

The international bestselling thriller writing team of Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson – known as ANDREWS AND WILSON – chatted with us about their most recent book DEMPSEY, part of the popular TIER ONE Series. We talk about their successful collaboration writing process, what inspires the series, the power of strong, engaging characters so much more!

#43 June 22

Guest Host Cowboy Poet Tom Swearingen with Author/Songwriter/Performer Jon Chandler 

WHAT A GREAT INTERVIEW!!! Two award-winning storytellers took center stage tonight. Guest Host Poet TOM SWEARINGEN chats about songwriting and writing with multi-SPUR winner singer/songwriting and author JON CHANDLER. Engaging, entertaining, and educational – Tom and Jon share their insights into the creation of story…and, as you know, Story Is Everything!

#42 June 15

Pat Wahler – Author – The Rose of Washington Square: A Novel Of Rose O’Neill, Creator Of The Kewpie Doll and
I Am Mrs. Jesse James

Award-winning author PAT WAHLER joined us for a lively and engaging conversation about two of her books THE ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE: A NOVEL OF ROSE O’NEILL, CREATOR OF THE KEWPIE DOLL and I AM MRS. JESSE JAMES. Both books are written in the first person, inviting the reader to live their experiences up-close-and-personal. Wahler, a native of Missouri, was compelled to write the stories of these two Missouri women. She shares the back stories to each book – what inspired her to write them, what surprises she uncovered in her research, and provides book launch and writing tips. We had fun reading both books … so will you!

#41 June 8

Dan Batson – Author – Morning

Author DAN BATSON shares the backstory to his heartfelt and engaging memoir recounting the years his wife Donna and he shared. MORNING takes us from their days falling in love, starting their careers and family, and finding their place in their community. Dan captures personal moments of their lives in vivid detail – words are like painterly strokes upon the canvas. Although they both share a deep faith, when cancer takes Donna, Dan is left adrift – drowning in his grief – faith shattered. Yet his story continues. Through his pain God reveals His never ending transformative love and Dan’s faith is restored. MORNING confirms what we know – the darkest time is just before sunrise and every morning is a new day to embrace.

#40 June 1

Bob Brill – Author – Fan Letters To A Stripper: A Patti Waggin Tale, The Tattoo Murder, and book #6 of the Western Series Lancer Hero Of The West: The Broken Bow Affair

Good friends joined hosts Jim and Bobbi Bell, it was like “old home week.” HENRY PARKE, western movie film editor for True West Magazine kicked off the show with his monthly round-up of the latest western movie and TV news. No stranger to radio, BOB BRILL, former co-host of THE WRITER’S BLOCK, joined us for a lively discussion about three of his books: FAN LETTERS TO A STRIPPER: A PATTI WAGGIN TALE, his first mystery THE TATTOO MURDER and the latest in his western series LANCER HERO OF THE WEST: THE BROKEN BOW AFFAIR. Each of these books has an interesting backstory, Bob shares the inspiration behind each and what his plans are for their futures. The first is already a podcast series and a film may be on the way. The second and third titles have sequels in the works.

#39 May 25

Teddy Jones – Author – Marva Cope

Author TEDDY JONES joined us for an engaging conversation about her latest book, MARVA COPE, part of her Jackson’s Pond book series. A story of one woman’s search for a place to call home, for a close friend, and for a community. Marva Cope is that woman and we follow her story from youth to her fifties, traveling back to where her story begins to the current day. TEDDY JONES shares the backstory of the series, of Marva Cope and some of the key characters, and shares a bit of “what’s coming next!” Join us!

#38 May 18

Vince Pinkerton – Author – The Devil Plays Six Strings and The Devil And The Dance Hall Girl

Hosts Jim Bell and Bobbi Jean Bell talked with Vince Pinkerton, the author of “THE DEVIL PLAYS SIX STRINGS” and “THE DEVIL AND THE DANCE HALL GIRL” Tune in to hear about the backstories of these books, what inspired Vince to write them, and get an inside look at some of the major characters…especially the Devil himself, Mr. Give.

#37 May 11

Linda Strader – Author – Summers Of Fire: A Memoir Of Adventures, Love, And Courage

Do you watch the weekly drama series “Fire Country?” Jim and I were engaged reading Linda Strader’s first hand account of her summers on the front lines fighting wildfires. Tonight we chatted with her about the daily life of a real wildfire crew member. LINDA STRADER is one of the first women hired on a fire crew with the U.S. Forest Service. A naive 21-year old in the mid 1970s, she discovers fighting wildfires is challenging- but in a man’s world, they become only one of the challenges she would face. Join us!

#36 May 4

Johnny D. Boggs – Author – American Newspaper Journalists On Film: Portrayals Of The Press During The Sound Era

Author JOHNNY D. BOGGS was our Special Guest tonight on RENDEZVOUS WITH A WRITER. Jim and I prepped for our conversation with Johnny by reading the book we discussed – AMERICAN NEWSPAPER JOURNALISTS ON FILM: PORTRAYALS OF THE PRESS DURING THE SOUND ERA…and watched many of the films he describes. This book is full of fabulous information…and movie titles…and we can’t read a page without wanting to watch the films mentioned! Tune in for our entertaining conversation!

#35 April 27

Karen Jones – Author – The Summer Of Grace

KAREN JONES, author of THE SUMMER OF GRACE, shares the inspiration, back story, and insights into the major characters of this compelling coming-of-age story set in the summer of 1951. Many of the characters. locations, and scenes are inspired by her personal experiences visiting family on their farm during her youth. Tune in to meet Brown Hound, Great Granny Jane, Miss Emily, Jane, and Grace. And get some writing tips too!

#34 April 20

Guest Host Tom Swearingen and Guest Miska Paget – Award-Winning Cowboy Poet and Cowgirl Poet

Thank you to Host Tom Swearingen and his guest Miska Paget for their engaging and entertaining conversation about Cowboy Poetry! Both are award-winning poets and Miska treated us to live recitations. There are several “you heard it here first” moments as Miska shared exciting news about her soon to be released first children’s book. a new album in the works, and…a collaboration (or 2) with songwriter Dan McCorison!

#33 April 13

Chris Enss – Author- The Widowed Ones: Beyond The Battle of the Little Bighorn and Straight Lady: The Life and Times of Margaret Dumont, The Fifth Marx Brother

Tonight’s guest, Chris Enss, is a New York Times Best Selling author, a scriptwriter and comedienne who has written for television and film, performed on cruise ships and on stage. Her passion is for telling the stories of the men and women who shaped the history and mythology of the American West. We chatted about her two most recent books: THE WIDOWED ONES: BEYOND THE BATTLE OF THE LITTLEBIGHORN and STRAIGHT LADY: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MARGARET DUMONT, THE FIFTH MARX BROTHER.

#32 April 6

Melody Groves – Author- Before Billy The Kid: The Boy Behind The Legendary Outlaw

Featured guest, award-winning author MELODY GROVES, joined us to chat about her 2023 Spur Award winning book BEFORE BILLY THE KID: THE BOY BEHIND THE LEGEND. She shares many little known facts about Billy’s early life including his family background, and the many talents, interests, friendships, and life changing events that created the “outlaw” we’ve come to know. Engaging conversation and “must read” book: https://bookshop.org/a/5737/9781493063499

#31 March 30

Martha Burns – Author- Blind Eye

Award-winning MARTHA BURNS, author of BLIND EYE joined us. This is a riveting story anchored by a New Mexico landscape and populated by characters living in a rural, and somewhat, sparse community. Kirkus Reviews “This bruising story is less a murder mystery than an unflinching look at a culture and community.” Martha shares the story behind the story, the characters, and why it’s an important story to tell.

#30 March 23

Mary Camarillo – Author- The Lockhart Women

Is there a connection between O.J. Simpson, the Post Office, and real people working real jobs? There is! The connection is THE LOCKHART WOMEN – Brenda, Peggy, and Allison of Huntington Beach, CA. Award-winning author MARY CAMARILLO joined us to chat about these women and the choices they make. The story opens in 1994 with the main characters witnessing O.J. Simpson “making a run for it” in his white Bronco. CAMARILLO weaves an authentic, and at times, nearly heart-wrenching. story of these three women – each one searching for love and their place in the real world of the 1990’s and beyond. Tune in for the novel’s backstory, writing tips and more.

March 16 – Show #28

Randi Samuelson-Brown – Author- On The Fringes: A Clairvoyant, A Mining Swindle, And A Fresh Start

RANDI SAMUELSON-BROWN returns with her newest title ON THE FRINGES: A CLAIRVOYANT, A MINING SWINDLE, AND A FRESH START. Judge a book by the cover? In this case, YES! It is as riveting and entertaining as we hoped it would be. What choices does a suddenly single woman have in 1896? Maude Montgomery, gifted with the second-sight, is trapped in a bad marriage to a confidence man who leaves her stranded in Nevada. Her choices are simple – return to the East or….head for the gold camp of Cripple Creek. What does she do? And…what’s the story behind the skull on the cover? GRAB THIS BOOK and tune into the podcast to find out!!!

March 9 – Show #28

Eric H. Heisner – Author- Citation For Murder andAbove The Llano 

Tune in for an engaging and entertaining conversation with guest ERIC H. HEISNER – screenwriter, filmmaker, movie ranch owner, and author – Eric shares the backstories to his most recent novels – A Neo Noir Comedy – CITATION FOR MURDER and a movie ready Western ABOVE THE LLANO. Along the way we talk about life in LA in 1996, life in the Texas Hill Country in the mid 1870s, writing in the present tense, crafting dialogue and…developing a movie ranch! Tips for writers and more!

March 2 – Show #27

Debra Thomas – Author- Luz and Josie And Vic

We had a full house tonight! HENRY C. PARKE, Western Film Editor for True West, kicked off the show with the latest Western film news. DEBRA THOMAS, our featured author guest, joined us to chat about her first award winning book LUZ and the backstory to her soon-to-be-released AND highly anticipated new title JOSIE AND VIC.

February 23 – Show #26

Gretchen Cherington – Author- Poetic License: A Memoir

Guest author, GRETCHEN CHERINGTON, joined us for an engaging conversation about her book, POETIC LICENSE: A MEMOIR. At age forty, with two growing children and a new consulting company she’d recently founded, Gretchen Cherington, daughter of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Richard Eberhart, faced a dilemma: Should she protect her parents’ well-crafted family myths while continuing to silence her own voice? Or was it time to challenge those myths and speak her truth? We chatted about the inspiration behind her memoir and some of the family stories revisited and reclaimed. Thinking of writing a memoir? This show is for you

February 16 – Show #25

Michael Wohl – Author- In Herschel’s Wake

Our special guest, LA award-winning filmmaker and author MICHAEL WOHL, shared the back story to his engaging memoir IN HERSCHEL’S WAKE with us. What’s it about? A trio of estranged siblings are forced to work together as they schlep to an obscure, obstacle-laden island when their hippie, fugitive father dies unexpectedly. Michael shared candidly and openly how and why he wrote the book. And he even read aloud! This memoir is storytelling at its best! And as we say, “STORY IS EVERYTHING!”

February 9 – Show #24

Carol Van Den Hende – Author  – Orchid Blooming and Goodbye, Orchid 

Our featured guest was author Carol Van Den Hende. A multi-award-winning author, she pens stories of resilience and hope. Jim read the newest title, “Blooming Orchid” and I read her first book of the 3 part series “Goodbye, Orchid.” We talked of the lives (and decisions) of main characters – Phoenix and Orchid, the rich cast of characters surrounding them, the challenges of writing a series and the books’ award-winning designs.

February 2 – Show #23

Mark C. Jackson – Author- Blue Rivers of Heaven, Book #3 “Tales of Zebadiah Creed Series” 

Join hosts Bobbi Jean Bell and Jim Bell and our guests. “True West” Western Film Editor, Henry Parke, joins us with his monthly “Henry’s Western Round-Up” reporting on all the latest Western movie and TV news. Featured guest author Mark C. Jackson is a singer/songwriter and the award-winning author of the “Tales of Zebadiah Creed Series.” We listened to a song of his and chatted about Book 3 of the series – BLUE RIVERS OF HEAVEN. Tune in for the answers to these questions – What happened in 1836? Who is Zebadiah Creed and was there a plot to assassinate Sam Houston? 

January 26 – Show #22

Johnnie Bernhard – Author- Hannah And Ariela

HAVE YOU EVER MADE A DECISION THAT BOUND YOUR FATE TO ANOTHER’S AND FOREVER CHANGED YOUR LIVES? Author JOHNNIE BERNHARD writes the story of two such characters – strangers – a 73 year old Anglo Widow and a 14 year old Mexican Girl, who must decide to either follow the law or their conscience to survive. This timely novel is set along the I-10 corridor of Texas, home to saints, demons, and victims of cartels and human trafficking. Join us and guest award winning author JOHNNIE BERNHARD for a lively conversation about this important novel that needs to be included on your reading list! 

January 19 – Show #21

Robert Burke Warren – Editor- Cash On Cash: Interviews and Encounters With Johnny Cash

WHAT FUN WE HAD CHATTING with our guest ROBERT BURKE WARREN! Editor of CASH ON CASH: INTERVIEWS AND ENCOUNTERS WITH JOHNNY CASH, Warren enlightened us about the backstory of how this book came to be and how he chose the interviews included. Written with love, Robert’s introductions to each interview are engaging, entertaining and often thought provoking. If you thought you knew Johnny Cash…think again! This book will leave you, like it did Jim and me, with a renewed interest in the man – his life, loves, family, friends, and eager to increase our Johnny Cash music collection! 

January 12 – Show #20

Mike Torreano – Author White Sands Gold

Western Mystery writer MIKE TORREANO joined us for an entertaining and insightful conversation about writing his latest Western Mystery, the award winning WHITE SANDS GOLD, but with a plot that twists and turns, with unexpected action and revelations…well…we didn’t want to spoil this page-turning mystery set in 1890 Las Cruces…so…we covered additional topics including his writing process, character development and crafting dialogue, the Code of the West, and got his answer to our question “Do Westerns still matter today?” Take a listen!

January 5 – Show #19

Henry Parke – True West Magazine Film Editor
Frank F. Weber – Author Black and Blue

Looking for a great read? Enjoy the combination of Thriller/Mystery/Romance and True Story? Look no further than author FRANK F. WEBER’S book series! We chatted with Frank about his newest thriller title BLACK AND BLUE. It was the First Thursday of the Month so our good friend HENRY PARKE, Western Film Editor of True West Magazine, kicked off the show with his latest “Henry’s Western Round-Up News.” We kicked off 2023 with a BANG! Take a look/listen!