River Jordan Radio (Website Version)

2010-03-03T19:25:00.000-08:00

Talking today with people about stories on the road, on the page, and in the songs we hear. Thanks to listener Gary Nelson who wrote these words about how Bob Seger always made him think of one special road trip with his father:

"I remember first hearing Bob Seger and night moves in 1976 in the spring when my dad and I drove down to Arkansas from Chicago. It was a 10 hour drive and I talked my dad into listening to WLS - the only station our 1971 Monte Carlo could get that I enjoyed. That old AM radio station played the song no less than 10 times.
My dad, puffing on his cigar said, 'It's about time we heard this song again.'
No matter how old I get, I'll remember that trip and being alone with my dad for an extended time after my parents were divorced. That's what Bob Seger Night Moves makes me think about."

Shared a little from Hear No Evil by Matthew Paul Turner.

And some great writing advice from none other than Kurt Vonnegut on Writing With Style.

More great stories, great music, and a great day hanging out with you on the radio.

Listening Live to the Best of River Jordan Live

2010-02-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

Are we having fun yet? You bet we are! It's a literary jam session with great authors, music selections, and book news!

Tune in as award winning, critically aclaimed authors, Janis Owens, Janna McMahan, Holly Goodard Jones, Darnel Arnoult and Sonny Brewer at WRFN 107.1 Nashville. OR live and streaming via the web click here. LISTEN LIVE

It's all going to be a great mix with eclectic music, book reviews, festival news, a new feature called - Walking the Blog and a nod to some of the great causes creating good in the world today.

Don't miss it. Tune in via radio or web.

It's a road trip through the literary landscape and from the radio - the weather's always good!

River Jordan Live 2.03.10

2010-02-03T01:07:00.000-08:00

It's another literary jam with music, words, interviews, reviews, and news of the written word.

We'll be Walking The Blog - a little selection from one great writer and contributer to The Nervous Breakdown!

And sharing some road trip stories from listeners from all over the place. Have a great road trip story you'd love to share? Just send us 250-500 words to read live at river@riverjordanlive.com

Tune in live Wednesday 12-2 CST 107.1 WRFN Nashville or right here at http://www.riverjordanlive.com

River Jordan Live 1.27.10

2010-01-23T17:35:00.000-08:00

Author J T Ellison joins us to talk about the Taylor Jackson series and her new novel The Cold Room. Want to learn more about the writing life, the dicipline of writing, of writing research, and getting published - tune in to hear this suspense, mystery writer tell it like it is. JT pauses to visit with River Jordan Live during the Southern Festival of the Book before she takes off on a major book tour.

It's another literary jam session with more music, book reviews, festival news, special facts and unknown secrets of classical writers, plus regular features of the What's In A Word and Walking the Blog.

Take a little time, pull over, kick back, and tune in at 107.1 lpfm Nashville or RiverJordanLive.com Wednesday 12-2pm.

2010-01-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

Interview with William Ferris, one of the top US professors and author of Give My Poor Heart Ease - the voices of the Mississippi Blues up today! A literary jam session of news, interviews and reviews! Tune in at River Jordan Live.

River Jordan Live - 01.13.10

2010-01-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

River Jordan Live kicks off another literary jam session Wednesday 1.13.10 12-2 pm with authors Silas House, Janna McMahan, and Holly Goodard Jones.

The New Year started with a blast last week as Listeners emailed in their resolutions while we were on the air and it was great fun sharing them. We shared interviews with great authors Sonny Brewer, Janis Owens, Darnell Arnoult and even pulled one out of the vault with Clyde Edgerton and ran that one as well. You can click on the podcast link at right to listen to the interview with Clyde and the others will be uploaded very soon.

It was all mixed in with a little special music from Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Mark Brousard, and more. We started our new segment - Walking The Blog - where we feature a blog or two each week to take it off the page, and out for a little airtime. Last week was The Happy Book Blog and this week we share a special blog on how one writer hit Rock Bottom.

Have a great blog you've written or read recently - well do share with us and maybe it could be one of the blogs taking a walk in the near future. You can always email your comments and literary links of interest to river@riverjordanlive.com

Tune in this week for more of same good stuff. Silas House waxes Kentuckian on writing Eli the Good, his special, spiritual side, and the unholiness of mountain top removal for coal mining.

Janna McMahan discusses her novels, The Ocean Inside an d Calling Home, and she shares news of her upcoming writing project set in Austin, Texas.

Holly Goodard Jones talks about her inside take on the male perspective in her collection of short stores - Girl Trouble. Stories featured in Girl Trouble originally appeared in New Stories from the South.

We'll share news of what is happening in the world of books, road trips, and more on Wednesday, January 13, 12-2 pm CST at WRFN 107.1 Nashville. OR live and streaming via the web just click the LISTEN LIVE link above. Share the news, tell your friends, listen live from anywhere. It's a litearary jam session and a great way to brighten up your Wednesday.

Listening Live to a Best OF River Jordan LIve

2010-01-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

Are we having fun yet? You bet we are! It's a literary jam session with great authors, music selections, and book news!

River Jordan and Company

2009-11-11T12:27:00.001-08:00

To all you great listeners wondering just where I've been - well, I'll tell you.

I've been on the road reading from and promoting my latest novel, Saints In Limbo. I also went into hiding for a few weeks this summer and completed the new novel due out from Waterbrook (Random House) in September 2010 (and I promise you are going to love it!).

All of this finally pulled me away from that live microphone but even criss-crossing the country and writing deadlines can't stop someone who loves the wonderful storytelling power of radio!

Matter of fact . . . thanks to the great folks at WRFN- Nashville - we've just completed three hours of interviews with authors at the Southern Festival of the Book in Nashville and are currently in production mode to get those wrapped and out on the air to you.

So soon and upcoming I'll be back in studio sending up new shows including some of your favorite authors such as Silas House, Sonny Brewer, Darnell Arnoult, J. T. Ellison, and many more.

Stay tuned for more news and updates forthcoming!

River Jordan

Rattlesnakes in Cyberspace

2009-04-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

How can you resist a title like that?! Actually, this the partial heading for a chapter in the New York Times bestseller - The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris which will be one of the featured readings on today's River Jordan Radio show.

A little from Between, Georgia from Joshilyn Jackson because I just love it and a captivating passage from Walking The Bible by Bruce Feiler.

Add to that an odd selection here and there, news on arts, film, and literary events - and A great, eclectic Musical mix and what do you have - another live show where I get to hang out on the radio with some of my closest friends.

So if you're in the mood for a good road trip, then tune in at 4 Central for little Tom Waits, Susan Tedeschi, Ottmar Liebert, The Beatles, Old Blind Goats, Patsy Cline and more then you are along for the ride. Car top down of course.

RIVER JORDAN RADIO - Update

2009-04-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

RIVER JORDAN RADIO -
Radio Free Nashville, Nashville TN – 98.9lpfm/www.radiofreenashville.org

We’re working hard to bring you some of the greatest shows ever. With the guests we have had these past few years like Clyde Edgerton, Terry Kay, Connie May Fowler, Janis Owens, Alix Strauss, and to name a few, it’s going to be hard to top that. So just a little update of our new mix and what’s on the slate for upcoming programs created with you in mind.

The Music Chest– We’re pulling them out every week. Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Coldplay, Macy Gray, Lyle Lovett, Roger Miller, Los Lonely Boys, Grace Potter, Anita Baker, Muddy Waters . . . the list is ever changing and never ending. What a great way to tell a story with a whole lot of passion. Tune in and you’ll find music from every walk of life and genre.

The Guest - Upcoming shows feature authors of the Southern Variety of course, but also authors of Mystery, Suspense, Fantasy, Memoir, and Spiritual writers that kick down old walls, builds new bridges, and shine a light on the truth. Listen and discover a brave new voice worthy of your time.

The Story Award – Our new Story Award is offered to someone who has caught our fancy for promoting Story in a unique, and creative new way. Who gets the nod this Saturday? Tune in and find out.

The Cause – We'll offer an up a special focus on a local - or global - project that deserves a little extra attention. Something world changing and inspiring on any level. Because making a difference in the world comes in all kinds of packages on all sorts of little levels.

The Word Well – Offering you a short bit of inspiring advice on how to pull those words up from the deep and to keep them flowing.

The Getaway - A writers retreat of any strange shape, or size where anyone should be able to hide and get inside the story. From primitive campsites, to love offering retreats, to five star hotels in foreign destinations. Our favorite finds for spaces to let the words hit the page.

On the Road - When we pick up a bag and take to the to the road to follow book festivals, author readings, and musical events, we’ll capture the flavor of those times and bring them back to you.

Please keep sending in your words to share on the air. We love getting the mail and finding you there.

WORKING IN STORY

2009-03-15T19:06:00.000-07:00

The Creator of Story People, Brian Andreas visiting us this week on River Jordan Radio and talked about "working in Story". I told him I liked that so much that I was going to steal it and use it over and over. I've always considered myself working in words the way some people work in oils or water colors but that I had never heard it put quite that way before. Brian's way of looking at the world with the wonder of a child amazes me and inspires me to remember what it was like once upon a time to look at the world through eyes of make-believe. Where everything and anything was possible and life was good. You can also visit Brian at Twitter.com where you find him under the alias brineypup and also the way that he describes himself as an artist & writer, storyteller & trickster having fun being alive. I think having FUN being alive sounds like a great concept and one that we so very often loose the ability to do anymore as we grow up. No more ring around the roses anymore - right? Or whatever kids are playing this years besides Nintendo. Keep on Creating and playing for all of us Brian that sometimes loose our way - show us how to get back to that place again. Even if it's only for a little while.

A special thank you to readers and listeners who wrote in from everywhere to tell me what they were reading. It was such a pleasure to share with everyone what they were reading and why they were reading it. I'll be sharing more of those in the weeks to come so stay tuned in. Isn't it nice to get someones reason for why they fall into a story and loose themselves or find themselves or discover something that is new about a culture around the world or just the guy next door.

This Saturday, March 21 - author Marcus Sakey joins us to discuss his new novel, and the journey of where his writing began. Good People, The Blade Itself, and At The City's Edge. News of his work has garnered the kind of praise that writers hope for. Well, his earned a few bragging writes. Film rights for AT THE CITY'S EDGE sold to the producer of The Departed. National Public Radio says GOOD PEOPLE is "crime drama for the 21st century." Tobey Maguire's team snags film rights to GOOD PEOPLE. THE BLADE ITSELF won The Strand Critic's Award. The Chicago Tribune called AT THE CITY'S EDGE "Nothing short of brilliant."

Now in spite of all that praise, Marcus Sakey is still the kind of man that is down to earth, approachable and offering advice for new writers.

Some old and new tunes, some new stories, great company, great writing getaways, and more words from people just like you. In Nashville 98.9fm or www.radiofreenashville.org

Shellie Rushing Thomlinson guests SAT. March 7 4-6 CST

2009-03-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

ALL THINGS SOUTHERN Author and Radio Host Shellie Rushing Tomlinson visits to talk writing and about her most recent book - Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On!: What Southern Mamas Tell Their Daughters that the Rest of Y'all Should Know Too.

The host of All Things Southern shares the sass and strength of Southern mamas in this spunky guide to life.
In this humorous handbook, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, host of All Things Southern, reveals the all-important lessons Southern Mamas teach their daughters. Readers will discover why blue eye shadow is trashy and learn to interpret regional dialect like the Southern Mama APB, a bulletin translated on Southern streets as: “Give your heart to Jesus, girl, because your butt is all mine!” Shellie carefully breaks down the teachings behind those famous manners and social graces through her firsthand observations and dry wit. Here’s everything you need to know from how to cope with the unexpected, compete in the Mr. Right Game Show, and raise children—to how to keep that marriage knot tied tight over time. Woven with quotes from real Southern Mamas and sprinkled with recipes and other Southern secrets, this book’s a bona-fide celebration of all things south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Of course their will be great music, great stories and great company because author Shellie Rushing Tomlinson will be dropping in to talk writing, radio and all things southern. From the back porch to a starry La. night, this woman knows what she's talking about and trust me, I just spent three days with her in Texas and she is the real deal and will keep you laughing and learning in the process.

So tune in and stay tuned - because without you there just isn't a show.

Make certain that if you are in Nashville Saturday you tune in to the show but if you are out/gone/one the road or hanging out a little coffee bar in the Netherlands you can tune in via the web at www.radiofreenashville.org

Of course their will be great music, great stories and great company because author Shellie Rushing Tomlinson will be dropping in to talk writing, radio, and all things southern. From the back porch to a starry La. night, this woman knows what she's talking about and trust me, I just spent three days with her in Texas and she is the real deal and will keep you laughing and learning in the process.

So tune in and stay tuned - because without you there just isn't a reason for me to keep showing up!
Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On!: What Southern Mamas Tell Their Daughters that the Rest of Y'all Should Know Too

Next Weeks Guest - THE CREATOR OF STORY PEOPLE

And don't forget . . .

We’re working hard to bring you some of the greatest shows yet and trust me, with the guests we have had these past few years like Clyde Edgerton, Terry Kay, Connie May Fowler, Janis Owens, Alix Strauss, to name a few, it’s going to be hard to top that. So just a little update of our new mix and what’s on the slate for upcoming programs created with you in mind.

The Music Chest– We’re pulling them out every week. Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Coldplay, Macy Gray, Lyle Lovett, Roger Miller, Los Lonely Boys, Grace Potter, Anita Baker, Muddy Waters . . . the list is ever changing and never ending. What a great way to tell a story with a whole lot of passion. Tune in and you’ll find music from every walk of life and genre. Discover someone new? Email us and we'll work to get them on the show and play their tunes.

The Guest - Upcoming shows feature authors of the Southern Variety of course, but also authors of Mystery, Suspense, Fantasy, Memoir, and Spiritual writers that kick down old walls, builds new bridges, and shine a light on the truth. Listen and discover a brave new voice worthy of your time. Send us names and websites of some of your favorite authors or the funniest, most moving folks you've heard on the road.

The Story Award – Our new Story Award is offered to someone who has caught our fancy for promoting Story in a unique, and creative new way. Who gets the nod this Saturday? Tune in and find out. Tell who's out there in your world making a difference and promoting story.

The Cause – Every week we’ll offer an up a special focus on a local - or global - project that deserves a little extra attention. Something world changing and inspiring on any level. Because making a difference in the world comes in all kinds of packages on all sorts of little levels. We see them every day but if you know of a place or people that are making a difference - give us a shout.

The Word Well – Offering you a short bit of inspiring advice on how to pull those words up from the deep and to keep them flowing. And tell what words got you in the seat and writing again. Or what words made you a better writer.

The Getaway - A writers retreat of any strange shape, or size where anyone should be able to hide and get inside the story. From primitive campsites, to love offering retreats, to five star hotels in foreign destinations. Our favorite finds for spaces to let the words hit the page. Found a perfect place to insprire story and carve out a little time to get it down - let us hear about it.

On the Road - When we pick up a bag and take to the to the road to follow book festivals, author readings, and musical events, we’ll capture the flavor of those times and bring them back to you. Share your favorite festivals with us via email.

Please keep sending in your words to share on the air. We love getting the mail and finding you there. river@riverjordan.us

Patricia Hickman and A Room of Her Own this Saturday 2/28

2009-02-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

Here's the great happenings for this week! Don't miss out - tune in for a great show and great visit from one of the South' most prolific novelist!.

The Guest - Patricia Hickman grew up in Arkansas where she first studied creative writing at the University of Arkansas. Later she moved to North Carolina where she earned an M.F. A. in creative writing from Queens University. She has written fifteen novels including her highly lauded novel, Katrina's Wings. She has taught writing at UNCC and in workshops around the country. You won't want to miss this lively and vivacious writer as she shares a few of her secrets on creating characters and navigating the world of words. Upcoming shows feature authors of the Southern Variety of course, but also authors of Mystery, Suspense, Fantasy, Memoir, and Spiritual writers that kick down old walls, builds new bridges, and shine a light on the truth. Listen and discover a brave new voice worthy of your time.

The Story Award - Our new Story Award is offered to someone who has caught our fancy for promoting Story in a unique, and creative new way. Who get's the nod this week? Tune in and find out.
The Connection - Sometimes you need a special connection with a group of writers, a program, a contest, just something to give your writing a jolt, a deadline, and force you to get some words on the page. For that reason we'll showcase a writing program, contest, or retreat that gives you a chance to learn and inspired you to create. This weeks focus is the very special program A Room of Her Own program for woman with a contest amounting to $50,000 dollars cash. We speak with Executive Director, Kim Ponders about what it takes to make the grade and where previous winners are today.

The Word Well - Offering you a short bit of inspiring advice on how to pull those words up from the deep and to keep them flowing.

The Getaway - A writers retreat of any strange shape, or size where anyone should be able to hide and get inside the story. From primitive campsites, to love offering retreats, to five star hotels in foreign destinations. Our favorite finds for spaces to let the words hit the page.

The Cause - Every week we offer an up a special focus on a local - or global - project that deserves a little extra attention. Because making a difference in the world shows up in many ways and we like to take our hat off for those doing their part to make the world a nicer place.

On the Road - When we pick up a bag and take to the to the road to follow book festivals, author readings, and musical events, we'll capture the flavor of those times and bring them back to you.

The Music - We're playing the greats and the not yet famous every week. Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Coldplay, Macy Gray, Lyle Lovett, Los Lonely Boys, Grace Potter, Anita Baker, Muddy Waters . . . the list is ever changing and never ending. What a great way to tell a story with a whole lot of passion. Tune in and you'll find music from every walk of life and genre

Please keep sending us your words and comments to share on the air. Now get ready Saturday to put your feet up and hang out with us on the radio! www.radiofreenashville.org 98.9lpfm Nashville

RIVER JORDAN RADIO - Update

2009-02-24T13:16:00.000-08:00

RIVER JORDAN RADIO -
Radio Free Nashville, Nashville TN – 98.9lpfm/www.radiofreenashville.org

We’re working hard to bring you some of the greatest shows ever. With the guests we have had these past few years like Clyde Edgerton, Terry Kay, Connie May Fowler, Janis Owens, Alix Strauss, and to name a few, it’s going to be hard to top that. So just a little update of our new mix and what’s on the slate for upcoming programs created with you in mind.

The Music Chest– We’re pulling them out every week. Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Coldplay, Macy Gray, Lyle Lovett, Roger Miller, Los Lonely Boys, Grace Potter, Anita Baker, Muddy Waters . . . the list is ever changing and never ending. What a great way to tell a story with a whole lot of passion. Tune in and you’ll find music from every walk of life and genre.

The Guest - Upcoming shows feature authors of the Southern Variety of course, but also authors of Mystery, Suspense, Fantasy, Memoir, and Spiritual writers that kick down old walls, builds new bridges, and shine a light on the truth. Listen and discover a brave new voice worthy of your time.

The Story Award – Our new Story Award is offered to someone who has caught our fancy for promoting Story in a unique, and creative new way. Who gets the nod this Saturday? Tune in and find out.

The Cause – Every week we’ll offer an up a special focus on a local - or global - project that deserves a little extra attention. Something world changing and inspiring on any level. Because making a difference in the world comes in all kinds of packages on all sorts of little levels.

The Word Well – Offering you a short bit of inspiring advice on how to pull those words up from the deep and to keep them flowing.

The Getaway - A writers retreat of any strange shape, or size where anyone should be able to hide and get inside the story. From primitive campsites, to love offering retreats, to five star hotels in foreign destinations. Our favorite finds for spaces to let the words hit the page.

On the Road - When we pick up a bag and take to the to the road to follow book festivals, author readings, and musical events, we’ll capture the flavor of those times and bring them back to you.

Please keep sending in your words to share on the air. We love getting the mail and finding you there.

Happy Valentines Day! Kaya Mclaren Guests Saturday 2/14/09

2009-02-13T06:38:00.001-08:00

Kaya Mclaren guests on River Jordan Radio today and what a big yeah! Sometimes there seems to be more light and life in one individual than time and one life can contain - well, Kaya is one of those people. Now you know there's going to be great music, updates on festival and writing news, book reviews and good time hanging out - right? but there is also going to be stories from the author of Church of the Dog and On the Divinity of Second Chances. Did I say stories? Yes, in abundance. Kaya made a major splash at the Jefferson Girlfriend Getaway Weekend when she rode in to the press conference on her skateboard. Now, if that wasn't enough she went on to tell us stories of being archaeologist, living on a reservation, and she stole the show and walked away with the Pulpwood Queen of the Year award in a white tutu.

Need a little writing advice? Sending you some from Flannery O'Conner. Need an update on the latest, greatest hotest book festivals? We've got that info coming your way. A little advice? A good laugh? Or just a good pick me up on a Saturday afternoon in this Winter Season? Then don't you dare miss tuning in at www.radiofreenashville or 98.9 Nashville or through www.riverjordan.us 4-6 Central Time

Stories, Music, Readings, and News on Literary Happenings Around the World.

2009-02-13T06:36:00.000-08:00

Today's word is evolve because aren't we all moving from one stage of something into another? Nothing to do with creation - just to do with living and learning and growing in the spaces we have to do such things. And just in the same way - be on the look out for new things happening on our radio show and scene. New things - good times - noodle salad.

Our apologies to those of you who missed Shellie's interview because of technical problems at the station. Tech stuff happens. And ours due to actually upgrading the system but no worries - people are on it! The latest update says - all bugs have been slung into the outer reaches of the universe to here we go . . .

In the meantime, we'll relax with some great music, share some current events and happenings in the literary world and offer up some sage advice on living and writing. That is - we just had some sage advice around here somewhere.

Kudo's went out this week to The Library Fairy for snagging those great people at the National Storytelling Network organization for sponsoring her passionate work in spreading the love of reading to children.

This week's program featured a reading from Janis Owen's new book Cracker Kitchen - and we selected her Armadillo Recipe to share with listeners. Janis will be in Nashville at Davis-Kidd on February 18 and you DO NOT WANT TO MISS this wild storyteller! It's free. It's fun. It's on your calendar right? Also read a little bit of Shellie's book over the air, Suck In Your Stomach and Put on Some Color.

And we did a hat's off tribute and history lesson on that late, great Dashiell Hammett.

So if you weren't tuned in this week to River Jordan Radio - you missed a good time. Now, stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring the latest from authors like Silas House, and many more.
Stay tuned for full Spring Calendar of appearing guests.

River Jordan - on the radio near you at 98.9lpfm and on the world wide web athttp://www.radiofreenashville.org/

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson Guesting - March 7

2009-01-23T19:09:00.002-08:00

Les Standiford guests on BACKSTORY CITY LIMITS live Saturday, December 27

2008-12-26T17:25:00.002-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, just in time for the present you haven't bought yet but still need to! . . . acclaimed author Les Standiford drops into BACKSTORY CITY LIMITS to talk about his most recent work of art, The Man Who Invented Christmas.

LES STANDIFORD is the author of the critically acclaimed Last Train to Paradise, Meet You in Hell, and Washington Burning, as well as ten novels. Recipient of the Frank O’Connor Award for Short Fiction, he is director of the Creative Writing Program at Florida International University in Miami.

IN,The Man Who Invented Christmas, the acclaimed popular historian Les Standiford whisks us back to Victorian England, where we find out how a struggling Charles Dickens came to write the small book that would transform a somber, faded holiday into the celebration of charity and good cheer we know today.

Just before Christmas in 1843, a debt-ridden and dispirited Charles Dickens wrote a small book he hoped would keep his creditors at bay. His publisher turned it down, so Dickens used what little money he had to put out A Christmas Carol himself. He worried it might be the end of his career as a novelist.

The book immediately caused a sensation. And it breathed new life into a holiday that had fallen into disfavor, undermined by lingering Puritanism and the cold modernity of the Industrial Revolution. It was a harsh and dreary age, in desperate need of spiritual renewal, ready to embrace a book that ended with blessings for one and all.

With warmth, wit, and an infusion of Christmas cheer, Les Standiford whisks us back to Victorian England, its most beloved storyteller, and the birth of the Christmas we know best. The Man Who Invented Christmas is a rich and satisfying read for Scrooges and sentimentalists alike.

For more stories about Charles Dickens and how Les discovered the man behind the myth, tune in to Backstory City Limits this Saturday 4-6 central on 98.9lpfm Nashville or www.radiofreenashville.org

Les Kerr Guests on BACKSTORY CITY LIMITS Saturday, 12/20

2008-12-12T17:47:00.002-08:00

What is BACKSTORY CITY LIMITS and why is it here? Well - there is BACKSTORY as in according to Wikipedia it is: In narratology, a back-story (also back story or backstory) is the history behind the situation extant at the start of the main story.

Now the way it is used in modern vernacular is that when it comes to news it means the real deal. The story that tells the truth behind the headlines and the packaged product of anything you might hear, read, or see that has been edited for it's content.

Now - what does BACKSTORY CITY LIMITS mean? It means that I get to take you on a radio road trip to discover delightful, intelligent, thought-provoking and funny people to share a story or two with you about the real things at hand, whatever it may be at the moment. It's a slice of life like an author telling their secrets about how their book really made it to print and the tricks they used to get it written. It's old friends and new friends telling us the real story of the things they love to the most about the places we'll visit each week.

It's songwriters giving us an inside glimpse of what inspired them to write a particular song, or how a melody slipped into their dreams, then rock and rolled them awake until they got up and wrote down the entire song. It's artist painting words for us on the radio so that we can see the world through their eyes.
Like this weeks Les Kerr sharing stories of his creative life!

Les Kerr is a songwriter, recording artist and performer who brings blues, Rockabilly, New Orleans music, Zydeco, and bluegrass together to create his “Hillbilly Blues Caribbean Rock & Roll.” Now based in Nashville, Kerr was born in Louisiana and raised in Mississippi in Jackson and the Gulf Coast city of Pascagoula.
Kerr’s concert highlights include headlining annual Mardi Gras concerts at Nashville’s Bluebird Café since 1992.

His New Orleans venues have included the Maple Leaf Bar, Carrollton Stati

on, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Café, and Neutral Grounds. He has also performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival and at Nashville’s official Independence Day celebrations in 2000 and 2008. Other venues include the Franklin (TN) Jazz Festival, Huntsville, Alabama’s Panoply Festival and Jackson, Tennessee’s Rockabilly Fest. Kerr’s live performances have pleased audiences from Mississippi to Michigan.New Orleans Set is the latest of Kerr’s six CDs. His previous albums include Crawfish Caravan, Christmas on the Coast, Red Blues, Southern Sound Sessions and Below the Level of the Sea.

A three-time nominee for Music City Blues Society awards, Kerr has been nominated for the society’s Male Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year and Entertainer of the Year awards. His song Mackinac Blues was included in NPR’s All Songs Considered in 2005. With Bryan Cumming, he has written songs officially adopted as theme songs for the University of Mississippi’s $200 Million “MomentUM” campaign (For the Love of Ole Miss) and the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce $2 million economic and tourism “Highlands of Tennessee” campaign (Highlands of Tennessee).

Also a journalist, Kerr co-authored The All-American Truck Stop Cookbook with Ken Beck and Jim Clark and frequently writes for magazines and newspapers. Tennessee, published in 2004 by Graphic Arts Center Publishing, features Kerr’s words and photos by George Humphries. Southern Living Magazine says, "“Photographer George Humphries contributed the breathtaking images, while essayist Les Kerr conjures up memories for lifelong residents and nudges newcomers to get out and see places such as Clingman’s Dome and Rock Island State Park.”

Backstory City Limits is like taking a roadtrip and finding yourself in a new place that feels so familiar, so good, so inviting, that you decide to pull over and stay awhile.

I'm River Jordan and I have the pleasure of being your tour guide as we travel together to the places where there are stories, songs, and words we're all longing to hear.

BACKSTORY CITY LIMITS -great music, great stories, and great company. Join us each Saturday at 4pm - 6pm CST at 98.9fm Nashville, Comcast Channel 10 SAP, Nashville, or live and steaming world-wide at www.radiofreenashville.org And every week you can check in on BACKSTORY CITY LIMITS - more than a show - it's a destination.

BACKSTORY - Ride into it this Saturday - November 22, 2008

2008-11-20T09:10:00.002-08:00

(Our guest this week is best-selling novelist and muli-talented lady, Tiny McElroy Ansa. You won't want to miss it!"Ansa's first novel... is likable from beginning to end."
-New York Times Book Review-)

When a writer, a reader, or a life-loving, dirt stomping story telling fool takes to the road they are ALWAYS the richer for it I tell you. So journey with us as BACKSTORY stretches it's boundaries just a little and becomes BACKSTORY CITY LIMITS.

It's about the sights we discover when we are on that journey, car windows down, scents of the night surrounding us, great tunes rumbling through those old speakers as we follow that white line to . . .

Well, you get the idea. Backstory is more than a voice on the radio - it's a destination to discovery. And every week we discover cool sites to visit, new things to see, authors to listen to, new pages to turn, and some old tunes and new tunes that spark the creative spirit like fresh air.

So yes, get you some. This Saturday from 4-6 Central time on 98.9lpfm Nashville or at www.radiofreenashville.org

Okay - what's in store for this Saturday -

We're going to take a look at how writers can preserve the best of the past while moving forward. We'll talk a bit about the National Book Award Winners (I'm applauding one of these with all my heart!) , and have a sit down chat with author and publisher, Tina McElroy Ansa, (see more on Ms. Ansa below) , we'll read a bit of Herman King's essay on the passing of the Delta Queen and pull out one of the must visit writing sites on the web - we swear if you missed it you missed a piece of Southern heaven.

And, as always, thanks for tuning in and visiting BACKSTORY CITY LIMITS. Tell your friends and neighbors, get something to eat, to write on, and something to drink - and stay awhile!

Tina McElroy Ansa is a novelist, publisher, filmmaker, teacher and journalist. But above all, she is a storyteller. She calls herself part of a long and honored writing tradition, one of those little Southern girls who always knew she wanted to be a writer. She grew up in Middle Georgia in the 1950s hearing her grandfather’s stories on the porch of her family home and strangers’ stories downtown in her father’s juke joint, which have inspired Mulberry, Georgia, the mythical world of her four novels, Baby of the Family, Ugly Ways, The Hand I Fan With and You Know Better. "Deliciously wise and wonderfully erotic."
-Dallas Morning News "The pleasures of Tina McElroy Ansa's sharp-witted fourth novel, You Know Better, are obvious from the first pages"
-Amazon.com "An absolute beauty...It crackles and sings with life."
-Jill McCorkle

BACKSTORY LIFE 11/15/08

2008-11-14T08:11:00.002-08:00

Just shouting out to say YES, we are on live and playing great music, sharing great stories, and enjoying your company this Saturday.

Some of your favorite tunes will be on plus some brand new aritists that we'll introduce. We've got another Dead GUY interview coming up, comments and essays from listeners, and news from the writing world.

New Book Reviews, happenings, and tips for writers on any place in their journey.

Have a writer happening or aritist event in your part of the globe? Send an email at river@riverjordan.us and we'll get that info on the air.

Southern Festival of the Book

2008-10-16T10:11:00.002-07:00

After a glorious weekend full of books, stories, music, and author sightings and signings, the Southern Festival of the Book came to close.

BACKSTORY was there to speak with festival goers, authors, writer's groups and more. You can enjoy the show we broadcast last week live from the Legislative Plaza this week as it airs in its entirety, Saturday, 18th at 4-6 central.

Join us Ron Rash weaves some southern magic with Sabrina, Eric Wilson discusses Field of Blood, Fireproof, making the New York Times bestseller list,and the surprising influence of a writer. Also, Sara Hoover discusses editing the literary journal, PINCH, Kathy Roades and Curry Alexander Powers talk writing groups, Pink butterbeans and Soul of A Man, and so much more. A packed show worth tuning into again and again.

Among other literary events in our Neighborhood,
be certain to note that John Irving will be speaking at the Ryman Auditorium on November 8th at 10AM. This don't miss event is sponsored by the Nashville Public Library Foundation and is free of charge.

And just remember when all is said and done, stocks may rise fall, elections will surely come and go, but our stories will live on forever.

Thank you for continuing to support Backstory on the Radio where you can tune in at 98.9lpfm, http://www.radiofreenashville.org/ live and streaming or Comcast SAP Channel 10.

BACKSTORY live at Southern Festival of the Book 10/11/08

2008-10-09T15:06:00.002-07:00

OKAY - Put your hat on backwards and head to Nashville for a weekend filled with those things we do so love at BACKSTORY - great music, great stories, and great company.

This weeks guest is hot of the book tour trail and stopping in Nashville is southern author Ron Rash whose poetic writing is capturing the hearts of readers all across America. It's no wonder. His

titles alone are pure poetry. Ron will be speaking at the Southern Festival of the Book, signing books, and then putting his feet up a spell with us to chat about his latest novel and the writing life.

THE WORLD MADE STRAIGHT by RON RASHIn an Appalachian community haunted by the legacy of a Civil War massacre, a rebellious young man struggles to escape the violence that would bind him to the past
Travis Shelton is seventeen the summer he wanders onto a neighbor’s property in the woods, discovers a crop of marijuana large enough to make him some serious money, and steps into the jaws of a bear trap. After hours of passing in and out of consciousness, Travis is discovered by Carlton Toomey, the wise and vicious farmer who set the trap to protect his plants, and Travis’s confrontation with the subtle evils within his rural world has begun.
Before long, Travis has moved out of his parents’ home to live with Leonard Shuler, a one-time schoolteacher who lost his job and custody of his daughter years ago, when he was framed by a vindictive student. Now Leonard lives with his dogs and his sometime girlfriend in a run-down trailer outside town, deals a few drugs, and studies journals from the Civil War. Travis becomes his student, of sorts, and the fate of these two outsiders becomes increasingly entwined as the community’s terrible past and corrupt present bear down on each of them from every direction, leading to a violent reckoning—not only with Carlton, but with the legacy of the Civil War massacre that, even after a century, continues to divide an Appalachian community.
Vivid, harrowing, yet ultimately hopeful, The World Made Straight offers a powerful exploration of the painful conflict between the bonds of home and the desire for independence.

Also, listen in for surprise guests from the Southern Festival INCLUDING, musical guests, writers, and readers of every genre.

But don't just tune in via the radio, or from home on the web, drop by in person and share a few thoughts and favorite reads live and on the air with us.

You'll find BACKSTORY RADIO on the Legislative Plaza in between book sales and author signings and that's a sweet spot to be in. Our thanks to the Southern Festival of the Book during their 20th Anniversary Celebration for allowing Backstory to join in the fun and broadcast the show live in the middle of all the action.

You will have a royal good time so don't wait - CIRCLE THE DATE, set your cell alarm, and come on down.

It's never the same without you!

BACKSTORY RADIO on WRFN 98.9 lpfm Nashville, Comcast SAP Channel 10, www.radiofreenashville.org live and streaming.

T. Lynn Ocean steps into Backstory this Saturday

2008-09-24T14:11:00.002-07:00

Are you ready? Okay- here it comes.

More of your great music everything from Stevie Wonder to Train to Frank Sinatra to Black Crows to . . . well you get the idea.

More great stories about the writing life, the road trip life, the writing on the road trip life. Life in general when you are working from a cubicle 9-5 or from the back of your VW Van that you're hiding off the Natchez Trace.

And more great company as T. Lynn Ocean joins us to talk about it this Saturday 4-6 central time on 98.9lpfm Nashville or www.radiofreenashville.org world wide. T. Lynn Ocean
A freelance writer for 15 years, T. Lynn Ocean's work regularly appears in regional magazines nationwide. Her novels include Fool Me Once, Sweet Home Carolina, and the first installment of a mystery adventure series, Southern Fatality, featuring unconventional security specialist Jersey Barnes. Second in the series, Southern Poison was released September 08. Southern Fatality was reprinted in mass market paperback in August 08.

When not vacuuming up pet hair, T. Lynn pretends to be a photographer, enjoys cooking, and jumps at any chance to take a road trip in the name of doing research. T. Lynn is also a shooting sports enthusiast and a certified firearms safety instructor. She lives in Myrtle Beach, SC with her husband and a few furry critters.

About Southern Poison
Men from her past keep reappearing in her life, and hard-hitting security specialist Jersey Barnes can't seem to enjoy her early retirement. This time, it's her former handler Ashton, back from when she worked for the government. There has been some high frequency chatter by a suspected terrorist cell targeting the Sunny Point Ammunitions Depot, and they want Jersey to be a set of eyes and ears.
Unwittingly thrown back in action, Jersey unveils the suspected threat but meanwhile, discovers a much larger and much more sinister plot in the works. Southern Poison moves at break-neck speed as Jersey must save herself from assassins, stop the bad guys from distributing tainted cosmetics, keep her trouble-making father and his poker buddies out of jail, investigate a budding romance, and maybe—just maybe, retire.

And for those of you going digital which is just about everyone and their brother, you can pick us up via radio just ab

out anywhere in Middle Tn and beyond.

What are reviewers saying about T. Lynn's writing? Something like this . . .

Praise for SOUTHERN POISON

"...a thriller in every sense of the word. Fast-paced, wickedly funny, vicious, violent, and packed with believable characters caught up in a series of escalating adventures that leave you breathless."
-- Jonathan Mayberry, ITW

"...fast-paced rollercoaster of a book...pure fun to read."
-- AFFAIRE DE COEUR

"The action moves fast in Ocean's books, and they entertain from beginning to end."
-- THE SUN NEWS

"Ocean's Southern-styled answer to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum..."
-- PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY

"Why someone hasn't already snapped up rights to a Jersey Barnes cable show is beyond me."
-- STAR-NEWS, book editor Ben Steelman, Wilmington, NC

"...most entertaining..."
-- XM Radio FICTION NATION, host Kim Alexander

"Jersey Barnes is the modern female sleuth for whom we have been craving...Arguably created with one goal in mind; the Jersey Barnes series aims to titillate and please."
-- ENCORE magazine

"Read Southern Poison and you'll rocket between breath-holding adventure and belly laughs!"
-- Cathy Pickens, author of the Southern Fried series

"T. Lynn Ocean makes the South sizzle!"
-- Mary Alice Monroe, NYT bestselling author of TIME IS A RIVER

"Smart and sassy..."
-- BOOKLIST

"Ocean is one sharp wordsmith..."
-- SOUTH CAROLINA WOMAN magazine

"...rambunctious plot that moves like a white water river."
-- Carolyn Haines, author of Wishbones, a Sara Booth Delaney mystery

Okay, you can see that it's going to be a great afternoon so pull over, sit down, and enter Backstory City Limits. It's never the same without you!

98.9lpfm Nashville, www.radiofreenashville.org

GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME! LIVE 9/20/08

2008-09-18T07:53:00.002-07:00

Great Music, Great Stories, Great Company

You can listen live online every Saturday 4-6pm CST on 98.9 WRFN-LPFM Radio.

Hello Backstory Friends -

Now I ask you - is that not a face a Mama could love and one that could tell a thousand stories? Well, Author Mark Childress, Crazy in Alabama, will join us live to do just that this Saturday. He'll discuss his newest novel, One Mississippi and ohhhhh, about a thousand other things like the new re release of his first novel, New Orleans, Habitat for Humanity, the fact that he SWEARS he maintains his own website and more.

We have news of the upcoming from A Room of Her Own Foundation, Festivals around the World, and our very own backyard festival of the book . . . The Southern Festival of the Book happening in only a few short weeks!

More great music, great stories, and great company rolling your way.

Tune In Saturday, 4-6 CST, 98.9lpfm Nashville, Comcast SAP Channel 10, or http://www.radiofreenashville.org/ live.