the author’s tent

In the Author’s Tent: Jeannine Garsee

This is Perfect Jeannine Garsee. Note how polished and polite she looks—how her legs are crossed just so, hands folded neatly in her lap.

 

 No doubt, you’ll recognize Jeannine’s alter ego,  [info]onegrapeshy

 

And this is Writer Jen. Can you see the wheels turning behind those innocent eyes, the mischievous smile spreading across her face?

 

Young Adult author…closet comedienne…psychiatric nurse…friend. If you want to meet the real Jeannine Garsee, step inside the Author’s Tent. 

Friday Five: Spreading the Word

  1. Congratulations, Sherwood Smith (Sartorias), you won an autographed copy of SAY THE WORD! Let me know how to reach you by email, and we’ll get that sent out to you right away. 
  1. Wheeee! Cynthia Lietich Smith (Cynsations) included my interview with R.A. Nelson in her weekly blog round-up! Thanks, Cyn–I feel like one of the Cool Kids on the playground. Smile
  1. One of Russ’s Lightning Round answers opened up a huge debate on Facebook. The Dark Knight or The Dude: which would you choose? 
  1. Edith Cohn turned in a thoughtful, heartfelt blog entry about Goodreads yesterday (“Why All My Books Get Five Stars”). Good on you, Edith, for opening up this dialogue!  

I don’t often review books, but when I do, I measure my words against the Golden Rule. Authentic relationships—including our connections to others within the writing community—depend on our willingness to communicate from our center, and to encourage others to do the same. But there’s a caveat, isn’t there? When you inflict injury upon another (regardless of intention) you harm yourself, as well. So while I’m not one to sprinkle gold stars over my entire library, I do make book recommendations now and then, always keeping in mind the wisdom my Nana passed down to me: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. Text and subtext—sometimes you have to read between the lines. 
 

  1. I’m drawing a blank here, so how ’bout I open up the floor to you? What’s on your mind today, and what are your plans for the weekend?

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In the Author’s Tent: R.A. Nelson, Part Two

The spotlight’s fixed on R.A. Nelson’s writerly life in this second segment of our two-part interview. In the center ring: jumping on trampolines and sticking to deadlines, spacecraft landings and flying by the seat of your pants. For the grand finale, Russ encourages aspiring authors, and then answers a handful of off-the-wall questions before exiting the stage. 

 

Don’t let the Southern charm fool you: this guy has a keyboard, and he’s not afraid to use it. Step right up, folks—I’ve reserved your front-row seat!

 

(The first half of our interview features Russ Nelson’s latest novel, DAYS OF LITTLE TEXAS. If you haven’t yet read Part One, y’all go back now, hear?)

In the Author’s Tent: R.A. Nelson

After reading Professor Nana’s review, I was itchin’ to get my hands on R. A. Nelson’s newest release, DAYS OF LITTLE TEXAS. I was curious to see how Little Texas’s story intersects with my own, and when I saw this plot summary, yea verily, I was hooked.

Welcome, all ye faithful—and otherwise—to a ghost story, a romance, and a reckoning unlike anything you’ve read before. Acclaimed YA author R. A. Nelson delivers a tantalizing tale set in the environs of the evangelical revival circuit and centered around Ronald Earl, who at ten became the electrifying “boy wonder” preacher known as Little Texas. Now sixteen, though the faithful still come and roar with praise and devotion, Ronald Earl is beginning to have doubts that he is worthy of and can continue his calling. Doubts that only intensify when his faith and life are tested by a mysterious girl who he was supposed to have healed, but who is now showing up at the fringe of every stop on the circuit. Is she merely devoted, or is she haunting him? Fascinating and original, this is an unusual story whose reverb will be deeply felt and which will inspire lively book discussion.

No surprise, DAYS OF LITTLE TEXAS received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Intriguing, provocative, haunting…I highly recommend it!

 

What inspired Russ to write this story? Enquiring minds I wanted to know. In this first segment of our two-part interview, Russ recalls ghosts of the past, his favorite scenes from the novel, and the Southern-style suppers he shared with his grandmother. We even talk about Heaven!