NASHVILLE – MY HEART TOOK A DETOUR
Many of you know my narrator, J.D. Hart, has become my best friend. But there was a day when we first met in person. Now, this man has read my most intimate sex scenes, and lived the ups and downs of a writer who wants to become more and more successful. It’s a bumpy road, and with already a lot of things on my plate, I decided to jump into the world of audio books. We started working together and I think after five or six books, I had the opportunity to come to Nashville for a conference, and meet him for the first time.
I stayed at the old Union Station Hotel, right downtown. J.D. came to meet me that evening I arrived. I must have changed my clothes three times. All sorts of things went through my head, like, what if I just can’t stand the guy? What if he can’t stand me? How will this affect our working relationship going forward?
We met, and OMG, I was shaking like a leaf. We went on a carriage ride down Broadway, while he pointed out all the joints that were famous, listened to the music floating everywhere and had a wonderful crab dinner.
Next day he took me on a tour of places that were meaningful to him – these were all things I’d asked him to show me. We saw where he first lived when he came to town as a young songwriter, where he wrote music, where other famous stars had lived, or performed for the first time. I got to meet his lovely wife, Cherokee, and have dinner at the Grand Ole Opry We went to a Country Diner taping at Northstar Studios, where I personally met Roy Clark, Larry Gatlin and others.
As he told me about his many stories, I asked permission to write a story based on him as a character. So, Nashville SEAL, the novella came out last year as a Christmas present to my readers and you guys loved it. We then recorded the audio book and it was in high demand, still is. J.D. sings in this audio book some original works he performed years ago. Book 2, which is to be released tomorrow, is Nashville SEAL: Jameson. It is the ongoing story of this young CW star who marries Lizzie, and who goes on his first deployment with SEAL Team 3.
My SEALs are buying a vineyard and will be expanded into Wine Country as a theme in upcoming books. Since most SEALs don’t stay in 20 years like perhaps other branches of the military, some of your favorites, like Nick, Zak, and others, will find their way to Sonoma County to get into the wine and beer business. Oh yes, they’ll have Frog Piss beer, and it will be green.
More will follow in upcoming stories, but I hope you’ll read along with me as we continue to tell the stories of young brave warriors who change, take different life choices, fine the women of their dreams, and still remain in a very tight community as they raise their children. I plan to have other authors write in this Wine Country world as well. More about that later!
Enjoy Nashville SEAL: Jameson!! You’ll get to hear J.D. sing again…I promise you’ll love it.
Join us on Monday for the big release party. We know how to party! Link here.
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Warms my heart. 🙂 So happy for you and looking forward to your continuing success. Hooyah!
Thanks, Judy. I'm thrilled with this new book. Having more fun than I deserve!
Fabulous blog post!
Loved the article! Thank you for telling us about your's & JD first meeting. I can't wait for the book & audio book!
Me too. Can't wait for people to read it. I really loved writing this book!
Can't wait to read this. I loved the novella. I'm so glad you found JD for your audio books I can't imagine anyone else doing them.
Me neither, Karen.
I feel so humbled. Our first meeting was magical and unforgettable. It was truly a peak moment. One that will remain in my heart for as long as it beats. Some things are just meant to be. Serendipity, I like to call it. Thank you for your abiding friendship and for the being the amazing lady and mega talent that you are. You're the inspiration and the wind in my sails.
xoxoxoxox,
YP
I completely agree, my prince. This magical ride of ours I hope it never ends. How wonderful to be creating and loving the process and who I get to spend my time with doing it.
OXOXOXOX
YA
Happy release day for tomorrow Sharon. Can't wait to see what happens next, meet our other heroes too. Enjoyed the audio of the novella, it's so exciting we will get to hear JD sing again
THANKS Julie for always being there for me. I know you'll enjoy the audios. He's starting on them next week. I loved writing this book. See you tomorrow!!
I have friends who lived just north of Nashville. Now they've moved away. We want to visit Mike & Frank's Antique Archeology store from American Pickers!! Your adventure sounds like a dream come true!! Thanks for sharing!!
It was! I felt like Cinderella! That city has so much color and history, lots of dreams, futures and stories. Love the stories, of course. You're welcome! I getting to share my world with people.
How fun! Glad you to hit it off and we get both of you to enjoy! I would love to see all the cool places in Nashville!
Shannon, you would love it. Such an alive place. I was raised completely in a different environment, so it was really a treat…