Rescot Creative: Recent Episodes
Ashley Rescot
Student Motivations:
Social Currency
Concert Currency
Hello Music Friends,
Every week, I enjoy listening to The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast with host Jessica Peresta. In a couple of weeks, she is conducting an online music curriculum seminar, which I am looking forward to!
As a result, I’m spending time doing the tedious task of researching state and national standards for music education.… Read More...
Hello Music Friends!
It’s been too long! I hope you all are doing well. I thought it was about time I give an update on my music endeavors. This school year, in addition to teaching foreign language at my children’s school, I also took on the role as one of the choir directors, as well as the strings director.… Read More...
This past weekend has been especially wonderful for me because I had the chance to travel back to my hometown in Kansas to be with my family. All four of my sisters, their husbands, and children came back to stay at my parents’ house so that we could celebrate Thanksgiving together.… Read More...
Hello Music Friends,
I apologize that it has been a few weeks, but I’m excited to announce the release of my first Christmas album! This has been one of my dreams ever since I was a little girl, and it’s finally coming to fruition! If you get the chance, I hope you check it out for a little holiday cheer.… Read More...
Meet Mary A. Felkins
I’m an inspirational romance author, blogger, and contributor to writer’s blogs and online publications. My swoony debut novel, Call to Love, delivers a good bit of hilarity, passion, and truth.
A Lone Star girl at heart, I moved with my husband Bruce in 1997 from Houston to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.… Read More...
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I honestly don’t know life without it. My great-great grandfather played fiddle in a country band. My grandmother was a pianist/organist/composer. My mother is a violinist and vocalist. My mother-in-law is a pianist. All four of my sisters and I are violinists.… Read More...
In today’s episode, I interview special guest Kent Sanders, who helped write The Faith of Elvis with Elvis’s stepbrother Billy Stanley. Find out more about the behind-the-scenes life of the King of Rock n’ Roll!
Billy Stanley, Elvis Presley’s stepbrother, shares the untold story of the iconic singer’s Christian faith–its deep influence on his music, films, relationships, commitment to his family and fans, and his love for the Gospel.… Read More...
With school just around the corner and music lessons are starting back up, I know I need a pep talk as a teacher and music mom to get my students and children back in musical shape. And who better to ask for advice than my own mom, violinist and vocalist, veteran violin teacher, and mother of five professional violinists!… Read More...
Professional musician, native of Wichita, Kansas, and inspirational fiction author who shares my same maiden name, Amanda Wen is an author I personally couldn’t wait to interview! Listen to the end for a special performance by Amanda and me as we “hymnprovise” on Amazing Grace!
Although surprisingly we aren’t related, she’s a kindred spirit whose books ring true and strike a chord that resonates with me, and countless other readers as well.… Read More...
I hope you enjoy this interview with my aunt and former violin teacher, Valerie Sullivan. She helped me prepare for competitions and college auditions, with great success I might add! Check out her tips of the trade!
Even if you’re not a music teacher, you might enjoy learning a little about what it takes to be a professional violinist.… Read More...
Thanks sooooo much for all of your support in my musical journey. I’m excited to let you know that my 3 singles: Amazing Grace/Sublime Gracia/La Grace du Ciel are now live! I’d be honored to have you listen in whichever language you prefer (or all 3)!
If you haven’t yet, sign-up to Music Updates for access:
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Composed by Philip Parker
Performed by Ashley Rescot on Violin and Valerie Sullivan on piano
Making Music a Career, with Contemporary Classical Composer and Music Educator: Philip and Kim Parker
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A couple of weeks ago, my mother Allison and I taught a summer music camp for beginning violinists, and we were thrilled to invite Kim and Phil as guest musicians to teach our string players about other instruments in the orchestra. The students couldn’t believe how many household items could be turned into percussion instruments!… Read More...
Today, in honor of the French holiday Bastille Day, July 14, 1789, I wanted to share music by a couple of the lesser-known French composers, Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) and Joseph Bologne (1745-1799).
The Other French Sister
Check out the immigrant composer, Le Chevalier de Saint-George, who immigrated to France and even fought in the French Revolution!… Read More...
Ashley Rescot at the Arc de Triomphe I wanted to say a quick thank you to my podcast listeners! Like you, I’m an audiophile myself. I don’t know what I’d do without my favorite podcast creators and music playlists!
I especially wanted to say “merci” to all my fabulous French listeners!… Read More...
I hope you all have a happy Father’s Day! I’m always blown away by my Dad’s quite wisdom. I really enjoyed spending the holiday with him a couple of years ago when I filmed this. I can’t wait to see him again in a couple of weeks!
A Dad’s Take on Parenting Musicians
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I’m on vacation with my family, but I thought this interview was worth revisiting!
Tapping into the Techie Side of Music with Tour Manager Shawn Sullivan
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Mom and Me during a Music Video Shoot
Music Mom
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Happy 5 de Mayo!
This year, I am celebrating again with piñatas, chips and salsa, and Mexican music as I teach foreign language at my children’s school! I love to see the joy in the students’ faces as they discover different cultures.
Happy Cinco de Mayo
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Have you ever been surprised by someone who said that they couldn’t speak another language, but you found out that they could actually read it really well? Or have you been confused when meeting a musician who admitted she couldn’t read music? Welcome to the audio vs. visual debate!
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Violinist Karen dominates the music scene at Belton University until a transfer student usurps her position and forces Karen to play “second fiddle,” much to her chagrin. When the unforeseen happens during their performance of Handel’s Messiah, will Karen do what it takes to save the performance?
Check it out!
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As an aficionado of French and Music, it doesn’t get much better than Debussy!
Claude Debussy wrote his Violin Sonata in G Minor in 1917, near the end of his life. The unusual harmonies deviate from his earlier impressionistic works, like the famous piano Arabesques composed during the Impressionist era.
I hope you enjoy this little taste of French music composed during the early twentieth century!… Read More...
I hope you enjoy my recording of the this springtime classic.
Paul Nero American Jazz Violin Hit Song with Ukrainian/Russian Roots
Paul Nero, a mid-twentieth-century composer known for his hot violin jazz tunes, made a splash in 1949 with his successful song, The Hot Canary. This hilarious hit would have been the talk of Twitter, full of bird tweets and trills throughout.… Read More...
I loved Kristi Ann Hunter’s recent release, Enchanting the Heiress! It has a fun, Pride and Prejudice vibe. Lots of great banter! It also addresses the theme of working to make a living, or living for the work you do. This is one that I plan to explore further in my next novel!… Read More...
Etta, a tuba player for the Belton University Symphony, is forced to face her fear of the ocean when the orchestra travels to the Caribbean for a concert. French horn player Terrence makes it his mission to help Etta become more comfortable with the sea. Will Etta find a way to be noticed in spite of her position at the back of the orchestra?… Read More...
Family, Fiction, and an adorable violin as the main character? How could I resist this fabulous children’s book by music teacher/author Courtney Woodward?
A fellow music fiction author with an amazing passion for bringing music education to students of all ages and stages, I had a blast chatting with Courtney today!… Read More...
–Excerpt by Author/Podcast Host Kent Sanders. Click HERE for the episode!
“I’ve always been fascinated by personality assessments and typology. If you’ve been paying attention the last decade or two, the Enneagram has been the tool of choice for many people. A lot of organizations, companies, and churches use it to help people better understand themselves, and to enhance teamwork, as well.… Read More...
If your house is anything like mine, we’ve been OBSESSED with the recent Disney feature film Encanto. As a Spanish teacher, musician, sister, and mom, I loved it!
The perennial theme of family and how different people find their place within their family really resonated with me. I liked that the three sisters each possessed their own distinct personalities, while still learning to get along with each other.… Read More...
I had a wonderful time speaking with author Esther Pannebaker about the role music has played in her life. She particularly emphasized the importance of the pauses in music, which can make the difference between a mediocre performance and a stellar, emotionally satisfying experience.
The Divine Fermata
f r m d /fermata
noun MUSIC
- a pause of unspecified length on a note or rest.
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In 2013, the film The Devil’s Violinist portrayed the life and career of Niccolò Paganini, the famous 19th century virtuoso whose compositions are so challenging even the devil might have a run for his money! He had a disease that caused his fingers and limbs to be exceptionally long. Paganini’s intense popularity, bravado, love of violin and guitar, and lascivious behavior made him the rock star of his century, earning him the title “the devil’s violinist.”… Read More...
Happy Valentine’s Day! I couldn’t resist sharing this again with you all. I hope you’re having fun with family, friends, or another special musician in your life!
10 Things to Know if You Date a Violinist
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I’m curious to see which cover you guys prefer, the existing one, or this original one that features more of the red? Or do you prefer the cartoon style like The Chronicles of Music Majors?The Red Violinists was also my originally working title. This chapter shows why…
I was also inspired by the movie, The Red Violin.… Read More...
Are you someone who likes to try everything? Do you delve into research, or learn by experiencing new things for yourself? Or, do you prefer to stick with what is comfortable and familiar?
Do you struggle with performance anxiety? Want some techniques to combat it?
Let’s delve into these three Enneagram types to see if you relate.… Read More...
Finding a date for Valentine’s Day may not be easy for everyone. Especially a couple of musicians who have unusual musical tastes.
I realize this phrase doesn’t always have the purest connotations, but as a romance writer, parent, and teacher I decided to read a couple of books on the topic.… Read More...
As a musician, I have been trained ever since a very young age to rely on my ear. This skill has translated into so many areas of my life, including.
- Learning music
- Improvising music
- Educating myself via podcasts while multi-tasking
- Enjoying stories on audiobook
This past week, I enjoyed listening to my writing mentor K.M.… Read More...
Today, we’re looking at how art and music play a huge role in books. If you haven’t already, take a listen to artist Heather Deiter’s interview about her role as a cover designer and illustrator!
The Art of Books: With Artist Heather Deiter
For music, Christian Inspirational Author Esther Bandy shares how hymns have influenced her faith and writing.… Read More...
I find luthier shops to be very fascinating. They’re the string doctors of my profession. If a stringed instrument needs fixed or adjusted, this is who to visit.
I’ve visited a number of luthiers over the course of my career, and they’ve all had a big thing in common. Their shops always look like a set out of a Hoarders show!… Read More...
Grandfather Panter McIlvain’s fiddle Several years ago, I found out that my musical heritage dates back to my Grandpa Scheer’s grandfather. Apparently Granfather Panter McIlvain played the fiddle in a country band, performing for dances and parties in his town. He passed on his violin to his grandson, Harold, who gave it to his own children to learn.… Read More...
After a half-year hiatus, I’ve finally released my Enneagram 2 skit: The Helper Musician. It was fun to tap into violin teacher mode. I hope you enjoy it!
Stay tuned for my music video for my Enneagram 1 character, coming 2022!
A Change in Tune: Cast of Characters
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My husband and me at our rehearsal dinner I’m sure you’ve all been waiting on the edge of your seats for this chapter, lol. Do Jerry and Victoria finally get together?
Listen to find out…
Chapter 21
Today’s episode is sponsored by Jerry Chang’s super suave collection. Who doesn’t love the hunky hero of the novel?… Read More...
Farewell to Family Legend, Ruth Scheer: Musical Matriarch and Children’s Author
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I can’t believe I wrote this short story nearly two years, at the start of the pandemic. It feels appropriate after the passing this week of my own Grandmother, a wonderful pianist/author to the end.
Pauline, a senior piano major at Belton University, nearly lives at the music school as she prepares for her capstone recital.… Read More...
``` Farewell to a Legend
A legend died today, I know It’s hard to comprehend. That after nearly a century Your era came to end.
You taught me how to write in verse When I was just a girl. The words would form within my mind Then on the page unfurl.
Your love of music, poetry, And all creative things, Developed deep within your soul, Then flew on feathered wings. ``` … Read More...
Last night, I watched old videos of the ball drop in New York City. I’ve never been there for New Year’s Eve, but I’m sure it would be a lot of fun!
2022 Goals:
Release the audiobook versions of my two books
Release new music video mashup for the audiobook release
Chat with more authors about the role music plays in their stories
2021 Goals Accomplished:
Released The Chronicles of Music Majors in the Spring
Released A Change in Tune in the Fall
Started the Music Fiction Podcast!… Read More...
The real Strings of Sisterhood: Dad reading Luke 2, with Mom, my 4 sisters, and me: The Little Women of today First of all, I wanted to thank you all for being incredible supporters of me this year. It’s been incredibly busy, with the release of my first two books, The Chronicles of Music Majors in the Spring, and A Change in Tune in the fall.… Read More...
I know I’ve been a little post-happy this season, but Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year! And I figured some people need more fun music and podcasts to listen to while holiday baking, cleaning, and traveling! (And when I say some people, I’m including myself. So if you’re a musician or podcaster, send your posts my way!… Read More...
It’s our final week of Christmas Carols! I hope you’ve enjoyed this musical journey with me this season. It’s not too late to enter for a chance at the giveaway! Just subscribe to Rescot Creative and let me know which Christmas carol you enjoyed the most on one of my socials!… Read More...
Bonus Holiday Episode! Listen to our interview where Angela shares how music has played a role in her family and fiction!
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The Harpist’s Muse Calista Blythe enters the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana at Christmastime to expose the plight of street urchins.… Read More...
Sophia, the lead soprano of the Belton Glee Club, faces losing her celebrity date to the sorority formal due to a required concert for the university donors. When the lead tenor falls sick with laryngitis, Brett fills in for his role as Santa. Can Sophia and Brett pull off the concert together at the last minute?… Read More...
Ready for Week 3 of Christmas Carols? This week features some of my favorites!
If you haven’t yet, don’t forget to subscribe and comment on one of my socials for a chance to win the I LOVE Christmas sweatshirt. And you’ll receive more fun music and fiction posts, of course!
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Ever since I can remember, my mother would sing “O Holy Night” every year in our family Christmas shows. As a result, it has always been my favorite Christmas carol. Last year, I was honored to direct and produce a music video of this hymn in collaboration with my sister musical group Uptown Violins. … Read More...
I enjoy music, especially when it feeds my soul. I also love books. How much more powerful is the draw on my emotions when a dramatic piece of music also paints a story!
This month, Dvořák’s American Quartet did that for me. Click HERE for full article.
–Author Marie Sontag
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I hope you’re enjoying your daily dose of Christmas music. Click this post for access to the full week of carols!
December 8: I Want A Stradivarius for Christmas
December 9: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Jerry lifted Victoria’s chin with his finger. “You need to embrace your family.”
She reached out to stroke his cheek. “And maybe you should stand up to yours.”
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I don’t know about you, but I LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC!
Now that it’s December, join me for 25 Days of Christmas Carols! Each day I will feature one of my favorite Christmas songs. Tell me which ones you like best on one of my socials (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, or YouTube) for a chance to win this fabulous sweatshirt!*… Read More...
Marie as Barista In spite of it being Monday night, people crammed into every corner of Café Chocolat. A strong scent of espresso filled the air. Victoria glanced at the stage where the guys were setting up. The guitarist, Matt, wore a checkered flannel shirt and cowboy boots, while Eddie sported a T-shirt and jeans.… Read More...
Black Friday Sale! Great Deals this Week!
Musician Character Mugs
by RescotCreative
Santa’s Top 3 Favorite Books of All Time (He’s read each of these multiple times.)
Santa’s Current Read: The Last Book of the Poldark Series
Santa’s Favorite Poems: YouTube Playlist: Some A Bit Spooky!
Santa’s Role as Proofreader for A Change in Tune (He’s checked it more than twice!)… Read More...
Bonus episode!
Here’s a little fiddling Marie Pearson style, in case you need some peppy music on your way to celebrate Thanksgiving!
(I’m not actually shipping up to Boston, haha.)
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In the dingy hallway outside the audition room, Victoria slipped on gloves to keep her fingers warm. The orchestra auditions were running forty-five minutes late, which allowed too much time for her hands to grow cold. The committee had decided to hear the violins last. The cellists had finished hours ago.… Read More...
My favorite composer of all time is Romantic-Era Frenchman Camille Saint-Saëns. The storytelling nature and emotive quality of his works have always resonated with me.
In my book A Change in Tune, protagonist Victoria finally decides to compete with the Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto No. 3 in B Minor (1880).
Today, I’m excited to share with you the LIVE VERSION of my 18-year-old self’s performance of the Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto, accompanied by my high school Youth Symphony!… Read More...
Both of my Grandmothers served as the inspiration for Gigi. They’re amazing nonagenarians and still enjoy music, history, and literature!
Harold and Ruth Scheer Carol and Milford Peterson
Ruth Scheer: Children’s Book Author
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In spite of their rivalry, Victoria and Adrienne attempt to perform together like when they were little. Can they put aside their differences for a few minutes to play together? Or will the cat claws emerge?
My youngest sister and me as dueling violins at a talent show. I think she won!… Read More...
Me at my concerto concert Ashley as Laura Ingalls Growing up, I loved reading authors of autobiographical fiction. My favorite, of course, was Louisa May Alcott’s legendary Little Women. She drew from her real life to create memorable, realistic characters that have charmed readers for centuries.
Another that inspired me, Laura Ingalls Wilder, wrote her Little House series based on her own autobiography.… Read More...
The guys stir up trouble for Victoria as she broods on her current dilemma.
I’ve opened up my whole merch store for the holidays. I hope you check out the fun character designs!
Musician Character Mugs
by RescotCreative
I Love Christmas Music
by RescotCreative
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Victoria shares a sweet moment with Louisa as they try to decide what concerto Victoria should play for the competition. However, the sweetness is gone the next day when Adrienne barges in to borrow clothes, and Victoria makes a shocking discovery.
Last chance to get your Halloween merch!
Don’t Pull My Strings
by RescotCreative
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I was thrilled to speak with Author/Suzuki teacher Christine Goodner from The Suzuki Triangle Blog/ Time to Practice Podcast! Click HERE for full episode!
If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend checking out Christine’s incredible resources for teachers and parents of musicians! I took one of her online courses a year ago, and it was incredible!… Read More...
Ashley and sisters for Halloween After the dramatic turn of events from the last chapter, the quartet reconvenes at the coffeeshop: Café Chocolat.
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Check out the list and descriptions of my favorite Halloween songs from my previous blog post!
The Violin: A Devilish Instrument
Don’t forget to buy your Christmas gift for the cynical musician in your life!!!! LOL.
Don’t Pull My Strings
by RescotCreative
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This chapter was inspired by my mother’s real life collegiate concert. Apparently, it took place at midnight on Halloween. The conductor rose out of a coffin dressed as Dracula!!!
Mom and 3 of her sisters Here she is featured with three of her sisters. All four of them have been my teacher at some point in my life!… Read More...
Franklin Curtis While violinists may often portray angelic voices, this isn’t always the case. Consider Niccolo Paganini, the infamous Romantic era rock star who allegedly sold his soul to the devil! Or Satan himself when he takes on Johnny in “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Fortunately Johnny wins!
In this week’s Fiction Fridays, I focus on my villain, violinist Franklin Curtis.… Read More...
Ahhh, Franklin… More on him in next week’s post!
Check out his featured design on my Merch store! All purchases help fund the cost of labor, editing, cover designs, and marketing involved in publication. Help me write book 2 in the series!
Merch
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After all the excitement of launch, it has taken me a little while to reset, but it’s time to return to some of our favorite composers!
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) is the most well-known composer of the Baroque period, and one of the most famous composers of all time! He played many roles throughout his life, including composer, church organist, husband, and father to twenty children!… Read More...
It’s October!!! Are you in the mood for some spooky classical music?
This week’s sponsor is my new Merch store on Zazzle!!
Musician Character Shirts
by RescotCreative
“Bach” from the Grave
I was thrilled to have my family on the show to celebrate my new book, along with our amazing host Lindsey P. Brackett! Thanks to all of you who came and participated. I have been blown away by all of your love and support!
For more information about our family music business, check out Uptown Violins!… Read More...
When I’ve asked people their favorite scene from the book, this one tops the charts! It also happens to be my favorite as well…
Tonight, meet the real life Strings of Sisterhood! Click Here to attend on Facebook!
My family, the real Strings of Sisterhood
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Historical or Contemporary Fiction?
Classical or Pop Music?
Traditional or Contemporary Worship?
Conservative or Liberal?
This debate is centuries old, and pops up in almost every field.Where do you fall on the spectrum? And is there room for a middle ground?
Join me in celebrating book launch for A Change in Tune!… Read More...
Do you want to be a performer or a teacher? Or both? The same applies to a scholar, a teacher, or both?
Reading for next week:
Chapter 5 text
Chapter 5 Audio
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Have you ever wondered the difference? It’s not the instrument; it’s the way you play it. Check out this video to see how!
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Have you ever thought about the intersection of the arts? Do they all stem from a common place?
I was thrilled to philosophize about the nature of music with writer and podcaster John Biethan on his podcast What Has My Attention. I hope you enjoy it!
Your host John Biethan, President of Heard Not Seen Media, Inc.… Read More...
Grab a coffee and join me for a chat!
Episode sponsored by the kind brides and grooms who have hired strings this summer!
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When the fiddler takes the stage…
Chapter 3
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Grab a coffee or hot chocolate at the local Cafe Chocolat, the French bistro near Belton University!
Chapter 2
Listening: Pachelbel’s Cannon in D (Baroque wedding piece)
Comedic Rendition of Pachelbel’s Cannon in D: the 17th Century 1 hit wonder I couldn’t resist including this, even though as a violinist I still enjoy the song!… Read More...
I’m so excited to share a sneak preview with you all of my upcoming release: A Change in Tune!
I hope you like it, and I can’t wait to hear your feedback. Enjoy!
Chapter 1
Featured Listening for this Chapter: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major
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Here is: A Change in the Winds: audio version.
I apologize that I did not include the podcast version in my earlier post!
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For those of you who prefer to listen to your book club sessions…
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For more about my book A Change in Tune, check out my interview with Chautona Havig, the hilarious host of the Because Fiction podcast! Click HERE for the full post! (Please forgive the bad audio on my part! I was having mic trouble that day.)
With the approach of the new school year, as well as my upcoming book release, I am launching my own Music Book Club: Fiction Fridays.… Read More...