Rendezvous With A Writer

Bobbi Jean Bell

Bio: 

No stranger to live radio, Bobbi Jean Bell joined host Jim Christina as his side kick on The Writer’s Block for all seven seasons, from 2015 – 2022. An avid reader, Bobbi is passionate about the creative process and the written word in all its forms.

Currently, you can catch her on her weekly OutWest Hour Radio Show featuring Western, Western Swing and Cowboy Country music and Cowboy Poetry every Saturday 4-5pm (MT) on Placitas, New Mexico Community Radio station KUPR.org or on demand at mixcloud.com/DJBobbiJeanBell.

Along with host Gary Holt, Bobbi interviews guests from the worlds of Western Music and Equestrian Lifestyle with all shows airing live and on demand at equestrianlegacy.net. Named the International Western Music Association 2018 and 2019 DJ/Radio Program of The Year, Campfire Café, and Saddle Up America air every Thursday 12:00-1:00pm (CST).

Jim Bell

Bio: 

Jim Bell, along with wife Bobbi Jean, is the Founder of OutWest Shop. In their brick-and-mortar store, they sponsored many author events under the banner Rendezvous With A Writer. As Bobbi became a radio host and DJ, he worked alongside her becoming her biggest fan! Witnessing the fun she had on live interview shows, The Writer’s Block and Equestrian Legacy’s Campfire Café
and Saddle Up America, he quickly decided to “throw his cowboy hat into the ring” and join her at the microphone of Rendezvous With A Writer.

Show Time: 
Thursday 6:00PM - 6:59PM
(PST)
Show Description: 

Hosts OutWest Shop’s Bobbi Jean Bell and Jim Bell chat LIVE with creators of the Written Word. Unscripted. Entertaining. Informative. Tune in to enjoy live conversation with our guest about their latest project and the creative process. The guest may be an author, poet, songwriter, screenwriter or blogger. Those that support the wordsmith are included too like literary agents, publicists, publishers, editors and more! To inquire about appearing on the broadcast:
bobbijeanbell@gmail.com 

 

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR - OUTWEST SHOP 

We are passionate about the American West. The truth and the myth. We are Purveyors of Fine
Western Goods. We scout for unique and distinctive apparel, accessories, home décor, and
general merchandise that reflect Western lifestyle. We hunt for artisans and craftsmen who are
inspired to create “decorative art you can wear” based on their own love for the story of the
West. We round it up and bring it to you.

Originally based in Santa Clarita Valley, CA we now call Albuquerque, NM home.
As husband and wife, we have more than 50 years of retail experience in apparel, accessories,
home décor, and jewelry. For several years Bobbi Jean was on staff at the Autry Museum of
the American West working directly with visitors and curatorial staff. During her years there she
was involved in the operation of Visitor Services, the Museum Store and store event planning.
The years at the Autry Museum exposed us to the complicated, compelling, and engaging history
of the West and those that create inspired by their own vision of the West. Presenting these
artisans, musicians, and authors became our life's calling. Hence, OutWest Shop, was born!

 

Social Media: 

Show Archives

March 2023

03/16/2023
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!!!
03/09/2023
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!
03/02/2023
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 2023

02/23/2023
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!
02/16/2023
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!"
02/09/2023
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.
02/02/2023
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? Mark C. Jackson - website - https://markcjacksonwriter.com/ BLUE RIVERS OF HEAVEN - https://bookshop.org/a/5737/9781432896997

January 2023

01/26/2023
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! Johnnie Bernhard's website - https://www.johnniebernhardauthor.com/ Purchase HANNAH AND ARIELA - https://bookshop.org/a/5737/9780875658162
01/19/2023
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! Purchase the book - https://bookshop.org/a/5737/9781641606349
01/12/2023
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! MIKE TORREANO WEBSITE - https://miketorreano.com/ WHITE SANDS GOLD - https://bookshop.org/a/5737/9781509244317
01/05/2023
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! Frank F. Weber - http://frankweberauthor.com/ Henry Parke - http://henryswesternroundup.blogspot.com/

December 2022

12/29/2022
MAKE 2023 THE YEAR OF SOMETHING BIG! Author, Dream Builder and Transformational Life Coach, SUSAN SHERAYKO joined us for the final 2022 broadcast. Together - we looked forward to 2023! What about you? Stuck in a rut? New dreams but no idea how to launch them? This show is for you! Susan shares the back story to her book RAINBOWS OVER RUINS - part memoir and part a primer on how to go for your dreams!
12/22/2022
Author Susan Compo joined us for a lively conversation about her two biographies WARREN OATES: A WILD LIFE and a "film biography" EARTHBOUND: DAVID BOWIE AND THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH. She shares the stories behind both books, the challenges and joys of research, and news of her current writing project WEST OF SHEPARD: THE LIFE AND WORK OF SAM SHEPARD. Tune in for writing tips and insights. Opening and closing music "Hot Texas" provided by Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band.
12/15/2022
Tonight's RENDEZVOUS with WRITER STEPHEN MCGUIRE was engaging! Who knew chatting about painful childhoods, vicious serial killers, and running for political office could be so entertaining...dare I say...fun! Tune in to hear author Stephen McGuire share the back story to his newest book FRACTURED POWER and his writing process. He knows how to spin a story told through the lives...and deaths...of engaging characters. Read with a light on!
12/08/2022
WHAT FUN WE HAD WITH GUEST CHILDREN'S AUTHOR BARBARA ALT! Author of the three book series including ROSE, LILY and VIOLET guest Barbara Alt shared the engaging back story to each of these titles as well as her writing, editing, and graphic design process. Fully hands on, if you're thinking about writing and self-publishing you'll enjoy her insights.
12/01/2022
It was a full house tonight! Henry Parke, Western Film Editor for TRUE WEST brought us up-to-date with the latest news of Westerns on the big and small screen. We invited award winning Cowboy Poet Tom Swearingen to come back as a "guest host" and he brought along two friends - award winning wordsmiths, poets, and songwriters Doris Daley and Doc Mehl. They all shared great writing/creative tips for wordsmiths and songwriters - so insightful and authentic. We heard 4 of my favorite pieces - from Doris - "April 1881" and "Three Quarter Time" and from Doc "A Quilt In Northern Nebraska" and a writing collaboration with Doris - "Simple Pleasures." Take a listen!

November 2022

11/04/2022
If it's the First Thursday of the Month then we Rendezvous with HENRY PARKE, Western Film Editor for TRUE WEST Magazine, to catch up on the latest news of Western Films and TV. Author of the new book, "A COWBOY'S DESTINY," E. JOE BROWN joined us for a lively conversation about writing, blogging, book tours, and more! RENDEZVOUS WITH A WRITER - WHERE WRITERS AND READERS MEET - STORY IS EVERYTHING!

October 2022

10/27/2022
Something "magical" happens when two authors get together and chat about writing and the writing process. Author GENCY BROWN takes the lead and discusses INDELIBLE LINK with author JUNI FISHER - one on one, writer to writer. Attention Readers - JUNI FISHER'S novel INDELIBLE LINK grabs you from page one, word one and will not let you go. Attention Writers - why did Juni set the book in New Orleans, was it challenging to write the story in two different time periods. what is it about the circus that captured her attention, and what's the connection of addiction-a monkey-and tattoos? RENDEZVOUS WITH A WRITER is where Writers and Readers Meet, and Story is Everything. Join us for this engaging, informative, and entertaining conversation!
10/20/2022
Featured Authors PEGGY CHAMBERS and RENE GUTTERIDGE joined us for a lively and engaging conversation about writing - scripts for feature films like FAMILY CAMP, book to Hallmark movie - MY LIFE AS A DOORMAT - and the novel NEVER THE BRIDE, a collaboration of the authors Rene Gutteridge and Cheryl McKay. There's a discussion about the benefits of attending author conferences like WriterCon, and why a "writer pause" can be beneficial to the creative process. Visit Peggy Chambers - https://peggylchambers.com/ Visit Rene Gutteridge - https://www.renegutteridge.com/
10/13/2022
Episode #10 - Critically acclaimed author DEANNE STILLMAN joined us for an engaging conversation about two of her books. First we talked about "Desert Reckoning: A Deputy Sheriff, a Mojave Hermit, and the Biggest Manhunt in Modern California History." Then we discussed "Blood Brothers: The Story of the Strange Friendship Between Sitting Bull and Buffalo Bill." Deanne Stillman's website: http://www.deannestillman.com/writer.shtml
10/06/2022
Episode #9 - Our Featured Guest is award winning Oregon Cowboy Poet Tom Swearingen. Through his original cowboy poetry, Tom tells stories of the people and land of the American West. Named the “2019 International Western Music Association Male Poet of the Year,” Tom’s book “Reflection,” also an award winner, was named the 2020 IWMA “Cowboy Poetry Book of the Year.” Tom and his wife, children’s book author Carla Swearingen, can often be found riding their horses in Oregon’s backcountry. Tune in to hear Tom share the back stories and recite several of his original poems. Check out his website for upcoming performance dates, contact information, and to order his book and albums: https://www.oregoncowboypoet.com/

September 2022

09/29/2022
We welcomed guests JENNIFER HERRON and BOBBY MARQUEZ. Known as "The Voice With A Smile" Jennifer Herron is a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, DJ and an Emmy nominated journalist and award winning radio host and publicist. For writers and performers, she'll share tips about how to raise your visibility, what a publicist can do for you, and how to prepare for interviews, One of her clients, award winning singer/songwriter BOBBY MARQUEZ shares the backstories to a couple of his songs and we learned about his songwriting process.
09/15/2022
Claire Fullerton, an award winning author, writer, and book reviewer for the New York Journal of Books was our Featured Guest. Tune in for an enlightening, entertaining, and educational conversation about what it means to be a "Southern writer," the backstory to her newest book Little Tea, and insights to her writing process.
09/08/2022
Award winning poet, author, journalist, columnist, and ranch chef DEANNA DICKINSON MCCALL joined hosts Jim and Bobbi Jean Bell. We talked about ranching, writing, creative partnerships, and the recipe for a great cookbook. She recited three poems from her poetry book "Split Reins" with illustrations by JaNeil Anderson. Along the way, Deanna shared writing tips and the benefits of belonging to a writing group like Western Writers of America (WWA). Opening and closing music "Hot Texas" provided courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band.
09/01/2022
Bobbi Jean and Jim chatted with two guests this week. Choose the link to hear or see the conversation with guests True West Western Film Editor HENRY PARKE and author, songwriter, performer, and storyteller JIM JONES. HENRY delivered his up-to-date state of the Western appearing soon on the big and little screens as well as news of publishing on the Western front. JIM shared backstories and tips on his creative process with an emphasis on his Wrangler award winning song - a co-write with Deanna Dickinsin McCall and her husband Dave - OLD HORSES AND OLD MEN and his latest Jared Delaney Western Series title - HALO MOON. Thanks to Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band for our opening and closing theme "Hot Texas."

August 2022

08/25/2022

JAYNE JAUDON FERRER is an author, poet, and speaker who both entertained and enlightened us with the backstory to her popular website https://www.yourdailypoem.com/ and her recently published first novel HALEY AND THE HOT FLASHES. Tune in for our conversation about the book's cast of characters, their relationships, and their situations, how Jayne found her publisher, and her suggestions for new writers and poets. It's a fun book and a fun conversation!

Opening and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy of the Hot Texas Swing Band. 

08/18/2022

Tune in for our conversation with Featured Guest JOE HERRINGTON - author, poet, and storyteller. In the first half of the broadcast Joe shares the roots of his passion for story - both recited and written. We chat about storytelling live as well as his books TEKOA and TEKOA: THE BOOK OF SECRETS. In the second half we hear Joe recite his moving piece, The Greatest Generation. Joe Herrington shares "pearls of wisdom" throughout - including this one - "live life richly and fully, experience its ups and downs, explore, wonder, and seek the answers to earth's mysteries - these experiences lay the groundwork for great stories!"
Opening and closing music, "Hot Texas," courtesy of the Hot Texas Swing Band

08/11/2022

Tune in to find out about Randi Samuelson-Brown's new book BRAND CHASER: DARK RANGE WESTERN MYSTERY SERIES BOOK ONE! We chat about the Lost Daughter Ranch, characters Emory Cross, Lance Cross, Dirge, Terry & Dave, and Cade. There's talk about branding, brand inspectors, motorcycle clubs, and even purple sage! She shares pearls of wisdom for writers including her take on writer's block, when and why she writes...and...we had FUN!

 

Music "Colorado Calling" and "Flow Rivers Flow" courtesy of JIm Jones

Music "Hot Texas" courtesy of Alex Dormont and the Hot Texas Swing Band

08/04/2022

Episode #1 - Our guests are C. Courtney Joyner and Henry Parke. Courtney is an author, screenwriter, and a gentleman who can chat about Hollywood, Westerns, Horror, the craft of writing, and the ins and outs of publishing all in one breath! With humor, enthusiasm, and high energy Court is passionate about the Written Word and encouraging those who write. Henry Parke is the Western Films Editor for True West, joins in the fun! Tune in to find out how these two met, what they enjoy about writing and film, and listen closely for a pearl or two of writers' wisdom! Opening and closing music. "Hot Texas," courtesy of the Hot Texas Swing Band.
OutWest Book Shop Spot - Music "Flow Rivers Flow" courtesy of Jim Jones