Lost in NashVegas Blog Tour Hi everyone! Thanks for taking time to check out this Lost In NashVegas blog tour. Here’s a little bit about the book.
How much of Lost in Nash Vegas is factual?
All of the places in Lost in NashVegas are real except the record companies I used for Robin’s story. The restaurants, Music Row, the Bluebird Café, the hair saloon the heroine visits are all factual places. I love writing, but am not a skilled songwriter. I had to learn a lot to write this book, but I had a blast doing it. I had the opportunity to meet great Music Row people and songwriters like Chris Oglesby, Barry Dean, who wrote the Martina McBride song, God’s Will, Karen Staley who wrote for Faith Hill and Trick Pony and Craig Monday. What an honor.
How did you come up with the title Lost in NashVegas?
My publisher, Thomas Nelson, came up with the idea and I loved it. Very unique, very true to Robin McAfee’s story. NashVegas is a nickname for Nashville in case anyone is wondering.
How did you come up with the concept for the story Lost in NashVegas?
I brainstormed a southern chick lit idea with my agent, and she suggested writing a story about a songwriter. I agree, but had a lot to learn. NSAI and the Bluebird Café in Nashville provided a lot of information and experience for this book.
Singing in front of people can be scary, so I wondered what would happen if a girl born to write songs was terrified to sing in front of people. Thus, Robin Rae McAfee conflict was born. Her journey is about overcoming fear to realize her life’s destiny.
Do you prefer to write contemporary fiction?
I do. It’s my best voice.
What are some of the challenges you face as an author?
Writing is wonderful. I wouldn’t want to do anything else. But it’s a solitary job and requires a lot of self discipline and self encouragement. I have to work through my own doubts and insecurities. And above all, there’s no trick to writing a book other than putting my backside in the chair and writing whether I think it’s brilliant work or not.
How long did Lost in NashVegas take to complete?
Roughly 5 months.
How much research did Lost in NashVegas require?
Extensive research. I spent four very busy days in Nashville, then probably an additional forty to fifty hours reading books on the music industry and surfing the web for information. During the writing process, I might stop and spend several hours researching a story point, or Nashville location. The research always continues while writing.
Who was your favorite character??
Robin is my favorite character. I love how she faces her fears yet remains true to herself. However, there are a few secondary characters I love. Her sister Eliza, her friends Arizona and Birdie. Jeeter and her Grandpa. Really, I love them all. I do.
Are there new projects on the horizon?
The second NashVegas books is done, Diva NashVegas, and comes out in April, 2007. This book is about a country music star named Aubrey James. And I’m working on a new book set in the South Carolina low country.
Who is the person who most influenced your writing?
My father is the most influential person in my writing life. Not in the way of craft, but by speaking destiny to my heart. Since grade school he told me, “Rachel, you’re a writer.” He died the summer of ’05, so he was able to see my first books.
What message would you like your readers to take from Lost in NashVegas?
The God’s perfect love cast out all fear. Don’t let fear, doubt, circumstances, whatever, stand in the way of your dream and destiny.
What is your goal or mission as a writer?
My heart is to write great, entertaining stories so at the end of the book, the reader sighs with contentment. Or feels inspired to go for their dream!
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