Fresh Fiction Blog | Carolyn Brown | A Talk With Cathy of the Honky Tonk

Hello all y’all at Fresh Fiction! I’m so glad to be here today, especially after meeting y’all at the RWA Conference in Orlando last week. What a wonderful experience getting to visit with y'all.

HELL, YEAH hit the bookshelves with a bang the first of the month. It’s the second in the Honky Tonk series, following I LOVE THIS BAR which came out in June. MY GIVE A DAMN’S BUSTED will be out in October andHONKY TONK CHRISTMAS in December.

HELL, YEAH is Cathy O’Dell's and Travis Henry’s story and I thought we’d interview Cathy today so y’all could get to know her better before you rush right out and buy the book … or else throw your name in the Stetson to win a copy.

Pretzels and peanuts are on the bar. Get comfortable and get your questions ready and we’ll get started as soon as Cathy finishes up her night at the Honky Tonk. She’s popping the top off a cold beer right now and propping her feet up on one of the tables so I think she’s just about ready. You’ll find a pencil and piece of paper beside you so write down whatever you’d like to ask her and I’ll draw them out of the hat. She’s says she’ll take questions as long as there is a drop of beer left and after that she’s locking up the Tonk and going to bed.

So first question … drum roll please and then let me hear a big loud hell, yeah from everyone in the crowd … that was pretty good but it didn’t raise the roof of the Honky Tonk so suck in some air and let me hear it again or else I’m going to put a quarter in the juke box and pick out three old tunes and forget about interviewing Cathy.

Very good! I believe they heard you all the way over in Erath County, so here we go:

Question: Did it make you mad as hell when Travis Henry just waltzed into your beer joint and kissed you at the stroke of midnight?
Cathy (with a big smile on her face): It should have but he was so damned cute with those wire rimmed glasses and those tight fittin’ jeans I couldn't be mad. I was stunned and sure didn’t like the feelings it caused but not so much mad as confused.

Question: What about the day when you found out he was going to be living in your back yard?
Cathy: Oh, darlin’, I was fit to be tied. Amos about had to clean off a spot in the yard big enough for me to have a good old southern hissy fit. My whole world turned upside down and inside out that day.

Question: Did you wish Daisy was back so you could talk to her about it?
Cathy: Yes, ma’am, I surely did. Daisy and I were the only family left on the O’Dell side and more like sisters than cousins. But I did tell her all about Travis moving into my back yard. We talk regularly on the phone and she visits when she can. She still loves the Honky Tonk and keeps in touch with Chigger and Jim Bob. Plus Jarod’s nephew runs Uncle Emmett’s old ranch so there’s a connection there.

Question: Tell us about Jezzy? Is she the Honky Tonk’s new Chigger?
Cathy: No, Jezzy isn’t Chigger. She’s a left over flower child from another era and we’ve become fast friends. She’s the older sister I never had. Y’all need to come around when she’s here and buy her a beer. She'll entertain you for hours with her stories.

Question: Chigger’s momma said in I LOVE THIS BAR that she was going to find you a husband before the year was out. Does that worry you since you’ve decided to run the Tonk until the day they carry you out on a zipped up stretcher?
Cathy: I’ve got to admit I do have a superstitious side so that did worry me especially when she found wives for Billy Bob and Joe Bob. For a while I was afraid she’d parade men through the Tonk and try to reform me. I’m still wondering if all her praying brought Travis to Mingus. That woman has some wicked powers, let me tell you.

Question: I understand that you and Travis have quite an adventure. Care to discuss it?
Cathy: (Holding up her palms and laughing) No ma’am. That would give away too much and spoil HELL, YEAH for the reader. I will tell you that there are rats involved and I absolutely hate rats. And an old boyfriend who’s an absolute bona-damn-fide sumbitch and he’s even worse than rats. This is my last swallow of beer. Is there one more question in that Stetson?

Last question: Would you tell us about Larissa?
Cathy: Larissa is my best friend. When she first came in I thought she was hoity-toity but I soon found out that she was just looking for a place to hang her heart just like I was. We both found Mingus, Texas by different routes but it’s home and that’s where the heart is. It’s been fun talkin’ to you ladies. Come on back to the Honky Tonk any time and have a beer, do some two steppin’ or line dancin’ and get to know Jezzy and Larissa for yourselves. Or maybe you could just pick up a copy of HELL, YEAH at your nearest bookstore. Last one out switch off the lights and y’all have a good night.

This is Carolyn back again. Cathy has gone to her apartment and I’m sitting on the front steps of the Honky Tonk. Smoke still hangs in the air but the stars are bright above the old weathered wood beer joint. We’ve talked to Cathy this evening. If you could interview Travis, what would you ask him?

Remember if you comment on Carolyn's blog you'll have a chance to win.

Comments

I completely LOVED "I Love This Bar", and the only reason I haven't gone out and bought "Hell, Yeah!" is budgetary, but hopefully, that will change soon. Of course, winning it would be super (hint, hint), but no matter what, I'm gonna own that book AND the following two, come hell or high water!!

Thanks for the great interview!

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 1:31am August 11, 2010)

Congrats on the new release, Carolyn. I would ask Travis what he loves most about Cathy.
(Jane Cheung 1:47am August 11, 2010)

I enjoyed Cathy's interview, I'm stumped for a question for Travis.
(Mary Preston 3:06am August 11, 2010)

What a great interview. It has got my interest and I will be going out to buy the books, can't wait.
(Barbara Hanson 3:54am August 11, 2010)

I would ask Travis about his derring-do!
(Joanne Reynolds 6:20am August 11, 2010)

What a great interview! Cathy has me intrigued and itchin' to read the book.

I would ask Travis "can you live up to all of our readers expectations?"
(Kimberley Coover 8:59am August 11, 2010)

Hello everyone!
It's great to be here this morning and I'm loving your comments. Some of you are surely early risers!
Jane: Travis loves Cathy's sass more than anything. Joanne: Travis' derring-do comes from his self confidence which Cathy tests on a daily basis. Kimberly: Yes, ma'am!!
Keep the comments coming. I'll be checkin' in all day!
Thank you,
Carolyn Brown
(Carolyn Brown 9:16am August 11, 2010)

I haven't had a chance to read the books yet, since I've had so many on my list to read this summer, so I'd have to ask Travis what brought him to Mingus, Texas, and what he really thinks of Cathy. I'd also ask him if he's being a gentleman while he's living in Cathy's backyard. The books sound like they'd be a good read, since the story line is so different from the other books. Thank you for an entertaining blog today!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:19am August 11, 2010)

I love character interviews. They give great insight into the story and are plain fun. I'd ask Travis what time he was going to be over at my place.
(Leni Kaye 9:20am August 11, 2010)

I'm back for a few minutes. Peggy: Travis came to Mingus because he's a crack geologist and works for Lambert Oil Company. They are drilling a well near there and since Amos Lambert owns the property right behind the Honky Tonk that's where he decides to put his trailer hook-ups and business trailer for the company. He's a gentleman but it's not easy.
Leni: Cathy might yank you baldheaded if she found Travis heading over to your place but she'd be real quick to fix you up with a cowboy just as sexy right from the Honky Tonk so stop on by and tell her what you'd like.
April: Yep, he is!
More later. Back to work!
Carolyn B.
(Carolyn Brown 10:46am August 11, 2010)

I would ask him what was the first thing that ran through his mind when he first saw Cathy? I loved I Love This Bar and cannot wait to read Hell, Yeah!!
(Kelli Jo Calvert 10:50am August 11, 2010)

I love the interview with Cathy she seems like someone I would like to have as a friend. She speaks her mind and has a good time.
Can't wait to read the book.
(Gigi Hicks 10:51am August 11, 2010)

Travis...do those tight fitting jeans ever get uncomfortable?
(Cathie Veres 11:57am August 11, 2010)

I'd asked Travis why he picked the stoke of midnight to kiss Cathy.
(G S Moch 12:15pm August 11, 2010)

Hey, hey, more comments! That's great!
Kelli: Damn she's good lookin'!
Gigi: Come on down to the Honky Tonk and get to know Cathy. She's a true and faithful friend.
Cathie: Yep, but when they do, he takes them off! Got hot flashes yet?
GS: Because that's when everyone kisses someone and he didn't have anyone to kiss to bring in the New Year!
Keep the comments coming ...
Carolyn
(Carolyn Brown 12:32pm August 11, 2010)

I loved your book and hope to read meny more by you.
(Vickie Hightower 1:06pm August 11, 2010)

I would ask Travis.. what is his favorite song?
(Cheryl Lynne 1:11pm August 11, 2010)

Loved the interview!!! :)
My question to Travis would be: What is your fav song to dance too?
(Colleen Conklin 1:17pm August 11, 2010)

Vickie: Thank you so much.
Cheryl: Travis likes all country music so it would be hard to pin him down on a particular song.
Colleen: "Behind Closed Doors" by Charlie Rich.
Off to lunch now ... will be back in an hour or so.
Carolyn Brown
(Carolyn Brown 1:28pm August 11, 2010)

Love to read interviews, sounds like porch neighbors getting into each others business.
(Alyson Widen 1:59pm August 11, 2010)

I'd haven't read any of these books but I want to, the question I'd ask Travis is, Why did he come back to Mingus? Also,what makes him so crazy in love with Cathy. I need to read this book.
(Carole Fiore-abshire 2:18pm August 11, 2010)

I would ask him how he gets into those jeans that fit so tight.
(Sue Farrell 5:29pm August 11, 2010)

I'm shutting my eyes and refusing to read past the first 2 questions! I have this book on my dresser, and have been trying to read it for 2 weeks....but the 4 of my 6 kids are back in school...one more in college this Saturday...and then I'm gonna read it!!!!!! I love these books...and I've very proud of my Momma, Carolyn Brown!
(Amy Morgan 6:03pm August 11, 2010)

I've read great reviews about the Honky Tonk series and I have got to get my hands on the first and second of this set. Just in time for My Give A Damn's Busted. Hehehe Carolyn, I just love the titles to the books in this series. It's so refreshing and original!
(Armenia Fox 6:27pm August 11, 2010)

I just got I Love This Bar Yesterday. It looks very good. So I would love to win a copy of Hell Yeah.
(Pat Lieberman 7:51pm August 11, 2010)

Today has been so much fun.
Alyson: Yep, that's exactly the feel I want from the Honky Tonk series.
Carole: Travis didn't come back to Mingus. He'd never been there before but his boss, Amos Lambert, said he had to do a job there before he could go to his ultimate dream job in Alaska. He doesn't even know why he's so crazy in love with Cathy ... but he's pretty danged determined to find out.
Sue: He'd tell you but I think it's national security.
Amy: Bless your heart, my daughter.
Armenia: Thank you! Hope you enjoy the whole series.
Pat: Get a cup of coffee, a chunk of cheesecake, turn off the phones and read away.
Thank you all for your comments.
Carolyn Brown
(Carolyn Brown 10:20pm August 11, 2010)

I loved this interview & I'm wondering how I missed "I Love This Bar"....I love the titles, esp. My Give A Damn's Busted...I'll definitely be looking for the first & would love to win the 2nd...
(Ivy Truitt 11:20pm August 11, 2010)

Great interview. I am looking forward to reading this series - have heard a lot about it - they are all definitely on my to buy list. Maybe I will get lucky and have to buy one less. LOL.
(Helen Livermore 7:27am August 12, 2010)

Travis, who are you? Why are you in
Mingus and how did you manage to
land in Cathy's back yard.
Sounds like a fun series. Will be
checking it out once I dig through
some of my TBR pile. Of course I'll
have to read I LOVE THIS BAR first.
Need to do things in order. Wouldn't
want to miss out on anything.
(Patricia Barraclough 10:56am August 12, 2010)

Hello, again!
Ivy: I love your name. My Give A Damn's Busted plays a big part in the book so get ready for it.
Brenda: Me, too. Toby Keith is one of my favorites ... and he's a fellow Okie right along with Blake Shelton.
Helen: Happy reading and Good Luck!
Patricia: Travis says to tell you that he's just a cowboy who was on a job but his heart got in the way when he kissed Cathy. Enjoy reading the Honky Tonk Series.
Carolyn B.
(Carolyn Brown 12:16pm August 12, 2010)

Hi Carolyn, I'm late but I just wanted to say I love your voice. Will be looking out for your book. I would ask Travis if Cathy had to save him from the rats!
(Carly Carson 8:02pm August 12, 2010)

This book looks great. Can't wait to read it. Count me in.
(Karen Triolo 8:15pm August 12, 2010)

Carolyn: Thank you, I like it too. I did get teased something awful when I was younger though.
(Ivy Truitt 11:24pm August 12, 2010)

This series sounds they would all be great reads. If not too late, count me in.
(Rose Guardino 7:31pm August 13, 2010)

Hey, y'all!
Carly: No, Cathy is a brave woman but he did have to loan her his broad shoulders when the ordeal was finished.
Karen: Happy Reading!
Ivy: I wrote a book called "The Wager" that the heroine's name was Ivy. It's will be a Japanese Manga book before long. Still love the name and the fiesty heroine.
Rose: Thank you and I hope you enjoy the series.
Carolyn B.
(Carolyn Brown 8:07pm August 13, 2010)

Thanks, Carolyn! I'm the lucky winner of your book and it arrived today and it looks wonderful. I can't wait to read it! I see you got some fabulous reviews!
(Carly Carson 8:32am August 27, 2010)

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