Hello and Happy Socialite Sunday! I hate mean girls. So I was both honored and slightly scared when reading False Victim Click here to read more, by Kathie Truitt--it takes means girls to a new level. It is an excellent book based on a true story (which would give anyone the creeps). Kathie is also the author of the blog Hillbilly Debutante Click here!!! She is one of my all time favorite blends. I love her wit and humor. I hope you enjoy our interview.
How did you come to write a novel? I've always been a writer. I remember as early as 2nd grade I would spend all my free time writing in my Big Chief tablet. It was always short stories or mini-books with several chapters. My grandma would save them and show them to her sisters and they always told me I'd grow up to be an author one day. I believed them until I grew up and became a radio broadcaster. Then my writing consisted of one-liners, advertising copy and even news stories, which I absolutley hated. Grandma and my aunts kept asking 'when are you going to write that book?' and I'd smile and say, 'But, I don't have a plot!' Oh, I'd try to sit down and come up with something to write but it was always 'fluff', you know, essays and such. I had a few things published and even won a slogan contest, but when it came to a book plot I had nothin'. Zero. Zilch. I really thought I'd lost my my creativity. Then something awful happened to our family when we moved to the Washington D.C. area. It rocked our family to its core and changed us forever. As a result I was forced to carve out a new way to make a living. My husband suggested that maybe I had the plot for that book, now. I guess you should be careful what you wish for - you just might get it.
How did you choose the name "Hillbilly Debutante?" I have a very interesting accent - or at least it used to be. (Living in the Washington, D.C. area has toned it down some) I was born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks and also lived much of my early life in Mississippi. So, I had that Ozarks 'hick' southern accent, mixed with the Mississippi drawl southern accent. Anyway, I was attending my first White House Christmas party talking to a small group of men. After a few minutes one of them turned to me and said, "I cannot figure you out....you talk like a hillbilly but look like a debutante." It sounds rude, but he really wasn't trying to be - we'd been joking about it so he felt comfortable saying it. Besides, it's not the first time I'd heard it. Wasn't the last, either.
Were you a deb? Nope, but my daughter was. (I was a rodeo cowgirl).
What is your go-to/must-have style and fashion items? I have to wear makeup and lots of it! When I get ready to go out and my husband is in a hurry he'll say 'you don't have to do the whole dolly.' But I always do. Last week when I went on tour my plane left at 6:00 am, which meant I had to be at the airport at 5:00, which meant I was out of bed at 3:00 to put my make up on. However, my friends will tell you that I am famous for my rubber boots. I have 12 pair and have been known to wear them with dressy outfits and under long formal gowns.
Do you consider yourself preppy? No. There were no private/preppy schools where I grew up and I only attended college for about 2 minutes before I ran off and married the love of my life. Yes, being married to a lobbyist and living in Washington, D.C. I've done my stint in the Junior League and been a member of some of the sought-after invitation-only clubs. I went through many years of Brooks Brothers, Lilly and Talbots only clothing but I suppose being stalked by a mad woman and being a prisoner in your own home tends to do something to a girl. It changed my whole perspective on life. I knew that if I ever pulled through the ordeal alive and with my sanity intact that I would, as the song goes, 'live like I was dying.' It completely changed me. 100%. I withdrew from all of my clubs (except D.A.R.), society in general and got a tattoo (relax ladies - it's a tiny 'Jay' I got a few years ago to commemorate my 25th anniversary). I got rid of the Mercedes - even though it was paid for - and drove a beat-up Chevy suburban. I redecorated the house from English Hunt Country to Shabby Chic and started a blog called "Hillbilly Debutante". It's like I've become a rebellious teenager. Someone asked me if my poor family missed the 'old me.' I'm sure they do...
What comes to mind when you think of the word 'preppy'? For some reason I think of New England. As a child I was in love with all things either British or New England. Well, I lived in Britain for 4 years, now I want to visit the New England states.
Collars up!
SC
Sunday, September 12, 2010
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Awesome-I am going to go check this book out, it is so up my alley!
ReplyDeleteI might have to check this book out. But right now I'm in the middle of True Prep. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying the Hillbilly Debutante blog, and love this interview! Now I just must read the book...
ReplyDeleteWow! This makes me want to read it!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview Beth! I've just made a note to buy her book!
ReplyDeleteShe sounds great! Getting ready to download it on the kindle! Also, I think she sounds amazing as a person too!
ReplyDeleteThe whole dolly is my new favorite expression!
ReplyDeleteKathie- you rock, you rodeo cowgirl! Waiting for inspiration to strike or something to spark the novel within me too- glad to know that even if it's an awful genesis, that it can happen.
ReplyDeletekHm
that book looks incredible!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, if that interview doesn't make one run right out and get her book, I don't know what will. I'm totally intrigued!!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! I definitely need to check out this book. It looks amazing and haunting.
ReplyDeleteHowdy, this was a greatly enjoyable interview. Although we've never met, I grew up on a farm fifteen miles from Kathie's hometown and I feel a kinsmanship with her . I'm older but we have acquainted some of the same people in the area. I can't tell you how much this Ozark farm chick enjoyed this interview. Great job once again
ReplyDeleteBeth. You've made my day. I haven't yet read the book but I'm bittin' at the bits to do so.
God bless ya'll and have a marvelously 'preppy' day!!! :o)
what a fun interview--thanks for posting it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun interview! This book sounds really great. I'll look for it at the library.
ReplyDeletexo
Valerie
Fun post. I'm hooked on the book and the blog after reading your interview.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your little note on my last post.
Thanks for sharing the interview! Headed to check out the blog&book ASAP! =)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this interview! I just downloaded the book to my Kindle!
ReplyDelete