When you’re finished reading this interview, please visit Heather’s website to learn even more about her.

Heather, do you remember the first story you ever wrote? How old were you and is that story still in print inside a personal scrapbook or box somewhere?

The first stories I “wrote” were ones I dictated to my mom. She wrote them down on the bottom of the pictures I’d drawn for the story. She actually recently brought me a big box of my stories. Apparently I made a lot of them!

Growing up, what picture books were your favorites?

I absolutely loved What Do People Do All Day? By Richard Scarry. I would sit and read that book for hours. I loved learning about where things came from and how they were grown or made. The artwork in that book is fabulous. It showed so much of the intertwining of life. I was fascinated.

Some other definite childhood favorites were Chicken Soup with Rice and Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, Are You My Mother, Go, Dog. Go!, and Big Dog…Little Dog by P. D. Eastman, any book by Mercer Mayer, Little Rabbit’s Loose Tooth by Lucy Bate, and Put Me In The Zoo by Robert Lopshire. I also loved The Elves and the Shoemaker. Not sure of which version, but I thought the idea of two little elves coming in and helping someone was so very nice. I still do. I wish some would come over to my house!

Where did your inspiration to become a serious writer for children arise?

Not too long after I decided to start writing for children I told one of my best friends, who also happens to be a child psychologist, that I had written some children’s stories. She somehow talked me into sending her one to look at. I mailed her my handwritten story and she marked it all up and mailed it back. Really, it wasn’t a very good story, and she kindly pointed out the problems she saw in it. But she was also enthusiastic and encouraging about it. She’s an amazingly blunt person so I knew that if she believed in my writing there had to be something to it. I decided to go 21st century, get a computer, hook up to the internet, and start really trying to be a writer. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Can you tell us a bit about your road to publication? When did you seriously begin submitting your stories to publishers? Did you get a contract for the first book you wrote? Walk us through your journey.

I wrote a lot of stories before I ever tried submitting to publishers. I was completely freaked out at the prospect of anyone reading anything I wrote, so I had to ease into it. I immersed myself in all the books and websites on writing that I could find. After I’d been writing for a while I went to a local writing class where I met a lady who had run a small publishing company that she had sold years back. She was looking to start a new company. We got to talking and she asked to see some of my work. I showed her a few of my picture book manuscripts. There was one that was a mystery about a missing librarian. She asked if I could turn it into a chapter book that could help teach children about the library. So I did. That became my first published book. The company wanted more chapter books from me but with three young children I just didn’t have the time or energy for longer works. Picture books were just a better fit for me at the time so I decided to focus on them and other shorter works.

I joined a great critique group which really kept me writing. One day one of my partners put up a monster story for critique (It is now a published book, I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll), which reminded me that I had a monster story too. I polished it up and managed to get it sent to a couple of publishers. I got a request from one on a query at the same time I had interest from Raven Tree Press on the full manuscript. The other publisher passed, but Bedtime Monster made it through all the readings at Raven Tree and they offered me a contract.

Becoming an author has definitely been a process. In eight or so years I’ve written a lot of stories, many of which have never been read. I’ve gone from form rejections, to some nice personals here and there, to acceptance for publication, and now to being represented by Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary. It’s been slow and steady but I finally feel like I might sometimes actually know what I’m doing.

Of the rejections you’ve received, do any really stand out in your mind as distinctive in a good or bad way?

For sure the nice, helpful rejections stand out in my mind. I can’t even choose which one of them was the best because they were each special to me and helped me move forward with my writing. Anytime an agent or editor takes the time to write back and give advice on a manuscript is a special gift.

What advice can you provide beginning writers who receive rejection after rejection and feel like giving up?

Form rejections are just that—forms. They’re not bad. People are just busy. If writing is what you love to do, keep doing it! I like to think that rejections are even good. They mean you’re getting your writing out there and making a go at meeting your goal of publication. Belief in yourself is the most important thing you can have as a writer because you will be told no. Numerous times. Immerse yourself in the world of literature. Always keep learning. Read books in your genre. Study the market. Be a part of the online and offline writing communities. You never know when some new piece of knowledge will help propel your efforts forward.

Writing is not an easy profession, what keeps you going when things get tough?

Perhaps I’m a fool, but writing books for children is one of the few things I’m certain that I’m good at. And I’m not really the type of person to go around saying I’m good at anything. I’m almost embarrassed that I just said it here! There’s also this problem that I can’t quit writing. I’ve tried at least a dozen times. I even went as far as to fill a trashcan with everything I’d ever written. I let that writing sit in the trash for an entire day. Boy was I unhappy. If I would have had the forethought, I wouldn’t have thrown it into the kitchen garbage can because it was back out by the end of the day. Luckily it was only a little bit soggy. So, after the garbage can incident I accepted the fact that this is what I do and I’m going with it.

I’d classify you as an outdoorsy/adventurous woman. Do you agree with that assessment and if this is you, does it influence your children’s writing in any way?

Well, in my early twenties I did run off from a pretty cushy California lifestyle to a rugged and mostly uninhabited mountain in Washington State. I guess that’s pretty adventurous. Living on the mountain you are definitely aware of nature all around. I have a very deep appreciation for it and believe that we need to respect and care for the earth and all of its inhabitants. This definitely does find a way into my writing in one way or another.

You do author visits at schools and libraries. Have you had any interesting or odd experiences in any of your author visits?

Every visit I have done always makes me feel so amazed at the enthusiasm and support I am shown just because I am someone who writes books. My very first library program was a lot of fun because I did it at “my” library. (I work there as an assistant librarian and am also on the board.) My friends made it a release party and all pitched in and made it really special. My kids made monster cupcakes with the head librarian. Friends brought snacks and drinks and decorations. They also helped me get all of my crafts ready. And still, I was so nervous! But my husband got a kick out of it. He pointed out that I was just going to the library. I was there all the time. It was no big deal. That certainly helped!

Bedtime Monster is a fun book. What activities, if any, do you have children do after you read it to them at school visits?

I like to make monsters with the kids. I bring a whole bunch of monster parts with me (don’t worry, they’re paper), different eyes, noses, horns, and of course, tails. We glue them onto monster bodies. Everyone’s always turns out different and fabulous. It’s a really fun project to do with the kids and they all seem to have a great time doing it. I also came up with some very simple monster origami that the kids can fold themselves. If everyone is too young for even that, I’ve always got the coloring sheets from Bonnie Adamson’s illustrations that I downloaded from the Raven Tree Press website.

Writers hear all the time that picture books should not be didactic. But teachers sometimes need books to teach lessons, how do you walk that fine line of not going too far in either direction in your writing for children?

I homeschooled my children for quite a few years and it certainly influenced my thinking on books that teach children. I think that the trick is to make the story fun. Look at Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, its fun and it teaches the alphabet. Fabulous! I do love to write stories that teach. I have manuscripts about the alphabet, math, reading, etc. A strong character, story arc, and a great hook are still important, even in a story that teaches.

Publishers have laid off a lot of workers over the past few years, this has included people in the marketing departments too. This causes writers, in some cases, to become their own PR firm. In addition to what Raven Tree does for you, do you personally market or publicize Bedtime Monster? If so, how?

I did quite a few interviews when Bedtime Monster came out, which was fun. Right now I basically keep an online presence on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and my blog. I don’t push my books, but the links are there for people to see if they’re interested in what I do. I live in a pretty secluded area so being online is really my lifeline to the writing community. I like to talk with people and help where I can. I do things like keep up my Monster List of Picture Book Agents on my blog and do critique giveaways from time to time. I guess I just believe in being present for people to find. I’m certain that selling another book would be great for publicity. I’m definitely working on that!

How important is the continuing education of a picture book writer? And how does a picture book writer obtain this continuing education?

Continuing education is so important. The market is in a continual state of flux, from what publishers are looking for to who is (and isn’t) open to submissions. Conferences and workshops are great ways to learn, for sure, but there is a ton of information online once you start looking. I love Twitter and Verla Kay’s Blue Board for keeping up to date on what’s happening in the world of kidlit. Certainly the act of writing in itself helps make a person a better writer and participating in critiques whether it is with a partner, a group, or a paid critique will definitely help strengthen a person’s knowledge and skills.

What picture book authors are on the shelves right now that you absolutely adore and have to read when their new books are released?

I always have to read any new books by John Lechner, Nina Laden, Peter H. Reynolds, Erik Brooks. Bob Shea, Mo Willems, Peter Brown, Carin Berger, Elisa Kleven… this list could go on and on. I did love Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake so much that I cannot wait to read Michael B. Kaplan’s next book. And I’m also impatiently waiting for Corey Rosen Schwartz’s The Three Ninja Pigs and Goldi Rocks and the Three Bears to come out.

If there were only one category of children’s writing you could pursue, would it be picture books, chapter books, MG or YA?

Although I am working on an MG and chapter books, I seriously can’t help but write picture books. Writing short is what I do best. When I write longer I really have to stretch myself. Ha!

Almost finally, if you couldn’t write or do anything bookish, where would you put all of your creative talents?

I’m in awe of mosaics. If I didn’t spend all of my free time writing I can see myself breaking tiles and putting them back together.

Now finally, can you share with my readers one thing no one else may know about you?

Well, I recently moved into an inn in the mountains in an old ghost town, and I’m looking into holding writing retreats here. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to pull it off but it could definitely be a lot fun if I can make it happen!

Visit Heather’s Monster List of Picture Book Agents

Visit Heather’s Blog Frolicking through Cyberspace

Follow Heather on Twitter

Porsche Simpson is a Hollywood insider who refuses to publish information that isn’t a fact. If you want Hollywood news, visit HollywoodTattleTale.com. Bookmark her site, subscribe to the RSS. She posts often and she’s sure to give you all the Hollywood News that’s fit to blog about. She’s a successful blogger and is becoming more of a “go to” person for anyone wanting to get the news on the inside of Hollywood to those on the outside. Enjoy the interview and go ahead and tell me what you think in the comments.

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Porsche, How long have you been blogging at Hollywood Tattle Tale?

I created Hollywood Tattle Tale just two month ago and I’ve reached over 5,000 people. I am excited.

Is this your first blog or have you had others?

I used to have a dating/relationship advice blog titled Single Girl in San Diego. I also created an entertainment news blog a few years ago but Hollywood Tattle Tale is something that I am serious aboout and want to turn into a brand.

Who are your target readers?

My target readers are those that love staying present on news regarding celebrities, entertainment, fashion and talented up-and-comers. I am not going to pigeon holed the 18-34 age group because even my father calls me asking what’s the 411.

With what sites does Hollywood Tattle Tale compete?

The difference between Hollywood Tatttle Tale and other celebrity news sites is that I am not just a writer and my focus isn’t just on famous people. I have been a publicist and also worked in fashion so I have great contacts. My focus isn’t just on celebrites, but also bringing recognition to hard working talent that have an audience.

Do you have any special features, exposes or exclusive gossip coming up in the near future?

Gosh, I hope so. When I created my website I promised myself that I wouldn’t report on news that ‘possibly’ happened. One thing I learned in journalism class is that professors hate when you use the term “reportedly,” so Hollywood Tattle Tale ONLY states FACTS. I want be the go-to reporter that celebrities and publicists keep updated because it will all be truth.

Can you name for my readers any up and coming actors you are keeping an eye on whose careers you think are about to take off?

Gosh, well who knew Ryan Gosling would be who he is today right? I am really rooting for minority actors to be given the opportunity to showcase their work more. Not anyone specific, just, minority actors.

In 2012, who do you expect to tie the marital knot or sever it?

Well, I hope no one does but if I had to guess…probably a reality star. Snooki, or someone with not much common sense that’s okay with making a fool of themselves for money.

What senior movie stars out there would you most miss if they stopped making movies?

Samuel L. Jackson. School Daze, Coming to America etc etc he is a classic actor. I still watch movies for the first and realize that he starred in them. I am also a Paul Rudd fan, everything he does is funny. Idris Elba, I just like watching him on screen. It’s amazing that he actually has a British accent. Lastly, Loretta Devine and Angela Basset, because I am still waiting on the Waiting to Exhale sequel.

Who is your absolute favorite…

Actor?
Eddie Murphy.

Actress?
Angela Basset.

Director?
Spike Lee.

Producer?
Spike Lee.

What is your absolute favorite…

80′s movie?
Sixteen Candles.  I am going to name my son Jake Ryan.

2011 movie?
Fright Night. I watched it 3 times. Colin Farrell…gorgeous.

Movie studio?
I am working to find out the answer to this…

Flavor of ice cream?
I am a huge fan of Yogurtland. I always get their chocolate mixed with sugar free cheesecake. Toppings: brownies, almond slices, chopped oreos and chocolate sauce. It’s pretty fattening yet delicious.

Hollywood after party hangout?

Hollywood is overrated and superficial. I enjoy hanging out in Santa Monica or Downtown LA. After a party my friends and I will eat at Denny’s or Norm’s.

Hollywood talk show host/reporter?
Shaun Robinson from Access Hollywood.

Hollywood pizzeria?
A greasy yet amazing place on Hollywood and Cahuenga.

What is most fun when blogging about Hollywood and its stars?
The fact that I am not only informing people about entertaining topics but also myself. Oh and…I’m doing what I love.

In the movie industry there’s a big difference between a mere success and blockbuster success. About Hollywood Tattle Tales, what is the difference in it being a mere success compared to being a blockbuster success?

I think the name Hollywood Tattle Tale alone speaks wonders. Can’t you imagine me  on the red carpet with my microphone saying, “This is Porsche, reporting from Hollywood Tattle Tale.” This is going to be a blockbuster success because I want it to be. I also think a key ingredient for longevity is involving your audience and helping people, and that is definitely what I strive to do.

Finally, if you could play a love scene with any leading man, who would it be?

Kyle Gallner. I love awkward, nerdy guys. Call me.

Visit HollywoodTattleTale.com today.  Find out the latest Hollywood news from Porsche, she’ll give you the facts.

Picture Book Author Donna Earnhardt

You’re a prolific writer. Before I get into specific questions about writing, I have to first ask, why write?

Thankfully, I like what I do. But the fact is, there is something more that compels me to write. I believe that writing is something I’m called to do. I know it’s not the only thing, but I do feel a tug in my heart that tells me God has led me in this direction and called me to it. And I am glad!

How old were you when you wrote your first story and can you remember the name?

I don’t remember the first story, but my mom still has a poem I wrote for her in kindergarten. I’m almost 39, btw! But I wrote all through school and was one of the co-editors of our high school literary magazine. I loved that!

When did you first begin taking writing seriously?

When I had my first daughter, I started telling her stories. I had always written poetry, but writing stories for children was a little different for me. After a while, I started thinking, “HEY! I can do this and make money!”

Little did I know the whole “making money” part wasn’t nearly as easy as I originally thought.

How did “taking writing seriously” manifest itself?

I started submitting to various publishers….and received various rejections. It was then that I joined SCBWI Carolinas. One of the best decisions I’ve made for my writing career.

I first met you on Verla Kay’s Blueboard. Can you explain the Blueboard, how it helps writers, and name some of the writers you’ve met there?

Oooooh! VERLA’s BOARD! That place is thick with talent. I am not always able to hang out over there because I just want to spend all my time perusing and chatting with other like-minded writers. Verla Kay has set up a fantastic community for kid-lit writers to interact, share information and give encouragement. And it’s all free! She is a terrific writer and a generous person. If anyone reading this interview needs a boost of confidence or is looking for a good place to jump in feet first, Verla’s is the place to do that. Some folks who are new to Verla’s have told me they felt a little overwhelmed at first, but they kept digging in. After a while, they found their favorite places on the chat board and learned how to navigate. One of the best ways to find your way around is to introduce yourself and ask questions. That’s how I met several great folks!

Just a few of the names that come to mind: Stephanie Theban ( http://storiesreademwritem.blogspot.com/), Stephanie Reed (http://stephaniereed.turboflanges.com/), Stephanie Ruble (http://www.sruble.com/) and of course, Brian Humek!

(I do know lots more folks from Verla’s board who are NOT named Stephanie. You’ll just have to trust me on this.)

For writers who suffer rejection after rejection and feel like giving up, can you tell them a bit about your journey to publication has been like?

My, my, my! I started out subbing my stuff… without being part of a critique group or having anyone read it through. It wasn’t too long before rejections poured in. I even called a big time editor and asked if I could send it to him. I had not yet been to a conference, so I didn’t know how bad of an idea that was!

What kept you going after you received your first few rejections? Did you have encouragement from family, friends, fellow writers or did you have an overabundance of determination?

My mama, daddy and sister gave me a briefcase full of writing stuff, told me how much they believed in me… then sweetly told me to get to work! And my hubster has been extremely supportive throughout this journey. I also have the blessing of having a mother-in-love who encourages me to keep on keeping on!

You have a new picture book contact with Flashlight Press for your manuscript BEING FRANK. For those who may not have heard the good news yet, can you share a bit about the book and where your inspiration came from?

This story grew from a conversation I was having with God while in the shower. (Is that too much information?) I was praying about what to write for NaNoWriMo because I had decided to be a NaNoRebel that year. As I prayed, the first line of the book popped in my head. I knew I had to write it down! It took me a couple of days to write it. I sent it to Shari Greenspan (editor at Flashlight) and then sent it to my crit group. That’s kind of backwards from the way I usually do it! Thankfully, she liked it and sent it to her colleagues. Then she asked for several rounds of revisions… and I said yes!

After sending it to her and the waiting began, I eventually realized that the book was really about my family. The MC is aptly named Frank because he holds nothing back when expressing his thoughts. That gets him in some hot water with friends, family and even at school. My kids, hubby and I have all struggled at some point with knowing when to speak… and knowing when to keep our mouths closed!

Another neat thing thing: My dad’s first name was Frank. He was killed in an accident almost 9 years ago, so this is neat way for his name to carry on. I didn’t plan it that way, I just accept it as cool gift from the Lord!

Where do most of your book ideas originate?

Welllll…. in the shower. Seriously. A lot of them do! The first line is usually the thing that starts it all. However, some pop into my head while I’m driving down the road. Because of that, my oldest daughter is becoming increasingly proficient in writing down whatever ideas I dictate to her.

Do you have a special place to write, a place of solitude?

The closest thing I come to having solitude is Starbucks. I’ve started heading out once a month or so to write for an hour or two after the kids are in bed and my hubby is settled in for the night. (He is fully supportive of my jaunts to Starbucks as long as I bring him back a Raspberry Mocha!)

Do you have an agent or do you submit your work yourself?

I sub the work myself.

If no agent, have you actively looked for an agent? Why or why not?

Yes, I would love to have one! Administration is not one of my strong suits, so having an agent would lighten my load and make writing a lot more fun. Subbing is the one part of writing that can stress me out. I don’t mind revisions. I don’t mind rewrites. But subbing and re-subbing? Yuck.

You are very active online. I follow many picture book writers on Google+ and you are one of the very few who ever post anything, in fact, I find you to be a prolific Google+ user. Why do you love Google+

Google is so much fun AND informative! I have learned so much from the other writers and photographers there. I find that Google+ has tons of creative type-folks who spur on the rest of us creative critters to dig deeper and grow.

You are so creative. Not only do you write, you are an amazing photographer. Where do you get your creative genes?

Oh wow. Thank you! That is quite a compliment coming from you. I’ve read your work AND seen your fabulous photos!

As for creative genes, my mom and dad were very active in crafts, painting and making stuffed animals when I was younger. She would come up with an animal she wanted to make, they’d draw the pattern… and it was on! They had folks from all over who wanted to buy her animals. My mom is a baker and a writer, too. She can play a song – with both hands – by ear. She doesn’t read music, just hears something and BAM! She’s got it. (I’m jealous of that, btw!) My sister is also very talented. She is an artist and musician. She could play a trash can and make it sound good. Wait… she has done that, sort of. She was in a steel pan band in college!

Other than creating beauty, what goals would you like to accomplish with your camera?

I’d love to eventually understand exactly what I’m doing when I start messing with those settings! I’d also love to have some photos published. I think I’d like to have a job as a portrait photographer. I love capturing expressions!

And of course, if I could help change the world with my photography, like Colby Brown is doing with his non-profit organization, then that would be incredible, too!

Finally, if could wave a magic wand and change three things in this world instantly, what would they be?

1. I would love for everyone to know the Way, the Truth and the Life in an very real, intimate way.

2. I would love for true peace to infiltrate the heart of every man, woman and child.

3. I would love for children to know a world where hunger doesn’t exist, joy is overwhelming and love saves the day.

Wait… that’s still just three. Right? See, I put it in list form so I could get away with it.

Thank you so much for this interview Donna.

Thank YOU! This was so much fun!

Visit Donna’s Blog

Follow Donna on Twitter

This first question will make you think back a couple years. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a very small child, I was always fascinated with two things: music and radio. I grew up in the 50′s and 60′s, so you know the music I was listening to on the radio in that era: the beginnings of Rock and Roll. I would sit for hours listening to the music on the radio learning all the song title and artists. I started buying 45 RPM records with my weekly allowance of one dollar. In those days, you could buy a couple of 45′s with a dollar. That’s how my record collection started. First with 45′s and then later, albums. When I was asked by the local radio station in the small town in Oklahoma where I grew up, to do “school news”, I was thrilled. I was about 12 years old and I would do a small 5 minute “school news” segment once or twice a week for the station. Well that got me hooked for the radio business. I hung around the station in all my spare time; after school, on weekends, etc. They finally asked me if I would like to have a regular job there on the weekends for a one hour show playing “rock and roll” music. This station was very adult oriented and they just didn’t play that kind of music during the week. I was probably one of the youngest radio “DJ’s” in the country at that time. That worked into a regular shift on weeknights as I got older. I did everything while there; news, sports, wrote copy, etc. That is how I learned the radio business and decided to make it my career.

You received a bachelor of arts in radio broadcasting, were you ever an on-air personality?

I worked for several stations in the OKC area. I went to college at both Central State College (now named Central University Of Oklahoma in Edmond) and the University Of Oklahoma in Norman where I received my broadcasting degree. I worked at both those college stations and then for various OKC stations after I was out of college. It was my OU broadcasting class that put KGOU on the air in September of 1970 and it is still on the air today. It started as a commercial station, but now it is the PBS station for the OKC market.

I first met you when you worked in sales at CBS Records. How did you land your job there and was it your first in the music business?

I had been out of school for about 2 years, still working for some stations in the OKC area when 1 day I got a call from a friend of mine who had been a broadcasting classmate at OU. While he was at OU, he was the campus representative for CBS Records. When he graduated, he moved to Dallas and became the single records sales person at the Dallas branch. That branch had a sales rep who announced that he was going to retire soon, so they had better start looking for a replacement for him. My friend called me and told me about this sales opening. I told him I really wasn’t interested in sales, I wanted to stay in broadcasting. He convinced me to at least come to Dallas and interview for the job. I said well OK, it might help me land a job in broadcasting in the DFW area. I had the interview with the sales manager and returned home really not giving it much more thought. About a week later, I get a call from the CBS sales manager telling me the job is mine if I wanted it. The offer was good, so I accepted thinking once in the DFW market I could pursue my broadcasting career. Well as they say, the rest is history. The CBS sales job just kept getting better and better. They assigned me to bigger and more important accounts in the first few years. I ended up working 30 years in the sales department for CBS/Sony Music. Never did get back to that broadcasting job, but over the years, I think I met everyone in the DFW radio and TV business. Several of them are still some of my closest friends.

How long did you work at CBS and was it all in sales?

I worked at CBS/Sony Music for 30 years; from 1973 to 2003, all in the sales department.

Of all the bands/singers you sold while at CBS, which act was your favorite?

Now this is a tough question to answer. There were so many great acts, as you know, on our labels. And over the years, I probably have met them all as they came through our market on tours, record promotions, etc. Some of my favorites and great people to know were Journey, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, Charlie Rich, Cyndi Lauper, Chicago, Jimmie Vaughan and my favorite, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Stevie would always bring his latest album to the branch to play for us before it was released. He was a great friend to everyone that worked at the branch and we always enjoyed seeing him come by the branch. It was such a sad day at the branch when we learned of his death in the helicopter accident. It was our branch’s “9/11″. There wasn’t a dry eye in the branch that day. It was like one of our family members had died.

Any interesting or unique stories you can share with us about your time at CBS?

There are some many stories that I can’t remember them all. Some that stand out were all the conventions we had over the years. In the 70′s and 80′s and early 90′s, we would have 2 national conventions each year. All the branches, 19 in the early years, would converge in a city for week’s conventions. We would have meeting during the day and then our acts would play at dinner each evening. These conventions would take place in a big convention hotel. We would have them in Atlanta, Nashville, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angles, Miami, Boca Raton, honolulu and we even had one in Dallas at the Fairmount Hotel. They would give out awards to all the branches for sales, promotions, etc. They were given out by our labels; Columbia, Epic, and our associated labels. There would also be distribution awards and “Branch Of The Year” awards, which we won several times. Locally, some of the unusual things we did included putting a live pig in Disc Records to promote Pink Floyd’s “Animals” release. They had it in a pen in the store and it never stopped squealing. It made a big mess and they finally asked us to come take it out. I had to rent a pick up truck to pick up. I then took it out to a farmer who was glad to get him. One time we rented a large garbage truck, put Alice Cooper in it, and took him around to our accounts to promote his album “Trash”. They wanted me to drive the truck, but I said “no way”. Not me. We finally got one of the drivers from the company we rented it from to take him around. That was pretty bizarre!! Once when Journey was in town for a concert, they picked up all the branch personnel in their tour bus and took us to Reunion Arena for their concert that night. That was a great night. Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Steve Smith, & Ross Valory were all on the bus with us. It was a thank you from their management for our sales on their albums.

When did you begin your work with Mobile Music/PBP?

Mobile Music PBP. In March of 2003, Sony Music and BMG music merged into one company. A lot of us who worked for the branch were released from their jobs due to like positions at both companies. I was one of them. After 30 years, they didn’t need me anymore so I was given a retirement package. Well I hadn’t planned on retiring quite that early. I still had one daughter in college and had planned to work at least until she finished school. I had done some DJ work at both my other two daughters wedding receptions and for some friends from time to time, but never as a full time job. My wife and I decided we would go into the DJ business, test the waters and see how we do. Well, the business took off like a rocket. I had built up quite a music collection over the years, first in radio and then at CBS and Sony. My wife was good at wedding ceremony and reception coordination. I think we worked at 30 to 40 wedding receptions that year. We now average around 70 a year. Our main events are wedding receptions, but over the past years, we have performed at all types of events; birthday parties, anniversary parties, corporate events, fashion shows, etc. Any event that needs music and entertainment. We also do lighting for many events.

Can you give us a guestimate on how many parties/events you’ve done with Mobile Music?

I estimate probably around 500 to 600 events total. Too many to remember them all!!

For what type of events do you provide entertainment?

As mentioned, wedding receptions, birthday parties, corporate events, anniversary parties, fashion shows, wedding ceremonies, class reunions.

Can you give us a sample of your clientele?

Our clientele is mainly people getting married either for the first time or the second time!!

What are some of the strangest song requests you’ve had at an event or party?

We have had to play some very strange songs at some of our events. One that comes to mind is “Mule Train”, Frankie Laine. We facilitate an event at our wedding receptions called “The Longest Love Dance” This is an elimination event to see what couple on the dance floor has been married the longest. We try to play “their song” for the winning couple and that is the song one couple requested. They had been married a long time for that one!! One of the strangest song requests I get from time to time is “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling”. Really?!?! You want that song played at a wedding reception? That was a short love affair!!

Can you share with our readers your favorite classic band or singer and your current favorite?

Some of my favorite singers from the past years would include Billy Joel, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Beatles and Chicago. Remember, I grew up in the 60′s, so these were my musical influences. Current favorites include Adele, Maroon 5, Train, Jason Mraz and Michael Buble. I am sure there are many more I’m forgetting. I really like just about anything.

If a magical force had prevented you from entering the music industry after graduating from college, what career would you have chosen?

I probably would have wanted to join a branch of the military service. Even then, I probably would have ended up in the entertainment part of it; Armed Forces Radio, USO, etc.

Finally, is there one song you absolutely refuse to play at events, or one song that turns your stomach inside out when you hear it? Don’t worry, we won’t tell any future clients about this song : )

Well there are several that I really hate to have to play at gigs, but the one that comes to mind is “Stanky Leg”, GS Boyz. I cringe every time someone asks for it. For me, it’s like fingernails on a blackboard. When it was popular, we had to play it a lot. But boy, did it get on my nerves!! There are so many better rap and hip hop songs to play. And a lot of them I like, just not that one. Got pretty tired of “Crank Dat”, Soulja Boy, too.

Thanks for the great interview Bob.