Hey Y'all!

It took me awhile to get here, but alas I'm finally joining the blogosphere of bloviation. It took a rant floating around in my head to send me toward this journey, but so be it. We'll have some fun here too. I promise. Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to leave me a comment or two. ~ diane


Thursday, March 29, 2012

Blue Like Elvis


I am SO excited to tell you about my newest book! As writers, we're always told to "write what you know." Well, that was certainly the case for me with Blue Like Elvis. How so? Check out the official blurb:
 
Do you remember where you were the day Elvis died?
I do. I know exactly where I was.
I was there.

In the summer of 1977, Shelby Colter moved back to Memphis, Tennessee hoping to make a fresh start after breaking off her engagement. Working as a patient representative hostess at Baptist Memorial Hospital—the world's largest private hospital—she’s thrilled with her new job, assisting patients with their non-medical needs. She gets a kick out of her colorful co-workers who constantly chat about Elvis-sightings. After all, Baptist Memorial was “Elvis's hospital.”

Shelby hits the ground running, taking care of her patients, getting to know her new friends, and bumping into . . . Dr. Tucker Thompson? Who knew that annoying kid who used to hang out with her big brother was now a resident at Baptist Memorial Hospital? Little Chubby Tucker—a compassionate, handsome doctor?
As the summer rolls along, three people Shelby loves face life-threatening situations, drawing her back to her faith. And then one night in a hospital prayer room, she pours out her heart to a most unexpected visitor . . .
 
For the record, I am NOT Shelby. But my first "real job" was that of a hostess/patient representative at that great hospital in Memphis in the late '70s. Like Shelby, I had some unforgettable patient encounters, much like Mr. Su-Ba-Ru and others. Like Shelby, I really loved "my girls" that I worked with day after day. Like Shelby, I had a feisty roommate from Puerto Rico named Sandra. Like Shelby, I was part of an amazing singles group at First Baptist Church, and yes - we went on some rather interesting campouts and cookouts. 

And like Shelby, I was there the day Elvis died.
  
I loved my years in Memphis when I was young and single (that's me above in my hostess days - oh to be that thin again!) And I've had so much fun revisiting those years of my life in that unique city on the banks of the Mississippi. For that reason, I've dedicated my book to Memphis - to my hospital, my co-workers, my church, my friends - thanks for the memories!

So go ahead. Tell me. Do you remember where YOU were the day Elvis died?

6 comments:

  1. I was with a couple of friends and remember the moment like it was yesterday.

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  2. Oh Diane, I was preparing to teach 1st grade. I mostly remember reading about his death in the newspaper and hearing it on TV.

    I just finished book 1 of the Moody Blues...couldn't put it down! I've just begun your new one and I'm sure, like all your books I've read so far, it will be captivating as well!

    Great blog by the way! My younger "twin" looks great!

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  3. Actually don't remember it well because of the way I found out. My husband came home and told me. I had totally missed the "news" that day. I thought he was playing a joke on me, and didn't believe him.

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    1. Finally had time to read the book. I started reading Monday while on the way home from Stillwater after a pizza dinner at the original Hideaway. LOVED every minute of your book and couldn't put it down. What a talented writer. And what a surprise ending. You did it again! Great read!!!

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  5. I was at home with my children on an ordinary summer day and in my living room doing some dusting as I recall. I got the unbelievable news on the radio.

    I grew up in Whitehaven and saw Elvis a couple of times. Some of my classmates frequented Graceland.

    I loved your book! In fact I hated to put in down when I had to do so and hated more finishing it. You are a terrific writer.

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