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What can you tell us about
the writing of Amazing Texas? What inspired you to add Texas
to your Amazing America series?
I love the series I began some years ago,
and Texas just seemed a natural for the next in the series.
To be more specific, though, Texas as a state has a
culture all its own. Visitors from all over the globe are
touched by their visit to Texas, and seem to take a bit of
the Lone Star State with them. There was so much to
write about Texas--so many fascinating stories and
historical tales, my problem was when to STOP! Finally,
half my growing-up years were in Texas--I attended
Belle Aire Elementary School in San Antonio--so I developed
a love for Texas early on.
There are a lot of bizarre
things in Texas--but what one especially stands out in your
mind as a really unique and bizarre sight?
The lights in Marfa would be one, but my
early years were colored with beautiful and fascinating
things, like time spent fishing in Galveston and camping in
the Big Bend area. I grew up hearing stories of Judge Roy
Bean and some of our family, Cynthia Ann Parker and Bonnie
Parker (of Bonnie-and-Clyde), so these were starting places
for me.
Also, I'd like to stress here that my
"Amazing America" series isn't about merely the
bizarre--you'll find no story of a two-headed cow. My books
are what I like to refer to as "Tourable History".
You can read about where something interesting happened,
then go visit the site, since I also tell you what's there
now.
I also like to capture the fascination of a
culture--as a state, Texas has a charm like no other.
As you researched Amazing Texas,
what was your biggest challenge?
Texas has such a unique history--that, and
its SIZE! I was daunted by both! (But, since I WAS
half-raised in the Lone-Star State, like every other person
from Texas I dealt with it. The Texas Rangers would have
been proud).
In talking to Texans and
travelers very familiar with Texas, what facts that you
uncovered in the writing of this book seemed especially
surprising to them?
My editor was surprised by quite a few facts
and tales as she read the book, and asked me about them.
(Her job was not to question me, but to make sure of facts).
Raised in Texas herself, and a bit of a Texas history buff,
I think she was surprised to learn quite a few things she
didn't know before.
A lot of Texans I spoke with were surprised
to learn about stories of vast amounts of buried treasure in
Texas. Others were surprised by the famous football
player who donated an organ to another player so he could
live a fuller life.
The stories that touched me personally
were of disasters and how Texans coped with them. The Texas
City explosion made world headlines, and decades later, the
people of Houston helped reunite Hurricane Katrina refugees
with their pets.
Amazing Texas sounds like a
great armchair travel book for readers who might be watching
the gas budget these days. What other readers will especially
enjoy this guide?
Anyone who loves trivia would enjoy it, as I
have created some little games within chapters, and have
thrown in some Q&A for those who love quizzes. Chapters
include those on the paranormal, the Civil War,
prehistory, flora and fauna (as well as natural phenomenon),
sports, etc. One of my favorite chapters, though, is on
culture--I have recipes indigenous to Texas, such as some
great recipes for cooking cactus. My godmother gave me a few
authentic recipes, and a friend from San Antonio gave me a
great recipe for tamales. I cooked them all while working on
the text. What a delicious way to write a book! So I guess
you could say that trivia buffs, history lovers, and even
cooks would enjoy it.
Southern Living hailed a previous Amazing
America release as a gem. I think Amazing Texas
will be a diamond.
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