Patzi with a Z. She’s a joy — so it only makes sense that her radio show about writing is called “Joy on Paper.”
First, some background: As some of you know, I published an e-book last year titled “Orange Socks & Other Colorful Tales — How I Survived Vietnam & Kept my Sense of Humor.” (It’s available on Amazon.)
It took me nearly 20 years to pen that little gem; 34 rejections convinced me to either self-publish or perish. (Not many people were interested in zany stories about a war that not many wanted — and even fewer want to remember.)
But, as my buddy Gary might say, “I learned a bunch.”
Back to the story . . .
A few weeks ago I was scanning local AM stations in the Tampa Bay area when I stumbled across the Tan Talk Radio Network — 1340 on the AM dial, 106.1 on FM, and available online at http://www.tantalk1340.com. On the air was Patzi Gil and her show “Joy on Paper,” which she describes as a program for writers and those who dream of writing — and for everyone who wants to know the story behind the book.
“It’s my joy to talk every week to amazing authors — from best-selling New York Times authors to authors who have just released their first book,” she says. “For me it’s always fun to hear about the passion to write and what it takes to become a published author. It’s fun for me to hear their stories, and I hope that their words will inspire new writers.”
I recently had the good fortune to be Patzi’s guest at the WTAN studios in Clearwater, FL. I was nervous. Left my house an hour early. (Good thing, too, since I got lost three times.) We chit-chatted a bit before the show. She was friendly, sharp, and reassuring. (It wasn’t her first radio rodeo.)
Her previous guests?
Here are just a few: Mary Higgins Clark, Carolyn G. Hart, Lawrence Block, Sue Grafton, Robin Cook, Jojo Moyes, Brad Meltzer, Margaret George, Deborah Johnson, James Shapiro, David E. Hoffman, C. J. Box.
But wait, here’s a few more: Mike Resnick, Neal Shusterman & Eric Elfman and Adam Christopher, Lori Wilde, Jana Oliver, Elise Faber Tawdra Kandle, Gino B. Bardi, Tim Dorsey, Joseph Cummins, Joe Gilford.
And, now, you can add me to that illustrious list.
The theme music for “Joy on Paper” is “The Typewriter,” a novelty instrumental written by Leroy Anderson back in 1950. I mention this because the song sets just the right tone for Patzi’s show — energetic, fun, and lively. (Listening to her talk with a fellow writer is like serendipitously eavesdropping on friends bantering back-and-forth at a local diner. )
It’s that good . . .
Best of all, Patzi archives shows on her website (http://www.radio-joyonpaper.com/archive) as podcasts. It’s a great resource. And if you happen to see a name listed alphabetically under the letter “L” that rhymes with “ham” — well, that might just be me.
NOTE: Listen to “Joy on Paper” Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11 a.m. (EST)
