New Year, New Readers, New Pages
I’m gonna dedicate this post to my new readers, folks like jel and 4 minutewriter. As I read 4minute’s thoughtful comment on my Earl Scruggs and Family post some time back, I realized through the efforts of a country doctor who loves traditional music, I had been able to write in a way that young, bright people became interested in the music I love.
It moved me to start a new page on my blog, called “The Reader’s Music Selections.” I kicked it off with some of my personal favorites, but I hope you will chime in via the comments with your own choices.
Mine will reflect our personal home and office IPOD, and will tend to be bluegrass, but I’m eclectic, and there will be many other genres represented.
They can be famous, but they don’t have to be. If you know a regional artist who strikes your fancy, put ’em on the list. Who knows, maybe someday you’ll be able to say, “I predicted that one a long time ago; you can look it up on old Dr. B’s blog.”
Also I added a new page called “All Things Southern.” As I run across things I consider southern, I’ll post and file them away here. These will range from barbecue joints to magazines, and will be in no particular order. I hope you’ll add yours in the comments on this page too.
Keep in mind for my purposes “southern” is a state of mind, not a place. It encompasses anything which embodies the spirit of people who live with a sense of community, regardless of geographic location. Take traveling Ted Lehmann for example. He and his wife Irene are southern to me. Maybe it’s ’cause they’re from southern New Hampshire, but it’s mostly because they do so much to document the world of bluegrass.
My primary blog focus this year will be the back-story and development of my second novel, “Acquisition Syndrome,” a true fiction expose of the transition of medicine from healing art to business. (Don’t worry; I’m gonna fight that all the way to the end.) I promised my Lit agent I would have a manuscript editor ready by Jan. 1, 2012, and I always do what I can to deliver what I promise.
So, I’ve thanked my new readers, but I want to be sure to thank my old ones too, folks like the English Professor, the Two Quote Kid, and Billy the truck driver. As Sam Snead used to say “dance with who brung ya.” I’d never have gotten this far without you. All the best guys, and keep the art going. It keeps us all halfway sane in what can be a nutty world.
Dr. B
Tags: New Year 2011
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Dr. Tom Bibey: Stories of the Bluegrass Music Road 
January 1, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Doc, I will try and check in on the new pages. Keep me posted when you know some more about trip. Take care and hope to see you soon.
January 1, 2011 at 4:51 pm
Smitty,
I called but they were closed over the holiday. I’m gonna try again Monday.
If I can’t get ’em I might ask you to make one call just so they’ll know I’m not a nut. (At least too bad of one!)
We look forward to seeing you again.
My boy is doing great; we’re very proud of him.
Dr. B
January 1, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Happy New Year, Dr. B. I’m catching up on your blog after the whole Christmas hoopla (sounds like you had a good one)- even went to You Tube to listen to Rocky Top after reading your post on it.
You’re certainly right- it’s the way you write that draws us bluegrass-uninitiated in and gets us interested in the music you love. Just shows you how much I have to learn that I’d never heard of Rocky Top!
Looking forward to reading about your new book.
January 1, 2011 at 4:47 pm
4minute,
Yep, we had a big time over the holidays.
As “Acquisition Syndrome” develops, I hope you’ll make some comments and offer constructive criticism.
In “The Mandolin Case” my readers shaped me as I went along, and I like the idea of you having some influence as I write “A.S.”
Dr. B
January 1, 2011 at 8:54 pm
thanks for the mention, Dr B. Way cool 😉
January 1, 2011 at 9:34 pm
jel,
The writer gig and the blog are all about communication. When I started mine, I had no idea how many cool people would log on and bring all sorts of new ideas for me to think about. Glad you are now a big part of the conversation.
Dr. B
January 2, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Happy New Year, Doc. Just went to check out your new page and dutifully left a comment on it :).
I hope this year is successful in all things artist-y, be it your music or your exciting next novel (I can’t wait to have a whole Tom Bibey shelf in my room!), as well as wonderful in all things personal, be they family, your work, or your great travels with your wife.
January 2, 2011 at 4:48 pm
slightly,
You are my favorite young readers. In fact you might be my youngest one!
I hope you have a fine New Year. Someday our paths will cross.
Dr. B