Interview with Baton Rouge Musician Neil Ray

Once and For All…

The three books in my Bon Chance Boonie Series are all song titles that inspired the book. Tangled up in You is by one of my all-time favorites, Aaron Lewis, and reminds me of the sweet love story between Emily and Noah. Running on Empty by Jackson Browne perfectly describes how Grace is feeling after trauma. And Once and For All by my friend Neil Ray perfectly describes Carly and Joey’s romance and the fear both face before taking the risk of acting on their feelings.

We were celebrating the release of Running on Empty, when Neil, playing with Leauxco then, said, “Hey, Alisha, this should be your next book.” Or something like that. It’s been a few years since then. At the time, I didn’t have a title yet, or if I did, it was just a general idea. When they started playing the song, I knew immediately, that “The Fear is Worse Than the Fall” would somehow be the title of the third book.

Here’s a a few lines:

“How hard must I try
To put my dreams aside
And open your eyes so you’ll realize
Once and for all

That the fear, the Fear is worse than the fall.”

Even now, it still gives me chills when I hear the song. And it was so fun to write the band into the story too. How did they play a part in the book? You’ll have to read it to find out! For now, how about we learn more about Neil?

…The Fear is Worse Than the Fall

When did you first start developing a love for music? Who were some of your early influences?

My dad was a bass player in a 60s rock band. I grew up, listening to CCR, Hendrix, Clapton, etc. My mom says I used to play with my spoon in my highchair like a guitar.

What is your creative process for songwriting?

I don’t know if I really have one. Sometimes I come up with a clever piece of music and put words to it. Sometimes the words come first. It’s hard to say.

How would you describe your style of music?

I listen to a lot of different styles of music, but the things I write tend to have more of a country feel.

What was the inspiration for your song, “The Fear is Worse Than the Fall?”

I started dating a girl who had just come out of a bad relationship. She was casually dating me, and another guy and I was trying to figure out how to get her to pick me over him without scaring her off at the same time. I wound up writing “The Fear is Worse Than Fall” about that situation. We wound up dating for two years.

If you could spend the day with another musician, who would you choose?

I don’t think I could pick just one.

Do you listen to music while you write your own songs? What are your favorites that inspire your muse?

I can’t listen to any other music while I’m writing. I’m too afraid my stuff will wind up sounding just like what I was listening to.

What is your favorite song to perform?

Of my original songs? I don’t know that I have a favorite, but “Stay Out of My Reach” is the most requested.

Describe your ideal venue.

I like medium size clubs where I can see everybody.

Anything else you’d like people to know?

Yes. DJ’S suck. Get out and support REAL live music.

Where can we find you on social media?

The Drunk Uncles Band on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedrunkunclesband

About the Book

Blurb:

Carly Devereaux is stuck in a rut.

As a manager at Snapper’s Bar and Grill, she spends her days dreaming about writing, and her nights talking herself out of her growing attraction to her friend and business partner, Joey. While Joey has always been there for her, she fears chancing a relationship could ruin the bond between them.

Until a hurricane blows her life apart.

Picking up the pieces means a fresh start in a new city, where she meets engaging locals who awaken her creative muse.

Enter Lucky LeBlanc…

One look at his dimpled grin and humble southern charm proves to be the catalyst to reclaiming the mojo Carly was searching for. But when things begin to heat up with both Lucky and Joey, Carly is faced with a choice.

Will she indulge herself in something thrilling and new? Or jeopardize a friendship in hopes of finding her happily ever after?

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3FzTgUe

An Interview With Teresa Keefer-Exploring Ireland and Romance

Take a journey with us as we chat with Teresa Keefer about Ireland and the magic and inspiration she finds there.

Do you have a love of books and a soft spot for Ireland? If so, get ready to enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day inspired blog. Teresa Keefer’s novels often explore Irish culture as compelling backdrops for romantic storylines that captivate readers from everywhere. In this interview with Teresa, she shares details about her life long love of the area.

How long have you loved stories about Ireland?

For as long as I can remember, but in various genres. Obviously, I didn’t read paranormal romance set in Ireland when I was a kid. But I loved reading stories about the leprechauns, faeries, castles and such when I was young. As an adult, I was really hooked on the romance after reading Nora Roberts.

Do you have a favorite story set there?

I absolutely loved the last Nora Roberts series set there! The Dragon Heart Legacy was so enthralling. It had every component imaginable in it. Faeries, trolls, dragons, witches, demons…you name it. Another series I particularly liked was Tricia O’Malley’s Mystic Cove series. I read the entire series over the Christmas holidays and had to wait for the final one to come out in January.

My favorite sites in Ireland?

Every place I went was my favorite place. If I had to narrow it down, I’d have to say as of right now it would have to be the Cliffs of Moher. Even though it was cold and pouring down rain and we got soaked, it was a beautiful and peaceful place to be. If I had to pick a favorite place to live, I’d have to say in the countryside somewhere near Doolin. But that may change when I make my next trip over there!

If I only had one day to spend there?

I would spend a day wandering around one of the small villages then head to the local pub to listen to a live music session. It’s not Dublin which left a print on my soul, it was the small villages. If I moved there, it would be close to a village but in the country.

Where should a reader start with my books?

I highly recommend the Summers Sisters series and wrap it up with the prequel Rowena’s Song. And if you enjoy that series, watch for my new upcoming Seasons of the Witch – Book 1 – Samhain. 

Anything else?

I’ve loved books since I learned to read at 4 years old. One year, I won a place on the library float in a local parade because I read 56 books in one spring. Yes, that’s correct…56 books in about 5 months. It goes to follow that I would be the one writing the books one day. I absolutely adore my daughters and grandchildren; they are the best a woman could ask for.  I’m also a practicing medium and enjoy doing spirit message work when I’m not writing. Perhaps, that’s why I’m so drawn to paranormal books. I love to hear from my readers and would invite them to email me any time at teresa.keefer.author@hotmail.com

Teresa Keefer was chosen by her adoptive parents in Warsaw, Indiana and has remained in Indiana all her life. She currently resides in rural Indiana with a menagerie of dogs, cats, goat and chickens. She has three beautiful adult daughters and seven fantastic grandchildren who all live a hop, skip and a jump away from her. 

Holding an MBA from Indiana Institute of Technology, she has spent the last 30 years in the human resources profession. In her spare time—what little there is—she can be found doing a variety of crafts, cooking, studying the paranormal, making organic remedies, and barefoot gardening. Her bucket list is quite extensive, and she is determined to mark off every item—as she adds two more for each one accomplished.

Social Media Links:

I have my own website and (try to) do a weekly blog every Sunday. That website is https://www.teresakeeferromance.com

I am also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TeresaAKeefer

And I’m on Tik Tok @takauthor

Amazon Sales Page:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Teresa’s Amazon Page

5,000 Words Per Hour? Part Two

Two weeks ago, I decided (again) to dive into Chris Fox’s method of writing 5,000 words an hour to try to fire up my muse and encourage me to write more words. And it worked! Have I gotten to 5,000 words an hour? No. Lol. I’m not sure I’ll ever be at that level of productivity. I would actually be happy with 5,000 words a day. I really like to think about what I write while I write. BUT I do sometimes get caught up in the thinking and not the writing. So, this book actually gave me a happy medium between the two. I didn’t write every day, which was my goal. Freelancing and working full time is hectic sometimes and I just can’t focus sometimes. So, I think I just need to find a balance between sprints and freelancing. That will come. And I’m so glad that I’m making progress on both the freelancing and writing fronts.

Results

• The most important result is that I wrote more words. As I stated in my previous post, I had been in a writing slump and hadn’t been writing at all. So any words are an improvement. In two weeks, I wrote 1,300 words, more than I’ve written in a while.
• I can see my stamina increasing. There are some sprints where I grew from 5 minutes to 7 or 10 minutes, which, as I continue to progress, will improve
• I can see my word count increasing with sprints. I start out at 107 words, and after a slight wobble, grows.
• I focus. And I also allow myself to trail off with….Sprint is ending? Not sure where I’m going? I’m good with ending mid -sentence and picking up next time.

So, two weeks in, I definitely recommend 5,000 Words Per Hour. The spreadsheet that’s included alone is worth $2.99! I’ll check in again in two weeks. I’m challenging myself to get more than 1,300 words this time.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

5,000 Words Per Hour: Write Faster, Write Smarter by Chris Fox

Book Blurb:

5,000 words an hour. Total BS, right? Check the reviews and you’ll see that some people exceed that. Those that don’t still write faster and more consistently after reading this book. It really works.

The fastest way to succeed as an author is to write more books. How do you do that with a day job, family, school or all your other time commitments? The secret is efficiency.

5K WPH will help you maximize your writing time by building effective habits that both measure and increase your writing speed.

– Create an effective writing habit
– Track and improve your Words Per Hour
– Stop the endless editing and tinkering so you can finish your draft
– Use voice dictation software to dramatically increase words per hour.

It’s time to shift your writing into high gear. Write Faster, Write Smarter!

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3YG8k9s

5,000 Words Per Hour? Part One

I admit it. I’ve been in a writing slump for several months now. It’s not that I don’t have any ideas. Maybe I simply have too many. I have at least four books in my head right now, just waiting to get out. Granted, my life has been a little topsy-turvy in the past year. Hello, two moves in one year? That’s enough to make anyone’s head spin, and not in the way that puts stories together.

I’m all settled now. Sorta. There’s still some painting, organizing and unpacking to do. But not enough to keep me from sitting down and writing. When it comes to writing, I have all these ideas, up until I sit and actually open up the document. That’s when I hear crickets. Or the Jeopardy song. Or anything else but the sound of fingers happily tapping on the keyboard.

I’ve tried moving outside and enjoying the fresh air and the birds singing, but that doesn’t seem to help. I’ve taken my laptop to an entirely different location, and while it kind of spurred me on, it wasn’t enough to get me GOING again. In that flow that I love so much where time doesn’t seem to matter, and it’s just me, my characters, and the story that’s unfolding in my head.

So, it’s time to try something else. I bought Chris Fox’s book 5,000 Words Per Hour almost a year ago, and I read and followed the first few chapters. I loved the word chart he includes that you can use for each book you write. But, it wasn’t the time yet to sit and focus on getting my groove back.

It’s time now. There are no excuses and no reasons why I can’t. I’m going to try out Fox’s methods for the next thirty days and see how much I can turn out. Granted, his method doesn’t start out with 5,000 words an hour. You build up with micro sprints and pre-planning your scenes before you sit down. As a pantser, not a planner, this may be a challenge too!

I’ll come back here on March 9th, in fifteen days, and let you all know how well I did. I may even finish that novella that’s open on my laptop right now. Just waiting for me to come write, “The End”.

Want to check out the book for yourself? Click the link below to download your copy today.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

5,000 Words Per Hour: Write Faster, Write Smarter by Chris Fox

Book Blurb:

5,000 words an hour. Total BS, right? Check the reviews and you’ll see that some people exceed that. Those that don’t still write faster and more consistently after reading this book. It really works.

The fastest way to succeed as an author is to write more books. How do you do that with a day job, family, school or all your other time commitments? The secret is efficiency.

5K WPH will help you maximize your writing time by building effective habits that both measure and increase your writing speed.

– Create an effective writing habit
– Track and improve your Words Per Hour
– Stop the endless editing and tinkering so you can finish your draft
– Use voice dictation software to dramatically increase words per hour.

It’s time to shift your writing into high gear. Write Faster, Write Smarter!

Amazon Buy Link ——>https://amzn.to/3lT0nQB

Adopted Dog Brewing

Check out this local brewery that is dog-friendly and offers a great menu!

Being a dog mom to several adopted dogs over the years, I was so excited to hear that Lafayette would be getting a new dog-friendly brewery. What could be better than friendly doggos and great brews? I finally got the chance to check it out yesterday, and Adopted Dog Brewing did not disappoint. Keep reading for my review and a FREE book featuring an adopted pet!

The outdoor seating area is great! Especially on a warm day like yesterday. There’s plenty of seating under a patio and some in comfy chairs in the sun. There are plenty of water bowls around in case your pup gets thirsty.

The brews are awesome. I started with a flight with four selections, three of which were perfect for me,, and I had a hard time settling on just one. I ended up choosing the Fleur de Lis, for its taste and my love of the Fleur de Lis in general. There’s a great selection with a wide range of flavors, and I look forward to checking out more on my next visit. If you aren’t a beer drinker, they do have some local liquor.

The menu is full of tasty treats. I had the pretzel appetizer, and the two large sticks were just enough for me. The menu is abbreviated on the weekend, but the week has more dishes to choose from. Every dish that I saw looked well-seasoned and smelled fantastic.

You’ll love the music if you’re a fan of ’80s and ’90s music. While there, I listened to Billy Joel, Loverboy, Duran Duran, and “Kiss” by Prince. I would go again just for the playlist’s vibe.

The servers and waitstaff are friendly and knowledgeable about the different beers and the choices on the menu. My glass was never empty. And there are frequent stops by the tables to check on guests, clear out empties, and make sure that your visit is a pleasant one.

All in all, I give it a 5 Doggo Snack rating!

If you’re in the Lafayette area, you can find Adopted Dog Brewery at 329 Dulles Drive. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but open all other days of the week from 11:00-9:00. On Fridays and Saturdays, they are open until 10:00.

For more information:

Website: https://www.adopteddogbrewing.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdoptedDogBrew

Saving Grace (Free Novella)

Love reading books with rescue pets? Check out my free novella featuring a dog I rescued named Furby.

Can love help heal Grace’s scars from the past?

Grace has spent the past year trying to put the ghosts of the past behind her. When her beloved dog, Furby, is injured, she finds the strength to heal herself and her relationship with Gabe. 

A Bon Chance Boonie Christmas Romance

Click Here to Download Your Copy!

“Rescue Me”

Read more about the adopted pets in my other books and one of my favorite Mardi Gras parades, the Krewe de Chien parade!

Rescue Me!

HelloFresh vs. EveryPlate

Two popular meal delivery services go head-to-head in this comparison post. Find out which one is the best for you!

Looking to make mealtime fun? Struggling to find ways to spice up your menus? Look no further than HelloFresh and EveryPlate – two very popular delivery services. In this blog post, we compare them both and provide you with an ultimate guide on which one is right for you. Get ready for some romance, food and fun!

HelloFresh

HelloFresh was founded in 2011 with the aim of making home-cooked meals accessible for busy individuals and couples. HelloFresh is available in 18 countries across three continents, giving customers worldwide access to delicious, nutritious meals that are easy to make at home.

HelloFresh is great for single people. I love that I can order two recipes for the week other than have to order three with Every Plate. There are times that I can stretch out the two recipes into several meals and a third one goes wasted because I didn’t need it. Plus, HF has great add-ons like their spinach and artichoke flatbreads that I can add for an extra snack that’s not a full meal.

Their boxes are also more organized than EveryPlate. With HF, they send you your ingredients neatly bagged up for each meal. There’s no confusion. This may not seem like a big deal until you spend time sifting, sorting, and separating. This is especially convenient when you order two meals with something like potatoes and need to count out how many you need for each.

Recipes for HF are a little higher quality. If you are more adventurous and more of a foodie, you will enjoy their menus more. I have tried many different ingredients and meals than I ever would have if not for HF. I now keep new and exciting spices in my cupboard and cooking repertoire.

EveryPlate

EveryPlate is a meal delivery service that makes enjoying fresh and delicious recipes accessible to everyone. Founded in 2018 by the same team behind HelloFresh, EveryPlate offers affordable pre-portioned ingredients, easy-to-follow recipes, and convenient weekly delivery options. With its wide variety of meal plans, EveryPlate is perfect for those looking for an easier way to cook without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Since it’s an offshoot of HelloFresh, the quality of ingredients is the same as what you would get with HF. Everything that I have received has been fresh and tastes great. I’ve never had an issue with any of that.

This service is more budget-friendly. If you need more servings, this one might be the better choice for you. Plus, you get three recipes in your box rather than two. This really depends on your needs. I also seem to find that EP offers more sides with their selections than HF, stretching the meal out a bit more.

These recipes aren’t as complicated as some in the HF boxes. If you’re looking for easier meals to prep and cook. This one might be the best option for you.

Conclusion

Both of these services have their pros and cons, and really, one isn’t better than the other. It really depends on your needs and what you’re looking for. They are part of the same company, so you will get the same ingredients and excellent customer service. Honestly? I use both in tandem. But this takes a little planning. I say this because this week, I didn’t plan correctly and got boxes from both. As a single person, there’s going to be a lot of cooking and sharing meals here and there so that it doesn’t go to waste. But, that’s not such a bad thing either. If you’d like to try out these meal services, check out the links below for a free box from each so you can make your own decision.

Click Here for a Free HelloFresh Box

Click Here for a Free EveryPlate Box

Recent Related Post

Hello Fresh Recipe Review

A World of Color and Mystery: Fiction Books to Celebrate Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere, making it a popular setting for fiction novels. From mystery and suspense to romance and drama, the unique culture and festivities of Mardi Gras provide a rich backdrop for a wide range of stories. In this blog entry, we’ll explore some of my favorite fiction books set during Mardi Gras, each offering a captivating and immersive experience for readers. So if you’re looking for a good read that transports you to the heart of this exciting celebration, be sure to check out the books on this list.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. The Night He Died by Stacy Green

Wrong place. Wrong time. And everything to lose. Running for his life … Cage Foster discovers a body in one of New Orleans’s most mysterious cemeteries. His partner recognizes the victim—she investigated him for the disappearance of his girlfriend months ago and suspects suicide. Cage isn’t buying it—the evidence and the cause of death tell a different story. Running out of time … Within days, others start to disappear. Cage is certain everything is tied to one of New Orleans’s most powerful Mardi Gras Krewes, but with Fat Tuesday just days away, city officials demand Cage drop the investigation. Up against the city’s rich and powerful who financially fuel a corrupted legal system, Cage only has two allies: A clairvoyant and a woman with a past so dark and damaged, he’s afraid to trust her. The killer will do anything to keep from being exposed, and Cage’s luck has finally run out, because this is The Night He Died.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3jlk8iJ

2. Behind the Mask by Linda Joyce

Former model Chalise Boudreau returns to Louisiana after ten years and faces an uncertain future. Watching her budget, she’s living with her mother and plans to open a luxury salon, but she fears the community sees her homecoming as a failing, and she knows any malicious gossip will jeopardize her success.

Once bad-boy, now entrepreneur Chaz Riboucheaux is home and trying to rebuild his old reputation. He believes one of his companies, the Magnolia May, a pirate ship, can make Ascension a tourist destination, but the mayor refuses to grant him a lease at the city’s dock.

Chalise and Chaz come face to face at a Twelfth Night party. Years ago, he stood her up and left her brokenhearted. Now her brain is at war with her heart, but her body has a mind of its own. As Chaz leads her across the dance floor, he knows when the music stops it won’t be the end of their waltz. He has questions only she can answer, and he won’t stop until he gets what he wants.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3kM6nKl

3. Rescued by a Kiss by Colleen Mooney

One kiss and her world turns upside down…

Can she solve the case that threatens his life? Brandy Alexander never thought living in the Big Easy could feel so dull. And as she waits painfully for her long-time cop boyfriend to propose, she’s not sure their hearts are beating to the same tune.

Then, she did what lots of young women do at parades, and that is to exchange a kiss from a tuxedoed man in a walking club for a flower …

But, she kissed a handsome stranger that summoned her into the street and electric thrills turn to shock when he’s shot right before her eyes. His gasping request haunts her as she watches in horror as he’s whisked away by an ambulance.

Brandy races to track down the mysterious person his only words asked of her…

The clues take her from Bourbon Street’s bright lights into a dark den of corruption. She’ll have to put everything on the line to prevent her charming man from eating another bullet.

Can Brandy survive her city’s greedy criminals and save this charismatic man she feels a romantic connection with?

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3Dp04Db

4. Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown

In this “intriguing” thriller (People), a New Orleans police officer kidnaps an attorney’s wife in an act of revenge — but he’s not expecting the electric attraction between them.

Burke Basile is a cop with nothing left to lose. Haunted by his partner’s death, the end of his marriage, and the destruction of his career, he targets his nemesis, a flamboyant attorney who helps killers evade justice. Burke’s shocking revenge centers around kidnapping Remy, the lawyer’s trophy wife.

But Burke hasn’t planned on the scorching desire he’ll feel for this desperate woman, who rose from the slums of New Orleans to marry a man she can never love. Nor can he predict the fierce duel that will explode as the clock ticks toward midnight on Fat Tuesday when all masks will be stripped away — and Burke will be forced to confront his own terrifying secret.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3RerfWG

5. Perilous Confessions by Carrie Dalby

Their love brought scandal and demons.

Lucy Easton, an aspiring novelist, will do anything to help boost her chances at publication-including betraying her family. But when she crosses paths with the charismatic Alexander, her aspiration for success pales in comparison to the attraction she feels towards him.

Alexander Melling is a young lawyer from a powerful family, striving to free himself from his father’s shadow. The more time he spends with Lucy, the more desperate he becomes to shed the secrets of his past-a past which can destroy both himself and the woman he loves.

While Alexander struggles with his past sins, Lucy must decide whether loving him is worth risking her own safety…and her heart. From gossip magazines to gleaming Mardi Gras balls, Lucy and Alex navigate the Gilded Age in the Deep South with both passion and guilt.

Also included in this new edition is The Possession Chronicles prequel short story “Masked Flaws.” Find out how Edmund Easton joined the Mystics of Dardenne society during the 1904 Mardi Gras season.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3RhTIuR

And a Mardi Gras Freebie!

Did you know that the people on the floats throw beads, toys, candy, and other goodies to the people lining the parade routes? Consider this a Mardi Gras “throw” for you! The Goddess of Gothic, Carrie Dalby (see her book above) co-wrote “Revelry’s Requiem” with me for an anthology. Now, we’re giving it out to our readers for free!

Danger arrives at Chateau Rouge during the 1911 carnival season in the form of an Italian violinist, Valentino De Fiore. Seeking to flaunt his fame, Valentino sends for his cousin, Father Claudio De Fiore, to visit from his small Louisiana parish. The instant Claudio arrives, he feels powers of darkness closing in around Valentino. In over their heads with the arrogant violinist and a young vampire who loves him, Josephine and Alcide must turn to Selena Prosperie, the oldest vampire in New Orleans in hopes of bringing secrecy back to their establishment. Can the vengeful immortal control the situation without unleashing her fury on the De Fiore cousins?

Download your FREE copy by clicking here now: https://BookHip.com/FSSSMLJ

Lafayette Mardi Gras Photographer John Weatherall

Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!

Louisiana native John Weatherall captures perfect parade pictures.

Mardi Gras season officially kicks off today, and if you’re from Louisiana, then this is probably one of your favorite times of the year. Whether it’s a small local parade or a big city celebration, nothing can quite compare to the bustle and excitement of Mardi Gras in the South. But have you ever thought about who captures these moments? Who brings these memories to life with dynamic photos and videos that tell stories of the revelry and celebration that makes this time of the year so unique? One such photographer is Louisiana native John Weatherall, who specializes in capturing Mardi Gras with fun-filled videos that capture perfect moments along parade routes. In this blog post, we’ll find out who his influences are and why he loves Mardi Gras so much.

(Side note: I had the privilege of teaching John and have enjoyed watching his success grow every year. And with my own love of Mardi Gras, this was a fun blog to do!)

How long have you been taking pictures?

My interest in photography started back in April of 2007. My parents purchased a Sanyo Point and Shoot Camera for me to take photos of the family. It wasn’t until November ’07, during my Junior Year at Northside High whenever they invested in a Sony A100 DSLR. From there, my interest grew tremendously!

My interest in videography started in the late 1990s. My Mom and Dad filmed all of our home movies growing up and showed me and my sisters how to operate the VHS camera. It wasn’t until January 2001 whenever I was able to operate the camera on my own. We were on our way to Baton Rouge to visit my sister, and I was able to document our trip to and from that; I fell in love with photography! I still have that video saved at home.

What inspired you to become a photographer?

It would have to be my love for capturing moments that most people don’t think of or forget to capture. Going through our family photo albums, I would always say, “Why didn’t we get this moment on photo or video?” but of course, I feel the best moments are whenever you’re not documenting and living in the moment. But my goal is to capture those moments that people tend to not think about!

Who are some people that have influenced you throughout your career?

Photography-wise, I’d have to say Dave Hill, Alex Stoddard, Brooke Shaden, and more recently Joe Greer (Film Photographer). Videography-wise, I’d have to say Ray Roman Films, Dennis Films, and Hype Williams!

Tell us what your favorite projects have been so far.

Definitely my Mardi Gras recap videos I put out every year. They have taken a life of their own for sure. Aside from Mardi Gras, I’d have to go with my We Ready Saints Hype Video I shot back in 2019. I remember that week being crazy because I traveled all down I-10 from Lake Charles to New Orleans, filming different Saints fans all in four days!

Now, speaking of Mardi Gras and the subject of this interview, let’s assume it’s someone’s first Mardi Gras. What advice do you give him or her?

Prepare for a long day! No seriously. Mardi Gras is a great experience but can be draining if you don’t prepare for what’s ahead. My advice would be to stay hydrated at all times, be sure to check out the parade route in advance to pick a spot you want to set up. Arrive early!

Everyone is like family along the parade route, so you’re bound to meet new friends and have fun before the parade rolls. I’ve also received messages from people who are unsure about attending a parade alone. Trust me, it’s just as fun. Since 2004, I’ve been attending several parades by myself and have always had a great experience. Lastly, have fun and catch lots of beads!

What’s your favorite thing about Mardi Gras?

The people. I can’t tell you how many people that I’ve met over the years at the parades that I still keep in contact with to this day! Can’t forget about the King cakes. My go-to spots are Meches and Jak’s Donuts for their King Cake Cronuts.

Where can we find you on social media?

I’m on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter under @johneweatherall and YouTube under John Weatherall III.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Be sure to look for me on the Krewe De Krunk float during Mardi Gras. And also special thanks to my parents John and Prenella Weatherall for getting me started in videography as a kid, my best friend Gerald Gruenig for pushing me to post Mardi Gras content on TikTok, which blew up in 2022, and lastly Lance Ruffins with Krewe De Krunk.

A.L. Vincent Books

The Bon Chance Boonies series is the perfect read for anyone who loves Louisiana, food, friendship, and family. These heartwarming stories will make you laugh, cry, and feel like you are home. Click the link below to buy your book today!

Bon Chance Boonie Amazon Page

Book Review ~ A Southern Lights Christmas

Book Blurb:

A Minnesota man, determined to spend a Christmas in a milder climate with no snow, books a two week stay at the Southern Lights Mistletoe Lodge in southwest Louisiana. Mack develops an immediate camaraderie with his across-the-hall neighbor, Natalie, a widow of one year, there to escape the over-protective smothering of well-meaning family members. When a rare and far-reaching Arctic blast covers the south with a foot of bone-chilling, wet snow, Mack and Natalie experience the reality of winter in a southern town. Can the two new friends keep each other warm and toasty through the inconveniences of closed roadways, frozen pipes, and frigid temps?

My Review:

Being from Louisiana, I’m always delighted to read stories about Cajun country by local writers. This short Christmas romance didn’t disappoint. A Southern Lights Chrismas was absolutely DeLIGHTful! I love the slow and steady romance between Mack and Natalie. It was a very real romance between characters I felt like people I know. The details with all the local places and Louisiana culture were lagniappe! Definitely recommend this one! 

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A Southern Lights Christmas: Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge

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One Magick Yule ~ Book Review

Book Blurb:

Living in a remote part of eastern Kentucky, Taylor McKenzie has secrets to keep. As an author of mystery novels, she writes under a pen name to avoid intrusion into her life. As a witch, she talks to animals and performs magick that she prefers to keep to herself. Ben Partin needed to get away from life after a recent romantic relationship went bad. His grandmother had just the place at her abandoned farm in rural Kentucky. As a romance author, he was suffering from the worst kind of writer’s block ever. How could he write romances when he didn’t believe in love anymore? Two meddlesome dogs and a blizzard on Christmas Eve manage to unravel secrets and open doors for the two solitary writers.

Book Review:

I’m a sucker for stories with unique characters and storylines. This book has both. I love that Taylor could talk to animals and that each animal had its own character and voice. Happy, the raccoon, was a definite scene stealer, literally. Highly recommend this sweet Christmas romance.

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One Magick Yule

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