Welcome to the Sunday interview and this week my guest is author Billy Ray Chitwood. Before we find out which of the questions Billy Ray has chosen to respond to… here is his official biography.
About Billy Ray Chitwood
An Appalachian hill boy from east Tennessee, Billy Ray Chitwood has family roots that go back to tenth century England and a hamlet just north of London called Chetwode.
Billy Ray received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, taught high school ‘Advanced Writing’ in Lorain, Ohio. He has served honorably and proudly in the United States Navy. Aside from sales/marketing management positions with top textbook publishers, he has been a model and an actor in film, stage, television. He is still active in his own business as the CEO of Chitwood, Inc.
Billy Ray has written fifteen books, most of which you will find on amazon and amazon UK. Many of his novels of fiction were inspired from actual crimes. His first book, “The Cracked Mirror – Reflections Of An Appalachian Son,” is a fictional memoir which has much factual and historical accuracy about the author’s own life.
Currently, Billy Ray spends his time on the Cumberland Plateau in Middle Tennessee with his lovely wife, Julie Anne, and their feisty but lovable Bengal cat named George.
Time to hand over to Billy Ray and discover more about something he lost, music and bearskin rugs,
Welcome Billy Ray and can you tell us what is the most valuable thing you have lost and did you ever find it?
One of my most productive periods as an author was during residence in historic Southeast Arizona – historic because the residence was close to Tombstone (‘The Town Too Tough to Die’), home for a while to Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, the ‘Shoot-out at the OK Corral’, and legendary bad guys and Indians).
My writing at the time focused on ‘The Bailey Crane Mysteries’ which was to be a 7-book series. The first book – “An Arizona Tragedy’ – was finished. The second book – “Stranger Abduction” – was finished except for final editing. Both manuscripts were placed in individual boxes. These books were written on my ‘Star-Writer’ word processor…did not have a laptop at the time.
During a subsequent move, the “Stranger Abduction” manuscript was lost…the only manuscript missing of the many already written and in their boxes.
I searched for weeks trying to find it as I had started the publishing process (too many-too fast, I must add). While each book in the series stood alone, each still followed the aging and woes of the central character, ‘Bailey Crane’. Angry, dumbfounded, I finally re-wrote “Stranger Abduction” as a stand-alone book. It’s my belief it is much better than the original that was lost.
What is your favourite music genre and why?
I’m an incurable ‘Romantic’ so I’m a ballad-type of guy. Back in my ‘lotus-eater’ days, there was nothing more soothing, more overwhelming for the emotional-me than ‘Ole Blue Eyes’ Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett entertaining me and my lady…with, of course, some wine, cheese, and grapes on a bearskin rug!
Those were the moments when dying, taxes, and tomorrow were never considered and nowhere on the immediate horizon. Fellow ‘lotus-eaters’ will know of what I write here. Somehow, without the music, those moments would not be the same. So much of me is still there in those moments.
Sally here.… I hope that this will provide another bearskin and wine moment Billy Ray….
Do you prefer the beach or the mountains and why?
The beach… If I’m a ‘Romantic’, you know it’s got to be the beach! I’ve got to be able to see the horizon and wonder just what’s beyond. That’s not all! There’s the sun, the waves caressing the shore, the smell of salt water, and those yummy yellow polka-dot bikinis incessantly walking by – with one hopefully lying next to me on the beach towel. Now, this should not be surprising to anyone… I’m seriously impaired, incurable beyond redemption, and my epithet should read: ‘Here lies Billy Ray – The Spirit of his Day!’ I’m just saying… PLUS, there are tons of space in front of me!
Do you prefer cats, dogs, or neither?
Billy Ray and Julie Anne
I love both cats and dogs. ‘Lady Gray’ is our recently added fur-buddy… Interesting story: ‘Lady’ was an outdoor cat, kept showing up at our backdoor morning, noon and evening for ‘handouts’…which Julie Anne was eager to accommodate. On some occasions, ‘Lady’ would come in, but, then dash out, not quite sure of the situation. Finally, she came in for keeps, pregnant and in need of Vet treatment. She is now at home, wants nothing from outside, not even her siblings. She sits on the back of a stuffed chair and watches her friends romp outside.
And one very lucky ‘Lady Gray’
If you could choose a different career, what would it be and why?
I would be a golfer – and a writer’! They blend nicely. Hey, I’m out in the sun, at least, most of the time…and, I don’t even mind playing in the rain. There is one proviso: my game would have to be in the professional range of competition. I’m way too much of a ‘Ham’ and maybe I get rich swiftly and have all the pretty ladies ‘following’ my action. On the side, you understand, I’m writing my ‘Best Sellers’! What a perfect fit!
Sally here... you wanted birds following you around the course Billy Ray.. here are a few for you, plus an alligator, turtle and squirrel. Hazards when you play in the big leagues. Courtesy of PGA Tour Channel where you will find more of the same and all the action of the tour.
Here is a small selection of Billy Ray’s books
About Stranger Abduction
It is a sunny Sunday in May, 1993. After church, a mother and her lovely fourteen-year old daughter walk three miles to a country store for cigarettes and ice cream. It is a walk members of the family often take in this rural Sulphur Springs Valley area of southeastern Arizona near the Mexican border.
The mother and daughter arrive at the store in a jovial mood, trading pleasantries with customers and the owners… The daughter timidly flirts with a boy from her school. The daughter and mother leave the store in a silly mood, finger painting ice cream on their faces.
They never make it home…
The deputy sheriff of the county believe there has been a ‘stranger abduction’.
There are lots of action, interesting characters, and romance to go with this fictional account of an incident inspired by true events…events that brought tragedy to a shaken family.
One of the recent reviews for the book
Can you imagine anything more frightening than a mother and daughter disappearing from a quiet rural road? That’s exactly the tale that Billy Ray Chitwood relates in Stranger Abduction. This is a fictitious account of an actual event. A mother and daughter walking home from the store, happy and eating ice cream when evil pounces. The way the author wove this tale around all the characters involved is gripping. I discovered many sub-plots in this book and sometimes that doesn’t work. But, in this book, it worked perfectly and I had no trouble following along. This is a chilling, well-written story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, break your heart and then mend it slowly but surely. A great read!
Read the reviews and discover and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Billy-Ray-Chitwood/e/B00502520Q
And Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Billy-Ray-Chitwood/e/B00502520Q
Read more reviews and follow Billy Ray on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4832225.Billy_Ray_Chitwood
Connect to Billy Ray
Website: https://brchitwood.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brchitwood
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/billyrayscorner/
If you would like to participate in the Getting to Know You series… here is how, with the questions to select your five from: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/04/22/the-new-series-of-the-smorgasbord-sunday-interview-geting-to-know-you-and-i-will-go-first/
Billy Ray would love to receive your comments and thank you for dropping in today… Sally
Pingback: Smorgasbord Getting to Know You: Billy Ray Chitwood – The Militant Negro™
Enjoyed getting to know more about you and your books, Billy Ray! 🙂 Lovely photo of you and Julie Anne. As for Sinatra and the gang–unforgettable favorites! 🙂 xo
LikeLiked by 4 people
Sally, what a lovely Saturday evening treat! Your interview, Sinatra, Iguanas, alligators, and turtles…WOW! I can’t thank you enough. You made the week for me as I’ve been really toiling with my writing and the laptop blues all week – you brought joy, and I thank you so much…!♥♥♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Delighted to hear it Billy Ray and I am sure there will be plenty more comments for you during the day… lovely to have you over…hugs ♥♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Bette, thank you so much for your warm comments… I apologize, I commented last night and forgot to hit the send button…it happns here in ‘Twilight’… Thank you again, you delightful lady! ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
You had me at Sinatra!
LikeLiked by 4 people
You cannot beat Ole Blue Eyes…. thanks Annette.. hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
She had me, too, Annette! ‘Ole Blue Eyes!’ was myt guy… I visited on occasion some of his ‘haunts’ in Palm Springs back in the day… Great memories! Thank you for commenting. Annette.♥
LikeLiked by 3 people
This is another interesting author interview, Sally. The tone is well established, it reads like a warm introduction.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Robert… delighted you enjoyed.. Have a good Sunday.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Robert, for your kind words. My best wishes to you. BR
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for introducing us to Billy Ray, Sally… he has such a wonderful sense of humour!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lovely to hear Jaye and Anita and thank you very much for reblogging.. hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
This week my guest on the Getting to Know You interview is author Billy Ray Chitwood. He has chosen some excellent questions to respond to and shares his love of Sinatra, things lost and the romance in life… including golf…. Time to hand over to Billy Ray and discover more about something he lost, music and bearskin rugs,
LikeLike
Losing a manuscript must be so painful. But it happened to Hemingway and it didn’t hurt his career!
Enjoyed the interview and always great to get to know another author.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Darlene..xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Robert, for your kind words. My very best wishes to you. BR
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Darlene, thank you for your comments… Hemingway fact I didn’t know re lost manuscript. Thanks. Wishing you well. BR
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Anita and Jaye, for your reblog and your warm comments. Wishing you both a great week ahead. BR
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Getting to Know You – Author Billy Ray Chitwood – The Final Curtain1
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
Have YOU been interviewed by Sally yet?
Find out how, at the end of the original blog post 😃
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah, Thank you, my favorite ape for the Reblog and comment. All the best. BR ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Welcome, Billy Ray 👍😃
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for spreading the word Chris..hugs ♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome, Sally ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was a delightful Sunday morning read! Thank you, Sally, for inviting Billy Ray to your blog. I felt like we were all sitting in a living room, coffee in hand, enjoying discoveries of this wonderful writer. I loved Stranger Abduction and look forward to reading more of his work. All the best to you both.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Gwen, thank you so much for your kind and warm words. You make my Sunday! BR ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Gwen.. I enjoyed reading too.. enjoy the rest of your weekend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hey there, Billy Ray. Nice to see you over here. Loved the interview.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Craig, you’re a gentleman and one hellava writer! i admire your work ethic and your total immersion in your craft! All the best! BR
LikeLiked by 2 people
Appreciate it. Hope you draw some real attention today.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Craig.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed reading more about Billy Ray. I loved his epitaph ‘Here lies Billy Ray – The Spirit of his Day!’ since I believe it truly captures the essence of Billy Ray perfectly. Thaks, Sally and Billy Ray
LikeLiked by 2 people
My man, Good John, thanks for your wonderful sentiment. I appreciate so much your indefatigable nature…aside from being an incredible author. Always, my very best to you. BR ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Billy Ray
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you John.. as you say.. captures the essence.. hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Smorgasbord Weekly Round Up – With friends – William Price King, Paul Andruss, Carol Taylor, Esme, Billy Ray Chitwood and other brilliant writers. | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life
Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Meet author Billy Ray Chitwood from this post on the Smorgasbord Invitation blog.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Don, for the reblog and your great efforts on my behalf. You’re a good man and prolific author, and I wish you so much success with your new book all your endeavors. ♥
LikeLiked by 3 people
You’re welcome and thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing Don..
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great interview. I was rather distracted by the seagull on the 17th! Wonderful clip, Sally.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My thanks to you, Mary, for sharing with me some of these moments with Sally…I could abide the seagull, NOT the alligators. BR ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
I thought he was masterful! thanks Mary.. xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Billy or the seagull?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Both..😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello! I enjoyed this interview very much! It’s wonderful learning more about Billy Ray. Thank you, Sally! Happy Sunday! 😀 xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Vashti.. so pleased you enjoyed and Happy Sunday to you too..hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re a jewel, Vashti! Thanks so much! ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hugs and kisses, Sally! You’re very welcome, Billy Ray! 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
I enjoyed learning more about Billy Ray, Sally. I have recently acquired one of his books and am looking forward to it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great Robbie, Billy Ray will be pleased… hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, dear Robbie. Hope you enjoy the read…please let me know. Have a great week. All the best! ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoyed the interview, Billy Ray and Sally. As a fellow romantic 🙂 I agree, there’s nothing better than a slow surf, seagulls wheeling overhead, and your love by your side!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jackie, I wanna go back! But, then, ‘Twilight’ is not so bad. Thanks for the nice comment. My best wishes. ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
I see you to would get on Jacquie… thanks for dropping in and adding another dash of romance. xxx♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Billy Ray is such an interesting person and what a prolific writer! Nice to know more about him! Enjoy your beach adventures Billy 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Balroop, for you lovely comment. Have a great week. ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for dropping in Balroop.. hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fun interview and The Rat pack and itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikinis….Loved the whole interview and I must read Stranger Abduction my kind of tale :)x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Carol, for the comment…that song is tough to get out of your head with its jumpy beat! Have a great read. Let me know how you like SA! Thanks. My best wishes. ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know BR it is still going around inmy head I will probaly be singing it for days now…Thanx…lol …Of course I will let you know 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Carol…glad you enjoyed as much as I did.. xxx
LikeLike
Fantastic to get to know more about Billy Ray. Loved the epitaph, and of course all things Arizona. I look forward to getting to read some of Billy’s books. 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fantastic thanks Debby.. ♥
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Debbie… Hope to be back in Arizona by Fall or sooner. We have something definitely in common. I love Arizona. Hope you enjoy my books if you get a chance to read them. My best wishes. BR ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Bill Rae – Sally
I loved the 10 best animal encounters with the golfers. I remember watching a couple of those live. The commentary is what makes it even better.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Chuck. Me, too, I remember a couple of those. I plqyed the game and love to watch it on TV. Best wishes. BR
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very funny Chuck… loved the turtle doing the freestyle dive…..xx
LikeLike
Great interview, Sally! I had read about Billy Ray’s lost manuscript before and I am sure I’ve heard him singing at some point (and he is impressive!). Love to learn more about him. Congratulations, Billy Ray, and many thanks, Sally!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thqnks, Olga. So nice of you to remember. All the best. ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Olga.. so pleased you enjoyed… hugs xx
LikeLike
It’s wonderful to get to know Billy Ray a little more, Sally. I can tell he’s a romantic from his beautiful poetry. And I would have a meltdown if I lost a whole manuscript, but I’m glad it worked out well in the long run. Great review. Thanks for hosting, Sally. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Awful for that to happen. which reminds me.. must do a back up… xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was just thinking the same thing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Diana, for your warm comments. I’m very appreciative…♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Viv Drewa – The Owl Lady.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing Viv.. hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome, Sally!
Hugz on owl wings! @v@ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the Reblog. You’re wonderfu, Viv. ♥l
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re very welcome, Billy Ray! Thank you, I love learning about other authors.
Hugz on owl wings! @v@ ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Enjoyed getting to know a little more about you and your books, Billy Ray. I was born and raised in Huntington WV, not far from you in Tennessee.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clearly special people come from the area Jennie.. xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂🙂🙂
LikeLike
Hi, Jennie, thanks for your comment… I’ve spent some time in WV: lovely people, lovely state – stayed at the Greenbriar at times in my work. Our distinction as I recall: folks from WV were called ‘Ridge-Runners’ and we in TN were called ‘Hill-Billies. Have a great week, Jennie AND Best Wishes. BR
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well thank you, Billy Ray. Yes, I’m a ridge runner and you’re a hillbilly. The Greenbrier is quite the hotel. That’s where we spent our honeymoon back in ‘76. Do you remember the ice sculptures at lunch? My family homestead is not too far away in Lowell, the oldest two story log cabin west of the Appalachian mountains. We could talk for ages. Best to you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a wonderful interview, Sally. It’s so nice to learn more about Billy Ray and to meet his better half. I really enjoyed “Stranger Abduction,” but haven’t read any of Billy Ray’s other books yet. Thanks so much for hosting him!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Jan and it was certainly fun having Billy Ray over.. hugs xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a delightful interview, Sally. Good to know more about you, Billy. I went over to your blog a few months back and admire your publications. It’s wonderful to read Sally’s introduction, the interview questions, and your answers. Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin are my favorites also. That makes a nice evening read to me. Thank you both.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Miriam, so pleased you enjoyed Billy Ray’s take on life.. can’t go far wrong with romance, Sinatra and some golf…
LikeLiked by 1 person
You gave a wonderful interview and help me to get to know him more then what he talks about himself on his blog. Thank you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jan, for your lovely comments – and – for SA read! Hope your week holds all good things for you. . My best wishes. ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sally did a beautiful job in her interview. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Miriam, for your very nice comments. Each generation brings their own brand of music…but, me, I’ll always be stuck with my love for the ballad. Have a wonderful week, dear Miriam. ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
My husband listens to Karen Carpenter, Glen Thompson and a couple more in the era every night. I love them also because they were story tellers. Their music will stay for a long time verse the music that hardly has a melody or any depth in the story. A wonderful week to you, ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love Karen Carpenter – my favorite female vocalist! So sad she had problems in her life! Guess we all have those!. ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much fun reading more about the Billy Ray. Here is a fact that you may not know Sally and Sally‘s followers. Billy Ray and I attended the same college! Different years but we will always be (writing) Warriors! Keep on writing, Billy Ray!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Clearly a very good college Pamela…hugsxxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Pamela! Go, Warriors! Right! Always good to get your messages. You’re a great lady! ♥♥♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
It ‘s nice to meet you, Billy Ray, and get to know you and your books. Lovely photo of you and Julie Anne. Never stop writing and being a romantic. Love Sinatra – one of a kind! 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Janice…hugs xxxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, sweet lady! Got it covered! Been working all day writing! Another thanks for all your hard work! ♥♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a great interview! I love your epithet and sense of humor, Billy Ray, and that you turned a negative (loss of manuscript) into a positive. The PGA video is hilarious, Sally 🙂 Hugs to both of you ❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you enjoyed as much as I did Tina.. it was great fun having Billy Ray as a guest and he has a great sense of humour…hgs ♥♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, JJ, glad to have Sinatra buddies…Indeed, he was ‘one of a kind’! You bet, JJ, I’ll stay ‘romantic’ – didn’t know there was another way! ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, Tina! Thanks for your precious words! Hope you’re feeling up to par! I sent you an e-mail…hope you got it. My best wishes, dear lady! ♥♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome, Billy Ray. Got all of your emails but waiting for pre-order site info so we can choose a date for the post ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DCFWNX7?ref_=pe_2427780_160035660 … … … … … Synopses and ‘BUY SITES’ at https://billyraychitwood.com
LikeLiked by 2 people
Got your emails today ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tina, pushed the button too fast… Forgot an important item…a bucket was left for you! I can’t send the whole bucket, but here are 3 special ones I picked out for you… ♥♥♥ Now, don’t devour them too quickly…savor them! Ah, what the heck! Here’s 3 more from the bucket! ♥♥♥ Hope I’m not spoiling you! ♥♥♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Never, Billy Ray! Hugs are always welcome ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your introduction to Billy Ray, an interesting blend of British and American. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Marian.. and he is always a gentleman.. glad you enjoyed.. hugsx
LikeLike
Pingback: SHARE IT ON SUNDAY!: Getting To Know You Magazine and More | Campbells World