Cookbook Author John Schlimm
Tries His Hand at Fiction
By SANDRA RHODES
A St. Marys man known for his cookbooks using beer brewed up a book in a whole different genre – fiction.
John Schlimm released his book “Twang” as an e-book. “Twang,” which delves into the world of country music, is not that different from the cookbooks he’s written to date, Schlimm said.
“I think the very core of who I am is that I am a storyteller,” he said. “Even a cookbook tells a story. It tells a story of a great party.”
Schlimm said it was just a natural progression that would lead him to eventually tell the story of country music since he knows the industry intimately have being a publicist in Nashville for two years.
“It’s an incredible, magical place. Rarely do people think how incredible Nasville is, especially behind the scenes.”
And, Schlimm said, it’s never been written before.
“Twang” tells the story of a sister duo, who aren’t what they seem, as well as a husband and wife duo, who also are not what they seem. There’s a reporter who presents himself as a friend to the stars, but in reality, is ready to write a book that will shoot the stars right off the stage. And, of course, there’s a publicist who has to deal with the problems that crop up.
“The $1 million question one everyone’s mind is if these characters are based on anyone in particular or a figment of Schlimm’s imagination. He said many in the industry, including Page Six” have had fun trying to figure out who’s who.
Schlimm coyly says “Twang” is a work of fiction.
“This is not a hatchet job,” he said. “It’s actually a love letter to the country music industry.”
He said that he does not work from an outline, but his writing starts from a theme or word.
“I don’t know where the story is going and that’s scary. I just hope it goes somewhere.”
By why “Twang” as a title?
“It says so much about the book. That one word is what the book is all about.”
Or, perhaps, is something subliminal for the descendant of Peter Straub, founder of Straub Brewery, to name his book something that also has a beer connection. Twang beer salt is used to enhance Mexican beer.
The book is available only as an e-book any place e-books are available. Schlimm said this is fitting since e-books are on the cutting edge of the publishing world and “country music is always on the cutting edge.”
Also, this makes the book available instantly to readers worldwide at a relatively inexpensive price.
“I love that idea – not a not of money for a great read.”
Schlimm’s favorite character is the heroine, Salome Field, who “redefines the concept of over the top.”
But as Schlimm points out, many of the starts are over the top and have not been in the real world for quite some time.
“It’s a publicist’s job to make sure they never have to be in the real world again.”
In Schlimm’s real world, work continues on a new book where he goes back to his roots – a cook book. “The Tipsy Vegan: 75 Boozy Recipes to Turn Every Bite into Happy Hour” is set to come out later this month.
“I like to create a party in a book. I hope everyone likes it.”
A St. Marys man known for his cookbooks using beer brewed up a book in a whole different genre – fiction.
John Schlimm released his book “Twang” as an e-book. “Twang,” which delves into the world of country music, is not that different from the cookbooks he’s written to date, Schlimm said. “I think the very core of who I am is that I am a storyteller,” he said. “Even a cookbook tells a story. It tells a story of a great party.”
Schlimm said it was just a natural progression that would lead him to eventually tell the story of country music since he knows the industry intimately have being a publicist in Nashville for two years.
“It’s an incredible, magical place. Rarely do people think how incredible Nasville is, especially behind the scenes.”
And, Schlimm said, it’s never been written before.
“Twang” tells the story of a sister duo, who aren’t what they seem, as well as a husband and wife duo, who also are not what they seem. There’s a reporter who presents himself as a friend to the stars, but in reality, is ready to write a book that will shoot the stars right off the stage. And, of course, there’s a publicist who has to deal with the problems that crop up.
“The $1 million question one everyone’s mind is if these characters are based on anyone in particular or a figment of Schlimm’s imagination. He said many in the industry, including Page Six” have had fun trying to figure out who’s who.
Schlimm coyly says “Twang” is a work of fiction.
“This is not a hatchet job,” he said. “It’s actually a love letter to the country music industry.”
He said that he does not work from an outline, but his writing starts from a theme or word.
“I don’t know where the story is going and that’s scary. I just hope it goes somewhere.”
By why “Twang” as a title?
“It says so much about the book. That one word is what the book is all about.”
Or, perhaps, is something subliminal for the descendant of Peter Straub, founder of Straub Brewery, to name his book something that also has a beer connection. Twang beer salt is used to enhance Mexican beer.
The book is available only as an e-book any place e-books are available. Schlimm said this is fitting since e-books are on the cutting edge of the publishing world and “country music is always on the cutting edge.”
Also, this makes the book available instantly to readers worldwide at a relatively inexpensive price.
“I love that idea – not a not of money for a great read.”
Schlimm’s favorite character is the heroine, Salome Field, who “redefines the concept of over the top.”
But as Schlimm points out, many of the starts are over the top and have not been in the real world for quite some time.
“It’s a publicist’s job to make sure they never have to be in the real world again.”
In Schlimm’s real world, work continues on a new book where he goes back to his roots – a cook book. “The Tipsy Vegan: 75 Boozy Recipes to Turn Every Bite into Happy Hour” is set to come out later this month.
“I like to create a party in a book. I hope everyone likes it.”
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