So, two pieces of good news on a Monday morning.
One: We’ve narrowed down a publication time for my memoir, “The Elephant In the Room.” Things could still change — it’s mostly up to Simon & Schuster, my publisher — but for now we’re looking at January 2019. That gives everybody time to save up for a copy or seven. As we narrow down the date, make preorders available, figure out book signings, etc., I promise I’ll let people know through this site, social media, late-night infomercials, and maybe the occasional skywriter.
Two: I’m really excited to announce that I’ll be taking a full-time job soon with WFAE, the public radio station in Charlotte. I’ve been working with them for a while on my podcast, SouthBound (listen through WFAE.org, iTunes, Stitcher, and most other places you find podcasts). Right now we put out a podcast every other Wednesday. In my new role, we’ll make that a weekly podcast at some point. I’ll also be doing some commentary and/or enterprise stories — we’re still trying to figure all that out. I start there full-time toward the end of May.
WFAE is an ambitious place with a gifted young staff. Part of my job is to play what my wife calls “the GOV” — grizzled old veteran. I definitely have the grizzled part down. It’s sort of hilarious to me that, with my voice, I have ended up doing a podcast and working for a radio station. Life works in mysterious ways.
In short, if you so choose, you can soon hear a lot more of me, and before long you’ll be able to find me at a bookstore or library. Both of these things are a real thrill. I’m deeply grateful.
— TT
Kevin Pittard
Congratulations Tommy!
Julie Ritterskamp
Couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy!! Since we all need more Tommy in our lives, this news is terrific!!
Richard Wilson
I will be 76 next month and I it seems that I have been reading your stores for a long time.????
Ellie Griffin
Congratulations! No one deserves it more. I love every word you speak and write!
Nancy Valrance
Congratulations! I’m so glad to hear this. It is true that “we all need more Tommy in our lives”.
mickey gramig
Cheers!
Anne Sheffield
This is GREAT news! A big congrats, Tommy!
Kay and John Daughtry
Congratulations, Tommy! So happy for you. Love reading anything you write. Looking forward to your book.
Kay and John Daughtry
Julia Reynolds
Tommy, that’s all great news! Checking out that podcast now…
Melissa Treadaway
Yay! This news is good for all of us!! Congrats Tommy.
Debbie Davis
Congrats Tommy – what a talented gift you are to so many !!!
Jeannie fennell
So happy to get more of you! Wfae…great idea.Love Southbound ….need morregood stories about South..thank you!
Dean Miller
Hray!
Joel Callahan
I will be looking forward to your memoir. I will have to check out WFAE.org, so I can experience your words more often. Love the pod cast and glad to hear we can look forward to more frequent submissions. South Georgia misses you and your wit!
Jimmy Locke
One of my favorite writers! Great news Tommy!
Melissa Ludtke
Hard to wait! And congrats on the radio gig!
Anne Pigg
Congratulations Tommy! It couldn’t happen to a better guy!
Darrell Williams
Awesome news! Congrats!
Don Hudson
Wow….mano-y-mano. You and Pat McCrory. the leading voices in Charlotte radio.
GC
Great news. Good to know a place understands that a great guy and fountain of stories should have a strong communication channel from which to broadcast.
Wonderful for Tommy. Better for the listeners.
Tracy
I just finished a copy of your book I received free through NetGalley and I loved it.
Barbara Dean
Am currently reading your Elephant book and like reading what Nd ho y
Barbara Dean
Currently readying your Elephant book and like the way you write as well as what I read. I am a neighbor of Carolyn D, David’s mother. Our Book Club will read it soon and hope to do a video chat then. Will be reading some of your old columns and trying your podcast. Keep on walking.