A Novel About Music, People, East Nashville, and a Miracle
By John J. Thompson
Hello from East Nashville. I’m excited to tell you about my new book. It’s my third book, but my first novel. It’s almost finished, but I’m going to need your help to get it across the finish line and into the world. This is a book I have been developing for nearly a decade.
The story is about how music brings a diverse community of characters together to accomplish something miraculous when they least expect it. The book is based upon people I have known, pieces of stories I have heard, and is set right here in East Nashville. It even includes some real events from East Nashville history. However, this is really a musical fable. It’s a story about tragedy, gentrification, and reconciliation. It’s about Rock and Soul and Americana and Tejano and Gospel music setting an unlikely tribe of people on fire in the best possible way.
What We Need & Why
I completed my first draft of this book more than a year ago. Since then, I have worked with two copy editors to hunt down typos, grammatical mistakes, and other errors that are difficult to see when you’re up to your eyeballs in a 98,000-word manuscript. (That's 210 pages in MSWord, at 12 point type, double spaced, for those who are curious.) Three revisions later, I have a draft that I feel pretty good about. But when I was working on my previous book, Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate, I learned that one thing a good publisher can bring to the process of releasing a book is the help of a different kind of editor.
Unlike copy editors, who mostly focus on mechanics, these specialists look at "high level" stuff - structural things that can help the flow of the story. This type of editor can look at the manuscript from a 30,000-foot view and make suggestions that go way beyond grammatical errors. I have actually done this kind of editing for another writer, helping to refine a book that was released by a major publisher. I know and appreciate how this process works, but I can't do that kind of work for myself. I'm too close to the words. In much the same way that a record producer benefits an artist’s creative process by providing outside perspective, an effective editor is often the difference between a good book and a great one. This type of support costs money, though. I have found an excellent and proven editor who is excited to work with me on my book. I also need to hire a designer to help me make the thing look and feel as cool as possible. That also has a price tag. There are also technical aspects of publishing, marketing expenses, and more. And extra funds are something that 2020 made sure to relieve me of last year.
I’m not sure whether I will ultimately work with a publisher for distribution, self-publish, or possibly start my own imprint. I do know that I want to bring this story in for the best landing that I can manage. Your help will make that happen.
A Soundtrack?
You may know that I have also been writing and recording music for more than 30 years. My "band" The Wayside has for many years consisted of my wife, Michelle Lynn Thompson, and myself along with a rotating cast of friends and contributors. The group is long overdue to release new music. Since this is a musical book – and I happen to have a fantastic musical partner by my side and lots of musical friends all around me –there will definitely be music connected to this project. I have already written three new songs that reflect elements of the story, and there are numerous cover songs discussed in the pages. If this fund-raising campaign is successful, some new music will come out as a sort of soundtrack to the book. The more support we raise, the more music we can make. One song will be released digitally to backers as a special thank you as soon as it is completed. Additional recording will happen as "stretch goals" once we meet our initial financial objectives. More information will be posted to backers and on my social media feeds as the campaign unfolds.
How Does It All Work?
Those who back this campaign will help me finish the book, raise funds for its release and launch, and hopefully allow me to record some of the music from the story. In return, backers will get an early copy of the book in digital or physical form (or both) and some fun extras. You’ll be getting something rare, heartfelt, and very special. This will be something even more exclusive than a "first edition," to be sure. This is definitely more than a storefront, though. You're investing in me and helping to bring this story into the world. You are my patron.
Since there is a somewhat unlikely “band” at the center of this story, I’m making some very limited “merch” to accompany the campaign. Instead of having a T-shirt, mug, hat, or whatever swag with a book title on it, though, we’ll be making some fun merch that is taken from the story. I promise it will make more sense once you’ve read the book. I'll also be hosting different types of Zoom events and offering some personal one-on-one time for song critiques, consulting, writing coaching, or anything else I might be able to help you with. There’s even a level at which I’ll name a character after you or for you.
Backers will also be added to a group of “insiders” who will receive excerpts from the book, “behind the scenes” reflections, reports from the journey to the finish line, access to a backers-only live stream event, and a digital copy to read before anyone else sees the book! There may even be some exclusive content from the book that only backers ever see – maybe an extra chapter or a bit of backstory. You’ll have to wait and see. I can’t let all of the secrets out just yet.
I anticipate the early edition going to backers sometime this spring (estimating May 2021). If I decide to work with a publisher, the final release date could be later. But you’ll be among the first handful of people to get it directly from me.
I’m setting the fundraising goal pretty low, but my vision is actually pretty big. If I can raise enough, the support will spill over into recording more music, having a promotional budget for the book, and maybe helping to set things up for my next book (already underway). So, back me if you can, as generously as you can, and know that your investment will be put to good use.
Instant Gratification!
I’ve chosen a special excerpt from the story that I will send to all backers shortly after your pledge is collected. I can’t guarantee that this excerpt won’t change when the book is finished, but I think you’ll enjoy it. I’m also planning to record an acoustic demo of one of the brand-new songs. I’ll send a streaming link to all backers as soon as that song is ready.
I'm Depending On You
I would surely appreciate it if you would post this to your friends and family. Without a big budget for paid social media outlets, your posts really help. Just copy the URL and post it on Facebook, Twitter, or anywhere else. Thank you very much!
If you can't support this campaign right now, I understand. Times are beyond tight for too many of us. So, please know that I appreciate your moral support. I appreciate you telling other people about this campaign. I appreciate your goodwill and positive energy and prayers. Once the book is out in the world, I'm sure we'll be able to find a way to get the story to anyone who wants to read it. Don't feel bad if you can't contribute now, and please don't contribute more than you can afford.
Risks & Challenges
Although I have calculated the costs very conservatively, there are always risks associated with campaigns such as this. I am fortunate in that I have experience managing past crowdfunding campaigns, as well as a complicated merch program with my previous book. I'm not particularly worried about the risks related to the ability to fulfill our obligations to backers. One challenge will be the schedule, but I believe that has been mitigated to a great degree by waiting to launch this campaign until the book was nearly done.
If you have any questions or concerns, just ask. Otherwise, jump in and then invite your friends to join you. This is going to be a fun journey for us to complete together!
(If you're wondering if this is about the band founded by Michael Roe, Gene Eugene, Terry Taylor, and Derri Daugherty, it is not – although they do get mentioned. I am sure fans of those Lost Dogs will love this story. And yes, I checked with Mike, Terry, and Derri, and they are all cool with this title. There are other luminaries from the real-life musical underground that make appearances in this fictional story. You'll have to read the book to find out who.)
About The Author
John J. Thompson has been championing, challenging, and celebrating art and artists since he was just a kid. He is a speaker, author, producer, artist, and music enthusiast who currently serves as a Creative Consultant, Writer, Music Supervisor, and Producer for various publishing companies, independent artists, films, and websites. John is the Associate Dean of the Trevecca School of Music and Worship Arts in Nashville. He served Capitol CMG Publishing as Director of Creative and Copyright Development for nearly a decade before joining Trevecca. Before that, he was on staff at the Cornerstone Festival in Illinois. In 2015 John wrote Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate; Crafting a Hand Made Faith in a Mass Market World for Zondervan/Harper Collins. Raised By Wolves; The Story of Christian Rock and Roll (ECW Press) arrived in 2000. John currently has several new books and records in development.
Thompson recently re-launched TrueTunes.com, a website and podcast that he originally opened in 1989 as a record store, concert venue, and magazine. “This time around, True Tunes is about equipping and inspiring artists and creatives to function in any space, as much as it is about curating interesting, spiritually relevant music for a thoughtful audience,” he explains. “We’re all about searching for, and celebrating, the good, the true, and the beautiful, wherever we find it. We do that through music reviews, interviews, and playlisting. We’re also helping today’s songwriters to listen to better music, and listen to music better.” As the True Tunes Podcast has gotten off the ground, its mission is finding a global audience.
Quotes about JJT, Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate, True Tunes Podcast, etc…
“I’ve enjoyed reading John’s works for years. His writing is always insightful and thought-provoking on many levels. Personally, he was a huge help to me when I wrote Rebel for God.” (Eddie DeGarmo)
[Re: The True Tunes Podcast] JJT (and producer Bruce A, Brown) are creating an amazing piece of art themselves week to week, talking about other great art! I love their phrase “listen to better music, and listen to music – better.” I am reminded of some of the best music of my life here – but also have been introduced to amazing new stuff… (Chris Hauser)
“Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate is fresh and enlightening. John’s stories and his memories of discovering and rediscovering music and the power of the arts remind me that it is all spiritual as it weaves itself into the fabric of our lives. I see why the psalmist implores us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Phil Keaggy, songwriter, recording artist, guitarist)
“In Jesus, Bread and Chocolate, John J. Thompson serves up a delectable mix of personal story, keen observations of evangelical culture, and scriptural reflection. The result is a filling and satisfying meal for the growing number of people in our churches who are starving for something more substantial than consumer Christianity.” (C. Christopher Smith, coauthor of Slow Church and editor of The Englewood Review of Books)
Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate: Crafting a Handmade Faith in a Mass-Market World is a quick, pleasant read, enjoyable, full of great stories, even inspiring ones that brought tears to my eyes more than once. It, too, is an important voice calling us to some humane values and life-giving habits that are vital in our hyper-modern, digital age. (Byron Borger, Hearts and Minds Books)
“Thompson has a faithful heart and soul and a clear sense of what it means, as a person of faith, to move from that which is tasteless and unfulfilling about a mass-produced experience, whether in food, libation or worship, to something much more wholesome and unique. His book is a call to the same kind of uniqueness and authenticity in faith and worship. There is a twang in this author’s narrative that can be embraced just like a true bluegrass lyric or your mom’s best peach pie.” (Jennifer Burns Lewis, Englewood Review of Books)
“It’s rare to find a member of our industry who is as passionate and knowledgeable about both Black Gospel music and contemporary Christian music as John Thompson. He is a true aficionado of all aspects of Christian music, from our earliest roots to the cutting edge of today’s independent and emerging scene. He has helped coordinate events, has served as a teacher of next generation artists, and has helped as a consensus builder with various aspects and cultures within our industry.” (Jackie Patillo, President & Executive Director; Gospel Music Association)
“John Thompson has been a true asset to The Recording Academy over the last decade that I have had the pleasure of working with him personally. Overseeing the Gospel/CCM awards process, I rely on experts such as John to decipher and uphold the integrity of the awards process. I am truly amazed to see someone who has this amount of passion for their craft.” (Angela Jollivette, Senior Project Manager, Gospel & Visual Media Awards; The Recording Academy)
