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A big sloppy kiss for Mary Kay Andrews
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When she sees that headline, she’s gonna say, “Ewwwwww.” But Kathy Trocheck (Mary Kay Andrews) and I go waaaay back as buds, so I can get away with it.
Kathy’s much-awaited new novel “Deep Dish” is finally here, and she’s going to be flogging that book like Captain Bligh in a bad mood. The kick-off of her publicity tour will be Monday night at Wordsmiths Books in Decatur. They’re selling special VIP tickets for $35, which gets you in early at 6 p.m, and a copy of the book, along with a gift bag and cocktails and “savories,” which sounds like stuff to eat that won’t be enough to be called dinner. For $45, you can get two people in to the private reception, but still just one book. At 7 p.m., folks can get in for free, but you have to buy the book.
Her many fans know that Kathy, who lives in Avondale Estates, was a writer here at the AJC years ago. She quit to write mysteries under her own name, did quite well, but then wanted to branch out into light, humorous Southern novels. So she mashed up her kids’ names and came up with the pseudonym Mary Kay Andrews, one of the least secret pseudonyms in history.
“Deep Dish” is her sixth Andrews novel, and I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, but here are the the basics. Gina Foxton hosts a cooking show on Georgia public television. Tate Moody hosts a hunting, fishing and cooking show. They have to compete to become host of a new cooking show on a cable channel (a ficitionalized version of The Food Network). The competition sounds like “Survivor,” with the two of them stuck on an island off the coast of Georgia and forced to fend for themselves.
Here is Kathy’s blog as Mary Kay.. On Sunday, the AJC will have a lengthy profile of her in our Arts and Books section.
Whether you eat the savories or not, check her out Monday night at Wordsmiths (she’s a lot of fun when she’s holding court at one of her appearances), or at the very least, buy some “Deep Dish.”
Since this is an Atlanta blog about an Atlanta author, does anyone have any good stories to tell about Kathy? Anything embarrassing? Heh heh.
Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: Atlanta Events
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By Jeff
February 22, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
I’ve never read anything from Kathy under either of her names, but I may well have to give Deep Dish a try. Sounds interesting, but that may be because I liked The Next Iron Chef so much and the basic idea sounds similar.
On another book note: Phil, have you ever heard of Jeremy Robinson?? He’s a Print-On-Demand author right now, but I SWEAR he’s got the potential to be the next Cussler or at least Alten. I bought two books from him Tuesday - Antarktos Rising and Didymus Contigency - , got them last night, started Antarktos, and had to FORCE myself to put it down last night and go to bed. It is NOT one that you want to put down!
By Phil Kloer
February 22, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Nope. Sorry, havent heard of Jeremy Robinson.
By Kat
February 22, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
I just love Mary Kay, both as a person and an author. I do wish she would write another in the Callahan Garrity series (published under her own name). She told me that she would like to, and hasn’t ruled out the possibility, but at the moment the Andrews books are more commercially successful. The last book in the Callahan series just had such a sad ending, and some loose ends that I as a reader would like to see tied up. That said, the Mary Kay Andrews books are great fun, and I will definitely read Deep Dish. For anyone else who likes the genre, another author who writes in a similar style about the south is Dorothea Benton Frank.
By erinanne
February 22, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
I had the pleasure of joining Kathy, Theresa Weaver, and Sherri Joseph for dinner last year at the Dahlonega Literary Festival. What a joy it was to break bread with these women. The three of them kept me in stitches all evening (in between readings from a huge variety of local- and in the case of Diana Gabaldon, not so local- authors) Any one who has the opportunity to go hear her speak on Monday should. She will have you laughing!
By Mary Kay Andrews
February 22, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Phil, I didn’t say eeeww. i said awww. that is so sweet. thanks for the nice shout-out. and i promise, when i’m rich and famous, i will still nod to you in passing on my way into some incredibly swanky soiree. (jk)come to the party monday night, bring heather and we will treat you to moonpies—Yes. Did i forget to mention that the Moonpie Company is a sponsor for this shindig? We will have moonpies as well as the aforementioned savories. sloppy kiss back, xoxo,k
By Kathi
February 22, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
I have read all of her books, as both Kathy Hogan Trocheck and Mary Kay Andrews. I have never been disappointed,other than that I finished them all way too quickly and had to wait way too long for the next one to get published!
I had the pleasure of meeting Kathy at one of her book signings and found her to be a “real” person, very personable and completely entertaining.
I pre-ordered Deep Dish and cannot wait!
By Page
February 23, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I am a Kathy and Mary Kay fan for many years and have all her books.I was lucky enough to meet her years ago at a book signing.I always look forward to her books no matter what name she pens them under. Always a great read. I pre ordered Deep Dish and know this will be another great meal!
By Lisa
February 26, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book to come out! I love all of Mary Kay’s books. I would’ve loved to have been at her booksigning last night - I’m sure it was a hit! Best of Luck to Kathy aka Mary Kay! P.S. We would love to see her in Ocala, FL for a signing!! (hint, hint)