C. M. Kushins : The Man Who Wrote Elmore Leonard

“When you see an amazing athlete like Michael Jordan, he shoots and it’s on a string. They make it look so easy. Elmore, out of the gate, had excellent instincts, had an ear for sound and dialogue.” – C. M. Kushins

Welcome C.M. Kushins:

We’re joined on the Starline by a musician, journalist and author of “Nothing’s Bad Luck: The Lives of Warren Zevon” and “Beast: John Bonham and the Rise of Led Zeppelin”. His latest book is “Cooler than Cool” on the great author Elmore Leonard. We welcome C. M. Kushins.

C.M., let’s go Beyond the Mic. Why was this the right time to tackle the life and work of Elmore Leonard?

Marguerite Harper, a New York literary agent gave him the advice “Don’t give up your job to write.” Why was that one piece of advice important for his future?

Leonard was the master of research. You took seven years to write your first book. What was the one fact from your research that amazed you about him?

The Rockin’ 8:

“Cooler than Cool” is the book the author C. M. Kushins joins us Beyond the Mic, it’s time for the Rockin’ 8. 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Last book you read that wasn’t your own?

2. Who is the most underappreciated director today?

3. Favorite of all the Leonard novels?

4. Leonard loved Joe Cocker, who’s your favorite musician?

5. Best Warren Zevon song is…

6. Favorite Led Zeppelin album?

7. One chore your wife Diana depends on you to do?

8. Have you written a million words yet?

Sneaking in One More:

What is your favorite “Dutch” story?

One Big Question for C.M. Kushins:

Chad, how did a thick manila envelope sent from Elmore change you forever?

The Wrap:

He veganizes his moms recipes, loves Warren Zevon’s Mutineer and wants you to read “Cooler than Cool” C. M. Kushins thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with authors here.

Get C.M. Kushins new book here.