Leave a comment on this blog post and you’re eligible to win this author’s giveaway. Each day in November that you comment gives you an entry into the Grand Prize drawing at the end of the month. (Print copies for US residents only, please. If you live outside the US and win, you’ll receive a digital copy of the book.)
What Happens to a Marriage when an 80s Metal Band Moves In?
My name is BJ Knapp, and I am the author of Beside the Music.
What would happen to your life and marriage if an 80s metal band like Def Leppard moved into your house? Seriously, take a sec, look around your house and imagine where you’d stash four rockers, their management, and crew. Now imagine all the other things that come with a has-been 80s metal band—the other kinds of baggage. The “Do you know who I am?” attitude that formerly famous people try to pull, and the temper tantrum that ensues when people no longer know who they are. This is what happens in Beside the Music. Brenda and Tim have no idea what they’re in for when 80s sensation Hydra moves into their house while the band records their comeback album.
Brenda thought it would be great. She thought she’d be sitting at her kitchen table with Hydra as they pull all-night lyric writing sessions. She thought she’d sit on an amp in the studio and get to hear all the new songs before anyone else.
But it ends up not being anything like that at all. She hates to admit it, but having Hydra live with her and Tim is a total nightmare. Tim’s running for office, she’s gunning for the big promotion at work, and her snooty meddling mother-in-law shows up at the worst possible moments to hassle her. Instead of getting to be the rock and roll muse, Hydra nearly destroys her career and marriage. Tim moves out to get away from Hydra’s chaos, and her boss is threatening to fire her if she can’t get her act together at work.
Brenda needs to decide what’s more important to her… rock and roll or her marriage? Is it possible to be one man’s wife and another man’s muse?
As a former college radio station DJ, BJ was inspired to write this book after asking herself “Whatever happened to all those 80s rock stars and one-hit wonders?” Her writing career has contributions to RI Fit Magazine. But her prouder achievements are her original angry chick rock songs, usually about bad boyfriends, accompanied by her out of tune guitar.
BJ resides in Rhode Island with her husband, Todd, and dogs Nemo and Potter. She is an avid sailor and scuba diver, and also enjoys pretty much any outdoor activity. She has also single-handedly orchestrated hundreds of failed attempts at cooking. Follow BJ’s blog here.
Want to hear more about Beside the Music, and my upcoming novel Before the Music (a prequel told from Keith’s perspective)? Follow me on social media here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjknappauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bjknappwrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjknappwrites/
To purchase Beside the Music: http://bjknapp.com/writing
Hope to see you on Saturday, December 1 for the Rhode Island Author Expo!
Martha Reynolds Writes 
I do not have room for the egos of 4 rockers! And the noise! Oi vay, I would never be able to read in peace. lol
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Sounds like a very good book Love the cover Thanks for the chance!
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Such an inventive proposition!!! … having an 80’s band move in to your very home!!! Let the havoc begin!!! Your writing style is so refreshing and must make this adventure absolutely wild and hilarious!
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Thank you! I hope you will enjoy it.
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Congratulations on winning Director’s Choice! Sounds like a fun read! The bra on the front cover is a nice touch.
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Love the premise of this story!
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Ah…had the pendulum swung the other way…could have be an interesting trip…I know people…
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I love oldies, and there were many from earlier than the 80s that I love. I don’t think I could host a group in my home unless I had a cottage separate from the house on the property. Even then, it could create havoc. LOL But, there would definitely be materials for a book. This looks like an entertaining read.
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This sounds like a great read! What an original concept! Bravo!
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Sounds like a lot of fun! I am a rocker chick for sure! Led Zeppelin would be my band of choice, even though they only lasted 9 months into 1980. Guns & Roses would be fun too! Thanks for the opportunity to win your book.
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I think the people watching at either of those shows back in the day would have been AMAZING!
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BJ, your definition of an oldie (in the 80s as you call them) isn’t quite my definition of the oldies unless you include Frank Sinatra and company. Nevertheless, I can’t picture myself having to put up with Old Blue Eyes under my roof for too long, so I can see the trouble with doing the same for an 80s crew of musicians. Good luck with it, and I’m looking forward to seeing you at the Expo on 12/1.
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Oldie is in the eye of the beholder.
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Now this sounds intriguing. Given BJ Knapp’s description and brief autobiography, I’m going to guess it is written with more than a soupcon of humor.
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Thank you! Yes, my main character is a bit sarcastic. 😉
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I was never taught that, but I think I’m gonna take that tip on!
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I love the cover and it sounds just right for me. thanks
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Thank you. I shot the prototype for the cover on my own front door. Of course the first thing my Dad asked when he saw the cover was “why is there a bra on it?” Dads.
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This book sounds like it was written just for me! I LOVE 80s rock music… and I have the hair to prove it! Good luck, BJ!
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If only I could get back the amount of time I spent blow drying my hair upside down and curling it up on top of my head.
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I often wonder, when listening to some great oldies on the radio (or Alexa) what became of some of those rock and rollers. BJ Knapp takes the mystery out of oldies. Pick up a copy of her award winning book today.
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