OUT OF THE CHUTE - Tyler Garrett

Today's Out of the Chute is a bit different. While I'm interviewing a music artist, this one is fictional... well, at least according to Texas author June Faver. But I'm sure if you ask Tyler Garrett, you'd get a different answer. I think all of my readers and artist friends can identify with Tyler and Leah.

Tyler Garret is the hero in DO OR DIE COWBOY, a cowboy contemporary set in Texas that releases to the world TODAY! Tyler is like every other guy. He thinks he has his life all planned out... until a pretty damsel in distress enters his world. You guys know how that goes. Let's talk to Tyler

Thank you for joining me today, Tyler.  Let’s get started.

Regarding the simple pleasures of life, what are some of the little things that make your day better? Spending time with Leah, the woman I love, and her daughter. Singing and playing my guitar for them and just making them smile. We like to go for a ride around the ranch. Seeing everything through Gracie’s eyes  is like seeing it for the first time. 

Who was your biggest supporter growing up?

My mom was the one who encouraged me to sing. We sang gospel songs in church, and she entered me in talent contests. My dad thought I had talent, but he just never saw me doing anything except ranching.

What are some of the events in your life that have made you who you are?

Growing up on the ranch was always positive. My brothers and I learned the value of hard work and to respect the land. Music has always been in my heart, so when my mom encouraged me to enter talent contests, I did my best to make her proud of me.

What risks are worth taking?

There are risks you can back away from and risks you have to take. If someone I love is at risk, I would always step up. No matter what.

What’s the first thing you noticed about Leah when you saw her?

First of all, I noticed how beautiful she was, and also how scared she looked. Her big brown eyes reminded me of a frightened fawn.

You and Big Jim had problems but home is home. What is special about the place you grew up?

My dad was a lot easier to get along with when mom was alive. After she passed, it was as though he realized how fragile life is, and he wanted to squeeze the most out of every day. I know it was his intention to gather as much land as possible because he has three sons to leave it to. He wants to ensure that each of us has a good life, and for him, that means life on the Garrett ranch.

They say children and animals have an innate ability to recognize the good in a person. What do you think Gracie saw in you that made her feel safe?

After everything Gracie and Leah had been through, I’m so glad Gracie was able to accept me as a positive person in her life and that she had nothing to fear from me. She knows I would lay down my life for her.

What is it about music that speaks to you?

Everything. I’ve always heard music in my head. It surprised me that no one else could hear it.

Leah had a rough patch in her life. What drew you to wanting to protect her?

She looked so frightened. Of course, she’s  beautiful but something just reached right into my heart. She was wound so tight I had to do whatever I could to keep her and Gracie safe.

What would be a perfect first date?

In our town, going to the Eagle’s Hall on a Friday night, is a lot of fun. They have a live band on weekends, so a lot of townspeople turn out to have a beer and take a turn around the dance floor.

Life seems to be on its own time table. Do you believe in fate?

Of course. Too many things in my life have just fallen into place. It had to be fate, that I met Leah when I was on my way to Dallas. We could so easily have missed each other.

What was the most influential turning point in your life?

Meeting Leah and Gracie. I thought my singing career was the most important thing in my life, but I was wrong.

What is the one thing you want to do differently from your parents?

For my mom and dad, the whole world was right on our ranch and in the nearby small town of Langston, Texas.  I’ve been on tour and I want to see more of the world, and take Leah with me.

What is your favorite season or holiday? And do the two coincide?

My favorite season is the fall. I love when it cools off and the leaves turn colors. I love all the holidays that bring my family together. The Garretts are a tight clan, but the holidays are a celebration of family.

Describe yourself in 3 words

Luckiest man alive.

If you could do one thing to surprise Leah, what do you think it would be?

I think she deserves a real honeymoon. I’d love to surprise her with a cruise or vacation to some tropical island where we can just relax and be with each other.

Thanks again for being here, Tyler. I know your brothers have their own story to tell. Please let them know I'd love to have them here down the road.

Do Or Die Cowboy is the first traditionally published book by June Faver. I will be introducing her to you all tomorrow. In the mean time, I hope you'll head on over to Amazon and pick up your paperback or Kindle edition today!

If you have a Barnes and Noble near you, Do Or Die Cowboy is available in store via a special 'tower' promotion through the end of September. You'll find the book positioned on a tower display. 

Until tomorrow... 

Country Blessings!