The Band
by David Kummer

Because of Johnny, I went with the band. Because of Kate, I stayed. They played anywhere, all through Appalachia. They were the best show for miles around. But even I didn’t expect Oakville to be the end.

Oakville, WV. It was supposed to be a quiet place: to catch our breaths, to fall in love. It was a chance to know each other completely. As long as Johnny didn’t find out.

It would also be the last show they ever played.

In a foggy Appalachian town, one of us wouldn’t make it home. And everyone else would never be the same.

Amazon | Goodreads | Read an Excerpt

Lily:  Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview Author The Band looks like such an interesting book. What is the key theme and/or message in the book?

David:  Thank you for having me, Lily! The Band follows a cover band touring Appalachia. When they settle down in one town, Oakville, they’re met with danger, thrills, and mystery. Aidan, the sound guy, falls in love with Kate, but neither of them know they’re all in grave danger. One of them won’t make it out alive. And for everyone else, they’ll never be the same.

Lily:  You’ve definitely captured my interest! Can you share with us something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?

David:  Oh, for sure! This book has layers to it. For example, it’s heavily inspired by the trip I took with my wife to West Virginia. Nothing too crazy happened, but it gave me all sorts of ideas. It’s also got elements of The Bikeriders, a movie from 2024, as well as classic stories of band-drama and love-triangles. Think… Fleetwood Mac meets a Hitchcock film. Or something like that!

Lily:  That’s awesome! I’m glad your trip was uneventful, but gave you plenty of inspiration. Did you have to do a lot of research when writing/preparing to write this?

David:  I did some research and preparation during our trip, but most of this was based on my past experiences at music festivals, concerts, and other books and movies I’ve enjoyed. It was a lot of fun to write, and I can’t wait to share the story with everybody!

Lily:  Sometimes experience is the best research, I’ve found. What is the future for the characters? Will there be a sequel?

David:  Oh, they’re done. Sadly, I don’t think this band will have a sequel or even a second tour. While the book was so much fun to create, I don’t think I can make a sequel work. Then again, maybe not! Some things change, and I’ll certainly come back to this… in some way, shape, or form.

Lily:  Totally understandable given the trauma they go through. Now we’d like to talk about you as a writer. Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing come from?

David:  I’ve been writing since I was super young, even before middle school. Over the years, my writing process and style have both changed a lot. I’ve read more, seen more, and found more characters and stories to explore. One thing’s for sure: I love writing, and I’m a lot better at grammar now… after having to teach it. (Did I mention? I’m also a high school English teacher, so whenever I’m not busy writing, I’m teaching my students how to.)

Lily:  That’s actually pretty awesome! What is your favorite part of being a writer?

David: The characters, for sure. It feels like getting to know somebody as they come out of their shells. Only in this case, I’m creating them… and their shells… it’s weird! But I love the process, and it’s a lot of fun. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Lily:  I understand what you mean, and I’m sure other authors and aspiring authors will too. What special support people do you rely on? How do they help you?

David:    I rely on so many people. A good friend of mine is also an author: Evan Myers. My dad is also my #1 reader. My grandma read The Band before anyone else, except for my wife Juliana who drew the chapter headings and illustrations. So many people make each book possible, and I truly owe it all to them!

Lily:  It sounds like you have an amazing support system, and it’s awesome your wife drew the headings and illustrations! Let’s finish up with some fun questions and get inside your mind. What’s the most annoying noise?

David:  Oh gosh. Can I say my students? No, just kidding, that’s mean. I love them, and they’re really not that annoying. So instead, I’ll say my cats. When they make that really whiny meowing noise, like they want in a closed door for example… yeah, that’s the one. Eek.

Lily:  I’ve heard cats hate closed doors from all my friends who have them, so I can definitely see that being the most annoying. Would you rather 5% of the population have telepathy, or 5% of the population have telekinesis? You are not part of the 5% that has telepathy or telekinesis.

David:  I can’t be in the exclusive group? Well. Dang it. I guess 5% telekinesis then. I just hope I know which ones.

Lily:  I’d love to have telekinesis, but I don’t think I’d be lucky enough to be in the 5%. Have you ever, or would you ever, try cosplay? Who have/would you cosplay as? What show/book/movie are they from?

David:  I have not, actually! Probably Star Wars, since I was a big fan of that growing up. Or maybe Lord of the Rings if I want to seem cooler. Yeah, I’ll go with my second answer for that. I could be an elf. I have the hair for it.

Lily:  You would make an awesome elf! Seriously, if you ever get the chance it’s a lot of fun. Is cereal cold soup? Why or why not?

David:  I bet everyone says no, so I’m going to say yes. It’s absolutely—No, never mind. It’s not. Gross. What even? No, gross. It’s not.

Lily:  OK, that one made me laugh. You’re correct, almost everyone I’ve ever asked says no. I have yet to take a side, and I’m not sure which I’d choose. Which fictional character would be the most boring to meet in real life? Where are they from?

David:  Any fictional character? Probably someone from East of Eden by John Steinbeck. It’s a great book! But some of those characters would be super boring in real life. They’d talk about trying to ship food across the country in icy train cars and such.

Lily:  I’d have to agree with you there, although I did enjoy the book. What made you laugh recently?

David:  The cereal/cold soup question was pretty good. Real answer, though: We’ve been watching Modern Family in the evenings, and I hadn’t seen it before marrying my wife. It’s very good! Definitely funny and makes me laugh all the time.

Lily:  That’s a really fun show, I haven’t seen all the episodes, but what I have seen had me giggling. Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

David:  Nope! All good here. I just want the reader to know I have an impeccable taste in music, books, movies, and all art! I don’t have examples, though. So take my word for it, faithful reader.

Lily:  You’re an excellent writer, I think that means you have to have impeccable taste in the arts! How can readers discover more about you and your work?

David:  I’ve got a blog where I review lots of horror movies (and other types), as well as active social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. You can find me at davidkummer.com or check out my books on Amazon or Goodreads. And thanks again for having me!