Allison Moorer On New Book “Blood: A Memoir” & Future Plans
Allison Moorer is a GRAMMY-nominated and Academy Award-nominated singer and songwriter. However, to say the least, Moorer did not come from the easiest or most peaceful of backgrounds. Blood: A Memoir delves into Moorer’s rough upbringing and how it would ultimately lead to her carving out a safe and successful place in this world against all odds. Blood notably features a foreword by Moorer’s sister (and recurring collaborator), GRAMMY-winning artist Shelby Lynne.
I had the pleasure of doing Q&A over e-mail with Allison Moorer herself on behalf of The Hype Magazine. Tour dates and more information about Moorer can be found online at www.allisonmoorer.com or by following her via Twitter at www.twitter.com/AllisonMoorer.
How did the book come together? Did you feel it was time to write one? Or someone pitched it to you?
Allison Moorer: When my son was about six weeks old, I was a guest on Maya Angelou’s radio show. She asked me a few different questions about my upbringing, and she asked me finally, “When John Henry is old enough to ask about it, what are you going to tell him?” I didn’t have an answer, but it put the notion in me that I should write it all down and bear witness to the history of my family. First for him, then for the rest of us.
How long did you spend writing your book?
Allison Moorer: It took just under five years and I think four rewrites.
What was your writing process like? How did it compare to writing an album?
Allison Moorer: It was stop and start until I figured out I needed a regular schedule, which I found while I was in graduate school earning an MFA in Creative Writing. A routine is important while you’re in the thick of something — it’s too easy to lose the thread otherwise.
Were there a lot of leftover chapters or passages that didn’t make the book?
Allison Moorer: Not too much cutting was done in the editing process. Some, but not a lot. It was pretty lean by the time I started working with an editor.
Book promotion aside, what is coming up for you?
Allison Moorer: Record promotion! Mothering! Wife-ing! Friend-ing! Homemaking! Traveling! Life!
Is there a career accomplishment of yours that you are most proud of?
Allison Moorer: I’m pretty proud of this book at the moment.
When not busy with touring or work-related projects, how does your free time usually get spent?
Allison Moorer: With my son or my husband. Currently I really enjoy trying to grow things in the backyard, cooking, sewing, and making my home into a more plushly-feathered nest.
What was the last concert you attended for fun?
Allison Moorer: I can’t remember, but I’m going to see Elvis Costello and Mary Chapin Carpenter/Shawn Colvin in November.
Finally, do you have a favorite album of 2019?
Allison Moorer: I refrain to say until it’s over, but I’m pretty partial to my husband Hayes’ record, What It Is.
About the Author
Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal.Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."
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