Michelle Spiva is many things. She’s Kentucky-born and bred. She’s a double Vanderbilt grad and an ex-lawyer who loves homebuilding and remodeling. Over dinner and drinks, Michelle and her friends began a cultural commentary on what makes Nashville … well, Nashville. The inside jokes and misconceptions, the funny and the frustrating. And with that, she also became a writer. Meet the author of Music City Musings: Old Nashville Knowledge for Newcomers.
Tell us about your younger years. Where did you grow up, and were you always curious?
I grew up mainly in Lexington, Kentucky, and went to a tiny school there. I think there were 25 people in my graduating class. I got into Vanderbilt and came here super intimidated by the size of Vanderbilt and Nashville. But I loved it. I had a great experience. I left — kind of aimlessly wandering — for a couple of years, as you tend to do after college, before deciding to return to Vandy for law school. I got a job at a great big firm in town but decided after a couple of years that it wasn’t the lifestyle I wanted.
You’ve done a lot in addition to writing. Tell us about your professional trajectory.
I practiced law for probably 20 years, but when my husband and I built a house together, I found that I loved designing, remodeling, and building. So, that’s what I’m focused on now. My husband’s in real estate, so I’ve been able to lend a hand in some fun residential and commercial projects. I always say I’m on my last house and then I’m done, but that hasn’t proven true.
As we were wrapping up at the house we’re in now, I came up with the idea for this book. I’m not a writer by nature; I’m a lawyer, so I can draft one point in a full page. This isn’t my typical genre of writing, but I thought it would be fun, and it has been.
You tackle many niche, funny, and tongue-in-cheek topics in your new book. How did you decide what to include?
It started as a list of things that I felt were unique to Nashville and the South, and things that people moving here seemed to have absolutely no idea about. I started brainstorming about what makes Nashville Nashville. Then, I got a group of friends together that I would use to lob things up to see their reactions and whether I was on point or not. That was a blast. One whole dinner party discussion was about how Nashvillians drive.
I was cautious not to include anything that would offend any group of people. Sometimes, I’d admit things, or people would suggest things that might be funny but might rub someone the wrong way. Even in the final editing stage, I cut things out if there was even a chance of that. I wanted the book to be open, helpful, and humorous to everybody.
What are some of the most surprising things you dug up about Nashville during your research?
I was shocked that in brainstorming, I wrote out eight pages of Nashville slang. I thought maybe I’d have two pages, so that was a fun process. Also, we all know how much Nashville has exploded, right? But until I saw some of the numbers, I had no idea just where we were and where we are now. For example, a building on Broadway that sold for three million dollars in 2005 sold for almost 48 million dollars 16 years later.
On the flip side, or a more negative side, I found the number of demolitions on Music Row heartbreaking. I knew it had been evolving, but I discovered they went from 13 demolitions over 12 years to more than 50 in just six. Let’s not forget that there have been some preservation efforts, too.
What’s a common misconception people have about Music City Musings?
Some people have had trouble differentiating it between a tourist book and a book for newcomers. It’s more Swett’s and Bobbie’s Dairy Dip and less Catbird Seat. It’s a humorous guide filled with local knowledge. As a writer, I feel I’ve encapsulated everything locals know. I think that’s why it’s resonating with so many locals: It’s all stuff we’re familiar with — the insights and quirks we all know about and share. I just put them down on paper.
What’s something that people are surprised to learn about you?
I love to travel to really obscure places. On my last big trip, I went to outer Mongolia with a friend. The first half was great, but we got robbed and ended up with one passport, one pair of shoes, and $12 to get back home. The people were great, but the trip itself was a little more of an adventure than we had planned.
Where can we find you on your days off?
On the pickleball court. I’m an addict. Or on a trail at Percy Warner.
What’s the best advice you’ve received, and from whom?
It’s from my grandmother. She always encouraged me to try new things. She had a personal rule of trying a new hobby every 10 years. I think initially, she picked things she wanted to master. She took up bridge and worked at it, and ended up competing and doing a great job. But as she grew older, she would choose things out of her comfort zone. When she was 70, she took up scuba diving! When she was 80, it was whitewater rafting. She’s an inspiration.
Besides faith, family, and friends, name three things you can’t live without.
Our sweet dog Evie, being outdoors, and traveling.
What’s next for you?
I’m not entirely sure. This project will keep me busy through 2024, and then I’ll explore something new. A couple of years ago, we bought a house designed by the late architect Robert Anderson. He has an incredible body of work, and it’s grown a bit of a cult following around town.
One of my sons suggested that I combine my love of remodeling houses and architecture with writing a coffee table book showcasing his work. That’s just a spark of an idea. There are many logistics to work out as far as getting homeowners to let me into their houses, and I’ll have to talk to Robert’s family. But that’s an idea I’d love to explore.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Who else is inspiring you right now? My kids. I love watching them grow as adults. They’re 35, 34, and 30.
Favorite recent book or podcast? Once Upon a Time In Nashville (the podcast hosted by Cornelia Row).
Bucket list vacation destination? There are some hikes in Norway I want to do.
Favorite “hidden gem” in Nashville? I recently went to the Lane Motor Museum. I’m not into cars, but I was blown away. It was enormous, and it was packed with people. It was so much fun.
Go-to birthday present to give: An orchid.
Thanks for chatting, Michelle! Her new book is a great gift idea for new and seasoned Nashvillians alike. You can grab yours here.
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