After topping the country charts with more than 30 No. 1 singles, Tim McGraw is climbing a new chart—the New York Times Best-Sellers List—with his co-authored book, Songs of America, which debuted at No. 2 in the Hardcover Nonfiction category.

In addition to his work in the aforementioned genres of music and writing, Tim has carved out a respectable career as an actor over the last 15 years. The Louisiana native has co-starred in a number of mainstream flicks, including Friday Night Lights, Four Christmases, Country Strong, The Blind Side and more.

The accomplished singer, author and actor recently sat down with Kix Brooks of American Country Countdown to chat about his multi-medium creative process, including how he prepares for his various acting roles.

“You know, if we’re at a restaurant or if I’m walking around with my daughters and they’re shopping and I find a bench to sit on, I’m always watching people trying to figure out their story or try to make up a scenario that’s going on,” says Tim. “I think that’s part of the creative process, and I think that also helps me as an artist, helps me as an actor, is to put those scenarios together and sort of create this world that you see.”

Tim is on the road this summer with more than 15 tour dates, including stops in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Phoenix and more.