Just posted at Eckhartz Press...
2021 marks our tenth year as a publisher, and every month we’ll be dipping into the archives to celebrate that anniversary. March has typically been a busy month at Eckhartz Press. For instance, check out some of these March moments from our authors Roger Badesch, Bobby Skafish, Janet Sutherland-Madden, Dobie Maxwell, John Landecker, Randy Richardson, Beth Jacobellis, and Kim Strickland.
In 2020, WGN Radio news anchor Roger Badesch released his great memoir The Unplanned Life in early March. Don’t take our word for the book’s quality, here’s just one of the glowing reviews it got (from Chicago Tribune’s Rick Kogan)…
“You may think you know Roger Badesch if you have listened over the years to his exact and artful news reports on radio, but between the covers of this book you will find so much more–a man of great depth, many passions and skills. His is a wonderful life that you can now share.”
Unfortunately, Roger had no way of knowing that the entire world was going to shut down, depriving him of having a book launch party. Hopefully we can correct that situation in 2021. Better late than never.
In 2017, Bobby Skafish was out promoting his book We Have Company, a really memorable tome about all of the Rock and Roll greats he has interviewed over the years. One of stops this month was in the studio at WCIU-TV. At the time the show was called “You and Me”, but it later morphed into what is now known as “The Jam”
In March of 2019, Janet Sutherland-Madden was out promoting her inspiring book Nose Over Toes. The book chronicles her struggle to recover from a debilitating brain aneurysm. The publicity tour found her in the swanky new WGN Radio studios. At the time, the WGN morning man was Steve Cochran. He cheered on Janet and helped spread the word about her book.
In March of 2016, comedian Dobie Maxwell released his memoir Monkey in the Middle as only he could. He threw a party at Zanies Comedy Club in Chicago, brought in a bunch of his comedian friends, and they put on a comedy show for the ages. The photo of Dobie and publishers David Stern and Rick Kaempfer was taken at the end of the night. A little Dobie trivia: When he signs his books, he writes his name backwards.
In March of 2013, John Records Landecker began his promotional tour to promote his book Records Truly Is My Middle Name (a finalist for CWA Book of the Year that year). His first stop was to the television show “Windy City Live”. During that incredible segment, John was asked to recreate his vintage “Boogie Check” bit from his WLS-Radio days. Little did he know that his old pal (and fellow WLS Radio legend) Larry Lujack would be the first caller. (See more behind the scenes photos here)
In 2013, Randy Richardson was out promoting his novel Cheeseland. One of his book signings took place at the Book Stall in Winnetka. All of the profits from that night’s sales went to Elyssa’s Mission, a suicide prevention charity. Randy pledged a dollar from every book he has sold since Cheeseland was published, and he presented the directors of the charity a check that night.
In 2018, Beth Jacobellis launched her novel Cameo with a fun launch party on the northwest side of Chicago. The place was packed, she signed books for a few hours, and a good time was had by one and all. To see more photos from the book launch party, click here.
In 2012, Kim Strickland launched her second novel Down at the Golden Coin with a very elegant soiree at a north side art gallery. Wine was served, golden coins (in candy form of course) were handed out, and the packed crowd (obviously pre-COVID) was entertained by a book reading from Kim. What a memorable night.
