The latest news from Eckhartz Press, and a chance to peek into some of the great previous offerings from our humble little publishing company.
INTRODUCING: Bubble Boy
=The latest book from Eckhartz Press is available for pre-order now. It's a hilarious and poignant memoir written by Robert Forrest Williams. Who is he?
Robert Forrest Williams (AKA “Wilbur”) is a husband, father, and retired businessman. Born into a typical middle-class family, he has spent his life in the Chicago area searching for his own raison d’etre. From early youth through high school, college, and professional life he waged a battle with the original four-letter word– Work. Over years and decades this personal struggle has taken him through various business environments as well as the standup comedy stage. This everyman existence has provided unique experiences, abetting his sense of humor and natural story-telling ability. Bubble Boy is Robert/Wilbur’s first published work.
=What is the book about?
Bubble Boy is Robert Forrest Williams’ story of his yearning for self-definition and personal growth. In his early 20’s he was admittedly treading water at best. Taking cues from “Superstar” friends, he gets back on track via Graduate School and as a Human Resources Officer at a major financial institution. Unfortunately, the yuppie lifestyle results in disillusionment. He finds himself at a crossroads. A new career in Executive Recruiting – “Headhunting” – sets him on a clearer path, but also into a world of dubious business practices – shockingly described herein. Set against the backdrop of technological advances and iconic American events, the author takes the reader through a variety of personal experiences – some absurdly hilarious, some sad, and some ironic. He reminds us that our own “perfect spheres of being” can only thrive under the right circumstances. Bubbles can form and change directions –hopefully for the better – before their ultimate demise.
=One of the champions of Bob's book is fellow comedian and Eckhartz Press author Dobie Maxwell...
Bob Williams may be a common name, but this particular one happens to be quite the unique blend of both talent and passion. His writing, comedic and “normal” (whatever that may be) is always worth reading. I told him I would proudly purchase a copy of any book he ever wrote. Having saved aluminum cans since 1997 I can now make good on that promise! Everybody move your cans and experience “Bubble Boy” for yourself!
The Sun at the End of the Road
=Thanks to everyone who joined the Great Chicago Books Bookclub with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame on Friday night. We had a great time talking about our old friend Tony Fitzpatrick and celebrating the writing in his book The Sun at the End of the Road. Here's a screenshot of the panelists (Mark Eleveld, Ann Filmer, Thomas Dyja, Dave Hoekstra), the moderators (Rick Kaempfer, David Stern), and the folks from the Hall of Fame (Don Evans and Reese). It really was an excellent discussion. Over 100 people were on the zoom, including a few dignitaries like Rick Kogan, Michelle Fitzpatrick (Tony's wife), and Max Fitzpatrick (Tony's son). The video is below the screen-grab.
=At the end of the zoom, Rick and Dave made an announcement. There will be another Tony Fitzpatrick book coming out in the fall. He wrote a book of Haikus at the same time he was writing his last book, and that will be released in October, along with his artwork, handpicked by Tony himself.
=Our book about the history of the City News Bureau is currently being printed and bound and will be sent out in the coming week or so. If you've pre-ordered, look for it in the mail. If you haven't pre-ordered, you can still do so here.
=Jim Elsener will be appearing on WBEZ (NPR) tomorrow morning between 9:40-10am (with Sasha Ann Simons on "In the Loop") to talk about the book. Listen if you can. He's really good on the air.
=This week is the anniversary of one of the biggest stories the City News Bureau of Chicago ever broke. It happened on February 14, 1929. It's remembered as the St. Valentines Day Massacre. Sirens in the Loop tells the story of how that went down.
To the Men I've Loved (God Help Them!)
=Pat Motto's entertaining memoir about her dysfunctional love life is now also available at amazon as an e-book! Get your kindle copy here.
4 Opportunities to Get Your Eckhartz Books This Week!
=Nick Digilio is hosting "Nick's Pix" at Lake Theater in Oak Park on Wednesday night (February 11th) at 7pm. This month's pick is the film Crash. Yes, he will be selling copies of his book at the screening.
An Assortment
=Eckhartz Press co-publisher David Stern will be appearing at KinoWerks (5645 N. Ravenswood in Chicago) this Saturday, February 14th. He'll have a table selling an assortment of Eckhartz Press books at their Arts Event that day. Look for his beaming smile.
=Don't forget that Jeff Reiter (The Best of Words on Birds) will be appearing at the great birder event, Gull Frolic in Winthrop Harbor, on February 15. That's this coming Sunday! (Unfortunately the event is sold out--but if you're already going, look for Jeff)
=That's Mark Wukas below, exactly one year ago, the day he received his first copy of his book The Kiss of Night. It's a great Chicago novel. Your chance to meet Mark is coming a week from tonight, February 16th. He will be appearing at Welcome to the Show at the Getaway (4530 N. Lincoln Avenue).
Additional upcoming Eckhartz Press author events. Mark your calenders...
=Vicki Atkinson (Surviving Sue) will be appearing at Wauconda Library (11am-12:30pm) on February 20. Vicki's debut novel Slivers is in the pipeline, getting very close to publication on Eckhartz Press.
=Lauren LoGiudice (Inside Melania) brings her Misfit Variety show to the Annoyance March 13. Show's at 9.
=The film is going to be shown soon in Chicago (keep looking here for details). In the meantime, the fellas have been busy filming promotional videos like this one...
=Jeffrey and Michael Gentile's book Mob Adjacent is a compelling look at the intersection of Chicago's mob world and some of the Hollywood Stars of that era. Among them, the great Jimmy Durante (Born Feb 10, 1893)
=Chili Dog MVP co-author John Owens checked in about the progress of his film/TV project based on their book....
Thanks to John Bracanelli, @Jacob Pomrenke and the Chicago SABR chapter for hosting the My Father, Dick Allen team Saturday morning at the LaGrange Public Library, where we previewed the first episode ("Wampum") of the five-part docuseries. More previews coming up in March in Arizona and Philadelphia, along with a major event at the Chicago History Museum later this spring.
=Book of the Year winner Jim Slusher talks journalism with Rick and Dave on the Minutia Men Celebrity Interview.
=One half of the Rosenbaum brothers (Larry) did himself proud last year around this time in this Minutia Men Celebrity Interview. Some of the fabulous stories from the book are included in the entertaining interview.
=This week in 2015, Chicagoland Radio & Media reviewed and previewed Kipper McGee's new book Brandwidth. Some great info about a well respected book here.
=The Loop Files features some of Chicago's all-time broadcasting greats. One of those talented broadcasters is celebrating a birthday this week (February 12), Wendy Snyder. She tells some great stories in the book and also provided a few photos from her early days, including this one...
=This week in 2018, the Sun-Times parted ways with entertainment reporter Bill Zwecker. Before he left his perch, Bill had this to say about the Eckhartz Press book Life Behind The Camera: This is a must read for anyone interested in learning about the world of TV journalism — as seen through the eyes (and lens!) of Chuck Quinzio — one of the best in the business. Reading Chuck’s many stories — well-spiced with his terrific dry wit — is a great way to discover how television photo-journalism has evolved from the 1980s to the present day. That said, Chuck’s often-hilarious tales about the foibles of the true characters he’s encountered these past three decades makes for wonderful reading.
=This week in 1964 (February 9), the Beatles made their debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. Chuck Quinzio tells a very funny story about that night in Life Behind the Camera. You can read that free excerpt here.
Records Truly Is My Middle Name
=Chuck Quinzio (above) isn't the only one with a humorous Beatles on Ed Sullivan story. John Landecker has one too. You can read that free excerpt here.
=Speaking of John Landecker, when he published his award-winning memoir Records Truly is My Middle Name, he never dreamt that it would satisfy the final requirement for his college degree. Despite his Hall of Fame radio career, John had never gotten his college degree. His Alma Mater Grand Valley State University did some research into his transcripts and realized he just needed one more writing course. Writing a book certainly qualified. So, this week in 2018, John was awarded his degree. Rick Kaempfer wrote about that for Illinois Entertainer. This is John on graduation day.
=This week in 2018, Lee Kingsmill was also making the rounds doing interviews. Lee (photo) is widely respected as a writer. Fellow author Michael Lister said this...
“The best books expand our humanity by the vicarious experiences and opportunities for compassion they provide. Lee Kingsmill’s Safe Inside is just such a book. It’s rich and textured, filled with family dynamics, religion, sexuality, the refuge of the imagination, the sanctuary of movies, and most of all, the depth, truthfulness, and complexity of humanity.”
=Eckhartz Press has a retired judge in our stable of authors. Judge Michael Bender's book Protecting Children came out in 2018 and was featured this week in the Chicago Tribune.
Everything I Know I Learned From Rock Stars
=Author Bill Paige conducted hundreds of interviews with rock stars from 1975-1995. Two of them are celebrating birthdays this week, Peter Gabriel (Feb 13) and Gary Clark Jr. (Feb 15). Their stories are featured in Bill's timeless book.
=Another great Eckhartz Press book about rock and roll is Bobby Skafish's acclaimed We Have Company. Bobby dedicates a chapter in his book to native Chicagoan, Doors organist Ray Manzarek (photo below--Ray on the left). Ray was born this week (February 12) in 1939.
=When Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer formulated the story line of The Living Wills using improvisation techniques, they were surprised that the actor Lorne Greene was referenced repeatedly. You never know what will come out in improv. In particular, this song became an important plot point. Happy heavenly birthday Lorne (February 12), and thanks for the subliminal inspiration.
