Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Monday, April 13, 2026
Publishing Portal--April 13, 2026
The latest news from Eckhartz Press, and a chance to peek into some of the great previous offerings from our humble little publishing company.
NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER: Slivers by Vicki Atkinson
=In a single week in the summer of 1973, a quiet suburban neighborhood implodes when generations of mystical deceit become too much to bear. Drawn to the web of secrets and lies, the other worldly slivers refuse to be ignored, pushing one family to the brink.
=Vicki Atkinson is the author of Surviving Sue and Slivers and is a licensed professional counselor with a doctorate in Adult Education and degrees in Psychology. Vicki is a consultant in private practice and lives near Chicago with her husband Paul and is the proud mother of Delaney and guardian to her disabled sister, Lisa.
=Pre-Order Slivers now! Ships in a few weeks.
=We announced the pre-sale of Randy Merkin's new book last week, but you might have missed Randy's announcement. He likes to do these things via video (Listen closely, the date of the upcoming launch party is also mentioned)...
Also Coming Soon...
=A novel about Civil Rights and baseball, written by local literary legend Richard Reeder. We have a (gorgeous) cover! The book interior design is almost done. This one will be out before you know it!
Two Chances to meet Eckhartz Press authors this week...
=In early May there's another important preview for the movie...
=Record Store Day is this weekend (April 18), and author/rock jock Mitch Michaels is making a return appearance to Blue Village Vinyl in Westmont, signing and selling copies of his book Doin the Cruise. There will be live music (Michael McInerney) as well.
Meet Three More Eckhartz Press Authors Next Week...
=Book of the Year winner Jim Slusher (To Nudge the World) will be appearing on April 23 at the Aurora Public Library, and Jeff Reiter (The Best of Words on Birds) and Gloria Golec (South Side Memories) will be at the Wheaton Public Library Local Authors Fest on April 25.
=Nick Digilio had another exceptional night at the Lake Theater last week...
=Thanks to everyone who came out to meet Jim Elsener and get a copy of his book Sirens in the Loop at the Book Loft in Oak Brook on Sunday. We like to support our independent book stores in the Chicagoland area, and The Book Loft is an important one in that vibrant community.
Always a Pleasure
=On April 15,
1974, the Dutch rock group Golden Earring released their big hit "Radar Love." Eckhartz Press author Doug E. Jones uses that rocker as a sort of literary musical backdrop for the exploits of his characters in the book. You'll find yourself humming it while you read. If you click on this video below, you'll have the song in your head all day long.
=Vicki Atkinson has a new novel available for pre-order (first item in this column), but she also wrote a memoir for us a few years ago. It's mainly about her difficult mother Sue, but it's also about her disabled big sister Lisa. Lisa is a resident of Clearbrook, a wonderful organization dedicated to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Lisa was honored at Clearbrook's Shining Star Gala at the Ritz Carlton this past weekend (this is the video tribute to her). Vicki was there for that memorable event...
=Yes, it's true, Rick Kaempfer did not do an update of EveryCubEver this season. On the other hand, he is featuring every Hall of Fame Cub on or around their birthdays this year right here on this blog. And those entries will be from EveryCubEver. Two Cubs Hall of Famers were born this week. Cap Anson (April 17, 1852) and Greg Maddux (April 14, 1966). Read about them here.
=Rick Kaempfer was out and about, making the rounds last year promoting EveryCubEver. This week was a busy one. First he appeared on Ray Stevens' show on WLS...
My appearance this morning on The Ray Stevens show on WLS-AM 890. omny.fm/shows/ray-st...— Rick Kaempfer (@rickkaempfer.bsky.social) April 7, 2025 at 10:48 AM
=Then he appeared on the podcast The Heart of the Matter.
=And finally, he appeared on John St. Augustine's podcast.
=Flip Side writer Ken Churilla reported another great review this week...
=Last year on Record Store day The Flip Side co-author Larry Rosenbaum made a few appearances promoting the book. Thanks to everyone in Oak Park and Barrington who came out to see Larry and get their copies of his book.
=Eckhartz Press author Keith Conrad is celebrating a birthday this week (April 17). . This Q&A with Keith will give you an idea of how interesting his novel is.
=On April 18, 1991, the ballpark now known as Guaranteed Rate Field (The Rate), but then known as New Comiskey, held its very first Opening Day. Naturally, Eckhartz Press author (and longtime WGN sportscaster) Rich King was on field. Don't ask what the score was.
=This week in 2020 Roger Badesch got the first copy of his memoir The Unplanned Life (photo). It came just one day after what would have been former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington's birthday (April 15). Part of Roger's unplanned life was working for Mayor Washington for a time. There's a memorable story in the book about the time Roger had to set up the stereo equipment at Harold's house.
=This week in 2021 Roger was interviewed by Steve Dale on WGN Radio.
=This week in 2021, Ken Korber got a shout out on Bruce Springsteen's website Backstreets. Ken's book is about a young girl getting to meet her hero, Springsteen sideman Little Stevie Van Zandt. Van Zandt not only endorsed the book, he used it as part of his Teach Rock curriculum.
=Two people who contributed to the Loop Files are celebrating birthdays this week, Jack Landreth (April 14) and Seka (April 15). Jack told stories about his days working as Kevin Matthews' producer. Seka was one of the stars of the photo section (shown below with co-host Stan Lawrence).
Kareem!
=This week's birthday boy Kareem Abdul Jabbar (April 16) appears in three different Eckhartz Press books, Chet Coppock's Your Dime My Dance Floor, Chuck Swirsky's Always a Pleasure, and Ryan Trembath's Signature Shoes.
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=This week in 2012, Windy City Reviews posted their review of the first ever Eckhartz Press release, The Living Wills. Here's a portion of what they said...
In the preface, the authors note the novel's structure is influenced by the Harold, an improvisational theater form created by Del Close. While the novel does not exactly follow the form, the interwoven stories lend themselves to the influence of improv. Sullivan and Kaempfer set themselves up for a challenge by telling the stories of five main characters each through a different point of view, but each of the story lines is unique, all the characters are clearly drawn, and there is no confusion for the reader. Short chapters advance the plot quickly and keep the reader engaged.
What struck me most about this novel was its sweetness.
What struck me most about this novel was its sweetness. Sullivan and Kaempfer navigate issues of love, loss, and family dynamics with a care that is crucial to the success of the novel. The straightforward, unadorned prose does no work to convey the depth of emotion in the novel; that job is reserved solely for the characters, and they carry the load well. Though each of the characters trend slightly towards the stereotypical, the reader is able to accept them as individuals thanks to Sullivan and Kaempfer's well-placed personal details. Delmar, the toilet salesman, is a salesman to his core, and his application of sales principles to his romantic relationship is at once comic and endearing. Similarly, the scenes in the parking garage with the executive and the attendant are injected with emotion when we learn that “Reed went through the usual charade of offering a smoke to Henry, who always pretended to consider it before declining.” These details elevate the novel from cliché to something much deeper and more satisfying for the reader.
As difficult as it is to wrap up intricately woven narratives, Sullivan and Kaempfer succeed there, as well. On the whole, The Living Wills was a pleasure to read for Sullivan and Kaempfer's deft characterization and effective structural choices. The rich details about Chicago only add to the novel's appeal, and I find myself thinking of Henry, Reed, and Delmar when I pass Waveland Bowl or a parking area on lower Wacker Drive.
Rest in Peace
=Sad news this week in 2019 (April 17). We lost Eckhartz Press author Chet Coppock. He was only 71 years old when he perished as the result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Eckhartz Press publisher Rick Kaempfer was dispatched to radio and television stations to eulogize Chet. A few weeks later friends gathered for Chet's memorial service and paid tribute to one of the all-time greats.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Thursday, April 09, 2026
EveryCubEver--Hall of Famers
Yes, it's true, I'm not doing an update of EveryCubEver this season. On the other hand, I do plan on featuring every Hall of Fame Cub on or around their birthdays this year right here on this blog. And those entries will be from EveryCub Ever.
Monday, April 06, 2026
Publishing Portal--April 6, 2025
The latest news from Eckhartz Press, and a chance to peek into some of the great previous offerings from our humble little publishing company.
=Our latest book is Randy Merkin's follow up to his well-regarded Behind the Glass. This one is called Beyond the Glass. It features a who's who in the sports world.
My relationship with Randy goes back over 20 years. I have always admired his professionalism and attention to detail each time we’ve worked together. What truly stands out about Randy, though, is the human side. A simple congratulatory message or birthday wish from him is always appreciated and goes a long way. Randy is a true pro’s pro!
Throughout my tenure in sports media, there have been few people who have been more gracious and professional than “Merk.” He was an outstanding executive producer, but more importantly, a trusted and respected colleague, plus an exceptional storyteller. Much like his first book, this is a must read from one of the industry’s best.
If I hadn’t witnessed some of these moments myself, I might not have believed them! Very few people have experienced what Merk has over the years; he’s dealt with every player, coach, executive, and media personality in the business, both local and national. Whether it is booking a big guest, breaking big news, or putting out a big fire, he always knows how to handle the situation. And like any good consigliere, he knows when and how to give it to you straight. Go along for the ride with a great raconteur!
Merk is the single best radio pro I’ve ever worked with. He builds genuine relationships and earns the trust of the people around him. There’s a reason why the biggest names in sports still answer the phone when his name pops up! What sets him apart from his peers is his ability to cultivate lasting personal connections with the people who he has covered over the years. That trust is the foundation of his work, and his track record speaks for itself. Randy Merkin has been great at what he does for decades because he never stops putting in the work. He invests his own time to build up the people around him. In a relationship-driven business, there’s no greater compliment than knowing people trust you to be there whenever they need you. Merk has earned that trust time and again. That’s why his Rolodex isn’t just extensive — it’s one of the strongest in the business.
(Beyond The Glass is available for pre-order now!)
Slivers
=This eerie novel is next on our agenda. It's getting very close. By next week we may even have it available for pre-order (fingers crossed). Here's how former Pioneer Press writer Melanie McGauran describes it...
Disembodied voices. Moving objects. Mind-reading. We jump right into Vicki Atkinson’s Slivers with her characters besieged by supernatural forces they don’t understand. The slivers are getting bolder; a terrible tension is building. With Atkinson’s “in-the-moment” storytelling, I felt it almost immediately.
Over one week in the summer of 1973, we see the three protagonists struggle against not only the slivers, but the emotional exposure of a terrible family secret shattering everything they once knew.
Slivers gave me Anne Rice vibes. Humans and entities finding a fragile peace and work to share a common ancient history. Love that! I enjoyed so many details of this highly creative storyline. I hope Atkinson continues on this track.
As a fan of supernatural stories, Slivers delivers.
The Write City Review, Volume 5
=Here's another upcoming book. It will be done in time for the Chicago Writers Association annual "Let's Just Write" conference on June 20. Cover photo by Randy Richardson. Edited by Maggie Smith.
Two chances to meet Eckhartz Press authors this week...
=This Wednesday, April 8, Nick Digilio (40 Years, 40 Films) will be at the Lake Theater in Oak Park showing the funniest film ever made, "The Producers". The movie starts at 7:00, and Nick normally does a pre and post game show about the films. This week Rick Kaempfer will be stopping in as well...
=This coming Sunday, April 12, Jim Elsener (Sirens in the Loop) will also be in Oak Park. He is doing a book signing at the Book Loft (1047 Lake Street) from 12:30--1:30.
Six More Opportunities to meet Eckhartz Press authors coming before the end of the month...
=Your chance to meet Jeff Reiter will be at Wheaton Public Library for their Local Authors Fest on April 25th. Register here.
=There was an incredible review of Jeff Reiter's book last week by the ABA (American Birding Association). Check it out here.
=A small taste of the review (by Joel Greenberg)...
Reiter considers his first encounter with a Hooded Warbler, observing the striking bird and then going through the process of identifying it, as “a sighting experience that launched [him] into this wonderfully addictive hobby.” But of greater importance were his parents, not birders themselves but aware of avian presence. They maintained feeders, kept a Peterson guide handy, and engaged in bird-oriented activities like listening for woodcocks while volunteering at an environmental learning center near their home in Canton, Ohio. Books like this one might well inspire someone to take that first step into the world of birding and natural history, a move fulfilling for the person and potentially valuable for the larger world of which they are a part.
=This week in 1990 (April 7), famous bird illustrator Arthur B. Singer passed away. Jeff Reiter included one of Singer's illustrations in his book. It was a Sports Illustrated cover from 1955, the magazine’s “Bird Watchers’ Guide” cover story.
=This year for Record Store Day (April 18) Mitch Michaels is making a return appearance to Blue Village Vinyl in Westmont. He'll be signing and selling copies of his book Doin the Cruise, and has also agreed to bring along copies of The Loop Files as well. If you don't have either book yet, and you were a big fan of the radio station, you are missing out! We've been told it's going to be a star-studded day at the record store. There will be live music (Michael McInerney) as well.
=Last week Jim Slusher was in Texas spreading the word. Here is he is at the Lyndon B. Johnson presidential library (which is awesome by the way--highly recommend visiting there).
=This month Jim has a few appearances/presentations/book signings on his calendar. Come on out...
*Monarch Landing in Naperville on April 21
*Aurora Public Library on April 23.
=Another Gloria Golec appearance is coming later this month. April 25, Gloria Golec (South Side Memories) will be at Wheaton Public Library Local Authors Fest. (Photo: Gloria with EP publishers Rick and Dave)
Everything I Know I Learned from Rock Stars
=On April 11, 2007, famed author Kurt Vonnegut died. One of Bill Paige's prize possessions is a letter Vonnegut once sent to him. Note the date mentioned in the letter--Palm Sunday 1981. Bill published it in Everything I Know I Learned from Rock Stars. Turns out, Bill also learned something from a famous author. Here's the letter...(click on it to enlarge it)
=We met The Kiss of Night author Mark Wukas at a Bill Paige (above) event a few years ago. Mark mentioned that he was working on a novel, and we encouraged him to send it to us when he finished. He did, and we were blown away. This week in 2025, we were at the is/was Brewery for the book launch party for The Kiss of Night. We sold out of books! Thanks to everyone who came out to help Mark Wukas celebrate the release of his book.
=This week in 2024, we released one of our best selling books of the year, Last Comiskey. The goal of Last Comiskey is to serve as a permanent companion to the documentary that will provide a physical and tangible reminder of the final surprising season at “Sox Park.” The book blends both Ken Smoller’s photographs along with the content from the “Last Comiskey” documentary film, supplemented by new material to provide greater context. The book is intended to capture the spirit of the documentary and the reflections of the many participants in the interviews Matt conducted for the film.
=One of the players featured in Last Comiskey is Dave Gallagher. He is celebrating a birthday this week (April 12)
=Reading The Flip Side is like a taking a journey through the Rock and Roll adventures of Chicagoland. This week in 1978 (April 6), REO Speedwagon released their multi-platinum album You Can Tune a Piana, But You Can't Tuna Fish. Naturally their promotional tour included a visit to Flip Side records.
=On April 10, 1966, the song "Sweet Talkin’ Guy" was released by the Chiffons. One of the fun things about Pat Motto's book To the Men I Loved is that she suggests musical accompanient to each of her chapters. Chapter 7 suggests "Sweet Talking Guy".
=Two contributors to The Loop Files are celebrating birthdays this week. Happy birthday to Bob Stroud (April 13) and Dorothy Humphrey (April 7). Both played a significant role in the success of Chicago's all-time favorite radio station. (Top Photo: L-R, Looper Tricia Mladic, author Rick Kaempfer, Bob Stroud)
=This week in 2018, the second edition of Kipper McGee's broadcasting book Brandwidth was released. Kipper appeared on the Sound Off podcast to discuss it.
=Yet another Cubs book in the Eckhartz Press library is Cubsessions. One of the contributors to that book, best-selling author Scott Turow, is celebrating a birthday this week (April 12).
=This week in 2014, the Beverly Arts Center hosted An Afternoon with Joel Daly. Penny Golden interviewed Joel in front of a large BAC audience.
Records Truly Is My Middle Name
=Just weeks after Landecker's book came out in 2013, his childhood crush Annette Funicello passed away. You can listen to John's interview with Annette here, or you can read the free excerpt from his book (about Annette).
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Here, in an honest sensitive voice, Ann Wilson recalls being yanked out of her 1970’s teenage life in Western Springs, Illinois, when her dynamic architect father is assigned to a two-year project in Hong Kong, transplanting the family. ‘You’re afraid,’ he tells her on their first night in the new vertical city with its teetering apartment buildings and rickety bamboo scaffolding. ‘Of what?’ she asks, and he mumbles, ‘Of the unknown.’ Little does this American teenager know how much her father will become that ‘unknown.’ Wilson looks back and chronicles it all in brave, vivid prose—not just the strange flavors and sounds, but the unanticipated changes in herself and the impact Hong Kong ultimately has on her family.
=It's not often an Eckhartz Press book gets a recommendation from the likes of Chicago author Stuart Dybek (celebrating a birthday this week/April 10), but Don Evans' collection of short stories managed to do just that when it came out in 2018...
Don Evans can get the streets to talk as if they’re telling their own stories. One hears in his work an immediately recognizable offhand tone that rings true, empathetic, street smart, and very funny.
=This week in 2023, Chuck Swirsky appeared on the podcast of old colleague Garry Meier to discuss his book Always a Pleasure. This is what Chuck looked like when he and Garry worked together at the Loop in 1980 (photo by Paul Natkin/from The Loop Files)
=This week in 2018, Beth Jacobellis appeared on WGN Radio to talk about her novel Cameo.
=This week would have been Hugh Hefner's birthday (April 9). Pat Colander used Hef's name in her book's title because one of the most powerful tales in her book is the one about Hefner's secretary, and her tragic end (a true story). Illustrator David Mosele contributed this sketch (below) of Hef and his secretary Bobbi to the book. Hugh Hefner's First Funeral: And Other Tales of Love and Death in Chicago will always be a special book for us. It's the first book that won an award for us (CWA Book of the Year), and Pat Colander was one of the most caring and encouraging people we've ever met. She passed away in 2018 and we still think about her all the time.
