Publishing Portal--October 26, 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.

Three chances to meet an Eckhartz Press author this week...

*Monday, October 26

=Maria Pappas will be at Three Top Lounge (above the Salt Shed), 1357 N. Elston in Chicago, for an appearance  & book signing of Maria the Pappas – at 7 PM. Doors open at 6. 

  

*Wednesday, October 28

=Nick Digilio will be at the Pickwick Theater (5 S. Prospect, Park Ridge) presenting the film "Poltergeist" at 7pm, and signing and selling his book 40 Years, 40 Horror Films.

=Check out the ABC-TV/Chicago morning show that day. Nick will be on the show promoting the "Poltergeist" showing and his book.

=He was also on Fox-32 late last week...

*Friday, October 30

=Nick Digilio will also be at Kaiser Tiger restaurant near the United Center (1415 W. Randolph) from 6-8pm on Friday night, signing and selling his new book 40 Years, 40 Horror Films. 

Eckhartz in the News

National First Responders Day

=October 28 is National First Responders Day. Our late author Alex Burkholder was passionate about the work of first responders. His book Death of the Angels was about the famous 1958 fire at Our Lady of the Angels school, and the firefighters who were there that day were his heroes. When the book was released, on the 60th anniversary of the fire, we released it at a Chicago firehouse. 

40 Years, 40 Horror Films

=Nick Digilio got a great endorsement this week for his book 40 Years, 40 Horror Films. Recognize this fellow?

Weird Al loves my new book about horror movies! #Horror #Movies #Books #Scary #WeirdAl #HorrorMovies #Film Buy your copy HERE: https://t.co/dsUJZ9DgMq https://t.co/nmTnVHKJta

— Nick Digilio (@nick_digilio) October 20, 2026

=He also got some nice coverage on WBBM Newsradio. Listen here.

International Authors Day

=November 1 is International Authors Day. You'd think that a boutique Chicago press like Eckhartz Press wouldn't have any international authors. You would be wrong. Brent Petersen (Truffle Hunt) lives in Portugal right now. Rick Kaempfer (Back in the DDR) and Felitzitas Sudendorf (A Reluctant Immigrant) grew up in Germany. Bob Boone (City U) was a teacher in Germany. Ann Wilson (In Small Boxes) grew up in Hong Kong. Chuck Swirsky (Always a Pleasure) is a citizen of Canada. Leonid Osseny, the illustrator of 1001 Train Rides in Chicago, grew up in Russia, and Everything I Know I Learned from Rock Stars author Bill Paige lives in Thailand.

The Front Page

=The right guy was in the audience for the latest production of the Ben Hecht/Charles MacArthur classic, The Front Page: The man who wrote Sirens in the Loop about the history of the City News Bureau, Jim Elsener.  The City News Bureau plays a big part in the plot of the play.

Perspectives in Black and White

=This week the Trump Justice Department announced an investigation into the Evanston Reparations Fund, which was passed by the Evanston City Council on a 8-1 vote in 2019. Seven years later, the DOJ now says it is “odious to a free people whose institutions are founded upon the doctrine of equality.”

=Believe it or not, we have a whole book about the Evanston Reparations Fund and the reason it exists in the first place. Notably, the book strongly disagrees with the view of the DOJ. It was written by Michael Frank Miles, and it's called Perspectives in Black and White.

Slivers now available as e-book on Amazon

=The spooky novel by Vicki Atkinson is now also available on Amazon as an e-book. Do we have the link? Why yes we do. Click here.

=She also posted a free excerpt of Slivers on her blog this week. You can read it here.

Celtic Knot

=Great coverage of Robert Conlon's historical novel this week in the Irish American News. You can read all about it here.

Eckhartz Press birthdays...

*Jim Elsener  (October 29)

=Happy birthday Jim! Elsener is the co-author of Sirens in the Loop. He began his career at the legendary City News Bureau of Chicago in the early 1970s. He later became a reporter with the Chicago Tribune, managed a national newspaper trade association, and founded and owned a regional business publication. Jim served with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He and his wife, Patricia, a former journalist, live in suburban Chicago.

*Eckhartz Press (November 1)

=We're also celebrating our 15th birthday! Eckhartz Press was founded this week (November 1) in 2011. The name is a mashup of the first names of our co-publisher's fathers, Eckhard Kaempfer and Fritz Stern. The logo is a laughing E to remind us never to take ourselves too seriously. Since our first book, The Living Wills, came out in November of 2011, we've published over 150 books, including 15 Book of the Year finalists. Five of our books have been sold for movie rights, another was sold to an international publisher, and we've been featured by The Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun Times, the Daily Herald, dozens of magazines, nearly every Chicago radio and television station, hundreds of podcasts and countless blogs, websites, and on-line publications. We never would have believed it when we started this little boutique Chicago publishing company fifteen years ago. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our success (especially our gifted authors!), but most of all, thank you to the readers who continue to buy Eckhartz Press books. We greatly appreciate you.

*Other Notable Eckhartz-Related Birthdays...

*Jack Mabley (October 26, 1915) 

=The famed Chicago newspaper columnist and City News Bureau alum is featured in Sirens in the Loop.

*Ralph Kiner (October 27, 1922)

=The Cubs Hall of Famer is featured in EveryCubEver. Here's his entry in the book...

Ralph Kiner 1922–2014 (Cubs 1953-1954)

He was one of the most feared sluggers in the league when he played for the Pirates, but by the time the Cubs got him (1953), he was not the same player. He led the league in home runs all seven seasons with the Pirates, and though he did have a decent power season with the Cubs in 1953 (making the All-Star team), he was so slow by then, he could barely field his position. Combined with the equally slow Hank Sauer in the other corner, the Cubs outfield during those two seasons might have been the worst fielding outfield the Cubs ever had. Kiner joked that both he and Sauer used to scream “You got it, Frankie” every time the ball was hit in the air. Frankie Baumholtz was the center fielder on that team. After the 1954 season Kiner was traded to the Indians for Sam Jones, who went on to pitch a no-hitter for the Cubs in 1955. Ralph Kiner is a proud member of baseball’s Hall of Fame, but when you look at his plaque, don’t expect to see him wearing a Cubs hat.

Historical note: On the day that John F. Kennedy married Jackie (1953), Kiner slammed a homer off fellow Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm to win the game for the Cubs.

*Dennis Franz (October 28)

=The famous Chicago-born actor shared his Cubs love in the book Cubsessions (written by Becky Sarwate and Randy Richardson). 

*Vesna Plakinis (October 29)

=Vesna is one of the enthusiastic supporters of Brent Petersen's foodie novel Truffle Hunt.  Here's what she had to say about it...

• “Truffle Hunt” serves up a five-star gourmet feast of murder, hidden historical gems, deep family pride, a dash of humor and romance, topped with delicate slices of heavenly, golden truffles and a glass of nectar from the deepest Eastern European wine cellars. As a gourmand, mushroom hunter, animal lover and world traveler, I ate the delicious book up in just a couple of sittings. Now, all I need is a truffle hunting dog, a simian bartender, and I can I can bring the pages of this book to life in my kitchen!

  Vesna Plakanis, Owner, A Walk in the Woods, Nature Guide Service

*Henry Winkler (October 30)

=Yes, most of the people featured in Randy Merkin's book about sports radio (Behind the Glass) are sports heroes. There are, however, a few exceptions who rate their own chapter in the book. One of them is Henry Winkler. In the photo, L-R, John Jurkovic, Henry, Randy, and Carmen DeFalco.

*Ronnie Woo Woo Wickers (October 31)

=The man who has personally met seemingly every person to step foot in Chicago, Ronnie Woo Woo Wickers (October 31) is featured in Cubsessions. Ronnie even came out to a few of the Cubsessions book signings. His health hasn't been great lately. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ronnie.

*Fred McGriff (October 31)

=The Cubs Hall of Famer is featured in EveryCubEver. Here's his entry in the book...

Fred McGriff 1963-- (Cubs 2001-2002)

He was nicknamed the Crime Dog because of his last name’s similarity to the “actual” crime dog McGruff. Our crime dog, it’s safe to say, was at best a reluctant Cub. He refused to be traded to the Cubs at first, and then when he finally agreed to the trade, he seemed to be a bad luck charm as the surging Cubs faded out of contention shortly after he arrived in 2001. He had a great season in 2002 (30 HR, 103 RBI), but that team was headed nowhere. He played two more seasons after he left Chicago and ended his career with 493 home runs. During his big-league career he was one of the premier sluggers in the game. That’s why he was elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 2022.

More events coming in November

Sunday, November 8

=Maria Pappas at the G-Man Tavern, 3740 N. Clark St., Chicago. Matinee, interview and reading by Maria and book signing. We're calling this one the official launch party. 1-4pm.

Monday, November 9

=Richard Reeder is doing a book talk and signing at the Mather Senior Community in Evanston (425 Davis Street) at 2pm. His novel Sarasota will be the topic of discussion.

 

Saturday, November 14

=Book launch party for Russ Fahrner for his book Face Your Monster. It will be at Salerno's Pizza (1201 W. Grand Avenue in Chicago) from 1-3 PM. Russ will do a brief presentation before signing and selling his book. Pizza and snacks will be available there.

Sunday, November 15

=Maria Pappas and her co-author Mark Eleveld will be at the Green Mill Jazz Lounge, 4802 N Broadway, Chicago. There will be a 30-minute program starring Maria on the famous jazz stage, followed by a book signing – 3 – 5:30 PM.

Wednesday, November 18 & 

Thursday, November 19

=A tribute to Tony Fitzpatrick (The Sun at the End of the Road). Tony's friends Rick Kogan and Jon Langford (and a host of others) will be paying tribute to the gifted artist, actor, and writer at Constellation Chicago (3111 N. Western Avenue) for two consecutive nights doing a show they called "Something Beautiful: Words, Songs, and Poems of Tony Fitzpatrick." Tickets are available here (18th) and here (19th).

 =No promises that it doesn't end like this memorial parade for Tony in New Orleans last year. What a moment.

 Thursday, November 19

=Maria Pappas will also be at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, doing a reading and signing, at 7PM.

Notable Anniversaries

=It turns out that this week in history has been a popular one for Eckhartz Press book releases.

+In 2013 (October 30), we released Chuck Quinzio's Life Behind the Camera. (Read former WGN-TV reporter Nancy Loo's article about the book)

 +In 2015 (October 31), we released Pat Colander's Hugh Hefner's First Funeral. (Check out photos from the book release party) That one was named Book of the Year by the Chicago Writers Association.

+In 2016 (October 27), we released The Scar Dance by William Mansfield. (Here's a Q&A with the author). That was one of the three finalists for Book of the Year by the CWA.

+This week in 2017 (October 28), Safe Inside author Lee Kingsmill appeared at a book club in Northwest Indiana to read and promote his book. 

+In 2019, Rick Kaempfer appeared on WGN Radio with Andrea Darlas and CBS-2's Brad Edwards to talk about his book EveryCubEver.

+In 2020 (October 27),  Mob Adjacent co-author Mike Gentile appeared on WGN Radio with John Landecker. You can still hear that interview here. 

 

+In 2020 (October 28), we released William Mansfield's follow-up book, his memoir The Most Beautiful Place in Hell.

+In 2022 (November 1), Back in the DDR by Rick Kaempfer was initially offered up for pre-order.

+In 2024 (November 1), we released our book about the Chicago Bears,  I Bear Witness by Dan McNeil. 

+In 2024 Eckhartz Press publishers Rick and Dave ran into the co-author of Chili Dog MVP, Dr. David Fletcher. It wasn't a chance meeting. Doc was kind enough to score these seats. It was Rick's first Illini game in 40 years. That Illini Dad shirt Dave is wearing was once the property of Rick's dad Eckhard. 

+In 2025 (October 30), we released Gloria Golec's South Side Memories.

     

    

And...

The Loop Files

=The Loop Exhibit at the Museum of Broadcast Communications was unveiled to the public this week in 2025. Dean Richards did a great tour of it in this segment on the WGN-TV Morning News.

=Dane Placko did a report on the entire museum for WFLD-Channel 32. Here's a peek at it. NBC-5 was there as well.  So was Axios Chicago. We also like this Facebook reel of WLS Radio's Cara Carriveau discovering live on camera that she was in the display.

=An enlarged framed photo of The Loop Files cover autographed by dozens of Loop stars from over the years is displayed. The book is even for sale there at the museum gift shop.

    

And from the way, way-back machine...

The Radio Producer's Handbook

November 1, 2004, Bill Zwecker interviewed Rick Kaempfer and John "Swany" Swanson in the Chicago Sun Times. You can still read that interview here.  

=Despite the fact that he's been out of the business for 20 years, Rick's radio coaching techniques were also featured this week last year in Barrett's Media. You can read that piece here.  Thanks to writer Kevin Robinson for the profile. 

Publishing Portal--February 9, 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.

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.

Sirens in the Loop

=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!

40 Years, 40 Films

=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.

=He'll also be at the Museum of Broadcast Communications for a discussion/signing hosted by Rick Kogan on March 15 (the day of the Oscars) from noon-2pm. More details coming soon.

=Also, let's not forget this big moment over the weekend...

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.

The Best of Words on Birds

=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)

=By the way, pick up the latest issue of Naperville magazine. Look what book is highlighted...

The Kiss of Night

=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).

 Celtic Knot 

=There will be two chances in the coming weeks to meet Robert Conlon and have him sign a copy of his five-star reviewed book Celtic Knot.

=On February 28th, he'll be part of the Boozy Book Fair at Printer's Row Brewing (4801 N. Austin Avenue in Chicago) from Noon-4pm. 

=Bob will also be appearing at the G-man (on Clark in Chicago) on March 15. 

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.

South Side Memories

=Don't feel bad that Gloria Golec isn't doing any book events this week. She's in New Zealand. Ah, the author's life.

=Before she left the country she did this great interview with the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast.

Mob Adjacent

=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...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mob Adjacent (@mobadjacent)

=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

=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.

To Nudge the World

=Book of the Year winner Jim Slusher talks journalism with Rick and Dave on the Minutia Men Celebrity Interview.

The Flip Side

=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.

Truffle Hunt

=This week in 2015, Brent Petersen took the logical next step after writing his foodie novel Truffle Hunt. He posted his first Truffle recipe video. Enjoy!

=Would you like to read a free excerpt from the book? Author Brent Peterson has his own substack (DestinationEatDrink), and  You can read it here. 

The Unplanned Life

=Roger Badesch also posted a free excerpt from his book on Instagram this week. It's an excerpt from the audio book version. Listen to it here. It's from the book's preface, and it refers to these three guys below (L-R: Rick Kaempfer, Roger Badesch, Rick Kogan)

Brandwidth

=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

=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...

Life Behind the Camera

=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.

Safe Inside

=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.”

  Michael Lister, New York Times Bestselling author of Blood Work

Protecting Children

=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.

  

We Have Company

=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. 

  

The Living Wills

=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.

The Balding Handbook

=David Stern's self-help masterpiece The Balding Handbook: Five Stages of Grieving for Your Hair Loss is sold out and out of print, but his tribute to Burt Reynolds lives on, and so does this song, Cueball Wizard, which came out this week in 2014...