The latest news from Eckhartz Press, and a chance to peek into some of the great previous offerings from our humble little publishing company.
COMING SOON: The Feature Creature
=Frank Mathie's book is coming out for the Christmas season, and we really think you're going to love this one. We asked Frank to give us a little description we could share with you...
Good morning, or good day, or good evening. Whatever is appropriate
at this moment. My name is Frank Mathie and I wrote this book. I hope you read
it and like it. The book is basically about me, and that breaks all of my mom’s
and dad’s rules about being conceited. “Stop talking about yourself! Talk about
other people. Other interesting people.”
I also have a wonderful love story to share with you. Come join me for a fun
ride.
=It's going to press any day now. Should be available for pre-order in a few weeks.
Eckhartz in the News...
Da Coach
=Sad news this week about the passing of Mike Ditka (10/9). He was a giant in Chicago lore, so naturally he was a big part of the Eckhartz Press lore as well. The iconic Bears coach appears in Chet Coppock's book You're Dime My Dance Floor, Rich King's book Ike and Me, and Dan McNeil's book I Bear Witness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Da Coach and his family. He will always be beloved in Chicago.
The Chicago Marathon
Thousands of people ran the Chicago Marathon yesterday. We didn't. Instead we simply read the story in the Eckhartz Press book Meta-Stories by JJ Novak called “The Marathon Runner." If you didn't do it this year, click here to buy it for next year. Trust us, the worst injury you might get is a paper cut. Totally treatable.
The Bulls
=The Chicago Bulls regular season officially begins next week (October 21). We had to share this photo of Eckhartz Press author (Always a Pleasure) and Bulls play-by-play man Chuck Swirsky with his Bulls radio sidekick Bill Wennington. Chuck calls this photo: Twins--the Sequel.
=Jeff Reiter's latest column came out in the Daily Herald last week. You can read it here. It's about a Geneva woman who travels all over the world to take pictures of birds.
Upcoming Appearances...
=The Maria publicity tour is in full swing. The next major book signing is this Sunday. It's a particularly classy one...Sun, Oct 18, Green Mill Jazz Lounge, 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640 – 3 – 5:30 PM. We will be there too.
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=A few more are coming up soon, including...
– Mon, Oct 26, Three Top Lounge (above the Salt Mines), 1357 N. Elston, Chicago, IL 60642, appearance by Maria & book signing – 7 PM
– Sun, Nov 8, G-Man Tavern, 3740 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60613, Matinee, Interview & reading by Maria and book signing
– Sun, Nov 15, Green Mill Jazz Lounge, 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640, 30-minute program by Maria and book signing – 3 – 5:30 PM
--Thurs, Nov 19. The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, reading and signing, 7PM
=How about a few interviews...
And...
=Nick Digilio is hosting another film at the Lake Theater in Oak Park (1022 Lake Street) this Wednesday night at 7pm. This week it will be the cult classic The Babadook. Yes, he'll also be selling his book there.
=This Saturday (October 17) at 2pm at the Irish American Heritage Center, be sure to check out this Literary
Writing workshop with Robert Conlon. This is how they describe it on the website...
How do you transform your family history into a compelling story?
Join author Robert Patrick Conlon for From Ancestry to Artwork, a special literary workshop exploring how genealogy, historical research, family memories, and creative writing can come together to bring the stories of our ancestors to life.
Drawing from his own experience researching and writing Celtic Knot, Conlon will take participants through his process of tracing his grandfather’s story from Ireland to Chicago and transforming that history into historical fiction. He’ll discuss working with family documents, photographs, interviews, Irish and American genealogical records, historic newspapers, maps, and archival resources, as well as the creative process of filling in the gaps when the historical record only tells part of the story.
Participants will learn how writers can balance historical fact with creative storytelling, build a vivid sense of time and place, develop characters from real family histories, and avoid getting lost in the research process. Conlon will also share practical advice for anyone interested in beginning their own Irish ancestry research, overcoming common genealogical roadblocks, interviewing relatives, and preserving family stories through writing and family history journals.
Whether you’re an aspiring writer, researching your Irish ancestry, or simply interested in the stories that connect generations, this workshop offers an engaging look at how the facts of a family tree can become something much more: a story worth telling.
=Does Robert Conlon have the requisite Irishness to present this seminar? Oh, there may be some evidence in the retired attorney's closet....
The Sun at the End of the Road
=Don't forget another big tribute to Tony Fitzpatrick is coming up on November 18 and November 19. Tony's friends Rick Kogan and Jon Langford (and a host of others) will be paying tribute to the gifted artist, actor, and writer. Tickets are available here (18th) and here (19th).
=Richard Reeder is back out on the road in early November to promote his new novel Sarasota. He'll be doing a book talk and signing at the Mather Senior Community in Evanston (425 Davis Street) on November 9th at 2pm.
=Gloria Golec made a return to her childhood neighborhood this past weekend at the Archer Heights Library on the South Side of Chicago. Thanks to those who attended and bought her book!
Eckhartz Press Birthdays!
=Two Eckhartz Press authors are celebrating birthdays this week. Happy birthday to Media consultant Kipper McGee (October 15), author of Brandwidth, and retired Judge Michael Bender (October 18), author of Protecting Children.
Other Notable Eckhartz-Related Birthdays...
*Sammy Hagar (October 13)
*Rube Waddell (October 13, 1876)
=Happy 150th birthday to the Hall of Fame pitcher. Here's his entry from EveryCubEver.
Rube Waddell 1876–1914 (Orphans 1901)
Rube was a common nickname for hayseeds and farm boys, and Rube Waddell was definitely that. He only pitched one season for the Cubs (before they were even called that) in 1901, and was only a .500 pitcher that season, but he blossomed as a pitcher the next season when he moved over to the upstart American League. He won 20 games or more four years in a row and was the most dominating strikeout pitcher of his era. He led the league in strikeouts for six years in a row. His best season was probably 1904. While pitching for the Philadelphia A’s, he struck out 349 batters in 383 innings pitched.
Despite his Hall of Fame career (he was inducted to the hall in 1946), Rube was known even more for his off-the-field antics, which were considered completely bizarre. For instance, he had a bad habit of leaving the dugout in the middle of games to follow passing fire trucks to fires. He also performed as an alligator wrestler in the off-season. And sadly, he had a horrible alcohol problem. Waddell reportedly spent his entire first signing bonus on a drinking binge. As you might expect, his odd behavior and excessive drinking led to constant battles with his managers and teammates. His A’s teammates hated him so much, they forced management to trade him to St. Louis in early 1908, even though he was the by far the best pitcher on the staff. Modern day historians believe Waddell was on the autism spectrum. Rube was only 37 years old when he passed away in 1914.
*John Wooden (October 14)
=The legendary college basketball coach was born this week in 1910. He lived to a ripe old age of 99. Not only does he have the record for most NCAA Championships, he also had his own signature shoe. Ryan Trembath tells the story of the Wooden Shoes in his book Signature Shoes.
*John Coleman (October 15, 1934)
=Other than maybe Tom Skilling or Harry Volkman, John Coleman is the most memorable weatherman in Chicago television history. He's mentioned in Joel Daly's book The Daly News, and will also be a part of Frank Mathie's upcoming book The Feature Creature. This photo of the Eyewitness News Team goes back to the early 70s. (L-R: Fahey Flynn, John Coleman, Bill Frink, Joel Daly.)
*Ted Cox (October 15)
=The longtime media writer for the Daily Herald and The Reader came out to the launch party for Mark Wukas' novel The Kiss of Night.
*Harry Teinowitz (October 15)
=The late Chicago sportscaster was beloved by so many. One of his admirers was Eckhartz Press author Randy Merkin. He visited him towards the end of Harry's life, and also wrote about him in his new book Beyond the Glass.
*Steve McMichael (October 17)
=A year ago this week, we released Take Me Back to Chicago.
=The novel is a love story to 1970s Chicago. Author Doug E. Jones describes his novel this way: What do Joe Pepitone, Bozo The Clown, and George Morley have in common? Nothing. But in 1974 Chicago, they mean everything to Rick as he tries to pay off his dead father’s debt to the Irish mob.
=This week last year we also found out we had another finalist for Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year. Jim Slusher, author of To Nudge the World, was nominated in the Indie non-fiction category! The book is a collection of his columns for the Daily Herald. (Spoiler alert: Jim won)
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=Will Wagner's novel is about what happened to Pete Townshend's guitar after he tossed it into the audience at Woodstock. So, it's only natural that when The Who came town this week in 2022 (October 13), Will (center) held a book signing down the street from the United Center before the show.
=This week in 2021 (October 15), Mob Adjacent became our tenth book to be named a finalist for CWA Book of the Year.
=This week in 2018 (October 18), Don Evans had his book launch party at the very swanky Cliff Dwellers on South Michigan Avenue.
=This week in 2018 (October 16), the original version of Cubsessions was also garnering some serious buzz at GoodReads. Here's an example...
=This week in 2018 (October 18), Chet Coppock had a book signing at his favorite local joint, Stormy's in Northfield...
=This week in 2017, Tom Weinberg was riding high while promoting his book Chasing the Lost City. Rick Kogan wrote about it in the Chicago Tribune (October 15), and Tom's book launch party (October 17) at the Billy Goat was a big success.
=This week in 2017 (October 17), Doin' The Cruise was tearing it up on GoodReads. Here's an example of the reviews from readers...
=This week in 2016, Bobby Skafish was making the rounds promoting his book We Have Company. He appeared on WBEZ (photo) and also on the Kevin Matthews podcast.
“Make sure your schedule is clear when you begin to read this book because you won’t be able to put it down. You’re there as Skafish speaks face to face with the architects of the music that made radio hip, here and happening.”
“Close encounters of the rock radio kind from the coolest cat to ever drop a needle on vinyl”
“With over four decades as a silver-tongued D.J., Bobby Skafish turns his numerous interview moments into a can’t-stop reading adventure. Partly his thoughts on the interview process but mainly a memoir about his lifelong passion for music and those that make it. Highly recommended!”
“Bobby Skafish delves into an interview with knowledge, finesse and the ability to get a conversation started. He once told me that listening is just as important as asking the questions. This book is proof that his approach is right on!”
=This week in 2015 (October 14), Rick Kaempfer appeared on Rabbi Doug's television show to talk about his latest book, Father Knows Nothing.
Records Truly Is My Middle Name
=This week in 2013 (October 17), Records Truly Is My Middle Name (by John Landecker) became our first book ever named as a finalist for Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year. It was only the fourth book we ever published. John and his daughter (movie/TV star) Amy made the media rounds promoting the book.
Best Seat in the House: Diary of a Wrigley Field Usher
=It's a date that will live in infamy for Cubs fans: October 14, 2003—The Bartman Game at Wrigley Field. Bruce Bohrer was an usher that day, and told the tale of what went down in the ballpark that night in Best Seat in the House.
=This week in 1978 (October 13), the band UFO recorded their live album in Chicago. Naturally they also appeared at The Flip Side.
=This week in 1974 (October 17), the show Austin City Limits debuted. The creator of that show is author Roger Badesch's longtime friend. He provided this blurb for The Unplanned Life...
“Roger and I go back over 50 years to when he was a high school student and I was the TV Director for Evanston Township High School. Then again when I was TV Producer-Director for Southern Illinois University and Roger was an enthusiastic RTV Major. He worked on several of my shows including one with Billy Joel and one with the rock band Brownsville Station. I went on to co-create and direct PBS’ Austin City Limits, and Roger went on to become an anchor for WGN Radio News. His story is bound to be a good one!”
=Happy birthday to the city of Sarasota (October 13, 1902). The city might as well be a character in Richard Reeder's novel with the same name: Sarasota. The book takes place there in 1961.
=How about this one? The White House opened for the first time on October 13, 1792. At least two Eckhartz Press authors have been there. We know this for a fact because we have photographic proof: John Landecker in the White House and Rich King with Jim Rose in the White House Press Room.
=This week in 1775 (October 13), the US Navy was formed. Only one book in the Eckhartz Press catalog is about the Navy, and that's a great novel by Keith Conrad. It's entitled Righteous Might. Pick up your copy this week. It's on sale.
The Balding Handbook
=This week is Be Bald and Be Free Day (October 14). It's a day that Balding Handbook author David Stern celebrates every year. Even though his book is no longer in print, his head remains a tribute to the book's title.
