The Living Wills Comes Out Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the official release date of "The Living Wills". Over the past ten days or so, we've been giving you little hints and previews of what you will find in the pages of this exciting new novel by Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer.

We've mentioned the unique plot lines, and the great Chicago locations, but we haven't really talked about the characters in the book. Who are these people living in the pages of "The Living Wills"?

Well, you'll meet the following people: Baristas, Vietnam Veterans, Corporate Fish Accountants, Hot-shot young Lawyers, Parking Garage Attendants, Port-a-Potty Salesmen, Truckers, Librarians, Campers, Wisconsinites, Bowlers, Drunks, Recovered Drunks, Homeless People, Carpet Executives, Real Estate Agents, Doctors, Babysitters, and Children.

Remember that even though it sounds like an odd mixture, the Chicago Tribune's Rick Kogan points out that it's "Rollicking and real on so many levels..."

He would know.

If you haven't ordered it yet, here's where to go. Be among the lucky people to get a copy of the First Edition.

We'll finally get our hands on it tomorrow. It will be in your hands shortly thereafter.

Another nice Living Wills mention

Tom Taylor writes the widely read (among media types) Taylor on Radio-Info column at Radio-Info.com, and he also had a blurb in his column about "The Living Wills"...

“Two former radio guys” write a “collaborative novel”, says publisher Eckhartz Press. “The Living Wills" is about “a split-second decision made 30 years ago and the ripple effects it caused. Can the man who made that decision and the people he affected maneuver their way through a world of baristas and Army veterans, bowling teams and exploding port-a-potties, cartoon pirates and young love, to find the strength to heal before it's too late?” Co-author Rick Kaempfer once worked for Steve Dahl, Garry Meier and John Records Landecker, and Brendan Sullivan worked for Jonathon Brandmeier. Rick tells TRI “The two of us met in the hallways of the Loop back in the late 1980s.” Rick’s two previous books were both about the business – “The Radio Producer’s Handbook” and “$everance.”

By the way, Brendan points out that he and Rick actually met in 1991...but it was at the Loop, just as Rick remembers. Rick has been properly chastised for getting the timing wrong by a year or two. (Let's face it, they aren't getting any younger)

Some Pub For "The Living Wills"

The Morning Mouth is a very influential radio trade magazine for creative radio shows, and this morning they mentioned two Eckhartz Press authors, and their new book "The Living Wills". Thanks so much to The Morning Mouth for their kind words.

THE MOUTH, NOVEMBER 28TH, 2011 –– In the executive restroom at Jockline Daily's world headquarters, you'll find copies of Rick Kaempfer's first novel "$everance" (2007), and “The Radio Producers Handbook” (2004). Before becoming a full-time writer, Rick was a nationally recognized radio producer in Chicago for Steve Dahl & Garry Meier (1987-1991) and John Records Landecker (1993-2003). He currently writes a weekly parenting column (“Father Knows Nothing”), a humor column for Shore Magazine (“A Fine Mess”), a daily blog ("Rick Kaempfer") and is editor-in-chief of the Cubs history website, Just One Bad Century. Now comes word of his latest offering: "The Living Wills," to be shipped on December 1st. Co-written with creativity coach Brendan Sullivan. Rick told Jockline Daily: "My co-author Brendan and I met when we were both working at the Loop in Chicago in the late 80s (he was with Brandmeier and I was with Steve & Garry). Coming from a collaborative medium like radio gave us the perfect experience to collaborate on this novel. Plus, we both have pretty thick skin after working as producers, so we could critique each other honestly without worrying about hurt feelings." The Living Wills will be available in paperback.

Rick is especially proud of where they keep his first two books: the executive restroom. "Perfect location," he tells us.

If you still haven't pre-ordered your copy of "The Living Wills", which by the way is also excellent executive restroom reading (short chapters), it's one simple click away.

Countdown to The Living Wills

In the days leading up to the December 1st (that's this Thursday!) release of "The Living Wills", we'll be giving you little hints and previews of what you will find in the pages of this exciting new novel by Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer.

Actor William Petersen (CSI) noted in his recommendation of "The Living Wills" that it was a true Chicago novel.

Here are a few more of the Chicago locations, and the chapters you'll find them...

Lower Wacker Drive

Chapters 7, 17, 29, and 47

Grant Park

Chapter 36

Waveland Bowl

Chapters 2, 12, 22, 34, 41, 46, 49, 51, & 55

A Gift Suggestion

It's the biggest shopping day of the year. You can go claw your way through gigantic crowds, or simply click on this page at Eckhartz Press to purchase a book called "The Living Wills". It makes a great Christmas or Hanukkah gift.

Let us pre-create that moment for you...

"What's this? It's shaped like a book. Is it the book I think it is?" (unwrap, unwrap, unwrap) "OH BOY! FANTASTIC! It's that new novel by Rick Kaempfer and Brendan Sullivan! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It's exactly what I wanted."

Look at that imaginary smile. It's blinding you, isn't it? That smile is easily worth the very reasonable $15.95, wouldn't you say?

Happy Thanksgiving!

From your friends at Eckhartz Press!

Countdown to The Living Wills

In the days leading up to the December 1st release of "The Living Wills", we'll be giving you little hints and previews of what you will find in the pages of this exciting new novel by Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer.

Today we'd like to explain the origin of this memorable cover.

Esteemed Chicago artist (and native of Wales) Jon Langford was given an earlier draft of the book by co-author Brendan Sullivan. Brendan asked: "If you like it, would you be willing to create a cover for it?"

Langford agreed. He was inspired by the bowling team that shares the title's name, and the location of the book (Chicago), and created this beautiful piece of art.

For those of you not familiar with Langford, the talented artist/musician's website is here. (He's on Facebook too)

Brendan and Rick are honored to have his artwork on the cover of their book.

Robert Feder mentions "The Living Wills"

Eckhartz Press is very appreciative of the kind words written today by Time Out Chicago media columnist Robert Feder...

"Two former Chicago radio producers, Rick Kaempfer and Brendan Sullivan, have co-written The Living Wills, a novel about “a split-second decision made 30 years ago and the ripple effects it caused.” Harnessing the power of collaborative creativity, the two improvised the book’s three interweaving story lines. Set for release December 1 by Eckhartz Press, it’s available online at eckhartzpress.com. Kaempfer, whose previous novel, $everance, was a brilliant satire about the radio business, also writes an impressive series of blogs, including the Chicago Radio Spotlight."

Pre-Order "The Living Wills"

"The Living Wills" is now available for pre-order at Eckhartz Press.

Be among the first to receive a copy; it ships on December 1st.

And thanks in advance for your support!

Countdown to The Living Wills

In the days leading up to the December 1st release of "The Living Wills", we'll be giving you little hints and previews of what you will find in the pages of this exciting new novel by Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer.

The Living Wills will be the first novel in history that features all three of the following as major plot points...

Port-A-Potties

Videotape






and this song...

City Mom, Suburban Dad, Father Knows Nothing

Two of our Eckhartz Press authors are also bloggers. Rick Kaempfer has a blog called "Father Knows Nothing" for NWI Parent and Kim blogs for ChicagoNow under the name "A City Mom". Once a week she also invites Rick to blog there under the name "A Suburban Dad".

Here are their latest efforts...


Father Knows Nothing: "Falling Through The Cracks"

A City Mom: "Should Husband Join Exclusive Soup Club?"

A City Mom: "Lockerless Schools: Not in Chicago"

A Suburban Dad: "20 Years of Marriage"

Countdown to The Living Wills

In the days leading up to the December 1st release of "The Living Wills", we'll be giving you little hints and previews of what you will find in the pages of this exciting new novel by Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer.

Actor William Petersen (CSI) noted in his recommendation of "The Living Wills" that it was a true Chicago novel.

Here are a few of the Chicago locations, and the chapters you'll find them...

Beverly

Chapters 9, 20, 23, 31, 35, and 52

Jefferson Park

Chapters 10, 33, and 58

Roscoe Village

Chapters 15, 27, 53





And, of course, there are many more Chicagoland locations in this authentically Chicago novel. Available very soon from Eckhartz Press.

Countdown to The Living Wills

In the days leading up to the December 1st release of "The Living Wills", we'll be giving you little hints and previews of what you will find in the pages of this exciting new novel by Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer.

Today we'll answer a question we've gotten quite a bit: Two authors on one novel? How in the world can that work?

Co-author Brendan Sullivan (photo) explains it in the book's author notes...

"This novel was conceived, developed and written in what we’ve come to learn is a fairly unusual way. “The Living Wills” was written through improvisation, brainstorming mind mapping and other ideation techniques, as an experiment in pure collaborative creativity. Rick and I had no pre-conceived ideas about the content of this novel, absolutely none. All we had was our own creativity, Rick’s wisdom and experience as a writer and a set of mutually agreed-upon rules, based upon my years as a professional improvisational actor and my extensive experience in applying these rules with corporate clients to improve their ideation, problem solving, team development and leadership skills.

These rules include true mutual respect, trust in yourself and your team, active listening, playfulness, being ‘in the moment,’ taking risks, supporting someone else taking a risk, accepting one another’s ideas, finding the positive and building on that, saying ‘yes…and’ first and creating a safe and healthy environment for all of this to take place.

I happen to have an awesome partner in creating this novel. Rick’s talent, experience and wisdom made this work. And there’s no replacement for that. The rules stated above are not a substitute for education, knowledge, experience and talent. But the rules tremendously increase the odds that the collaboration will be successful."

Countdown to The Living Wills

In the days leading up to the December 1st release of "The Living Wills", we'll be giving you little hints and previews of what you will find in the pages of this exciting new novel by Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer.


"The Living Wills" is about ripple effects...

A decision made in two seconds can change, damage, save or even end a life. Henry Stankiewicz made such a decision, and he is still dealing with the ripple effects over thirty years later. Can he and the people he affected now maneuver their way through a world of baristas and Army veterans, cartoon pirates and exploding port-a-potties, Canadian cowboys and bowling teams, office politics and young love, to find the strength to heal before it's too late?

Countdown to The Living Wills

In the days leading up to the December 1st release of "The Living Wills", we'll be giving you little hints and previews of what you will find in the pages of this exciting new novel by Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer.

"The Living Wills" may not set sales records, but if it's officially recognized as a new category, "The Living Wills" will set a Guinness World Record.


Are you ready to have your mind blown? OK, here goes.

"The Living Wills" mentions the name of this Canadian-born Cowboy-actor more often than any novel ever written.

Buy history. Buy "The Living Wills".

Available December 1st.

Countdown to The Living Wills

Our first release "The Living Wills" is scheduled to drop on December 1st. What is it about? Between now and the release date we'll be providing hints and excerpts.

CSI's William Petersen, who recommends the book on its back cover, was impressed by the authentic way "The Living Wills" portrays his hometown of Chicago. He writes: "It really brings the city of the broad shoulders to life, and makes me homesick."


An excerpt from Chapter 5: "Holy Smokes"...

Reed was always struck by the incongruities of Holy Name Cathedral. The inscription in the cornerstone read: “AD 1874—AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW—THOSE THAT ARE IN HEAVEN AND THOSE ON EARTH.” The inscription looked slightly worn, but not from age. Portions of those words had been riddled with bullets during the 1920s; collateral damage from the murder of gangster Hymie Weiss. A holy cathedral’s holy words forever holey.

Holy Name Cathedral also boasted a magnificent 210-foot-tall gothic spire, but the nearby high rises and skyscrapers like the John Hancock Center and the Bloomingdale’s Building now dwarfed it, seemingly laughing at the comparatively puny church, daring it to retain its dignity and majesty.

Every day between now and its release date, we will be unveiling more elements of this authentically Chicago novel written by Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer.

City Mom, Suburban Dad, Father Knows Nothing

Two of our Eckhartz Press authors are also bloggers. Rick Kaempfer has a blog called "Father Knows Nothing" for NWI Parent and Kim blogs for ChicagoNow under the name "A City Mom". Once a week she also invites Rick to blog there under the name "A Suburban Dad".

Here are their latest efforts...

Father Knows Nothing: "A scary proposition"
(A humorous tale about the day Rick had to ask his girlfriend's father permission to marry her)

A Suburban Dad: "German Practical Jokes"
(Rick empties his closet of German jokes because his German mother has finally purchased a computer and will now be able to follow his on-line writing.)

A City Mom: "Psychoanalyzing Cats"
(Kim points out the futility in trying to figure out what your cat is thinking)

A City Mom: "O'Hare World's Buzziest Airport"
(Kim is is also an airline pilot, and in this post she unveils the existence of apiaries at O'Hare Airport)

Meet the Eckhartz Press Author: Brendan Sullivan

Brendan Sullivan is the co-author of the first release from Eckhartz Press: "The Living Wills".

In addition to being a talented novelist, Brendan is a Creativity Coach, helping organizational teams, leaders and individuals to realize their potential to be creative, innovative and collaborative. His clients include Kellogg’s, PepsiCo, Harley-Davidson and many others. He is a renowned keynote speaker on the topic of collaborative creativity. "The Living Wills" is a living, tangible example of the power of collaborative creativity. Don’t tell them, show them.

Brendan’s also been a professional improvisational actor (Blue Velveeta, Prefontaine), a radio producer (Jonathon Brandmeier), a commercial/film actor, a comedy writer and lots of other stuff.

He lives in Chicago with his wife Susan, and his four kids; Charlie, Mac, Harry and Rose.

Meet the Eckhartz Press Author: Rick Kaempfer

Rick Kaempfer is the co-author of Eckhartz Press first release: "The Living Wills"

Before becoming a full-time writer, Rick worked in Chicago radio for more than twenty years. He was the executive producer of the "Steve & Garry Show" on WLUP AM 1000 and the "John Records Landecker Show" on WJMK FM 104.3.

His first two books were about the broadcasting business, "The Radio Producer's Handbook" (a how-to-book about producing radio shows co-written with John Swanson) ) and "$everance" (a satirical novel about the state of corporately owned media). The Chicago Sun Times called it "whiplash-fast, choke on your coffee funny". The Chicago Tribune called it "a hysterical critique of corporate morality". ABC Television in Chicago said: "Move over Christopher Buckley, here comes Rick Kaempfer."

Rick also contributed to the book "Cubbie Blues: 100 Years of Waiting Til Next Year"; covering a subject he knows all too well: The Chicago Cubs. Rick is the editor-in-chief of the website Just One Bad Century, which focuses on the 100+ years since the Cubs last won the World Series.

In addition to his books and websites, Rick is a columnist for Shore Magazine ("A Fine Mess"), a blogger for NWI Parent ("Father Knows Nothing") and a prolific blogger on his own ("Rick Kaempfer").

He lives in the Chicago area with his three boys, his wife, his dog, and his demons.

Meet the Eckhartz Press Author: Kim Strickland

Eckhartz Press is very excited about adding novelist Kim Strickland to our roster. Her first novel "Wish Club" (Crown Publishing 2007, a division of Random House) was called "a magical delight" and "a fun witty read" when it came out and it stands the test of time.

With her second novel, "Down at the Golden Coin", Kim has really outdone herself. More details about the plot of that novel will be divulged as we get closer to publication...which by the way, isn't too far away. "Down at the Golden Coin" will be available in early 2012.

Kim is more than just a novelist. She flies 767s for a major airline, she blogs for ChicagoNow as "A City Mom" and she is a mom to two boys, a girl, two cats, and a dog.

Kim Strickland lives in Chicago; the home of Eckhartz Press.

Meet the Eckhartz Press Author: David Stern

For the past twenty five years, David Stern been working in sales and marketing, but he makes the jump to Eckhartz Press to deliver us the hilarious manuscript "The Balding Handbook".

Scheduled for publication in time for Father's Day 2012, "The Balding Handbook" will take Dave's fellow balding brothers through the five stages of grieving for their hair loss: Denial & Isolation, Anger & Rage, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance.

David is a very funny man, and "The Balding Handbook" is a very funny book. Look for Dave's Balding blog to begin just after the first of the year.

The Living Wills

We're getting so close to the release of "The Living Wills." The cover has been designed (by Chicago artist Jon Langford). The book has been written (by Chicago authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer), and the Eckhartz Press website is very close to going on line. When it does, the Living Wills will be available for pre-order. You'll certainly want to get your copy. It should go to press on December 1st, in plenty of time for Christmas. Keep checking out this blog and our facebook page for more information as it becomes available.