The Eckhartz Press Blog

Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"

2012-03-07T06:30:00.003-08:00

The pre-orders are coming in for "Down at the Golden Coin" by Kim Strickland. We'll be shipping out those orders on March 20th, the official release date of the book.

If you're a music fan, you'll want to read "Down at the Golden Coin". You'll never listen to the following songs the same way again...

"Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McPherrin

"Who'll Stop The Rain" by CCR

"Get the Balance Right" by Depeche Mode

and

"What if God was one of us" by Joan Osborne

"Down at the Golden Coin" is guaranteed to make you think...and sing. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of impeached president Andrew Johnson).

Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"

2012-03-06T00:03:00.021-08:00

The pre-orders are starting to come in for "Down at the Golden Coin" by Kim Strickland. We'll be shipping out those orders on March 20th.

Chicago writer and film critic Paige Wiser ("Windy City Live"/ABC-TV) said that the book features "the most eccentric spiritual guide since Clarence the Angel."

That spiritual guide is named Violet, and without giving too much away or telling you more about Violet than Paige has already told you, we can tell you positively that this Violet is far more interesting and compelling than the following Violets...

The flower

The town in Louisiana

And even the immortal (but let's face it, supplementary character) Violet Gray.

For a much more memorable Violet, you owe it to yourself to check out "Down at the Golden Coin". It's guaranteed to make you think. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of Zachary Taylor, the president with the greatest presidential nickname of all-time: Old Rough and Ready)

Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"

2012-03-05T06:30:00.016-08:00

The pre-orders are starting to come in for "Down at the Golden Coin" by Kim Strickland. We'll be shipping out those orders on March 20th.

A few select people have gotten their lucky paws on a galley of the book, and this is what they told us about "Down at the Golden Coin"...

“Down at the Golden Coin” couldn’t be more timely or original, with the most eccentric spiritual guide since Clarence the Angel. Prepare to set your brain to “spin cycle.”
-–Paige Wiser, Windy City Live ABC-7

Kim Strickland has done it again! Profound spiritual insight, intimate personal truths, humanity and divinity—woven together and delivered in a deceptively simple, engaging story—touching our hearts, opening our minds and moving our spirits! Absolutely Brilliant! A Golden Coin!
-–Linda Howe, author of "How to Read the Akashic Records" and "Healing Through the Akashic Records"

Strickland, in her second novel, effectively combines the earnestness of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life with the didactic voice of The Secret...A lesson in faith and the power of positive thinking, all nestled within a satisfying story.
--Kirkus Reviews

"Down at the Golden Coin" is guaranteed to make you think. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of one-term President James K. Polk, a man immortalized in song by the band They Might Be Giants).

Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"

2012-03-02T06:30:00.001-08:00

The pre-orders are starting to come in for "Down at the Golden Coin" by Kim Strickland. We'll be shipping out those orders on March 20th.

What can you expect from a Kim Strickland book?

Here are some reviews for her first novel "Wish Club"...

"Wish Club is a zany and witty story that you are sure to love. Kim Strickland has developed her characters so well and they are so believable and charming and funny. I can find no faults with this novel. I am recommending it for our reading group. The story is funny, smart and so intriguing. This is a perfect book club read. I give it an outstanding 5 stars." - Terry South, Quality Book Reviews

"Hot Read for Summer" - Chicago Tribune

"City Plays Major Role in Bewitching First Novel by Airline Pilot" - Chicago Sun Times (feature article on Wish Club)

"Wonderful. Funny. Chilling. Everything a book should be." - Rick Kogan, WGN Radio. Listen to the Interview - WGN Sunday Papers with Rick Kogan.

"Strickland, who pilots a Boeing 767 for a living, gives her five passengers a naivety of witchcraft and strength of character that charms." - Publisher's Weekly

"A fast, fun beach read." - Sharon Broom, Armchair Interviews

Her second novel, and first for Eckhartz Press, is entitled "Down at the Golden Coin". It's guaranteed to make you think. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of the one-month president William Henry Harrison).

Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"

2012-03-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

Starting today we are taking pre-orders for Kim Strickland's latest novel, "Down at the Golden Coin". It officially starts shipping on March 20th.

Who is Kim Strickland?

She's the attractive lady on the left here (shown in her natural laundromat habitat, the location of "Down at the Golden Coin"). Kim is a previously published author ("Wish Club"), and a blogger for ChicagoNow ("A City Mom"), but her day job is flying. She's a pilot for a major airline, and flies 767s to places like Paris, Amsterdam, and Buenes Aires.

She's also a mom (two boys and a girl), a wife, a runner, a former journalist/broadcaster, and makes a mean pea-salad.

Luckily for us at Eckhartz Press, she's a gifted writer too. Her book "Down at the Golden Coin" is guaranteed to make you think. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of the most obscure president of all-time, Millard Filmore).

It's just one click away.

Down at the Golden Coin

2012-02-21T07:09:00.000-08:00

The second release by Eckhartz Press is being readied for release. It will officially come out on March 20th, but will be available for pre-order beginning March 1.

Here's more information about "Down at the Golden Coin" and it's author, Kim Strickland, at the Eckhartz Press website.

Rick and Brendan on video

2012-02-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

This is a video sample of Rick and Brendan's event a few weeks ago at the Catalyst Ranch. They discuss how the book came to be...

The Book Cellar

2012-02-15T05:29:00.000-08:00

Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer will be appearing tonight at Local Author Night at the Book Cellar in Chicago.

It's their last scheduled book signing, so if you've been putting off coming out to see them, and/or you'd like to get an autographed copy of the book, this may be your last chance.

All of the details are here at the Book Cellar website.

Rick and Brendan on WGN

2012-02-15T05:27:00.000-08:00

The audio of Rick and Brendan's appearance last night on Bill Leff's show on WGN.

You can listen to the interview here.

Rick and Brendan on the Radio

2012-02-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

Attention third shifters and night owls! Rick and Brendan will be appearing on Bill Leff's show on WGN radio at 12:30 AM tonight/tomorrow morning to discuss "The Living Wills" and their upcoming appearance at the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square.

Though they are very excited to be on Bill's show, expect the fellas to sound a little groggy. They aren't getting any younger, you know.

Some more pub for "The Living Wills"

2012-02-08T06:28:00.000-08:00

The Center Square Journal, a local Chicago publication, has another nice piece about "The Living Wills" in their most recent issue.

You can read it here.

The article features several pictures of co-author Brendan Sullivan in his natural habitat; including one in front of Waveland Bowl.

Rick & Brendan at the Book Cellar

2012-02-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

Next Wednesday, February 15th, Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer will be appearing at Local Author Night at the Book Cellar in Chicago.

It's their last scheduled book signing, so if you've been putting off coming out to see them, and/or you'd like to get an autographed copy of the book, this may be your last chance.

All of the details are here at the Book Cellar website.

Brendan Sullivan at the iO

2012-02-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

This Monday night at 8:30, Eckhartz Press author Brendan Sullivan will be doing a monologue about "The Living Wills" at the iO (formerly Improv Olympic) at the Del Close Theater (3541 N. Clark St.) as part of their on-going "Armando Diaz Experience".

So, what is "The Armando Diaz Experience"? According to iO's website:

"The Armando Diaz Experience is long-form improvisation in which a monologist tells personal stories that provides the inspiration for the resulting scenes. The cast is a group of iO’s most accomplished performers and alumni, making this show a Monday-night smash for years! “The Armando Diaz Experience” is frequently joined by guests from MADtv, Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Second City and more!

Founded by Adam McKay (SNL, Anchorman, Talladega Nights), Dave Koechner (Anchorman, Thank You For Smoking, SNL) and Armando Diaz (iO alumnus & founder of The Magnet Theater in New York), The Armando Diaz Experience is iO’s longest running show and landmark of comedy in Chicago.

For tickets, call (773) 880-0199.

Book Clubs

2012-02-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

We're proud to say that "The Living Wills" has been chosen by several Chicago area book clubs. Thank you!

For those of you considering "The Living Wills" for your book club, keep in mind that Brendan and/or Rick would happily come to your book club to join in the discussion (schedules permitting). Brendan is already going to a book club on the North Side of Chicago, Rick is going to one in Des Plaines, and both of them will be going to another one in Beverly.

There is no additional cost involved. (Although, both of them will not reject your free alcoholic beverages, if offered). If you'd like more information, you can e-mail Rick at rick@eckhartzpress.com.

Waveland Bowl

2012-01-30T07:13:00.001-08:00

Ever since "The Living Wills" was released in December, we've been hearing from Chicagoans who love all the Chicagoland locations in the book. One of the main locations is an actual bowling alley on Western Avenue in Chicago. It's called "Waveland Bowl".

Well, no one was more excited to have a novel taking place at Waveland Bowl than the owner of the establishment. He has given us free bowling coupons to give out with every new purchase of the hard copy (not e-book) version of "The Living Wills".

Thanks so much Waveland Bowl! And, of course, get your hard copy of "The Living Wills" exclusively at eckhartzpress.com

Chicago Radio Spotlight Interview: Brendan Sullivan

2012-01-28T07:00:00.001-08:00

Eckhartz Press author Brendan Sullivan ("The Living Wills") is interviewed about his radio career at Chicago Radio Spotlight.

Read the interview here.

Rick and Brendan on the South Side

2012-01-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

Rick and Brendan have another author event coming up this weekend, their only event on the South Side of Chicago...

Date: January 29, 2012
Time: 2pm
Place: Beverly Arts Center
Address: 2407 W. 111th St
Cost: $5 (or $4 for BAC members)

Books are available to purchase at event to have signed by the authors.

Description of Event: Author Afternoon, starring Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer, co-authors of "The Living Wills". "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.”

Author Afternoons is a monthly interview series featuring Chicago authors discussing their works. Facilitated by Penny Golden, the series has welcomed Jonathan Eig (Get Capone), Dave Reidy (Captive Audience), Arnie Bernstein (Bath Massacre: America’s First School Bombing), Kevin Guilfoile (The Thousand), Hilary Wagner (author of the children’s fantasy novel Nightshade City) and more.

More info and box office here.

Making the Rounds

2012-01-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

When Brendan and Rick did their interview on WGN-TV last week we had no idea it would make the rounds like it has. It hasn't just aired here in Chicago, it's all over the country including Fox 59 Indianapolis, WTVR Richmond, KCPQ-Seattle, Fox 17 Grand Rapids, KTXL Sacramento, WPIX New York, KTUU Alaska , WGNO New Orleans, WPMT York/Harrisburg/Lebanon/Lancaster, KWCH Kansas City, KDAF Dallas Fort Worth, KTVI St. Louis, My Fox 8 Greensboro/Winston-Salem, WPHL Philadelphia, KDVR Denver, WJW Cleveland, KTSU Utah, Fox 6 Milwaukee, WHNT Huntsville Alabama, Fox 5 San Diego, and many more.

Please disregard everything Rick wrote in his first novel "$everance". This media consolidation thing is obviously better than he thought.

Rick & Brendan at the Catalyst Ranch

2012-01-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

We've mentioned this event a few times before, but we're publishing the entire write up from the Catalyst Ranch's website here one more time, because the event is tomorrow. Come out and see the fellas at the location they created the book...

Don't Miss Our Match Books Event
THE LIVING WILLS by Brendan Sullivan & Rick Kaempfer
Tuesday, January 24th from 6pm-8pm

One novel, two authors!? Creativity coach Brendan Sullivan wants to show you how he used the same techniques he brings to clients like Kelloggs, PepsiCo, GE and Harley-Davidson (think improv, mind mapping and other ideation processes) to create a new novel with co-author Rick Kaempfer. Much of the work was done during sessions right here at the Ranch! Join us as Brendan & Rick share these techniques with you and demonstrate how you can incorporate them into your life and work to be more creatively productive. Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune calls THE LIVING WILLS "rollicking and real on so many levels." This Match Books session is not to be missed!

Date: Tuesday, January 24th from 6pm-8pm
Location: Catalyst Ranch
Cost: $15 or 2 new children's books (all proceeds donated to Open Books). Light refreshments will be served. (Eckhartz Press note: We're bringing beer)
RSVP from our Happenings Page. If you are bringing books please RSVP to amber@catalystranch.com.
Click here to visit our blog: Interview with Brendan Sullivan & Rick Kaempfer on their new book The Living Wills.

Rick & Brendan on "The Sunday Papers"

2012-01-22T08:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to Rick Kogan (photo) of WGN for having Rick and Brendan on the show this morning to discuss "The Living Wills"

Kogan has obviously endorsed the book previously (his blurb is on the book jacket), but he had much more to say about it during the interview this morning.

You can hear that interview here.

Rick and Brendan on the Radio

2012-01-20T07:29:00.000-08:00

If you're up early on Sunday morning, tune in to WGN-AM 720. Brendan and Rick will be appearing on Rick Kogan's show at 7:30. Kogan is quoted on the front cover of The Living Wills ("Rollicking and real on so many levels"), so the fellas are excited to be on his show to thank him for that in person.

The Rick and Brendan interview goes viral

2012-01-19T05:40:00.000-08:00

This is the power of WGN-TV. The Rick and Brendan TV interview has now been posted at places like...

The Tribune

CLTV

Central Kentucky News

Pennsylvania's Fox News

Lehigh Valley, The Morning Call

and

Fox 59 Indianapolis

City Mom, Suburban Dad, Father Knows Nothing, Cubs 365

2012-01-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

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: "2011 Recap"

Father Knows Nothing: "Snow Music"

A City Mom: "Some Friendly Road Rules for Resolutionist Runners"

A City Mom: "I Will Not Go Quietly Into The Long Dark Night of Short Hair for Woman over 45"

A City Mom: "Road Rage Resonates Because it's Anonymous"

A Suburban Dad: "Aging Rockers"

A Suburban Dad: "Kids That Are Impossible To Impress"

Rick is also a Cubs blogger/writer, and this year his Just One Bad Century blog has unveiled a new feature called "Cubs 365". Every day he has a Cubs story from this day in history. You can keep up with that here.

"The Living Wills" on TV

2012-01-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

You can watch the Rick and Brendan interview at WGN here.

Thanks to Dina Bair from the WGN Midday News for her kind words about the book, and her nice job interviewing our authors.

Rick & Brendan on TV

2012-01-17T05:59:00.000-08:00

If you're home today or near a television, click on the WGN Midday News with Steve Sanders at 11:30 or so, and you may see Brendan and Rick discussing "The Living Wills".

They want you to remember this though: the camera adds up to 30 pounds (and ten years).

Rick & Brendan discuss the process

2012-01-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

You can hear more about this at the Catalyst Ranch on January 24th...

For more info, click here. For more info about the book, click here.

Rick & Brendan on TV

2012-01-13T08:59:00.001-08:00

Tune in to WGN-TV on Tuesday (Jan 17) morning, and you might see two familiar faces on the 11 AM News. Brendan and Rick will be on with Steve Sanders discussing their book "The Living Wills".

Set the DVR if you can't watch it live.

The Living Wills e-book on amazon

2012-01-12T09:53:00.001-08:00

It's finally on amazon, in the Kindle store.

This is the direct link.

The price is right, by the way. It's only $3.99

Thanks Chicagoland Radio & Media!

2012-01-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

The moderator of Chicagoland Radio & Media gave us another plug yesterday. Thanks so much to Larz for posting the following on his influential site...

"Authors Rick Kaempfer and Brendan Sullivan, both former Chicago radio people, will be discussing how they created their new book "The Living Wills" in front of an audience at a special session at the innovative meeting/events space, The Catalyst Ranch (656 W Randolph St, Chicago). The two authors often met and brainstormed at this location during the formation of the new novel, so it made sense to have this gathering here this month. The event will take place on January 24th from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The Catalyst Ranch asks that attendees donate two children's books for Open Books or $15. For those who have not yet picked up a copy of "The Living Wills," the book will be sold at the event and the authors would be happy to autograph it. More information on this evening can be found HERE."

If you're downtown that Tuesday, please swing by after work.

Brendan and Rick at the Beverly Arts Center

2012-01-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

Rick and Brendan have another author event coming up on the South Side of Chicago...

Date: January 29, 2012
Time: 2pm
Place: Beverly Arts Center
Address: 2407 W. 111th St
Cost: $5 (or $4 for BAC members)

Books are available to purchase at event to have signed by the authors.

"The Living Wills" e-book

2012-01-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Many of you have been asking about it, and now here it is. It will be on amazon any day now, but it is now officially available at the following places...

Apple's iBookstore

Barnes & Noble's Nook Store

The Sony Reader Store

The retail price for the e-book is only $3.99.

Pat Colander Reviews "The Living Wills"

2012-01-06T07:07:00.000-08:00

We're very appreciative of Shore Magazine's Associate Publisher and Editor Pat Colander's review of "The Living Wills". She named the book one of her favorite holiday gifts this year.

"If the data that suggests people are reading more now that e-readers and tablets have come along, I am living proof. Read any good books lately? I sure have. Rick Kaempfer and Brendan Sullivan's The Living Wills, a saga of life, death, fractured relationships,lies and families. If you don't think people can keep big secrets for many years, you are about to meet some pretty complex characters. I loved this book despite how sentimental I am. It doesn't end happily for everyone; but it does for some of the characters --- just like in real life."

The Catalyst Ranch Interviews Rick & Brendan

2012-01-05T04:45:00.000-08:00

The following is re-printed from the Catalyst Ranch website. Rick and Brendan are really looking forward to this event...

Join us here at Catalyst Ranch, Tuesday, January 24th at 6pm when we welcome Brendan and Rick for the next installment of our Match Books series. For the Match Books event, creativity coach Brendan Sullivan wants to show you, not tell you! He has used the same techniques he brings to clients like Kellogg’s, PepsiCo, GE and Harley-Davidson (improv, mind mapping, other ideation processes) to create a just-published novel with a co-author, Rick Kaempfer. Much of the work was done during sessions at the Catalyst Ranch.

Cost is $15 or two children’s books to be donated to Open Books, check out Catalyst Ranch’s Happenings Page for all the info!

Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago

Cost: $15/person or 2 new children's books (all proceeds & books will be donated to Open Books). Light refreshments will be served.

If you are bringing books please RSVP to amber@catalystranch.com.

REGISTER HERE

"The Living Wills" will be available for purchase the night of the event.

About the Authors:

Brendan Sullivan 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. He’d be happy to talk to your company, association, school, writer’s conference, organization, etc. This novel is a living, tangible example of the power of collaborative creativity. Don’t tell them, show them.

Rick Kaempfer has written for magazines, newspapers, radio, television, advertising agencies, websites, and/or blogs, in addition to his two previously published books: the satirical novel "$everance" (2007), and “The Radio Producers Handbook” (2004). Rick also contributed to the book “Cubbie Blues” (2008). 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.

What prompted you to write the book as a collaborative novel?

Rick: Actually, this book was Brendan’s idea. He called me up one day and asked me to lunch. He had read my previous novel and thought that we had similar writing styles. His idea was to write this novel together as a tangible example of collaborative creativity. It’s always better to show people what is possible, rather than just tell them.

Brendan: Yes…and… .I thought the collaborative creation of a novel would be a tangible way to apply the ideation processes I use every day with my corporate clients. We used improv, brainstorming, mind mapping and other ideation techniques to generate characters, plot lines, and the flow of the novel.

What sparks your creativity?

Rick: Just about any and every thing. I’m always looking for creative sparks, and when you do that, you notice that they are all around you. Your wife, your kids, a trip to the store, a drive; you name it.

Brendan: Any opportunity to shake things up is a spark for me. I try to find new ways to do something. If someone tells me ‘that’s not how we do things around here,’ then I want to know why. Like Rick, I also find creative sparks in everyday things, not necessarily the extraordinary. Once you get going, and you’re having fun, it’s hard to stop.

What recently sparked your curiosity and how did you satisfy it?

Rick: The other night I had a dream about how to convert a children’s book I wrote into a young adult’s novel. I got out bed and wrote it all down. If I hadn’t done that, it would have either drifted away into the ether, or kept me awake forever. Now that it’s on paper I can get back to it whenever it’s convenient…instead of during the middle of the night.

Brendan: Lately, I’ve been curious about how the teenage brain works. I’ve been reading a lot about it, and I’ve been observing two of those brains as they operate under my roof. I haven’t come to any satisfying conclusions yet.

What’s one big thing you want people to take away from your book?

Rick: For me, it’s that everything is connected. We’re all connected to each other and every decision we make has an impact on everyone around us. When you think about things that way, it gives your life some purpose and meaning.

Brendan: There’s also the idea of the quiet hero. Our main protagonist did one very gallant thing long ago. It affected everything, yet he doesn’t talk about it, which is both noble and sad. I think there are a lot of quiet heroes out there that don’t get the recognition they deserve.

Share one of your trade secrets for keeping the energy and enthusiasm flowing when working through the creative writing process.

Rick: The trick is to just keep reminding yourself to look for inspiration around you. We all have a tendency to sleepwalk through life. It’s a totally natural and normal thing to do. My wife reads my weekly columns about our family (“Father Knows Nothing” at NWI Parent) and often says “I actually saw that happen and didn’t think it was profound or funny until you mentioned it.” But it was right there all along.

Brendan: Walk away. When I spend too much time focusing closely on a project and I hit a wall, I step away. I find that my subconscious continues to work on the challenge while I’m sleeping, exercising, playing with my kids. And when I go back to the project, the answer is often clear.

What fuels your creativity?

Rick: Super Unleaded. It’s a little more expensive, but so worth it.

Brendan: Guinness. It’s a little more expensive, but so worth it.

Reader Reviews for "The Living Wills"

2012-01-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

We knew that "The Living Wills" was going over pretty well because of the sales figures. Not only did we essentially sell out our entire first run of the book in only three weeks, we couldn't help but notice the large number of people that bought it, and then went back on our website to buy additional copies of the book to give out to friends. (That's always a good sign)

We've also been keeping track of the comments on the site GoodReads. Here are a few of the comments posted on the page, all of them giving "The Living Wills" five stars...

"It's a page-turner with enough comedy, mystery, romance, and emotion to appeal to all audiences and at the end left me begging for the next book. To make me completely identify with every character, regardless of age, gender, or belief system is a feat that only talented writers can stage. The Chicago references brought about a familiarity that heightened my love for the story. Bring on the next one!"
--Stacy S.

"Great Read! I liked the way the characters' story lines were intertwined. It was poignant, yet with humor. (I laughed, I cried!) It was also well crafted, and the authors did a good job of not telegraphing where they were going next. I was able to follow the story where it led me, with a few surprises along the way."
--Doug

"'The Living Wills' is out and we should shout from the Chicago rooftops what a great story(stories) this is! I couldn't put it down. The characters and their stories are so true to life. A great book from 2 very talented authors! Don't miss this one."
--Linda J.

Is it still available? Why yes of course it is.

Where is the best place to get this five star book? Right here.

City Mom, Suburban Dad, Father Knows Nothing, Cubs 365

2012-01-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

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: "Proof of Santa's Existence"

A City Mom: "Search Me"

A City Mom: "Knowledge is good, but spellcheck might be better"

A City Mom: "The End is Here"

A Suburban Dad: "A Twenty Five Year Bet"

A Suburban Dad: "LOUD!"

Rick is also a Cubs blogger/writer, and this year his Just One Bad Century blog has unveiled a new feature called "Cubs 365". Every day he has a Cubs story from this day in history. You can keep up with that here.

Bi-Lingual Love for "The Living Wills"

2011-12-29T08:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to Chicago's German-language newspaper, the Eintracht, for their coverage of our book "The Living Wills". (Learn more about the Eintracht here. It's the history of the newspaper...and of course, it's written in German).

Annerose Goerge did a wonderful writeup about "The Living Wills" on page 2 of the most recent edition, and will also be doing a piece in the Donauschwabischen Nachrichtung, another German language newspaper in Chicago. We'd love to provide you with links to the articles, but they aren't available on the web.

Why is a German newspaper covering this book? Well, Living Wills co-author Rick Kaempfer lived in Germany during his youth, and our company "Eckhartz Press" is named after two German men...Rick's father Eckhard, and co-publisher David Stern's father Fritz.

Thanks so much to die Eintracht for the kind words about our book and our publishing company.

"The Living Wills" on the Radio

2011-12-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

Co-author Rick Kaempfer will be appearing on Kristin Tews' "Personal Best Show" on AM 1220 WKRS to discuss "The Living Wills" at noon on Wednesday.

Tune in if you get a chance.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

From your little buddies at Eckhartz Press...

Some South Side Love for "The Living Wills"

2011-12-21T09:44:00.000-08:00

Brendan Sullivan, co-author of The Living Wills, grew up on the South Side of Chicago. That caught the attention of The Beverly Review. Thanks so much to writer Caroline Connors for the nice write up. The following is a short excerpt from the piece...

Like many novelists, Brendan Sullivan writes what he knows.

Born and raised in Morgan Park and Oak Lawn, Sullivan said memories of his childhood, including those of his father’s daily commute to work on the Rock Island, helped shape the characters and events in his new book, “The Living Wills.”

“That evening, Reed climbed onto the 5:25 p.m. Rock Island train home just like he’d done every weeknight for as long as he could remember. … The rhythm of the train rocked Reed into a comfortable lull. Twenty-six minutes later, he stood up and exited the train at his stop, 95th Street and Longwood Drive, without looking up and without waiting to hear the conductor’s announcement, like an old man who didn’t need an alarm clock, whose body just knew it was time to wake up.”

But “The Living Wills” is not just a trip down memory lane, Sullivan said. More than anything, he said, it was a chance to put his work as a creativity coach into action.

“My real job is to help organizational teams on collaborative creativity,” Sullivan said. “I work with Fortune 500 companies and teach them tangible skills—like listening actively, being in the moment and trusting one another— that they can inject into their environment so that innovative ideas can be developed.

“People were always telling me that I should write a nonfiction book about collaborative creativity, but I’ve read every book on the topic and didn’t think there was much more I could say without being redundant.”

So, Sullivan said, he decided to go one step further and co-write a novel with Rick Kaempfer, a friend from his radio days when he was producing the Jonathan Brandmeier show and Kaempfer was producing the Steve Dahl and Garry Meier program.

“We did a little bit of research and didn’t see anything like this for a novel,” Sullivan said. “There’s a lot of books out there telling people how to be collaborative, but this is showing them that it actually can be done.”

There's much more at the Beverly Review. It's a nice long write up.

Of course, the book Brendan is talking about, The Living Wills, is available at www.eckhartzpress.com, and it's also available on the South Side at Bookies.

"The Living Wills" on the North Side/South Side

2011-12-19T08:09:00.001-08:00

For those of you that simply must buy "The Living Wills" in a bookstore, it is now available on the north side and the south side of Chicago.

On the north side, go to "The Book Cellar" at 4736 N. Lincoln Avenue (right next door to my old hangout "The Brauhaus").

On the south side, go to "Bookies" at 2419 W. 103rd Street in Beverly.

And by the way, "The Living Wills" is also coming soon to the Apple store, amazon, Sony, and Barnes & Noble as an e-book. The paperwork has been filed and it will be available before the end of 2011.

Of course the best way to get it is still via our website at Eckhartz Press (www.eckhartzpress.com)

Rick and Brendan on the Radio

2011-12-16T06:32:00.000-08:00

On Sunday night Eckhartz Press authors Rick Kaempfer and Brendan Sullivan will be on the radio with Geoff Pinkus discussing their latest book "The Living Wills".

Tune them in at 7pm on WIND (AM 560)

Rick has been on the radio with Geoff Pinkus (known as "The Pinker") once before when his book "$everance" came out. This is the picture they took at the studio that day. (Pinkus and Rick are on the far right.)

Shore Magazine on "The Living Wills"

2011-12-15T05:25:00.001-08:00

Thanks so much to Shore Magazine editor Pat Colander for writing this in her blog today...

"Rick Kaempfer just twittered out yesterday that John Records Landecker will be back on WLS-FM starting this Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rick was John's producer over 10 years at the legendary Landecker's morning show. And Rick is working with John on his autobiography. I met Rick by telephone when he was the producer of the morning show and I was a listener and a fan. (I had listened enough to know that John lived and loved living near Michigan City in LaPorte County, where I was working at the time.) So Rick and I were soon communicating regularly as we coordinated a Landecker profile and photos. At some point, Rick asked about the possibility of freelancing for our magazine and he had a lot of good ideas and that's what happened. (Rick is a columnist and frequent contributor to Shore and also writes a blog, Father Knows Nothing, about being a stay-at-home Dad with three sons.) Rick also began writing books; one was a novel called Severance about the ramifications of hiring and firing in the world of broadcast. If Severance is a comedy of manners in an insane industry, then Rick's new book written with a partner Brendan Sullivan is something entirely different.

Rick and Brendan developed the story using an improv form called the Harold, created by long-time Second City director the late Del Close when he was a member of a troupe called The Committee in San Francisco in 1967. According to the cover notes the story is about a life-changing decision made by one Henry Stankiewicz and the ramifications over the next 30 years. If you want to find out more about The Living Wills, Rick and Brendan will be on WIND Radio on Sunday, December 18th, at 7 p.m. (easy to remember, only one week before Christmas Day) or visit Rick's website.

City Mom, Suburban Dad, Father Knows Nothing

2011-12-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

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: "Washing Machine Repairman"

A City Mom: "I will never go viral on social media"

A City Mom: "Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport: "The Future that Never Came."

A Suburban Dad: "Oddly linked"
(That last one tells the very odd tale of how Rick and Kim's lives have oddly intersected over the past thirty years)

"The Living Wills" on the Radio

2011-12-12T07:59:00.000-08:00

If you were listening to FM News 101.1 over the weekend, you may have heard this brief news story about a new book called "The Living Wills".

Thanks to Rob Hart for doing the interview.

Rick & Brendan on WGN

2011-12-09T09:04:00.000-08:00

If you missed Rick and Brendan's Wednesday night interview on Brian Noonan's show (WGN Radio-720 AM), they were kind enough to send us MP3s of the interview.

Now you can listen to it here...

Rick and Brendan Part 1
A portion of it is missing (a technical glitch), but much of it is there

Rick and Brendan Part 2

Thanks again to Brian Noonan and Andrea Darlas.

And if you're still wondering where to get that book: Click here

Reaction to "The Living Wills"

2011-12-08T10:39:00.001-08:00

The book has only been out there for a week, and already we're starting to get some reaction from our first crop of readers...

"Before I say anything else, let me say that I REALLY like it. On several occasions I found myself marveling at how you capture so well the little intricacies of social interactions. The tiniest thing doesn't escape you. Whether it is wating to talk to your boss, having a beer with a friend or dealing with a phone call you don't want to take, everything strikes me as very real. And you do it with sublety. That is a very difficult thing to do. You guys were able to weave several stories together very well, and I never saw a lot of this stuff coming. The dialog is believable and your writing has a very cinematic quality to it. As I was reading it , I could picture characters in my head and kept trying to think of who would play each character in the movie. That's a good thing!"
--Brent P.

"I just finished your book...you must tell me when your next book is coming out. This is fantastic...a very good read."
--Pat S.

We've also been getting reaction to the authors appearance last night on WGN Radio's Sports Night...(Working on getting the audio of the actual interview posted on the blog too)

"Heard your interview on WGN. I'm an actor and currently in Second City's Conservatory. Really liked how you wrote the book and agreed on what you said about improv and yes and. Fantastic way to write a book. Looking forward to reading it."
--Tim S.

"Heard you guys on the air for the first half of the interview on my way home from an event....It was fun to hear you on the air again....and how you guys did it! Although it's a "GUYS" book - I suppose this chic will get herself a copy... :) I wish you much success. Okay - now enough with the foofy stuff....go have fun and a great holiday season. Can't wait to read it!"
--Andi K.

"Listening to you on the radio right now! Can't wait to read it and get your autograph!"
--Heidi F.

Rick and Brendan on the Radio Tonight

2011-12-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

Tune in tonight (Wednesday) around 9:00pm to Sports Night on WGN Radio (720). Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer will be on the air talking about their new book "The Living Wills" with Brian Noonan and the rest of the Sports Night gang. Should make for entertaining radio.

"The Living Wills", Chapter 6

2011-12-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

To give you a feel for what you might find in the pages of "The Living Wills", we present for you today an entire chapter...free of charge. In this chapter, you'll meet the character of Delmar Dunwoody for the first time...

You can buy the book here.

CHAPTER 6

THE DAILY GRIND

Delmar Dunwoody was in a hurry. He was always in a hurry. His customers were spread all over town, and Delmar was an old school salesman. As long as he made the effort to meet everyone face to face, instead of relying on the phone or e-mail, Delmar was confident he had a leg up on the younger guys. He always remembered what Oscar Case, his boss and bowling buddy, told him his first day at BM&P Toilets; “You’re not selling port-a-potties, Delmar, you’re selling yourself.”

He pulled into a parking space in front of a fancy frou-frou coffee shop called Al Cappacino’s. He could see through the display window that there were at least three people in line waiting for their vanilla mocha three scoop espresso whatevers, and all he wanted was an extra-large cup of coffee. Oh well. He could drive a few blocks to the next coffee shop, Common Grounds, or he could just suck it up and wait in line.

Delmar muttered to himself as he pulled the keys out of the ignition. He was still mad his neighborhood 7-11 had installed that damn security camera. That’s where he had gotten his coffee for the past ten years, but ever since that camera was installed, he couldn’t avoid looking up at the black and white monitor when he paid. There was only one thing on that monitor as far as Delmar was concerned--his huuuuuge bald spot. He would never get another cup of coffee from that place. What full-haired jerk came up with the idea to use that camera angle on the customers anyway? There’s a reason God lets most men experience male pattern baldness from back to front. It’s not right to rub your face in it.

Luckily, Al Cappacino’s didn’t have a camera. That fact alone granted them the first shot at Delmar’s business. The line moved pretty quickly too. Another feature in their favor.

“I’ll have a large cup of coffee, Gina,” he said to the cashier when he got to the front of the line. Delmar always read the name tag and always used the name; another pearl of wisdom courtesy of Oscar Case.

“Should I leave some room for milk?” she asked.

“Nope,” he said. “I like my coffee black like my...”

“Women?” Gina finished the sentence for him. She wasn’t smiling.

“I was going to say heart,” he deadpanned. Not even a flicker of a reaction from Gina. She was busy pouring his coffee.

“That’s a joke,” Delmar offered.

“I know.”

Delmar gave her his warmest sales smile. “Can I ask you a personal question, Gina?”

“Sure.”

“Who is the most famous person you’ve ever served here?”

That was one of his standard conversation starters. Just about everyone loved telling stories about their brushes with greatness. Delmar would drift off during some of the tales (he still couldn’t believe his customer in Berwyn considered the weatherman from Channel 2 a “famous” person), but for the most part they were pretty interesting stories.

“Lorne Greene,” Gina said.

He didn’t say anything at first because he was waiting for Gina to crack a smile. Gina wasn’t the smiling type.

“That’ll be $2,” she said. She slid the cup of coffee across the counter.

“How long have you worked here?”

“Six months,” she said.

“And you served Lorne Greene here?” he asked doubtfully. He was giving her his absolute best ‘you’re messin’ with me, right?’ smile.

Gina simply nodded.

“When?” he asked.

“Oh, I don’t remember exactly,” she said.

“How old are you?”

“25”.

“Do you even know who Lorne Greene is?” he asked. He had never seen anyone who didn’t smile back at his ‘you’re messin’ with me, right?’ smile. Was this woman made out of stone?

“Of course, I know,” Gina replied. “Gigantic wide face, almost square shaped. Dimpled chin, white hair. Deep, sexy, authoritative voice.”

“You’re talking about Ben Cartwright?” he asked.

“I know who Lorne Greene is,” she said. “Ponderosa ranch. Adam, Hoss, Little Joe.”

Delmar kept waiting for a smile to betray her. Nothing.

“Two bucks for the coffee,” she said. “There are people in line behind you.”

“I think Lorne Greene has been dead for years,” Delmar said, as he handed over the money. “Like maybe longer than you’ve been alive.”

“Well then his ghost likes Grande Lattes,” she answered.

Delmar stepped to the side and very slowly walked to the door, shaking his head in disbelief. There was no possible way this girl had served a cup of coffee to Lorne Greene. She was completely full of it. On the other hand, who could keep a straight face while confronting the ‘you’re messin with me, right?’ smile? And if you’re going to lie about who you served, what normal 25-year-old would choose Lorne Greene?

He sat in his car, and tried to clear his head of this nonsense. He had about a thirty minute drive to get in the right mindset for his next client, the Taste of Hickory Hills. He checked his little notepad.

It read: “Jim Remak, Hickory Hills Sanitation. 3 kids. Oldest son plays baseball.”

He turned the key into the ignition and the engine purred, but Delmar couldn’t manage to put the car in reverse. He was staring at the girl behind the counter, clearly visible through two heavy-duty pains of glass, his windshield and her large display window. She was almost a head taller than the other girl working there. A delicious raven haired Amazon.

He turned off the car. Screw it. He had to get a closer look at her. The little bell rang when he re-entered.

“Maybe you were thinking of Shecky Green,” Delmar offered from the doorway. “He’s originally from Chicago, and I’m pretty sure he’s still alive.”

She poked her head around the first customer in line. “Nope. It was definitely Lorne Greene.”

“He’s dead.”

The first lady in line nodded in agreement with Delmar. “He’s right. He died a long time ago.”

“He showed me his driver’s license,” Gina said, holding her ground. “It said ‘Lorne Greene.’”

“What state was the driver’s license from?” Delmar asked. He walked back to the front of the line to continue the questioning.

“California.”

“A-HA!” he screamed. He pointed at her. “Gotcha! Lorne Greene was a Canadian.”

Gina calmly put one finger in the air. “Was Canadian. Past tense. He’s naturalized.”

Still no smile.

Delmar looked at the other people in line. They were all actively involved in the conversation now, eagerly lapping up every word.

“Do any of you have a Blackberry?” Delmar asked. He was looking at the young metro-sexual at the back of the line, with his Mark Shale suit and his hundred dollar shoes. If any of these fancy coffee drinkers had a Blackberry it would be that guy. He shook his head apologetically.

“Sorry, not me.”

No one else had one either. It would have only taken a thirty second trip to Google to prove the year Lorne Greene died.

“Do you have any other witnesses?” Delmar asked. Now he was talking to her like she was a suspect, and he was a police detective. The others in line turned to see Gina’s reaction.

“Jose was here too,” she said. She screamed across the room. “Hey Jose.”

Jose was picking up the stray half-filled cups of coffee that people had left behind on the little planks of wood this place called “tables.” He looked up to see what she wanted.

“Remember that day Lorne Greene came in here?” she asked.

He nodded and smiled before returning to work.

“See?”

The people in line were not convinced. Delmar spoke on their behalf.

“Hey Jose!”

He looked up again.

“Remember when Queen Elizabeth and her court were in here that one day?”

He nodded and smiled before returning to work.

“That’s what I thought,” Delmar said. His co-conspirators in line were openly smiling at him now. They had her. “Would you like to take this opportunity to revise your original remarks, Gina? If that’s really your name.”

“No I wouldn’t,” she said.

She crossed her arms in front of her. This girl had it all. A young beautiful face and the driest sense of humor he had ever witnessed. This was the ultimate challenge. He couldn’t help but smile. A real smile. Just for a second, a brief glimmer of a moment, he thought he saw the corner of her mouth turn upward ever so slightly, before returning to the original stone-faced expression.

“Well,” Delmar said, “next time he stops by, make sure you have someone take a picture or something, OK?”

“Jose will do it,” she creamed across the room. Jose looked up, nodded and smiled.

As Delmar pulled out of the parking lot, he recalibrated his brain. Jim Remak in Hickory Hills was probably itching to bitch about the stench in the latest batch of port-a-potties. Delmar had told those guys in the warehouse not to scrimp on the odor-cakes, but times were tough, and Old Man Sullivan was probably making them cut corners. Time to stop by Enchanted Pastries and pick up some frosted cookies. Another pearl of wisdom from Oscar Case: a box of frosted cookies has never failed to blunt customer complaints. You just have to make sure you show them the box before they start screaming.

Delmar looked in the rear-view mirror before he turned right on Addison, and got one more glimpse of the coffee shop. If they didn’t install one of those bald-cams, or replace the dead-panning barista, they had themselves a new regular customer.

City Mom, Suburban Dad, Father Knows Nothing

2011-12-06T06:27:00.000-08:00

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: "10,000 Favors"

A City Mom: "Hanging Christmas Lights Is An Important Holiday Frustration...er...Tradition"

A City Mom: "Adoption and Autism Lead To Action and the Northern Illinois Center for Autism"

A Suburban Dad: "Dog Day Afternoons"

The Catalyst Ranch

2011-12-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

From the e-newsletter of the Catalyst Ranch, a chance to meet Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer in person at the very location they improvised the story lines of "The Living Wills"...

SAVE THE DATE
Match Books: THE LIVING WILLS by Brendan Sullivan & Rick Kaempfer

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 6pm - 8pm

One novel, two authors!? Creativity coach Brendan Sullivan wants to show you, not tell you how he used the same techniques he brings to clients like Kellogg's, PepsiCo, GE and Harley-Davidson (improv, mind mapping and other ideation processes) to create a just-published novel with co-author, Rick Kaempfer. Much of the work was done during sessions right here at the Ranch! Join us as Brendan & Rick share these techniques with you and show you how to incorporate them into your life and work to be more creatively productive. Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune calls THE LIVING WILLS "rollicking and real on so many levels." This Match Books session is not to be missed!

Radio Interviews

2011-12-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer will begin making the media rounds promoting "The Living Wills" over the next few weeks if you're interested. So far, they've been booked on two shows in Chicago.

On Wednesday night (December 7) they'll be on WGN Radio (Sports Night) with David Kaplan, Brian Noonan (photo), and Andrea Darlas at 9:00 PM. (Rick has previously interviewed all three of them at his blog Chicago Radio Spotlight over the years. Click on their names to read those interviews)

On December 18th they'll be "Living Large with Geoff Pinkus" on WIND radio (560 AM) at 7:00 PM. (Rick has also interviewed Pinkus at Chicago Radio Spotlight)

Rick and Brendan are looking forward to appearing on both of those shows.

There are quite a few more interviews in the pipeline, and we'll let you know as soon as they are officially confirmed.

The Living Wills debuts!

2011-12-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

Today is the day we get the actual copies of "The Living Wills" in our hands. The first press run will be picked up at the end of the day, and the large number of people that already ordered it (sheesh--thanks so much) will be getting their copies within a few days.

If you haven't ordered it yet, this is the only place to get it.

Chicagoland Radio & Media Gives Some Love to "The Living Wills"

2011-12-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

All we can say is wow! Thanks so much to Larz at Chicagoland Radio & Media for this incredibly kind write up about "The Living Wills". (It looks so much nicer on his site here.. He has links to all of the different things he talks about in the text, and pictures of the authors.)

This is what he wrote...

Well-known blogger, author and former Chicago radio producer/personality, Rick Kaempfer has had a busy year. Not only has he started up a new book publishing company, but he authored all or part of a few new books, one of which gets released today.

Rick Kaempfer, along with his long time collaborator and friend David Stern, founded the new boutique book publishing company Eckhartz Press this year. The name comes from combining the first names of both founder's Fathers and features a logo of a laughing letter "E." The company has a handful of new books coming out by a few different authors.

The very first publishing from Eckhartz Press happens today, as the new novel "The Living Wills" is now released. The book was collaboratively written by both Rick Kaempfer and Brendan Sullivan.

Rick Kaempfer is, of course, the former radio producer for Chicago radio legends Steve & Garry (1987-1991) and John Records Landecker (1993-2003), among others, who also hosted and co-hosted his own radio shows on WLUP-FM/AM. After 20 years in radio, Kaempfer walked away to focus on raising his family, writing, co-owning an advertising agency that specialized in creative radio ads, and other pursuits. He was the author of the hilarious 2007 novel "$everance," which gained universal rave reviews for its satire of the current radio & media industry -- a subject he knew well. In 2004, he co-authored a different book on a subject he knew well, along with another well-known Chicago radio producer, John "Swany" Swanson, called "The Radio Producer's Handbook." That book has been called by many as the definitive how-to book on radio production. Kaempfer contributed to the 2008 book "Cubbie Blues: 100 Years of Waiting Till Next Year." He is the owner of the humorous Chicago Cubs history website Just One Bad Century. If that wasn't enough, Kaempfer is also a writer and contributing editor for the NW Indiana Times' Shore Magazine, a writer for NW Indiana Times Parent's blog "Father Knows Nothing," interviewer on his Chicago Radio Spotlight website, and a blogger on his own self-named site. Kaempfer won a National Writing Award for an essay written in 1999.

Brendan Sullivan is another veteran of Chicago radio. From 1991-2001, Sullivan was a producer and writer for the Jonathon Brandmeier Radio Showgram. In addition to producing, he would create pre-recorded bits, do on-air character voices, and help create the comedic atmosphere for the program. He has also done his fair share of acting, appearing in national television commercials, feature films, and on the live theater stage. Using his comic timing, Sullivan was a member of the improvisational group Blue Velveeta at Chicago's IO. Since 2002, he has been a successful creativity coach & corporate trainer. More information about Brendan Sullivan's "day job" can be found on his website.

Kaempfer & Sullivan met at WLUP-FM around 20 years ago and struck up a friendship. These two friends recently decided to try a new & innovative way to co-write a book together, using improv skills, brainstorming, mind mapping, and other idea-generating techniques. For "The Living Wills" novel, they came up with a storyline together -- three interweaving storylines, actually -- wrote chapters separately, and then collaborated on the editing, improving and combining of all parts.

The Eckhartz Press website describes the plot of then book this way: "'The Living Wills' is a story 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?"

"The Living Wills" is available as of today for only $15.95 and can be purchased online at this link HERE. The authors are hoping to have the e-book version of "The Living Wills" available by the end of December.

We're not worthy. That is too kind.

The Living Wills Comes Out Tomorrow!

2011-11-30T09:55:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-29T11:01:00.000-08:00

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"

2011-11-29T07:17:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-25T11:36:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-11-24T06:08:00.001-08:00

From your friends at Eckhartz Press!

Countdown to The Living Wills

2011-11-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

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"

2011-11-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

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"

2011-11-21T10:33:00.001-08:00

"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

2011-11-21T09:55:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-18T11:05:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-17T06:39:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-14T09:26:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-14T08:59:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-11T07:47:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-11T07:09:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

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.

The Eckhartz Press Blog

Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"

Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"

Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"

Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"

Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"

Down at the Golden Coin

Rick and Brendan on video

The Book Cellar

Rick and Brendan on WGN

Rick and Brendan on the Radio

More Reader Reviews for "The Living Wills"

Some more pub for "The Living Wills"

Rick & Brendan at the Book Cellar

Brendan Sullivan at the iO

Book Clubs

Waveland Bowl

Chicago Radio Spotlight Interview: Brendan Sullivan

Rick and Brendan on the South Side

Making the Rounds

More Reader Reviews for "The Living Wills"

Rick & Brendan at the Catalyst Ranch

Rick & Brendan on "The Sunday Papers"

Rick and Brendan on the Radio

The Rick and Brendan interview goes viral

City Mom, Suburban Dad, Father Knows Nothing, Cubs 365

"The Living Wills" on TV

Rick & Brendan on TV

Rick & Brendan discuss the process

Rick & Brendan on TV

The Living Wills e-book on amazon

More Reader Reviews for "The Living Wills"

Thanks Chicagoland Radio & Media!

Brendan and Rick at the Beverly Arts Center

"The Living Wills" e-book

Pat Colander Reviews "The Living Wills"

The Catalyst Ranch Interviews Rick & Brendan

Reader Reviews for "The Living Wills"

City Mom, Suburban Dad, Father Knows Nothing, Cubs 365

Bi-Lingual Love for "The Living Wills"

"The Living Wills" on the Radio

Merry Christmas

Some South Side Love for "The Living Wills"

"The Living Wills" on the North Side/South Side

Rick and Brendan on the Radio

Shore Magazine on "The Living Wills"

City Mom, Suburban Dad, Father Knows Nothing

"The Living Wills" on the Radio

Rick & Brendan on WGN

Reaction to "The Living Wills"

Rick and Brendan on the Radio Tonight

"The Living Wills", Chapter 6

City Mom, Suburban Dad, Father Knows Nothing

The Catalyst Ranch

Radio Interviews

The Living Wills debuts!

Chicagoland Radio & Media Gives Some Love to "The Living Wills"

The Living Wills Comes Out Tomorrow!

Another nice Living Wills mention

Some Pub For "The Living Wills"

Countdown to The Living Wills

A Gift Suggestion

Happy Thanksgiving!

Countdown to The Living Wills

Robert Feder mentions "The Living Wills"

Pre-Order "The Living Wills"

Countdown to The Living Wills

City Mom, Suburban Dad, Father Knows Nothing

Countdown to The Living Wills

Countdown to The Living Wills

Countdown to The Living Wills

Countdown to The Living Wills

Countdown to The Living Wills

City Mom, Suburban Dad, Father Knows Nothing

Meet the Eckhartz Press Author: Brendan Sullivan

Meet the Eckhartz Press Author: Rick Kaempfer

Meet the Eckhartz Press Author: Kim Strickland

Meet the Eckhartz Press Author: David Stern

The Living Wills