Thoughts on Elvis Presley on His Birthday

It's hard to believe Elvis Presley would've been 81 years old tomorrow, January 8th. Elvis, the "King of Rock and Roll," was in his early 40s when he died, but he lives on through his music and memories of him.

My mom was an Elvis fan. Sunday nights we sat around the TV and watched Elvis and other musicians perform on the Ed Sullivan Show. At other times, Mom would turn the radio on and dance around the kitchen to tunes by Elvis, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, and Andy Williams. She also loved Tom Jones.

Two of her glitzy (and, to be honest, ditzy) sisters made several trips to Vegas, where they saw Elvis and other famous entertainers perform then they'd come home and tell Mom about their adventures. Mom could never afford to go with them -- although she was thrilled when my sister Kathleen and I took her, much later in her life, to see Tony Bennett and Andy Williams perform when they visited St. Louis on separate occasions.

Back to Elvis. I wasn't a huge Elvis fan. I liked some of his music, especially "Love Me Tender," "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" and "Blue Suede Shoes" was another good one, but I thought his movies were cheesey. Several friends from our neighborhood Bunco, which has been going strong since 1974, adored "The King" while they were teens and well into adulthood. In fact, a few of them were  upset on Bunco night two days after Elvis died in August of 1977; they were so inconsolable they could barely roll the Bunco dice.

Another Elvis story came from Nick Nixon, a contemporary of Elvis. Nick was a local St. Louis area celebrity, a songwriter, and country singer. Nick discovered late in life that he wanted to write something other than songs, and he became a treasured member of our Coffee and Critique writers' group for several years until he passed away a couple years ago.

Nick once told a story during lunch at C&C of how, while he was in the Marine Corps and stationed in Tennessee, he had a run in with "The King of Rock and Roll." Apparently words were exchanged between Nick and Elvis, a gun was brandished, and an apology from Elvis arrived in the form of a telegram to Nick some time later.

How about you? Care to share any thoughts or memories about Elvis on his birthday?  Or, do you have a favorite Elvis song?

Coffee and Critique Writers' Group Take Ten Interviews

It's hard to believe the Coffee and Critique writers' group has been going for seven years.

When I founded the group in 2007, along with Lou Turner, we wanted it to be open to writers of all levels, with the motto that critiques would be "candid, but kind."

Each week we have about 10-12 enthusiastic and supportive writer show up, and last year we published our first anthology. We also have encouraged writers to submit to publications -- and all have achieved success!

On our Coffee and Critique blog you can find updates about our group. One popular series is the "Take Ten" interview feature with the our members.

Interviews began last May. Doyle Suit was first, followed by the late Nick Nixon, then Bill Mueller, Alice Muschany, and Lou Turner.

Last week it was my turn to answer interview questions.

This year we will continue the tradition, with one member who has contributed to our anthology being featured each month.

Check back often to the Coffee and Critique blog to find out about some of our members.

Writer's Withdrawal and a Surprise Visit from Nick Nixon

Lately I've been having writer's withdrawal. Because of family events and other commitments, I haven't been able to attend my Tuesday morning writing group, Coffee and Critique, for three weeks.

After so many weeks of being critique-free, I was looking forward to getting back in the swing of things, so much so that last night I attended a Saturday Writers open mic event. With more than 20 writers in attendance, last night's event was a big hit.

This morning I received a call from my best writing buddy, Lou Turner. Lou told me she had talked to Nick Nixon yesterday, and Nick was going to visit our critique group today. 

Nick has been fighting cancer lately, and we've missed his presence greatly, but we always have kept a chair at the table for him. Nick is an amazing writer, songwriter, singer, entertainer, and  all-around good guy.

So, this morning, Nick, his wife Kim and daughter Autumn Rose, as well as Nick's good friend Nick Berry from Ohio, dropped in our group for a visit.

Nick read one of his wonderful essays, and stayed a bit to give critique on a few others that were read.

I managed to snap a few shots of Nick and his family and one of him with Nick Berry. Kim also took a few photos of those C&C members there today, including the one above.

If you pop on over to the Coffee and Critique blog later today you will find more shots from this morning, but I wanted to post one here of Nick with some of our group so my visitors will know what's been going on with our dear writing friend, Nick Nixon.

News and Views from Nick Nixon Tribute

Sunday's tribute and fundraiser for Nick Nixon, Country-Western music legend and Coffee and Critique group member extraordinare, was a huge hit!

When I stopped by shortly after the 1 p.m. opening time on my way to Michael's soccer game, there were only a few seats left in the large banquet room. 

A few minutes later, security personnel had to turn away fans because they had already exceeded the room's capacity for fire safety. I estimate there were several hundred fans. Hundreds of fans sat at crowded tables or stood along the aisles. Dozens of musicians performed or prepared to perform on the stages. Scores of volunteers sold food, CDs, books, and raffle tickets. Sturdy security folks stood in the lobby and at the exits to help the event run smoothly. Scores of folks unable to get inside waited in the lobby or milled about outside on the sunny, but chilly afternoon.

While I was there I ran into several of my writing friends and snapped lots of photos, but unfortunately my flash was finicky and some of the photos were blurry (sorry, Doyle and Irene).  Here are some photos that did turn out:



Ligaya and David Kirkland get cozy.

Bill and Linda O'Connell pose for this pesky photographer.

 

 C and C members Nick Nixon and Claudia Shelton strike a pose.

 

C and C Members Nick Nixon and Donna Volkenannt mug for the camera.

 

 

C and C members Donna Volkenannt, Nick Nixon, and Lou Turner share a chuckle.

High Hill Publishers Lou and Bryan Turner surprized Nick by publishing a collection of some of his essays and short stories. 

 Good-hearted and generous C and C member Becky Povich donated one of Nick's autographed 45 records and a song sheet for the auction!

Roland and Alice (C and C Member) Muschany took time from their busy day to support Nick. 

Weekend Events: All Star Tribute to Nick Nixon and the Saturday Writers Workshop

Two events this weekend involve some favorite writing pals--Nick Nixon and Linda O'Connell.

On Sunday October 28 at 1 p.m., local country western entertainers, as well as a couple guest stars from the Grand Old Opry, will show their support during an all star tribute and fundraiser for Nick Nixon at the Stegton Regency Banquet Center, 1450 Wall Street in St. Charles.

Nick is a legendary local country and western star and a treasured member of our weekly Coffee and Critique group.

 

In the 1970s Nick had more than a dozen top 100 hits on the Mercury label, including "Rocking in Rosalee's Boat," which climbed to No. 28 on the U.S. Country Charts. The Nick Nixon Tribute and Fundraiser is being held to help support Nick with medical expenses in his battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma. 

Headliners include: Johnny Rodriguez, Barb Allen, Leona Williams, Curtis Lyn Cook, Doc Holiday, the Well Hungarians, and an all star house band.

General admission tickets are only $10 per person and can be purchased at the door. Other highlights include a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, a live auction, and some special surprizes.

For more information, or to make a donation, e-mail Elmo Linton, who planned and organized the event, at elmojllinton (at) wildblue.net.

I'll be attending the first hour of the fundraiser. Hope to see you there!

***

 

The second event is the annual workshop put on by Saturday Writers.

Jennifer Hasheider and her board have done a top-notch job planning the workshop, silent auction, and lunch, which will be held Saturday October 27 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center in St. Peters City Hall.

Speakers include:

Kristina Blank Makansi, co-founder, editor and publisher of Blank Slate Press, who will discuss the dos and don’ts of pitching to agents and editors.

Former newspaper reporter and Professor, Steve Wiegenstein will lead a two-hour exercise in mainstream fiction.

Linda O'Connell will talk about the ABCs of writing authentic, brave, creative nonfiction from the basics to the ethics of sharing your life story.

A few months ago I heard Linda speak about writing at a St. Louis Writers Guild meeting, where she provided helpful information and welcome inspiration.

Due to family commitments I can't make this year's workshop, but if you live in the local metro-St. Louis area I hope you can! Click here for details.

Big Winners at the Ozarks Creative Writers Conference

The Ozarks Creative Writers' Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas is the first conference I ever attended -- more than 15 years ago. My dear friend Lou Turner and I made the trip to Eureka that first time and for several years afterwards. OCW is a fun and lively and welcoming event with inspiring speakers, helpful information, excellent networking opportunities, and great contests.

Lou Turner is now a member of the OCW board, along with Dusty Richards, Velda Brotherton, David Kirkland, and several others who do an excellent job putting on the annual event.

While I haven't been able to make the trip to Eureka for years, I was honored to have been asked this year to judge three contests. Believe me; it wasn't easy picking the winners. In one contest, two entries were so equally excellent it was hard to pick one for the top award.

The judging was blind so I didn't know whose entries I was reading, but I was delighted to learn afterwards that some of my Coffee and Critique group writing friends received awards -- although not necessarily in the categories I judged.

Drum roll please . . .

Marcia Gaye took home these awards:

1st: Las Manos Bella de Elizabeth for short story
2nd: Giving Love a Chance for memoir essay
2nd: My Volkswagen for Creative Nonfiction essay
2nd: Lost Hope Missouri for Literary Novel
3rd: Geese for Japanese Tanka Poetry
HM: Mother of the Painted Desert for free verse poetry

Nick Nixon was recognized for:

1st: Little Red Rider for Storyteller Magazine award
3rd:  Bless u Dexter for humorous short story
3rd: Old Dempsey for Ozark Nostalgia
3rd: The Teacher's Paleo Pecker for Jim Richardson Memorial Award

Doyle Suit received awards for:

1st: Tales of a Misspent Youth for The High Hill Press Book Award
1st: A Loose Sole for Search for Excellence Award
1HM: Hale's Law for the Oxbow Award
3HM: A Pig for Sarah for OWL Award
Doyle also received lunch with agent Cherry Weiner for winning the synopsis award

Congratulations to all the winners!

Wish I could've been there to see you receive your awards. God willing and the creek don't rise, I'll make it there soon.

Critique Group Adventures and Mysteries of the Ozarks (Volume IV)

Tuesday's critique group at the Rendezvous Cafe in O'Fallon is always an adventure, but some days it's more exciting than others.

Today was memorable.

Lou Turner, Nick Nixon, and Marcia Gaye gave updates on their trek last weekend to the Ozarks Creative Writers' Conference in Eureak Springs, Arkansas.

Lou is on the OCW board and was instrumental in planning and organizing the conference.

Nick performed to stellar reviews by attendees and an extra special review by keynote speaker David Morrell. 

Marcia was a big winner at the awards ceremony.

At critique group today we had five readings. As always, readings and critiques are learning experiences.

Lou also hand-delivered my copies of Mysteries of the Ozarks (Volume IV), edited by Ellen Gray Massey from Ozark Writers, Inc., and published by High Hill Press. 

My story "The Night the Circus Came to Town" is included in the anthology, along with about two dozen other stories. I can't wait to read them all. 

Last Saturday I received a check from Ellen for my story. Today one critique member asked if she could buy a copy, and of course I sold her one at a huge discount. I'm not going to get rich like this, but it is a rewarding experience to see my words in print and know others will read them too.

Holding a book in my hands that contains one of my stories is a rush. It's a feeling that never grows old.

Saturday Writers Special Weekend Events

For my local blog visitors, here are some special events from Saturday Writers that you won't want to miss.

Tonight, Friday, March 27 - If you are out and about tonight, stop by Main Street Books in St. Charles between 7 and 9 p.m. for a special Open Mic event. Saturday Writers President Lou Turner has got a star-studded line up which is sure to please, including members who will read from their published works as well as others who will be reading from their works in progress.

Country-western musician and songwriter Nick Nixon will be there strumming his guitar and singing. Main Street Books is located one block south and across from the Visitors Center at 307 South Main. Refreshments will be served and lots of fun is guaranteed!

NOTE: Under the timing is everything heading, Cari's championship soccer tournament game will be tonight at 7:15, so unless I can teleport myself to be two places at the same time, I won't be at the Open Mic event, but I'll be cheering for my writing friends while cheering Cari's soccer team. Go FZE JV Lions!


Saturday, March 28 - Tomorrow, Saturday, March 28, Teddy Norris, professor, poet and editor of the St. Charles Community College Mid Rivers Review, will be the featured speaker at Saturday Writers' regularly scheduled meeting (11 a.m. till 1 p.m.) at the St. Peters Community and Arts Center, 1035 St. Peters-Howell Road. Teddy will give an insider's view on what an editor looks for in submissions when she talks about "Creating Winning Manuscripts." Prior to Teddy's presentation, SW long-time member and former art teacher Jerrel Swingle will have his fifteen minutes of fame. And . . . the winner of the March Madness members'-only writing contest will be announced.

Also on March 28 - Saturday afternoon, right after the meeting, Saturday Writers member Bill Mueller will have a book signing at Main Street Books in St. Charles.

Hope to see you at one of these events.