Book Covers:Will Lavender & Obedience-Part 1

I always bring a book anytime I travel by air. Last week, when I went to Philadelphia, I brought along Obedience, a thriller by first-time author Will Lavender. I did not finish it on the trip there and I seriously could not wait to resume the book on my return flight. It was that good.

I enjoyed Obedience so much that I contacted Lavender to inquire about appearing here for a short Q&A. Lavender quickly and graciously agreed to my request.
I started by asking Lavender how it felt to see Obedience in a bookstore.
I have to admit that I wasn't blown away. It was a little surreal, but because we had been working on the book for so long and because I'd seen so many copies of it--physically and on the Web--it was like "oh, there it is in the store." Of course you dream of that, seeing your book on the shelves with all of those writers you look up to, but when the moment comes, it's just next in a line of "This is actually happening to me"-type moments. Also, there's the fact that I have always wanted to be a writer. I'm not the kind of writer that began in another field and then moved back to literature; I have wanted to write books since I could read. It is one thing I believe I am truly good at, telling stories, and I think I knew that at some point those stories would be in a book. Seeing it there on the shelves was a culmination of a lot of things--hard work, good luck, patience--but I was not stunned that it happened.
Next, I asked Lavender about book signings and autographs.
I have done quite a few book signings. The only autographs I have signed were between the covers of the book. I do not see a situation where I would be "famous" in any practical sense of the word. Stephen King is maybe the only author I would personally recognize and I read a lot--so you are talking about a niche when you get into books and the people who write them. In my tiny Kentucky hometown I am recognized as "the guy that wrote the book," and that's interesting. But fame is something the author rarely achieves, and it's something I certainly don't want. I felt enough pressure to get my second book finished, and I am a just-starting-out author. If I were suddenly famous and recognizable and signing autographs, the pressure would be enormous and I really don't think I could write well. There are authors who thrive in the spotlight--Jay McInerney and Bret Easton Ellis immediately come to mind--but you have to be a rare sort of person to want that kind of lifestyle if you're in the business of publishing.
I asked Lavender if he had messages in his writing.
Not really, but messages are like any other symbolism--they end up in the text regardless. Stephen King says that theme is better left for English 101 and I agree. What I am trying to do basically is entertain a person for a few hours. But when you write something, you are invariably sharing part of your subconscious mind. Because of that, you are bound to put things in the writing that are coded and sifted through your own experience. One of the messages that reviewers have pointed out regarding Obedience is that it brings up the question of reality itself. An interviewer once asked me if the novel was about weapons of mass destruction (WMDs were in the news not long after the manuscript was purchased). Of course, all I wanted was to write something that people enjoyed, but I do not deny that there are meaningful sections of the text that connect wit the things going on in the world.

Stay tuned for the second part of this Q&A with Will Lavender, author of Obedience. In the next part, I ask about Obedience itself (may contain some spoilers) and Dominance, Lavender's upcoming second novel.

Author Will Lavender (photo courtesy of Will Lavender)

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This is a continuing series on celebrity authors.

I have been a fan of Roddy Piper's since I was a wee lad. I followed Piper's wrestling career and I enjoyed his movies. In 2002, Piper came out with his book, In the Pit With Piper.
Robert Picarello wrote In the Pit with Piper, with Piper as a contributor. Picarello has written other wrestling books and to his credit, this book remains clearly in Piper's voice. Immediately, I am disappointed with so little coverage of Piper's young life. We all know that Piper had a rough beginning, but it is never really explained. Maybe this is intentional or maybe they decided it wasn't important. I would have liked to have read about this part of Piper's life.
Unlike a lot of big name wrestlers, Piper has kept his family out of the spotlight. Living in Oregon, Piper's private life has been a stark contrast to his in-ring persona. I understand and can respect that, but a few more facts about his pre-wrestling life would have been interesting and helpful in understanding what helped shape Piper's mind.
Once past that, I was hooked and pretty much read the book nonstop. It is a fascinating look into Piper's wrestling career. Because the book is not under the WWE umbrella, Piper did not have to sanitize or modify anything. Piper discussed all of the obvious, like Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon. His thoughts were straight-forward and refreshing. There are stories of friendships, matches and transitions in Piper's legendary career. All of his big moments are mentioned. His matches with Greg Valentine, Hogan, Adrian Adonis and Bret Hart reveal more about Piper's mindset and inspiration.
Since the book was published in 2002, Piper's battle with lymphoma is not mentioned. Neither are his comebacks to the WWE and TNA. Therefore, I am suggesting that Piper come out with another book, part prequel and part sequel.
Aside from the thin coverage of his youth, my only complaint is that this book was too short. When I interviewed Piper in 2005, he stated that over 50% of what he had written got cut from the book. I would have loved to see what was didn't make it. I think it was a big mistake, as wrestling fans devour this stuff. Another 200 pages would have been welcome.

When you have a personality so much larger-than-life as Piper and he has experienced so much stuff, why cut so much out. In my interview, Piper talked about the honor of fighting Andre, teaching his son Colt some of life's lessons and filming a movie overseas. This stuff was fascinating and gave a real glimpse into Piper.
The book is sort of the opposite of Piper. Piper is so much more than you'd expect and better than anyone ever thought he'd be. Thew book should have been better, but still remains a good read.

Roddy Piper and me in St. Petersburg, FL-January 2005.

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Marcus Sakey was born in Flint (MI) and attended the University of Michigan. Sakey is a novelist and a funny guy, but his novels are not comedy. They are crime thrillers. They are set in Chicago and they are excellent.
A couple years ago, I stumbled upon Sakey's debut novel, The Blade Itself. A pawnshop robbery attempt by a young Danny and Evan goes wrong. Evan got caught and went to prison, while Danny escaped and built a new, clean life. Years later, Evan reenters Danny's life, pressuring him into partnering with him again as payback. Danny desperately tries to get free and regain his life.
The book is fast-paced and full of twists. Sakus pits Danny against Evan in a human game of chess.
I anxiously awaited Sakey's second novel, At the City's Edge, and was not disappointed. His third and fourth novels, Good People and The Amateurs, were just as interesting.
So how did this Michigan writer land in Chicago and decide to set his novels there? Sakey told me, "I moved to Chicago in 2002, after living in Atlanta for half a dozen years. It was time for a change and I missed the Midwest, and besides, Chicago is just an amazing town. As for why I set my novels here, it partly has to do with this being the place I live. It's easy to get details, to go out and visit places, to ride along with cops, that sort of thing. But I've come to love the city as a subject--it's such an American city with with such interesting contradictions."
Sakey's ideas come from many places and his route to converting ideas into stories is always evolving and different. Part of that route usually includes hands-on research, like shadowing detectives, interviewing psychiatrists and even learning to pick deadbolts. Sakey says this part is "half the joy".
His first three novels are in development as films. The fourth will probably follow, too. They are just that good!
I always wonder what it is like to see your book for the first time in a store. Sakey said, "Surreal. It was wonderful, but in a distant sort of way. I just sort of stood and stared."
If that was surreal, how was signing his first autograph? Sakey replied, "The first time I was asked to sign something was at a conference maybe a year before my book came out. It was a little chapbook I put together to start building buzz. When someone asked me to sign it, I thought they were kidding at first."
I had planned on asking more questions, but a lot of my questions were answered on Sakey's website. It is thorough, entertaining and informative. On his site, you will find his bio, his book summaries, his blog, a great FAQ and more. Heck, the guy even answers email. What more could you want?!
I love "discovering" a new author at the beginning of his career. With Sakey, I did just that and I have enjoyed the journeys he has created.
I really appreciate Sakey taking time to answer my questions. I appreciate his thoughts and his humor. I look forward to whatever future stories his mind holds.

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Years ago, my friends Jim and Cuzz Gekas and I were going up to Michigan to see a football game at the University of Michigan. We decided to read a book prior to the trip and cast it into a movie on the ride to pass the time. Jim and I stumbled around a bookstore and eventually came across Bahamarama, a mystery (and debut) novel by Bob Morris. Clearly, this was a case of serendipity.
Bahamarama starts with Zack Chasteen being released from a Florida prison after serving about 2 years on trumped-up charges. Chasteen attempts to go to his love, Barbara Pickering, but his journey is derailed by the man who framed him before. The rest of the book is filled with fast-paced action, colorful characters, interesting plot twists and even some humor.
As I was finishing Bahamarama, I was already hoping for another adventure with Chasteen. Fortunately, there have been four more novels in the Chasteen series, including the recently released Baja Florida. Each one is new and exciting, but comfortable and familiar at the same time, as we continue to learn more about the complex character of Chasteen.
Chasteen's creator Morris is an interesting person. Morris is a fourth generation Floridian and grad of the University of Florida. He worked for a number of newspapers and now is a freelance writer and editor.
When I asked Morris when he started to think about writing his first novel, he told me, "I always wanted to write books, especially mysteries, from way back when I was a kid in journalism school. John D. MacDonald, the godfather of all Florida mystery writers, was a giant influence. Heck, I even named our younger son Dashiell MacDonald Morris after JDM and Dashiell Hammett. But I had to make a living and journalism (then) seemed the best way to get a regular paycheck. So I thought about the books and the character for years and years, and then when our sons were finally out of the house and in college I figured it was a good time to go after it."
Thinking and developing the character for so many years might be the reason that Chasteen has so many layers. He's not your average P.I. Morris continued, "No, he's not a P.I. at all. He would bristle at that notion. He's an amateur sleuth, a guy who just seems to step in shit wherever he turns. I was walking down a beach on Harbour Island, Bahamas, one afternoon and the idea of a series set on different Caribbean islands just sorta popped into my head. Went back to my cottage and started writing and Zack Chasteen just started talking to me. Guess I was off my meds..."
I had to laugh at the line about his meds, but the key line for me was that Chasteen would bristle at being called a P.I. That is one of the things that gives him some depth and color. He didn't solve one crime and suddenly hang a shingle and become super human. Chasteen is very human.
Having read the first four books and looking forward to the latest, Baja Florida, I asked Morris about long-term plans for Chasteen. He told me, "Well, there's a real arc to his character. When we first meet him in BAHAMARAMA, he's just getting out of prison and trying to connect with his girlfriend, Barbara, in the Bahamas. Now he and Barbara are married and have a daughter, Shula. So that arc will continue wherever it might lead."
Will it lead to a movie and who could capture the true essence of Zack Chasteen? According to Morris, "First two books have been optioned but who the heck knows and I don't put money on anything that originates in Hollywood. My wife wants Jeff Bridges to play Zack. A good fit, I think..."
Who am I to argue with Morris or his wife? Bridges sounds good to me.
I really want to thank Morris for his wit and wisdom. I also want to thank Morris for Zack Chasteen and all of his friends and foes. They have brought me much enjoyment as I have followed their lives. These books have everything you could want in an action-mystery novel, including an author who is just as entertaining.

Bob Morris in Florida-late 2000's.

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The California Golden Seals started in the 1967-68 season as the California Seals. The Seals ceased to be after the 1975-76 season when they moved to Cleveland and became the Barons. In between were nine seasons of continual change of ownership, players, official team name and even the team colors. One thing that remains constant, still to this day, is the passion of the real fans of the Seals.
One such fan is author Brad Kurtzberg, who wrote Shorthanded:The Untold Story of the Seals. Kurtzberg conducted over 100 interviews with former players over more than two years.
Despite the intense effort put into Shorthanded, Kurtzberg enjoyed it. He told me, "'The book was a labor of love. The Seals story is a largely forgotten one, yet so many strange and interesting things happened to the team and so many well known people were involved in their story from Bing Crosby, Whitey Ford, Pat Summerall and Charles Schultz. You had the white skates, the streaker incident and of course, the NHL's only on-ice death."
Kurtzberg continued, "I was only nine when the Seals left Oakland, but I loved their uniforms and they were my second favorite team growing up. The more I read about them and heard stories, the more interesting things I felt needed to be told."
Kurtzberg reveals some of the stories in the first section, which is a history of the team. Several of the stories involve one-time owner Charles O. Finley (then owner of the Oakland A's). Finley brought in a live seal for Opening Night, only to have the seal fall asleep on the ice during the festivities.
Finley also made the Seals wear white skates, which were only worn by figure skaters back then. Player Carol Vadnais told Finley that other teams would think they were sissies.
One good thing Finley did was to have players' names put on the backs of their sweaters. The Seals were the first NHL team to do so.
The second part of the book highlights over 100 players, coaches and even a cheerleader (Krazy George). It is divided into three chronological sections containing thoughts, recollections and stories from many members of the Seals organization. You'll read such things as Gene Ubriaco (The Early Years) talking about the closeness of the team, Reg Leach (The Middle Years) discusssing the lack of leadership and Dave Gardner (The Later Years) praising the fans, but not the organization.
These are just three of the players profiled. Each has great memories and stories to tell. Remember Gilles Meloche? Bert Marshall? Bobby Sheehan? Gary Smith? They are all in there and all have great stories. So do Jim Pappin, Wayne Merrick, Larry Patey, Craig Patrick, Bryan Watson and over 100 more, each with a stat, nugget or quote.
Kurtzberg recalls them fondly. He said, "Pappin was a great storyteller. Ivan (Boldirev) was hard to track down, but great to talk to once I did. Joey Johnston, Larry Patey, Bert Marshall, so many great guys. Cobra (Gary) Simmons is a book unto himself as Pete Stemkowski once told me."
I love just hearing those names and the stories about the Seals and I have always lived in Chicago. For those in the Bay area, love for the Seals is still strong, as the Seals Booster Club
These are just examples of why Shorthanded has sold well. Many former Seals have purchased one or more copies. Kurtzberg said, "Ernie Hicke was a nice guy with a great sense of humor. He bought about twenty books for friends and family."
With love for the Seals undeniably still strong, why did the Seals fail? According to Kurtzberg, "I think the Seals failed because of two major things: 1) ownership instability--there was talk of the team moving a month or two after they took to the ice, this doesn't exactly get things off on the right foot with the fans. The team had more names (3) and ownership groups (6 if you count the NHL) than playoff appearances (2). Also, if the arena was in San Francisco instead of Oakland, it would have given the team a chance to build roots. There still isn't an arena in SF, so go figure."
It's just too bad. The Seals should have succeeded. Instead, we are left with great memories. Fortunately, Kurtzberg captured all of these memories in Shorthanded.
Kurtzberg is currently working on a book about the rivalry between the NY Islanders and the NY Rangers. He is also busy writing and editing for Insidehockey.com, blogging for Huffington Post, blogging at newyorkhockeytalk.com and guest hosting That Radio Show on WGBB, AM 1240 on Long Island, and making a weekly appearance on "The NHL Tonight" with Sean Campbell and Mitch Gallo every Saturday night on The Team, AM-990 in Montreal.
I really appreciate Kurtzberg taking the time to answer my questions. I also appreciate the effort and
For more info on the Seals and Shorthanded (and to purchase the book), SealsHockey.com is the place to go. I can get lost in Seals goodness on that site.

Brad Kurtzberg, author of Shorthanded:The Untold Story of the Seals.

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Brian Sutter made his NHL debut with the St. Louis Blues in the 1976-77 season. Over the next several seasons, his brothers Darryl, Duane, Brent, Rich and Ron made their NHL debuts. There has been at least one Sutter brother playing or coaching in the NHL since Brian's debut. For about 13 of those seasons, there were all 6 Sutters playing or coaching in the NHL.
The Sutter family story is one of determination, perseverance and togetherness. It is a story that needed to be told and fortunately, Dean Spiros did just that in Six Shooters:Hockey's Sutter Brothers.
Spiros was a sportswriter at the Daily Herald when he first asked Darryl Sutter (then with the Blackhawks) about a book. Others had asked before, but never the right one, according to Sutter. Sutter believed in Spiros and the rest of the brothers agreed.
I asked Spiros what inspired him to want to do the book. Spiros said, "One thing very important to me is to tell the real story not simply a story. The Sutters are as genuine as anyone you will find in or out of professional sports. Their story jumps out at you because of the incredible odds against one family having that many sons reach the professional level."
Six brothers reaching the top level is unprecedented. Actually, there might have been seven, had oldest brother Gary stuck with hockey. Instead Gary chose a different path. Gary's story by itself could probably make for a great book. According to Spiros, "Gary is different in a lot of ways. He was the only defenseman among the seven brothers and I am told by the others that Gary was the most talented. I also think he is the most sensitive. I think if Brian had been the oldest and Gary was next he would have learned from his brother that going away at such an early age was not as scary as it seemed to him at the time."
In Six Shooters, we learn more about Gary and the Sutter parents (Louie and Grace), as well as others dear to the family. Spiros covers Marg and Walter "Stubb" Ross, who gave the Sutter boys a home while each played in Lethbridge before being called up to their respective NHL team. The experience at the Ross home "is testimony to the community spirit that exists in hockey," said Spiros. That community or family spirit remained with the Sutter brothers wherever they went.
Stories like that add warmth and another layer of familial bonds to the Sutter story. Each Sutter left a mark wherever he went. Spiros spends about the last 60% of the book on the six brothers individually, letting each tell his story in his own voice.
It starts with Brian who found his new home with the St. Louis Blues. Brian quickly became fiercely loyal to the Blues, even retiring to become their coach. He also became the first (and only to date) Sutter to have his number retired.
As the others followed, more great stories come out. Darryl discusses his triumphs and struggles in Chicago. Duane recounts the Stanley Cup and his time with the Islanders. Brent talks about the Canada Cup and being named Captain of the Islanders. Rich tells of being traded and playing for Brian in St. Louis. Ron discusses the great teams in Philadelphia and the tragedy of Pelle Lindbergh.
These are just some of the interesting tales. Each has many more, but each could also probably fill his own book. I asked Spiros how he was able to condense things so neatly, while still giving the full story. Spiros said, "The Publisher made the call on how long the book should be. I definitely could have written a lot more. I tried to concentrate on the family aspect. They really are each others' best friends as much as they are brothers."
The family theme comes through very clearly. Each Sutter mentions other Sutters often, while also counting other teammates and coaches as family. Men like Barclay Plager, Al Arbour, Kelly Kisio, Jacques Demers and so many others share a deep love and respect for the Sutters. They are as close as family.
In the twenty years since Six Shooters was released, the Sutters have experienced a lot. All became coaches and/or scouts. Children were born, raised and started their paths toward the NHL.
As the second generation started to play professionally, I wondered about a book sequel. Spiros said, "I thought many times about updating the book. I don't know how much of a market there is for hockey books these days, but I would love to do an update."
I am a long-time fan of the Sutter family. Fan or not, Six Shooters is a great book. It's a book of inspiration, determination, hard work, family ties, love, friendships and great hockey stuff. I would be first in line for another book updating us on the Sutter legacy.
I would like to thank Dean Spiros for his contributions to this piece. Spiros is a native of Oak Park (IL) and was a sports writer for the Daily Herald from 1982-2000. Since then, he has been at the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Spiros can be reached at dspiros@startribune.com.

Dean Spiros, author of Six Shooters:Hockey's Sutter Brothers.

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I grew up watching Rick Monday play for my Chicago Cubs. I was watching on tv when he saved the U.S. flag from being burned by two knuckleheads in Dodger Stadium. That flag-saving effort launched Monday into the national spotlight. It also provided the subject of my award-winning blog for Global Traveler magazine. I thought it was only natural that I feature Rick Monday's Tales from the Dodgers Dugout.
Monday's book covers the 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers, who survived the strike-shortened season to win the World Series. Monday mixes his own memories with thoughts from his then-teammates.
Monday starts with a short recap of how he originally wanted to play for the Dodgers, but ended up with the Oakland A's as the first amateur player drafted ever. Looking back, Monday said, "But I never stopped wanting to be a Dodger." Monday got his wish years later when the Cubs traded him to the Dodgers (ironically) the season after his flag-saving moment.
Monday shifts gears and gives a brief bio on many of the 1981 Dodgers. Naturally, this includes the infamous four who equaled 8 1/2. Of course, that would be Ron Cey, Bill Russell, Davey Lopes and Steve Garvey, the All-Star infield who played together for 8.5 seasons. Monday said, "I am still convinced that they were the most consistent group of infielders in the game at the time."
The foursome was nearing the end of its' run, but a rookie named Fernando Valenzuela was just starting to make his name. Valenzuela became a national sensation on his way to winning the Cy Young award and the Rookie of the Year award.
Monday covers the season, including the strike and the oddities in the season and standings because of it. The Dodgers finished in 1st for the first half and 4th for the second half. They beat the Houston Astros and the Montreal Expos to reach the World Series.
In the series with Montreal, Monday drove in the go-ahead run with a solo home run, which he told me "was every kid's dream". Monday continued, "I'd be lying if I said that I didn't then-or don't now-get immense satisfaction knowing that I played a role in helping us win that game and get to the World Series."
The Dodgers went on to beat the New York Yankees in the World Series. Monday's thoughts reveal the type of person he is. He talks of his loved ones, his love of the game and his appreciation. There are also thoughts by Steve Yeager, Mike Scoscia, Tommy LaSorda and others. This worked very well as we see several perspectives of this monumental moment.
Tales From the Dodgers Dugout is a fun book. It is a solid baseball book about a great team and a lot of interesting individuals. Monday is probably the best person to put it together. He was a solid contributor who had played long enough to appreciate everything, but he still had the excitement of a younger ball player.
I will always appreciate Monday as a player, especially his seasons with the Cubs. I will always be thankful to Monday for the interview he gave me in 2008. He was very rushed, but he took a few minutes to give me some insight and I am very grateful. Monday is certainly one of the good guys.

Rick Monday and me in Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA-June 2008.

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Bruce Boudreau played professional hockey for 20 years, then coached for 18 years (and counting). Boudreau has been called everything including a hockey-lifer, an everyman, a Cinderella story and old school. He is also a straight-shooter, which is evident in his book Gabby:Confessions of a Hockey Lifer.
Despite a winning percentage of nearly 60%, it took almost 18 years for Boudreau to get a shot at coaching in the NHL and that was with the then-lowly Washington Capitals. Without complaining, Boudreau does question why it took so long for him to get an NHL coaching shot. However, he also speaks of the lessons he learned and the determination he had.
It took Boudreau a long time to become an NHL coach, but it didn't take him long to earn top coaching honors. After taking over for Glen Hanlon early in the 2007-08 season, he was awarded the Jack Adams award for being the coach who contributed the most to his team's success (after leading the Caps to a 37-17 record).
It was after that '07-'08 season that Harrisburg Patriot-News writer Tim Leone approached Boudreau about doing a book. Boudreau agreed and the two began working.
I asked Leone what made Gabby different. Leone stated that, "It's extremely honest. Bruce is more honest in public than most of us are in private."
I have to agree with this. One great story told is when Boudreau was not recognized by NFL Hall of Famer Mike Ditka at a charity event. Though Boudreau felt "pretty small", he went up to shake Ditka's hand. Boudreau admits to being "a bit starstruck" by the big names at the event, such as Ditka, Johnny Unitas and Mike Bossy. Hmm even a pro hockey coach gets starstruck?
Another bit of refreshing honesty is when Boudreau admits that he doesn't have 'the look' of an NHL coach. He isn't slick and well-dressed. He is comfortable with himself, though and that is a great lesson for all of us.
Leone said that the most fun part was, "...listening to a lot of fun stories and hammering them into a narrative. But there's also a profound undercurrent about perseverance."
If writing about the stories was fun, so is reading them. Boudreau has experienced so much and with so many people.
Boudreau discusses coaching the great players, like Alexander Ovechkin and Sergei Federov. He talks about getting his name on the Calder Cup trophy and winning the Jack Adams trophy. He tells tales about fellow coaches like John Anderson and Barry Melrose.
Boudreau also peppers in some coaching strategies and philosophies. I found these extremely interesting, as Boudreau is able to explain some confusing concepts in some very clear ways. These coaching nuggets were some of my favorite parts of Gabby.
Another great aspect of Gabby is how Boudreau reveals parts of his philosophy throughout the book. While discussing a big game between his Caps and the Carolina Hurricanes, Boudreau talked about how he loved these situations, because they were a great way to test yourself. He even quoted Ric Flair's catchphrase "To be the man, you gotta beat the man" as part of his attitude about facing the best.
The book seemed to have so many parts and cover so many years, yet it all flowed very well. Leone said he did about 60 hours of interviews with Boudreau. That's the easier part. Putting it all together into a very enjoyable read is the hard part. Leone accomplished both parts with great success.
Leone's years of covering the Hershey Bears and following hockey in general certainly make him an expert. It's clear he knows the sport and loves it. Previous to Gabby, Leone wrote The Hershey Bears:Sweet Seasons, which covers the oldest and most celebrated franchise in the history of the American Hockey League. Truly excellent hockey books are a rarity and Leone has written two of them.
I want to thank Tim Leone for his assistance in writing this piece. As a lifelong hockey fan, I also appreciate his work and dedication to the game. Lastly, I want to thank Leone and Boudreau for producing a great hockey bio.

Bruce Boudreau (as player and coach) and Tim Leone (inset).

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It is the stuff from which feel good sports movies are made. For Mike Flynt, this was very real, although it just might end up becoming a feel good sports movie.
Flynt played on the 1965 football team at Odessa Permian (in Odessa, TX). That team won the first state championship in school history and was the inspiration for Friday Night Lights. Flynt's path to college football took him to Sul Ross (in Alpine, TX), an NAIA school. Before his Senior season, Flynt was involved in a fight (a recurring theme in his younger life). The fight got Flynt booted from the school, but his story doesn't end there.
About 35 years later, when Flynt was out with some buddies, he discussed his big regret over being kicked out of Sul Ross. This led to Flynt discovering that he had one year od eligibility left. Flynt tried out for the Sul Ross team and made the cut. He played linebacker and special teams at the age of 59, becoming the oldest contributing player in NCAA football history.
If Flynt seems like an extraordinary person, it is because he is. I discovered a lot about Flynt in The Senior and a little more in some communication I recently had with him.
Flynt didn't just want to play college football again. He stated, "For me, it was truly about redeeming myself, overcoming the greatest regret of my life and fulfilling a dream. When word got out initially that I was going to try and make a comeback, I was offered a chance to walk on at one of the Division 3 schools in Abilene, TX. I told them, thanks but no thanks, for me it had to be Sul Ross or not at all. I had to go back to where it all ended and try and make it right."
Flynt also wasn't out for publicity. He said, "If no one had ever known I went back to play. that would be fine with me. I would know, my teammates would know and all of the former teammates I played with in '69 and '70 that came back and watched me play in 2007: they would know, and that's all that mattered to me." He even turned down an offer of a documentary of his comeback season, feeling it might distract the team.
Through all of the work to make the team and play, Flynt made sure to enjoy his experience. Flynt told me, "Every day, it was truly like going back in time, but this time I appreciated every hit, every time I got knocked down and every wind sprint. I knew this time how fast all of this was going to go by and I didn't want to waste one second of the experience."
Despite the fun, the redemption and the determination, Flynt still had to play football in a 59 year old man's body. Granted, Flynt was in excellent shape, but he was 59. Flynt revealed, "I was always sore somewhere and I couldn't stand around between drills in practice like the young guys do. No way! I would start to get stiff. I had to keep moving all of the time. No doubt the physical was much more difficult that the mental. It is definitely a young man's game." It might be a young man's game, but the 59 year old Flynt succeeded.
In The Senior, Flynt discusses just how he was able to accomplish his goal. On his website (www.MikeFlynt.com), has additional info, photos and insight. Flynt recapped by stating, "People often ask me how I was able to go back and play at such an advanced age. My response is always Strength training with Powerbase and JuicePlus for nutritional support."
Flynt believes in these products, himself, his family and his God. That appears to be a winning combination for Flynt. The results tell the story. Don't just see the end results though. Get the whole story by reading The Senior.
I appreciate Flynt taking time to discuss his book and life with me. He even mentioned Bruce Willis being his first choice if a movie is ever made. That's a great choice. A movie about The Senior would add another great chapter to the life of Mike Flynt.

Mike Flynt and his grandson Collin in Alpine, TX-Football season 2007.

Literati Glitterati

This is a new series on celebrity authors.

Usually you will find an autobiography of sorts here. Today, I am shifting gears a bit and featuring a novel written by wrestler Mick Foley.
Foley has been a professional wrestler since 1986. He had two best sellers, although they were both of the autobiographical nature. Unlike a lot of autobiographies, Foley's were written entirely by him, after he dismissed his co-writer (ghost-writer), figuring he could do it better by himself. In 2003, Foley's first novel Tietam Brown was published.
Antietam "Andy" Brown V is a troubled 17 year old just out of reform school. Andy lost his mother at birth and was abused by his stepfather. He is reunited with his father, Antietam "Tietam" Brown IV, and together they attempt to start fresh.
Andy is not only emotionally damaged, but physically as well. He is missing an ear and has a damaged right hand. This causes even more problems as Andy tries to fit in at high school. It seems that everything around Andy is violent and ugly, yet he struggles to find happiness in all of the mess.
One bright spot in Andy's life is Terri Lynn Johnson, the school's homecoming queen. I won't reveal what happens with this young couple or how the book ends, but I will say it is surprising and entertaining.
Foley insists there isn't anything autobiographical about Tietam Brown. Either way, he captures the teenage angst of Andy in such a compelling way. You can't help but to be drawn to Andy. You really deeply feel his highs and his lows.
A few years ago, Laurie and I talked to Foley about Tietam Brown. According to Foley, he tried "to tell a tale of innocence in a violent world." Laurie asked him about the violence and dark images and Foley said that he understood what she was saying, but still felt it was a "positive message".
Foley said that he got a lot of the material from stories he heard and people he met in wrestling. He even credits wrestling with giving him the experience needed to create characters. Foley said, "I have been doing that for my entire wrestling career."
There has been talk of a movie version of Tietam Brown. Foley thinks wrestler-actor Terry Funk would make a good Tietam IV. This resulted in excellent banter between Laurie and Funk, who seemed surprised that Foley would connect him to the abusive father.
There are some plot holes and some contrivances, but Tietam Brown is a riveting read. I couldn't put it down. I recommended Tietam Brown to several friends (non-wrestling fans) and they all enjoyed it. While none of us would say it is going to be a classic, we all agreed it was quite an unusual book and an excellent first novel.

Mick Foley and me in Novi, MI-May 2008.

Literati Glitterati

This is a new series on celebrity authors.

It's every hockey fan's dream to lace up the skates and join some hockey legends on the ice. It gets even better if you could actually hang with those hockey players off the ice. Author Gary Mason accomplished this dream, detailing it in his book Oldtimers:On the Road with the Legendary Heroes of Hockey.
Mason is an award-winning sports columnist who took a tour with the NHL Oldtimers, a group of ex-NHL players who travel around playing hockey and raising money for charity. Mason takes us on the ice and in the dressing room (and also on the buses, in the bars and in the training room). It is a rare look, written with an appreciation and admiration for the subject.
That is the main reason why the players were so accepting of Mason. According to Cathy Sproule, Director of Media for the Oldtimers, "Gary Mason earned the trust of the players. They were confident he would portray the honest and real way they are and did not disappoint."
Similar to George Plimpton, Mason actually logged in some ice time, even scoring a goal. His anxiousness over the game and his exuberance in scoring is exactly how any fan would feel. His ability to express those moments is one of the highlights in the book.
Mason discusses the tour with the NHL legends, while dropping in anecdotes from most of the players. The stories range from heroic to funny to fascinating.
Mason tells the story of the Stastny brothers, Peter, Anton and Marian. The Stastnys defected from Czechoslovakia in 1980 to play in the NHL. Peter became a Hall of Famer.
Another story involved Gary Nylund's father, a member of the RCMP. Nylund's father was at the scene the night Roy Spencer (father of Brian) died in a shootout outside a tv studio which Spencer had been threatening over not televising his son's first game.
There are also less-serious stories, like Mark Napier playing with Dave Hanson of Slapshot fame. Napier would go on to have a solid career, while Hanson would become a movie icon of sorts.
Mason also talks about the interactions on the current tour. I often felt like an old friend was updating me on his life. I grew up while most of these "oldtimers" were playing. Mason gives such an intimate look at the men in and out of uniform.
Mason shared more than just his stories however. On one occasion, Mason loaned his gear to Peter Ettinger, a Canadian musician (and hockey fan) the group befriended one night so that Ettinger could participate in one of the games. Although Ettinger didn't score, he got the thrill of his life playing alongside his heroes. Stories like this, stories about the pure joy of playing, make Oldtimers fun.
Mason's book was well received by the legends, according to Sproule. "Gary told the stories the way they were. Gary became one of the 'boys' on the road in a very respectful way," Sproule stated. People often speak of the camaraderie of hockey players. Retired hockey players often say the camaraderie is what they miss the most. Mason delivered a unique and outstanding look at that camaraderie through his writing in Oldtimers. Thanks to Mason and a great group of NHL legends, we have a chance to join in on the fun.
As for the Oldtimers, there is currently a project in the works which will be a 10 part series on TSN. Last year, a 1 hour special aired on The NHL Network with producers Rod Black (TSN), Sproule Productions and Triple Threat Entertainment. The players continue to skate, have fun and raise money for charity, while giving fans another look at their NHL heroes.
I would like to thank Gary Mason and Cathy Sproule for giving their input for this piece. I'd also like to thank Dave "Tiger" Williams and the rest of the NHL legends (past and present) for their play on the ice and their stories off the ice.

Author Gary Mason (inset) and NHL Legend Dave "Tiger" Williams-late 2000's.

The NHL legends team photo-2009.
(photo courtesy of www.OldTimersHockey.com)

Literati Glitterati

This is another in a series on celebrity authors.

The wrestling legend of the Missing Link stated that he came from "parts unknown". All we really knew was that he was a wild, out-of-control man, needing a trainer to handle him. Eventually, I found out that Dewey Robertson was the Missing Link, but I still never knew a whole lot about the Link (or Robertson). That all changed when I read Robertson's book, Bang Your Head, co-written by Meredith Renwick.
Renwick is the co-author who did an outstanding job in pulling thoughts, stories and ideas together in the book. Like many other wrestlers from his era, Robertson's memories have faded or diminished due to years of head bumps in the ring and substance abuse out of the ring.
Renwick recently told me, "I think it was the best book anyone could have gotten out of Dewey under the circumstances. I’m not saying that just to pump up my own ego, more to acknowledge that Dewey was a challenge to work with. Anyone who knew him well would back me up on that. That the book got finished at all still amazes me sometimes." Renwick goes into more detail in an online piece she did for Slam! Wrestling.
It was through Slam! Wrestling that Meredith got on the Robertson book project. Meredith's husband Greg Oliver (Producer on Slam!) approached Robertson about an online Father's Day piece in 2000. Robertson then asked Oliver to help with the book. Oliver was too busy and Renwick was between jobs, so she took on the challenge.
The main challenge was getting and keeping Robertson on track. Robertson's life and ideas were ever-changing. According to Renwick, "He had very definite ideas about what he wanted in the book, though this would change from week to week." Also working against Renwick, were Robertson's reluctance to discuss his years of wrestling in Canada, his memory lapses and his mental state. Renwick admits she was often ready to quit, "To this day I'm not sure how I hung in there as long as I did. Maybe I just wanted to be able to say I was the one who got the damn book finished after 12 years of him working on it."
Fortunately, Renwick persevered and helped Robertson produce a very interesting book. While Robertson wanted to concentrate on his recovery from addictions, Renwick wanted to tell the whole story. The end result is a nice blend of the two components, each revealing a bit of what was behind the other. Renwick told me she was not a fan of wrestling before the book and did not become one after the book, "not after living with Dewey’s story for so long, knowing what a tough life it is and how much wrestlers suffer physically and mentally in the name of putting on a good show."
Renwick did develop an appreciation for the talents of wrestlers. Renwick explained, "Pro wrestling is about far more than just the wrestling: it’s drama, it’s improv comedy, it’s acrobatics and yes, it’s pain and suffering too."
It's clear that Robertson went through a lot of pain and suffering in his life and career. Unfortunately for Robertson, the pains and pressures of his career led him to a life of alcohol, drug and steroid use. Robertson lost a lot to the demons in his life and he is very open about discussing all in his book.
Robertson died in August of 2007. He had achieved his goal of writing and sharing his story. He had been rebuilding his relationship with his 2 sons (also wrestlers at one point). Despite continually battling his vices and the cancer, Robertson got to enjoy the success of his years of labor on the book. Readers will also enjoy the written journey through his life that is Bang Your Head!
I am very grateful that Renwick gave me her time and thoughts for this piece. In her last correspondence with me, Renwick revealed that she was married in Las Vegas in 2001 while attending the Cauliflower Alley Club reunion. The ceremony took place at the Viva Las Vegas Chapel, in a traditional Elvis wedding, including guests watching via webcast. Coincidentally, I was also at that CAC event.

Meredith Renwick and Dewey Robinson-August 2006.