Just Another Manic...

How’s it going today for you, gang? I trust your Monday isn't manic.

Me? I’m up to my eyeballs in writing assignments, which is a good thing. I’m tracking down the waterfalls that I want to explore this fall (when there’s rain) for my new Falcon Guide, Hiking Waterfalls in Alabama. So far, I’ve come up with about 150 to take a look at and from that, I’ll cull down the numbers and choose the ones to put in the book. Once again, it will have plenty of information, much more than just maps and directions.

  

I’m really looking forward to hitting the trail again. The last time I went hiking was for my latest book, Best Dog Hikes Alabama. Seems forever ago. Had a serious little surgery that put me down for about 6 months. I’m starting to walk locally here on the Alabama Gulf Coast again and my body is saying, “what the heck are you doing, man?” LOL! It will all come back.

But in the meantime, I’ve been delving deeper into the Hidden History of Mobile. I’m uncovering some fascinating stories including some really neat (there’s a word you don’t hear much these days) tales about the old and long since forgotten Frascati Park just south of the city, a young piano prodigy that played exclusively for the Queen of England, and so much more that I’m having a hard time organizing my notes (a good problem to have). All of the history in the book is not ancient history from the 300 year old city, there are a lot of more recent gems as well about Elvis, some of our famous musicians that have been forgotten like the rockin' and rollin’ Treniers and big band wizard Cootie Williams.

I could go on and on. And I will in later installments.

Don’t you hate it when you realize how fast the year has flown by? Here it is, almost June already. There’s a change in the seasons, that time of year between spring and summer – Prom season! Oh, do I have a tale to tell about that! I’ll have that story for you in the June edition of “Joe’s Shorts”. I think you’ll relate to this one. And don’t forget, my “blast from the past” podcast from the archive will be posted May 29^th. Watch out! Uh, I mean, watch for it.

Oh, and don't forget, two presentations and book signings fast approaching - Saturday June 1st at 3pm at Page and Palette in Fairhope, AL (well-behaved dogs are welcome), and Tuesday June 4th at 6pm at Red Beard's Outfitter on Old Shell Rd. in Mobile. 

Here’s to a great week, all! Until next time…

Loose Ends and New Book Announcement

Good Monday morning, everyone! Hope all of you Moms out there had a great Mother’s Day.

This morning I have a few loose ends to tie up and another announcement to make.

First of all, a very special thank you once again to Betcei Butler Ford and the staff at the Bailey Cove Library in Huntsville for the hospitality during the presentation and book signing Saturday in Huntsville. They always make me feel so welcome and again, I had a great time.

We had a great discussion about my latest book, Best Dog Hikes Alabama, and even a good Q&A about my book, Baseball in Mobile (we’ll miss you, Mobile Bay Bears!)

My next two presentations and signings will be on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay here on the sunny Alabama Gulf Coast. We’re working out details of one of the events, but the other is slated for Saturday, June 1^st at 3pm at Page and Palette, 32 South Section St., Fairhope, Alabama (click HERE for directions).

  

It’s been a while since I did a signing/presentation at Page and Palette. It is a great little bookstore, very cozy. Best of all, the management is allowing well-behaved dogs to join the fun! I hope to see you – and your best friend – there.

Several people have asked about when I release my podcasts and videos. I try to produce and post new videos on different topics – the outdoors, travel, etc. – the second and last Thursday of each month.

Brand new short story podcasts on Joe Cuhaj’s Shorts are released the second Wednesday each month on SoundCloud (where you can subscribe) and my website, with a link posted for a “classic” the last Wednesday.

Complicated, isn’t it? LOL!

And now, the announcement. To have a book published, a writer usually has to send in a big, thick proposal outlining in detail what the manuscript will be about. You have to outline what the book will cover, the target audience, your marketing strategy, identify competition and how your book differs, and outline each chapter. Many times that includes an annotated table of contents where you flesh out each and every detail of each chapter.

I am very fortunate. I have not had to travel that route in a long time. Every time one of my outdoor recreation books hits bookstores, the fine folks at Falcon Guides call me up and ask, “what do you want to write this time?” I write a few titles down and send it to them and they tell me which one they want.

The reason for this is because of YOU – all of you who have purchased and read my books over the years and I can’t thank you enough.

Well, it happened again. Best Dog Hikes Alabama hit bookstores March 1^st and as soon as it did, here comes the call: “What do you want to write this time?”

I gave the acquisitions editor four titles, two of which we both agreed should be put on the back burner for the time being. One title is a definite go, but after I complete the fourth title that I submitted.

So, the contract is signed and a new adventure begins for Hiking Waterfalls Alabama! Another one that I have been dying to write, and the time is now.

It could be a challenge. Many waterfalls are seasonal here in Alabama with the summertime heat, but when they flow, they are spectacular! I have identified about 125 falls so far. I know many may be on private property with access limited or denied, but, I’ll be checking them all to bring the best to you.

So there you go – one adventure ends, another begins. Thank you all again for your support over the years!

Just a Quickie

Good morning, all, and Happy Monday!

Just a couple of quick notes on this week’s Blog.

First of all, I’m really excited to be heading back up to Huntsville and the BaileyCove Library this Saturday for a presentation and book signing on my latest title, Best Dog Hikes Alabama. I was at Bailey Cove two years ago talking about my other hiking books. Betcei Butler and the staff made me feel so welcome. It will be great to be back and meet all of you who can make it.

  

The event will be from 10am to Noon at the Bailey Cove Library on Weatherly Plaza SE in Huntsville. (Click HERE for directions).

We’ll talk about how the book came about, what’s included in the book, the basics to get your dog ready for hiking (whether they are new to hiking or a seasoned veteran), and of course, answer all of your questions.

Books will also be available for purchase for $20 (sorry, checks and cash only) and I would love to sign them for you, a friend, or loved one.

The last time I was there I announced I was just beginning a new book, which happened to be “Best Dog Hikes Alabama”. Well, I’ll be announcing TWO new book projects during the presentation this Saturday!

And I have another presentation and signing to announce, this one a little closer to home, or a lot, really.

For those of you on the Alabama Gulf Coast and South Alabama, I will be doing a presentation and book signing at Page and Palette, 32 S. Section Street, Fairhope, Saturday, June 1^st at 3pm. From my understanding, our friends at P&P will allow well-behaved dogs to attend! How about that!

  

More details to follow. In the meantime, have a great week and I hope to see you this Saturday in Huntsville!