To the Moon, Alice!

Greetings, all!

Before I start rambling off the tracks like I'm prone to do, I want to remind everyone that I will be doing a book signing at the Barnes & Noble in the Eastern Shore Shopping Center in Spanish Fort, Saturday July 6^th from 11am to 1pm! Another great store with a great staff that I love to visit and they’ve always been very supportive of my writing. Can’t wait! I hope to see you all there. (Directions)

Oh, and one more thing. You never write anymore! :) Of course, that's probably my fault. I never let anyone know how to reach me.

I'd love to hear from you! If you have comments or questions about any of my books or other musings, maybe questions about not only outdoor recreation in Alabama or the Gulf Coast but outdoor recreation in general, or maybe you want to tell me how much you love my podcast series, Joe Cuhaj’s Shorts or my videos, please feel free to drop me a line. 

Simply comment on this Facebook post or directly on this Blog entry, or you can send a message through my website, JOECUHAJ.COM.

Moving on…

As you know, we’ll be celebrating the 50^th anniversary of mankind’s first steps on the moon in July. Yes, I am a space geek at heart. I loved following the space program in the 60s. My folks would let me be late getting to school to watch the Mercury launches, even skip school for special manned spaceflight events.

Of course, I had to build model rockets (long live Estes and Centuri!). Two of my best friends from the gang and I made up the Mahwah (New Jersey) Model Rocket Club where we terrorized the neighborhood with wayward Mars Landers and Big Bertha rockets. Ok, maybe that was ME that couldn’t get them to fly.

Anyway, the point being that I’m still a space geek. My DVR is already locked and loaded (the correct phrasing for that saying, by the way LOL) for all of the anniversary programming on the old TV.

To help celebrate, I have a few things coming up for all of you that I hope you will enjoy. First, I’ll be posting a brand new video in July that I think everyone will enjoy, especially all of you late-Baby Boomers who grew up with the space race.

And do you remember that book I was writing, Everyone’s Gone to the Moon? Sadly, while several publishers REALLY wanted it (or so they said), the book never did pass through their acquisitions process. Needless to say, it won’t be published in time for the anniversary. BUT, for your reading enjoyment, I’ll be releasing select chapters that you can download before it is released as an eBook.

Jonathan King "Everyone's Gone to the Moon" video

It will be a busy July, to say the least – I’ll also be posting some excerpts from the new book, Hidden History of Mobile, that will be released this fall AND, of course, a brand new podcast.

Well, better get to it! Be on the lookout for all of this in July and I’ll see you July 6^th at the Barnes & Noble in Spanish Fort, Alabama.

The Hidden History of Mobile - Uncovered (Mostly)

Good morning, all! I was going to follow that with “been hot enough for you?”, but I can’t stand when someone says that to me. Before the monsoon season hit the other day here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, the heat index was cruising up to 105. “No, it’s not hot enough. Turn it up to broil!”

Anyway, the latest on “Hidden History of Mobile” – the photos for the book head to the editor this Friday! Whoo-hoo! That means it’s nearing the end. Trouble is, the deadline is in 30 days and I keep uncovering more great stories to tell. Yikes! Stop it, Joe!

I need to say a special thank you to all of the members of the Mobile Creole Cultural and Historical Preservation Society. I put out a question or two on their Facebook page the other day and the response was overwhelming! I can’t thank you all enough for your input about the extraordinary Creole history of the Port City.

I really think you’ll love the stories I have picked out from the city’s 300+ year history. A lot of them really surprised me. There are many gems you probably haven’t heard before as well as some stories you know about, but have a twist or two. It’s going to be a fun book and it will be out this fall.

And by the way, it's not all ancient Mobile history. I cover all the way up to at least the 1960s. A little something for everyone.

I was at Mobile’s second oldest cemetery yesterday, Magnolia, to get a few photos for the interior of the book. It’s a fascinating place to just roam and read the tombstones. If you go (it’s located on Virginia Street and Ann), be sure to pick up the self-guided tour map and read the incredible stories of the luminaries buried there.

A couple of notes about upcoming releases and events. First, a brand new episode of the Joe Cuhaj’s Shorts podcasts takes to the air (or over your internet provider's cable or WiFi) this Thursday. It’s titled, “Prom and Circumstance”. Bet you can’t guess what it’s about?

And I have one more book signing coming up on Saturday, July 6^th from 11am to 1pm at the Barnes and Noble in the Eastern Shore Center, Spanish Fort, Alabama. I hope to see you there and we can talk all things hiking and outdoors.

Have a great week everyone. Till next time…Cheers!

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!

So, What's Up?

Good morning, all. It’s time for another entry in the weekly Blog. So, what have I been up lately? Well, I’ve been working hard on the new book, “Hidden History of Mobile”.

The book will tell some unknown stories from the 300+ year history of Alabama’s Port City. There will also be a few tales you might have heard of, but I’ll take a turn and give those stories a unique twist.

I kid you not, the notes I have for stories are overwhelming! What can you expect from a city with such rich – and LONG – history? They are just tossed about all willy-nilly around my writing room where I just stand, look at the notes, and say, “where do I begin?”

But, it’s coming together quite nicely and I think you’ll enjoy the final product. Don’t worry. “Hidden History of Mobile” won’t be a stodgy history book. Besides the Native Americans, early explorer, and Mardi Gras stories, I have plenty of fun chapters with amazing stories from Mobile’s pop-culture and entertainment past as well.

And even though I have a stack of material to work with, I’m always looking for something else – a unique story of what makes Mobile what it is. SO, if you have any stories you’ve heard or know about, I’d like to hear about them. Who knows, if I research it and it is included in the book, you could get a free copy. Just drop me a line through Messenger or through my website.

By the way, the book is slated for a Fall 2019 release.

In the meantime, as I continue on with history, Falcon Guides is looking at two brand new hiking guides to the state. More to come.

Have a great week, everyone!

And the Clock Has Started..Stopped?..Paused?

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Happy Earth Day, everyone! Welcome back to my weekly blog. I trust  you all had a wonderful Easter.

As is the case in writing, you win some, you lose some. More often than not, you end up on the losing end. And that is the case with my manuscript, “Everyone’s Gone to the Moon”.

            I’ve moaned about this before but for those of you not familiar with the wonderful, wacky world of writing, unless you are an established author in a genre, the process for getting a book published begins with a proposal.

            Now, I have written eight outdoor recreation guides for Falcon Books so I no longer go through that process. The editor asks, “what book do you want to write this time?” and poof, a new guidebook begins.

But I am trying to move on to other genres – short stories and non-fiction historical books. Changing genres is a different beast and proposals to publishers when making this move is a double edge sword. You work hard on a proposal, mapping out every detail of the book – the goal, the overview, each chapter, the target audience, marketing plans, you name it. Then send it off to a publisher.

            The general rule is, do not send simultaneous submissions. What that means is, don’t send proposals to publisher “A” and publisher “B” at the same time. There are some publishers that don’t follow that rule and don’t care, but most do. They want to know that they have first dibs at that new bestselling hit.

            That poses a problem for writers. It leaves you sitting on a manuscript possibly for months until you get a response, if you even get one at all. When you do, or when you give it an ample amount of time to sit on an acquisition editor’s desk, you start the process all over again with the next publisher. There is a lot of wasted time between submissions as you wait it out.

            I had the manuscript for Everyone’s Gone to the Moon completed one year ago. It is the tale of what was happening on Earth during the month of July 1969, that historic month when mankind first voyaged to a different world.

Many people say that the world stopped when Apollo 11 made its journey. Well, for a brief moment it did as Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon. But for the most part, it kept spinning. Wars waged on, the Civil Rights movement was intensifying, and families were having a tough time making ends meet. But there were so many other fascinating stories that have been forgotten that I felt needed to be told and that’s what the book was about.

The book follows the month of July 1969 week-by-week with each week being divided into three separate sections: the news and current events that were occurring that week, additional space news beyond Apollo 11, and the pop-culture that was shaping a generation.

So, I sent it to a publisher and waited. Three months later, they replied that they wanted it but couldn’t fit it into their catalog this year and next year would be too late for the Apollo 11 anniversary.

I sent it to a second publisher. They loved the idea and contracts were made ready. And I waited. Three months later, the publisher changed their business plan, dropping out of the print model and now they only offer eBooks. To top it off, authors would have to pay to have their work generated as an eBook.

I sent it to a third publisher, a university publisher, and waited. That was three months ago. Just this week I received a glowing email from the head man. He was extremely excited about the manuscript, couldn’t say enough about it, but…

The book is intended for general audiences, not scholarly types, and while he really wanted to run with it, it would take a tremendous amount of effort to get the people who review books to be included in a university’s catalog - all of whom are historians – to look at it as a general audience book and not as a scholarly publication. He did give me the name of another publisher who may be interested.

Undaunted, I sent the proposal back out again to the publisher the university press recommended but, sadly, there is no way the book can come out in time for the Apollo 11 anniversary. With luck, it will still be released as a general non-fiction historical book, just not in time for July 2019.

BUT, having said all of that and in spite of all of the shenanigans of the publishing world, I’ve decided that I will treat all of you to the book and will be releasing portions of it in serial form beginning July 3^rd right here on my blog.

I’ll have all of the details for you in an upcoming blog entry. Stay tuned!