Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Book news...

It's official...
Today I completed a transaction to buy back the rights for my book, Cooler Near the Lake, from its publisher, Tony Dierckins of X-Communications of Duluth. 

Tony and his small local publishing house helped launch the idea of a book and got this all going. I guess I've been a bit shy about putting together a book all these years and if it weren't for Tony, the book wouldn't have happened. And... also because of people such as Pat Daugherty and others who kept asking me when was I going to do a collection of my columns, I was encouraged. So thanks to Tony, Pat and the rest of you who encouraged me in this big undertaking. Your support has been very much appreciated.

It's been fun to do a book... but lots of work. My wife and I teamed up to perform the many tasks needed to put together this book and now realize the labor intensity of such a process, even for a book of pre-published material.

The book did very well for its first run this past holiday season. So thanks to all who purchased the book or gave it away as a gift. It's been nice also to hear from so many of you who have told me how you've enjoyed reading it. Half of the fun of writing is knowing that there is someone out there who enjoys reading what I write. 

Despite a very nice first run at the book sellers this past holiday season, there are still many books remaining to be sold. So... spread the word and tell your friends, Cooler Near the Lake is a good book to read and give as a gift. And... contact me here at this blog to buy the book or purchase it at your favorite local bookseller.

I guess that means that there will be some "book selling" on this blog. But don't be disheartened as the blog really places focus on current writings.  The blog began as a way to get the word out about the book but now it's become a venue for me to write regularly, something I enjoy doing.

Thanks again for reading what I write. 

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Always fun to read you, Jim. Keep it up.

Jim Heffernan said...

Anonymous: Glad you enjoy my musings and appreciate your support.

Anonymous said...

Jim,

I ordered the book online and was happy to see it arrive in my mailbox. Reading it has been a treat! Now, if only I could get it autographed. :o)

--Becca

Jim Heffernan said...

Becca:
Thanks for your very kind words about the book...and thanks for ordering it! Guess the publisher ran out of signed copies for on-line orders. (I'm in the process of developing an on-line ordering system of my own). But... I am very happy to sign books already purchased. I've had quite a few folks ask.

If you live in the Duluth area, you can call me or e-mail me to arrange a time for me to sign the book. I've dont that with some readers and it works well. I'm also hoping to do some community signings this summer. So check my (developing) author's web site or this blog to find out that schedule.
Thanks again!
My contact info:
(218) 728-2854
e-mail: vheffernan@earthlink.net

COOLER NEAR THE LAKE

COOLER NEAR THE LAKE
Duluth Lake Walk/ Aerial Bridge

SCROLL DOWN...

Check out the writings (below) from time to time...
as I will feature hand-picked columns from my writing days with the Duluth News-Tribune along with other of my musings. These will be positioned at the bottom of this page, unchanged, while while current posts (above) move on down the page and into older post pages at each posting. I hope to also include some Twin Ports memory pieces, more about the rich and famous in Duluth, slices of life, and…yes…outrageous nonsense. My plan is to let you know that I've added something on a post (above). Hope you'll stay tuned...

Everyone has complained about it being "cooler near the lake" this summer so thought I'd publish the poem I wrote that became the title of my book. Bring your sweater when you head down the hill 'cause it's cooler near the lake!

COOLER NEAR THE LAKE (the poem from the book by the same name)

COOLER NEAR THE LAKE
by Jim Heffernan

They say we're in God's country;
And few could argue that,
With forests tall and waters blue
And folks who’ll go to bat.
But one thing gets my dander up,
Beyond just give and take,
And that’s the report on the radio
That it’s cooler near the lake.

It happens every springtime,
And in the summer too,
Just when buds are popping
And the skies are getting blue,
When the world embraces sunshine
And our bones for warmth all ache,
It’s then you know the reports will show
That it’s cooler near the lake.

It’s only here, and nowhere else,
That such a case is true;
In nearby towns and villages,
There’s no need there to rue;
They get the balmy breezes,
They’re out with hoe and rake,
But in Duluth, you know it’s the truth,
It’ll be cooler near the lake.

Just take a ride to Hermantown,
Or Hibbing or Virginia;
Go down to Minneapolis
If you think you’ve got it in ya.
You’ll find that they are basking
In the heat, make no mistake,
But in Duluth, you know, forsooth,
It’ll be cooler near the lake.

I sometimes think the weather here
Will never get past fifty;
If it happens to rise to sixty-five
Everyone thinks it’s nifty;
By afternoon you can bet your boots,
If you don’t you’ll be a fake,
By eventide the temp will slide,
And it’ll be cooler near the lake.

We love our lake, don’t get me wrong,
Its gorgeous shining water,
But looks are only surface deep,
There are other things that matter;
Like warming bones that winter froze,
And limbs that quiver and quake,
Fat chance we’ve got to heat ‘em up
When it’s cooler near the lake.

It’s not as though we don’t get warned
By all those darn forecasters;
I swear each night, as they give our plight,
That they’re no-good dirty --------.

They say the same thing every time
When they describe our fate:
We’re sorry folks, and it’s no joke,
It’ll be cooler near the lake.

I know the day is coming when
The real God’s Country beckons,
And when St. Peter meets me there,
He’ll ask my home, I reckon.
And when I tell him it’s Duluth
He’ll say, “For heaven’s sake,
“Ain’t that the place everyone says
“Is cooler near the lake?”

“That’s it,” I’ll cry, “oh kindly saint,
And in this realm please spare,
From chilly off-lake breezes,
And winter underwear.”
“If it’s heat you want,” he’ll reply,
In the other place you’ll bake.”
“Fine, send me any place except
Where it’s cooler near the lake!”

Originally appeared in the Duluth News Tribune
on Sunday, June 3, 1979