Update on Chicago Curiosities

Ah... the plot thickens! Or, rather, the manuscript thickens. I'm talking about Chicago Curiosities, scheduled for publication by The Globe Pequot Press in December.


I am headed down the home stretch -- a darn good thing considering that the FINAL deadline for the manuscript and photos is June 1! Here's what I still need to do:

• Write and select photos for 7-8 more entries ranging in length from 100 to 400 words.
• Write an introduction, acknowledgments, and author bio.
• Write 5-6 regional section "openers" at 250-300 words each.
• Find an "overview" map of Chicago.
• Pinpoint the locations of about 100 "curiosities" on regional maps.
• Develop the final photo list with ID numbers, captions, etc.
• Do a final word count on the entire manuscript to make sure I'm at 30,000-35,000 words.

I've been working on this project since August, 2009. I've made four trips to Chicago to take pictures. 


And now, as I said, I'm headed down the home stretch. Onward and upward!

Sign of the times?

(seen in Chicago near Dearborn Street Station)

It's good to know Michelle and Barack have a back-up plan in case this Presidency thing doesn't work out...

Chicago Curiosities Continues!

I'm still in the midst of taking photographs and writing entries for my book Chicago Curiosities (Globe Pequot Press / December 2010). Took a quick trip up to the Windy City yesterday and came across this unusual sculpture.

It did not seem to have a sign or plaque explaining what it is or who created it. I am embarrassed to say I don't know the exact location, except that I came across it not far from Union Station.

If you can tell me and I can verify what you say, I will send you a copy of my book It Happened in Chicago!