Homer Hickam to appear in Evanston, IL

Forgot the date. DOH!

Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 7:00 pm

Thanks for the plug, Ed. I'd love to see as many folks as possible while I'm there next week. But for truth in advertising, I need to let you know my topic (in behalf of the Ragdale Foundation) is the art and craft of the writer. I may toss in a few asides about life in Coalwood to elicit some chuckles. I may even mention my first memoir Rocket Boys (sadly also known as October Sky), and the follow-on memoirs The Coalwood Way and Sky of Stone, and how I came to write those works, but they won't be the "thrust" of my remarks. Mostly, I'll focus on my more recent novels, especially the Josh Thurlow series.

I will be pleased, however, to sign any books anyone might care to bring.

My best to all rocket boys and rocket girls still in the field,

Homer Hickam

Mr. Hickam,

Thanks for stopping by rmr. I hope you'll be coming through Alabama at some point on your tour.

Randy DeArman

Or Indianapolis, IN...

Mario Perdue NAR #22012 Sr. L2 for email drop the planet

"X-ray-Delta-One, this is Mission Control, two-one-five-six, transmission concluded."

I didn't know nice people were even allowed on rmr.

Randy: That won't be difficult as I live a major part of the year in Huntsville, Alabama (the rest in the Virgin Islands). I am mostly sticking close to home right now as I'm on a tight deadline for the next Josh Thurlow novel. The date in Evanston has been on my calendar for over a year. Another pleasant exception to work is that my wife and I will be attending the Team America Rocketry Challenge finals on May 22 at Great Meadow, The Plains, VA, just outside of Washington, D.C. Although I don't build rockets any more (except for the occasional Barbie launch in Montana while hunting dinosaurs - see my web site under "Other Writing" for an explanation), I look forward to this annual event when I get to meet enthusiasts who are still inspired by the old Rocket Boys of the Big Creek Missile Agency. Our original work and passion for altitude - Quentin and I were altitude junkies - lives on through these fine young people as well as the enthusiasts of this board (where obviously I occasionally lurk just to see what's going on in the field).

Best wishes and keep aiming high.

Homer Hickam

"It's better to confess ignorance than provide it."

Thanks for the reply.

I spent a good portion of last evening on your web site and links. Lots of good reading there. My wife and I enjoy your books, and as you say, they are pure pleasure. We finally bought and watched October Sky last weekend. Even though we have seen the movie many times, it still makes her cry at the end.

We wish you continued success and many years to enjoy it.

Gotta remember that one. : )

Randy

I look forward to your follow up to "The Keeper's Son". I really enjoyed it.

Bill