Speaking at authors event

Hi, gang.

Just wanted to let you all know about the PenIt! Publications Day at the Bartholomew County Library that I will be taking an active role in this Saturday. The day includes a talk by World War II veteran who has written several books about his experiences.

The event will feature three speakers, as well as plenty of authors available throughout to talk about your publishing hopes and dreams or just to chat about writing, iillustrating or publishing in general.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Speakers include myself at 1 p.m. talking about non-fiction writing. I’ve got two non-fiction books published (including the recently released “Wicked Columbus, Indiana”) and have been a journalist for 30+ years.

My wife, Kimberly S. Hoffman, author of the children’s book, “Emma’s Dancing Day,” will speak at 11 a.m. on marketing children’s books. She’s done a lot of programs at schools and libraries in conjunction with her book.

The featured speaker will be T/Sgt. James Lee Hutchinson, a World War II survivor who has written several book on the subject, including “The Boys in The B-17,” “On Leatherwood Creek,” “Through These Eyes” and “Bombs Away.” He is scheduled to speak at 2 p.m. Hutchinson has just released a new DVD that will be available to purchase. He is listed in the American Air Museum in Britain.

My next two events after this will be the following two Saturdays – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 12 and 19 – when my wife and I will be conducting combined book signings at Viewpoint Books in downtown Columbus. I will have copies of both of my books – “Murder in Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddy Schumacher” and “Wicked Columbus, Indiana” available for purchase, and Kimberly will have “Emma’s Dancing Day.” If you can’t stop by, check online for our books. Mine are available in soft-cover and e-book.

July 31, 2017 0

The many faces of Paul

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My lovely assistant/wife, Kimberly, took these photos during my presentation of “Wicked Columbus, Indiana” at the Harlequin Theatre in Columbus on June 27. After watching the slideshow, I’m really curious as to that I was talking about or thinking during each shot.

June 28, 2017 0

Wickedness at the library

I was thrilled to see so many people come to the “Wicked Columbus, Indiana” program at the Bartholomew County Library tonight. We laughed, we cried, we had moments…

Seriously, I want to thank everyone for coming out. I especially want to thank Mary Clare Speckner from the library for inviting me again. She had me in a few years ago to talk about my first book, “Murder in Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddy Schumacher.”

I also want to thank my peeps at the Scribblers Writing Club in Columbus. Several members read excerpts from the book, and the whole club has been very supportive of this book and my work in general.

And my lovely wife, Kimberly, who served as my assistant, photographer and gopher for the evening.

We’ll be reprising this event Tuesday at the Harlequin Theatre in Fair Oaks Mall in Columbus. So, if you missed us at the library, stop by the Harlequin.

We’ll also be at Viewpoint Books in Columbus Aug. 12 and 19. Our great hometown bookstore carries my book, and lots of other books by some great local authors.

Here are a few photos from the festivities at the library:

Several books on the history of Columbus .

Paul Hoffman using his arms to make a point.

June 26, 2017 0

First newspaper coverage of ‘Wicked’

I’d like to thank Brian Blair for doing a great job on this coverage of “Wicked Columbus, Indiana” in The (Columbus) Republic on June 15. You may also be able to view the story on The Republic’s website here, although you may need to be a subscriber.

One note: I do have TWO events planned for next week:

Monday, June 26: Program/book signing at Bartholomew County Public Library,Columbus, IN, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 27: Program/book signing at the Harlequin Theatre, Fair Oaks Mall, Columbus, IN, 7 p.m.

We will have local authors read excerpts from “Wicked” and books will be available for purchase.

June 21, 2017 0

‘Wicked’ chatter on the radio

If you’d like to hear some excerpts from “Wicked Columbus, Indiana,” tune in to WCSI-1010 AM on Saturday, June 24 from 8:30-9 a.m. That’s the time slot when the Bartholomew County Public Library conducts its Library Chatter Show.

This Saturday, library employee Michelle Williams will be reading parts of my book on the air.

If you can’t tune in, you can stream the show here.

Here are some more opportunities to find out more about the book:

Monday, June 26: Program/book signing at Bartholomew County Public Library,Columbus, IN, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 27: Program/book signing at the Harlequin Theatre, Fair Oaks Mall, Columbus, IN, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 12 and Saturday, Aug. 19: Signature Saturday Authors Event at Viewpoint Books, 548 Washington St., Columbus, IN 47201. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. My wife, Kimberly S. Hoffman, will also be signing her book, “Emma’s Dancing Day.”

June 21, 2017 0

A ‘Wicked’ good time on WCSI radio

I had the pleasure of talking to host John Foster on the AM Columbus show on WCSI-AM 1010 in Columbus, Indiana, on June 13. We talked in-depth about my second book,”Wicked Columbus, Indiana,” as well as briefly about my first book, “Murder in Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddy Schumacher.” Thanks, John!

Listen to the interview in its entirety here.

Meanwhile, here is my “Wicked” schedule for the next two months (events may be added later. Click here for a full schedule):

Monday, June 26: Program/book signing at Bartholomew County Public Library, Columbus, IN, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 27: Program/book signing at the Harlequin Theatre, Fair Oaks Mall, Columbus, IN, 7 p.m.

June 14, 2017 0

‘Wicked Columbus’ Book Launch

I am pleased to announce that we will be conducting a book launch for my next book, “Wicked Columbus, Indiana,” at the Harlequin Theatre in Columbus at 7 p.m. on June 27.

We’ll have some fun with historic photos projected onto a large screen for viewing ease, readings from several of the chapters, some refreshments and who really knows what else at this point … more details will be revealed as we get a little closer to the date.

And of course, books will be available for purchase.

I am grateful that Robert Hay-Smith has opened his venue to me for this event. My wife and I have been to the Harlequin many times for plays, comedy shows and more. This is really a gem in town that more people need to check out.

The book is scheduled to be released June 19. Pre-sale has commenced.

I also have a program scheduled at the Bartholomew County Public Library in Columbus at 6:30 p.m. June 29.

Who knows what other events will be planned. Check here to see updates.

March 10, 2017 0

‘Wicked’ release date announced

My second book, “Wicked Columbus, Indiana” is scheduled to be released on June 19. As we get closer to that date, I’ll be announcing book signings, a possible book launch party, media coverage and a pre-sale where you can order signed books from me before they’re published and I mail them to you as soon as they arrive in my clutches. Price to be determined by The History Press.

The book will also be available at your local bookstore (if it’s not in stock, just ask them to get it for you and all your friends) as well as all major online book vendors (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.) And if you prefer reading on your Nook, Kindle or other e-reader, “Wicked” will also be available in that format.

My first book, “Murder in Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddy Schumacher,” are still available in print and e-book formats. In fact, I just mailed three to former Wauwatosa East classmates of mine this week! Email me at phof63@sbcglobal.net for details.

February 18, 2017 0

Making ‘wicked’ progress on my next book

I’ve been researching at breakneck speed for my second book, “Wicked in Columbus, Indiana.” The book, which will be published by The History Press, should be out sometime early 2017. It focuses on some of the crummy stuff the city has experienced (although nothing more recent than 1980). I also talk about how some of this crummy stuff has been cleaned up.

I’m about 90 percent done with the research for three of the chapters, which center on a public fight between the oldest editor and the youngest mayor in the state of Indiana in 1877, the Ku Klux Klan’s presence in Columbus and Bartholomew County over the years, and a look at two doctors who were poisoned and the investigation into who did it.

Many more chapter to work on, including two areas of the city that were considered the worst slums the city has ever seen, a bevy of brothels in the early 1900s, as well as a few murders and robberies and a few other topics.

Click on the photos below to see caption information.