March, we are told, comes in like a lion. Translated to reading and writing, that means we should put forth our efforts in earnest so that when March goes out like a lamb, we will have time to relax and enjoy the advent of spring.
HUMOR IN WRITING
Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words. – Mark Twain
Writer – a peculiar organism capable of transforming coffee into books – Anonymous
The beautiful part of writing is that you don’t have to get it right the first time; unlike, say a brain surgeon. – Robert Cormier
I’m writing a book. I’ve got the page numbers down. – Steven Wright
There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are. – W. Somerset Maugham
NEW NOVEL ON THE HORIZON
Kitty Schmidt – My Life As A Prostitute
Kitty Schmidt had been a prostitute most of her life, trying to rise out of poverty and use her good mind to make a fortune. When she tried to escape Nazi Germany, the Third Reich made her an offer: set up a brothel or go to a concentration camp with her daughter.
With that, Kitty Schmit set up a brothel and became a historical figure in her own right, running the Gestapo’s brothel during the war. They sent their high-ranking guests, military officers, and industrialists there where they could keep tabs on them.
This novel is based on Kitty Schmidt’s true story.
GUEST AUTHOR – FRANCES McKEE
Mobsters I Have Known & Loved’
When Frances, a former Marine, unable to accompany her husband to Okinawa in 1961 had to return to Long Branch, New Jersey, to live with her mother. A waitress at the Landmark Hotel needed someone to take part of her shift. Frances took the job there and later at the Surf Lounge in June 1962, intending to work for fourteen months but staying for fourteen years.
The Surf Lounge was run by James “Skippy” Faye and Pat Simonetti, son-in-law of Vito “Don Vito” Genovese, the reputed “vice lord of America.” Although Simonetti was not part of the Mob, it was only natural that The Surf would earn the reputation of being a Mob hangout.
Mobsters I Have Known & Loved is not another chronicle of crimes committed by the Mob, but a lighthearted memoir of the Mob’s fun, pranks, humor, and good deeds. Although Frances endeared herself to several mobsters, one in particular stole her heart – Anthony “Little Pussy” Russo – and inspired her to write this book.
Added bonus: Tucked in the pages are 22 original Italian recipes made at the Surf Lounge.
