The Kirkwood train station was filled last night, not with passengers waiting for trains, but with St. Louis writers. The cozy room, decked out for Christmas, was set with a wine bar, cheese and crackers, veggie trays, and books. Members of the St. Louis Writers Guild had gathered to celebrate the release of the "St. Louis Reflections" anthology of short stories, essays and poems pertaining to St. Louis memories, sold through stlbooks.com.
A number of authors whose works are included in the anthology stood before the Christmas tree to read their pieces. Lynn Obermoeller read a wistful essay remembering Hendel’s Market in Florissant which sold candy, especially Lynn’s favorite, cost-efficient penny candy. Lynn brought a large photo of the old store, long ago sold and now a cafe of similar name, and a big jar of candy from Sugar Shack, a candy store across from the station. Jeanine Dahlberg read a story honoring her father, a famous trumpet player who started a painting company to help the family get through the Depression and began raising chickens whose eggs were usually bartered for goods and services since few people had money then. Debbie Fox had a list of old restaurants, such as the Leather Bottle, and theatres and other date places her future husband had taken her to. Linda O’Connell read a thoughtful piece about meeting Chuck Berry and the adventures of his autograph. Others read poems, a description of Stan Musial’s last game and amusing takes on St. Louis weather and the ever-popular question of what high school did you go to.
Books for sale besides the "St. Louis Reflections" included mysteries and romances by Claire Applewhite ("Candy Cadillac" is her latest), mysteries by Judy Moresi ("Tribal Fires" is her most recent) and H.C. Beckerr’s Hill of Great Darkness, a sci-fi with a Christian element about a secret in Cahokia Mounds. Joe the Crab was there with co-owner/illustrator Jennifer Stolzer (kidlit writer is Tim Hill). Debbie Fox had a debut memoir with the interesting title "Living in My Skin Even if it’s Purple." Jenny Beatrice represented Walrus Publishing, which publishes St. Louis-related books, including "Flood Stage," an anthology of St. Louis poets. Many of these books are available through local independent bookstores.
The St. Louis Writers Guild will celebrate its 92nd birthday in 2012. New president Brad Cook will add the "Reflections" anthology to the archives of the guild and usher in a new year of writing, learning, creative growth and inspiration. The Guild welcomes anyone interested in the art of writing for publication.
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