alstl said:
He has to be part of the story, a modern day pool tragedy. And maybe the straightest shooter who ever lived.
I'm Calling Out Jay Helfert...
- Thread starter Fatboy
- Start date
He has to be part of the story, a modern day pool tragedy. And maybe the straightest shooter who ever lived.
JoeyA said:Jay, the time line sounds great and would appeal to persons of all ages but the proposed title is vague, broad and covers far more than what one person experienced. Like all of us individually, our experiences are only one biased snapshot of a larger picture.
Your perspective however, is probably far broader than most pool aficiandos.
I think you should consider letting your "fans" on AZ offer titles for the book. It could be fun and generate interest as well as give you additional ideas.
While many of us know a great deal about what you write here, we can only assume that the book will be similarly written. You could elaborate what you are going to cover and from whose perspective and what you are trying to accomplish with the writing of the book and then AZ could respond with the collective "wisdom".
JoeyA
I'm open for any and all suggestions, title or otherwise. As I see it, this book would cover (and revolve around) the main characters populating the pool world during this period of time. Most of the emphasis would be on the period from the 60's thru the 80's, because there is less information on that time.
I plan to talk about the great players, the big scores, the big hustles, and the most important events of that era like Johnston City and the Stardust tourneys. With emphasis on the behind the scenes stuff, like how Fats became Minnesota Fats, his court battle with Walter Tevis and other such shenanigans.
I want to cover the advent of the filipino invasion, including John Grissim's warning to the American pool players a few years before. The ups and downs of the pro pool scene, and all the various associations that have come and gone. The Color Of Money effect and the multitude of beautiful new rooms that opened everywhere.
The impact pool has had all over the world (second most popular participant sport worldwide after soccer/football). And how it has ebbed and flowed in the US, and is peaking now in Asia.
These are a few of the things that come to mind.
jay helfert said:
Even though I'm from St Louis I never met him because I didn't start shooting pool until I retired, but if you hang around pool halls in St Louis you will inevitablly hear stories about Louie.
Seriously, I think a well written and directed movie about his life would be a bit hit.
I see. so the book would be most likely be a historical reference regarding pool. I think we need a more catchy title for that book if the target readers we have in mind does not only include the old schoolers but also the new recruits. A good title does leave a big impression on the readers. How bout "POOL WARS", a long long time ago, in a galaxy far far away sort of stuff.
Hail Mary Shot said:I see. so the book would be most likely be a historical reference regarding pool. I think we need a more catchy title for that book if the target readers we have in mind does not only include the old schoolers but also the new recruits. A good title does leave a big impression on the readers. How bout "POOL WARS", a long long time ago, in a galaxy far far away sort of stuff.
Seriously, this seems to be quite nice for a title. atleast you can divide it into 3 or 6 episodes, since it does concern about chapters or certain eras in pool. I'm just thinking what to put as a subtitle for the first part and No, it's not "THE POOL MENACE",
. or does it fit more likely? hmmmm.... 
9BallPaul
Banned
I'm in for a copy
Hey Jay -- Add me to the list of those who want your book. Your posts are all the evidence I need to know it will be quality. Recently you made a long post in the thread regarding black pool players, and that post itself was astonishingly good, even though it didn't draw much comment.
Shop around for an agent or seek advice from other authors. Then sit down and start typing. Good luck!
9BP
Hey Jay -- Add me to the list of those who want your book. Your posts are all the evidence I need to know it will be quality. Recently you made a long post in the thread regarding black pool players, and that post itself was astonishingly good, even though it didn't draw much comment.
Shop around for an agent or seek advice from other authors. Then sit down and start typing. Good luck!
9BP
cigardave said:And Jay... what you don't remember, you could just make up.
They call that "writer's liberties". Just ask Freddie. lol.
Seriously, with the stuff I've seen and been part of, there isn't much need for that. It's almost too much for one book.
jay helfert said:
F'n great!!! There will be 2 books!!??? I can't wait.
another suggestion
Jay, What I hope you will include in your book is stories about the many great players you have seen in your past....from time to time, someone here at AZB will ask about some famous pool player, and your contribution about that person is very much appreciated....you could probably fill up two books if we gave you a list of the players you might have something to say about....I especially like what you have to say about Efren and Earl....I don't know if you are old enough to have seen Luther Lassiter, but wasn't he one of the greatest 9-ball players?
jay helfert said:
Jay, What I hope you will include in your book is stories about the many great players you have seen in your past....from time to time, someone here at AZB will ask about some famous pool player, and your contribution about that person is very much appreciated....you could probably fill up two books if we gave you a list of the players you might have something to say about....I especially like what you have to say about Efren and Earl....I don't know if you are old enough to have seen Luther Lassiter, but wasn't he one of the greatest 9-ball players?
I love any book about hustling and/or pool stories of any kind, I'd order a copy the day I could
i bet it will be great read for all pool enthusiasts, i hope to see sections about Filipino players/hustlers.
i also hope that the book would reach the Philippines shore, i'd love to have a copy...
i also hope that the book would reach the Philippines shore, i'd love to have a copy...
wahcheck said:
I knew Luther and saw him play many times. I played him in a tournament in Los Angeles in 1976. Naturally he complained before the match how sickly (his words) he was feeling. Then he beat me 11-6. He not only was one of the best. He was "the best" in the 50's and 60's. He was the favorite in tournaments and gambling. Kind of the Buddy Hall of his era.
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hemicudas said:
Not sure what he gave Dado, but it had to be a lot of weight. Maybe played one handed to his two or something like that. Ronnie played a lot of shortstop speed players that way, and beat them!
I hate to sound slow but this Louie wouldn't be the same Louie that Mike Masse had a cameo as in Poolhall Junkies? (probably isn't but I just finished watching the movie again and reading that made me wonder)alstl said:
Russ Chewning said:
Actually, this was a pic and post that I posted a little over a year ago. I scanned and cropped it myself.....
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=30446
But anyways, as Fred Agnir said...... "The neck is wrong, IMO."
But thanks for trying to take credit for it Russ....
Chuck