Keith McCready Book

[BillPorter]

Looks like Keith's book is doomed unless he gets another writer. That's a doggone shame. I mean, before even a snippet of it is released, the book's content is condemned. What a pity.

JAM

Maybe a bit of an over reaction to say, "condemned." The only person to comment negatively (JimBo) said he'd buy the book anyway. And I certainly would buy it as well. But your reaction is evidence for the point I was trying to make, namely, that it's tough to maintain the perspective and distance you need for a bio when you are emotionally involved with the person you are writing about. Please don't take it as a criticism of you personally, or your writing ability (as I have a positive regard for both), but I can't recall any great biographies done by a spouse or life partner. But maybe my memory is failing me again?

 

[Mike Templeton]

I enjoy JAM's posts and articles, but I certainly understand Jimbo's line of thinking. I have not had nearly the experiences that Keith has (no one has), but I don't even know if I would want my current girlfriend to help me write a book on my endeavors. I have had enough one-nighters and done enough "less than legal" things that I may want to keep them from her. It may be difficult to tell your "life partner" every rotten deed or one-night-stand that you had during a life like Keith's.

I just know Keith from a couple of years in the Greenville, SC and Knoxville, Tn areas around the late 80's and early 90's, and that is enough for 2 books that any pool enthusiast (or anyone else) would love to read. He was in action ever time that he came through the door at the pool room. And just knowing a few of the little things that I know that he did (and many other things that I heard he did) in the parking lot of Cue Time in Mauldin SC (with illegal substances and loose women).....well, it just seems that it would be hard to tell JAM everything, knowing how he cares for her. And I seriously doubt if SC was the most interesting and entertaining time in Keith's life.

I am keeping positive about the book, though, and can't wait until I can read it.

Mike

 

[TheOne]

And just knowing a few of the little things that I know that he did (and many other things that I heard he did) in the parking lot of Cue Time in Mauldin SC (with illegal substances and loose women)

Is that parking lot still around, anyone got a multimap link?

 

[jungledude]

I think Jam will do fine

I admit I wanted to do Keith's biography in the very worse way but after following Jam's post on several websites I think she will do a great job and I want to order the first copy right now, regardless how long I have to wait. While they are probably right that most people would sugarcoat it, I honestly think this irish young lady will do a superb job.

 

[BillPorter]

Hope you are correct, Gerald

I admit I wanted to do Keith's biography in the very worse way but after following Jam's post on several websites I think she will do a great job and I want to order the first copy right now, regardless how long I have to wait. While they are probably right that most people would sugarcoat it, I honestly think this irish young lady will do a superb job.

OK, I'll take your word on that! But if Keith's book isn't at least as gritty and real as yours is (The Green Felt Jungle), then I'm holding your personally responsible!

 

[Schmohawk]

Well, I guess I know a little bit about the status of Keith's book!

Truth be told, Bill Porter, when Keith and I decided to tackle this huge endeavor of writing his life story, I was enthusiastic and couldn't wait to get started.

We both devoted many hours to the project as a whole, and along the way, some kind souls donated some older pool periodicals to help us get everything chronologically right, which is difficult since there truly is no pool archives available. Most of pool's history can be heard by word of mouth, but there's not much documented, though I did manage to get my hands on a variety of pool media, beginning in the early '70s.

I have read some pool books in recent times which were very entertaining to me personally, full of colorful stories and fun to pore through. However, these books can be understood by those within pool's culture because most of us do know all or most of the characters. It is my hope that Keith's story will be a good read to those INSIDE and OUTSIDE pool's culture, which is truly a very tough undertaking.

It would be easy to self-publish an abstract collection of stories, but that doesn't cut the mustard as far as I'm concerned. My mother always said if you're going to do something, do it right or don't do it at all, and that's exactly why Keith's book is a work still in progress. I hope it will be worth the wait when it's all said and done.

JAM

Based on that reply, my money would be on there tain't a smidgeon of ink on parchment yet! Course I'm just an ol country voyeur.

 

[JG-in-KY]

Sorry, but I get the first copy! JK. I think with the material Jam has and access to the man himself, I don't think anyone else could write as complete and thorough a book as Jam. What I feel is most important, is what made the man the player he is. What motivated him to achieve his level of success and where he came from. The great conquests and defeats he faced on the table. IMO I don't think Jam has any misconceptions that Keith was a saint. We all have our weak points. Keith's were probably magnified tenfold because of the enviroment he was thrust into at an early age. I for one would like to encourage her to plow ahead and complete the project. I think when it is done it will give the other pool biographies the orange crush!