Tuesday, August 25 @ 7pm
Beverly Library
1962 W. 95th Street (Chicago)
(312) 747-9673
(312) 747-9673
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Beverly Library to host On the Job author
On the Job author Daniel P. Smith is slated to present his author program, "The Path to On the Job," at Chicago's Beverly Library on August 25 at 7pm. The recently remodeled library in Chicago's historic Beverly neighborhood stands a fitting backdrop for Smith's discussion of Chicago's unique character and law enforcement realities. The program is FREE and open to the public.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Stop by the Edison Park Fest
For the second consecutive year, On the Job author Daniel P. Smith will have a tent space at the Edison Park Fest on Chicago's northwest side. The 2009 edition of the fest will take place on August 15 and 16.
In addition to selling and signing copies of On the Job, his debut work, Smith will also have available a complete line of books from Chicago-based publisher Lake Claremont Press, including Rick Kogan's ode to the famed Billy Goat Tavern, Andy Austin's memoir of life as a courtroom sketch artist, and Sharon Shea Bossard's helpful guidebook, Finding Your Chicago Irish.
For additional information on the Edison Park Fest, including location and hours, please visit the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce.
For additional information on Lake Claremont Press and its many Chicago-focused titles, please visit www.lakeclaremont.com.
In addition to selling and signing copies of On the Job, his debut work, Smith will also have available a complete line of books from Chicago-based publisher Lake Claremont Press, including Rick Kogan's ode to the famed Billy Goat Tavern, Andy Austin's memoir of life as a courtroom sketch artist, and Sharon Shea Bossard's helpful guidebook, Finding Your Chicago Irish.
For additional information on the Edison Park Fest, including location and hours, please visit the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce.
For additional information on Lake Claremont Press and its many Chicago-focused titles, please visit www.lakeclaremont.com.
Edison Park Fest
Saturday, August 15--9am to 7pm
Sunday, August 16--10am to 7pm
Smith appears on CAN-TV's "Avila Fine Arts Show"
On the Job author Daniel P. Smith recently appeared on the CAN-TV's "Avila Fine Arts Show." The Chicago-based program, hosted by attorney Frank Avila, explores Chicago's cultural, political, and historical scene. To view the program, visit: http://blip.tv/file/2429096.
Many thanks to program host Frank Avila for guiding an honest discussion and program producer Tony Joyce for coordinating the appearance.
Many thanks to program host Frank Avila for guiding an honest discussion and program producer Tony Joyce for coordinating the appearance.
Monday, June 15, 2009
On the Job author set to appear at Brookfield Public Library
Join journalist and On the Job author Daniel P. Smith at the Brookfield Public Library on Thursday, June 18 for his presentation--"The Path to On the Job: Murder, Reflection, and Where TV Cop Shows Fail." The FREE presentation begins at 7pm.
Thursday, June 18 @ 7pm
Brookfield Public Library
3609 Grand Boulevard
Brookfield, IL 60513
Ask the Author: Who inspires you?
Answer: I could go on for quite a while listing a number of authors, thinkers, and notable individuals I’ve known personally who’ve moved me in some way to push along this path. Rather than bore you with that, however, I’ll settle with these two:
1.) I’ve long been inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, author of The Little Prince, who showed how complex and philosophical and real even a simple story and its characters could be. In all of my work, I seek to find the extraordinary in the ordinary much like Saint-Exupery.
2.) On a wider scale, I’m inspired by anyone who wants to share their story in a sincere, honest way. I love people who accept the vulnerability that comes with sharing a piece of their life so that I may take up the challenge of crafting a story around their words and experiences. It’s such people who guide On the Job and will continue to blanket my work.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
Are you a reader with a question for On the Job author Daniel P. Smith? Send it to smithwriting@gmail.com.
1.) I’ve long been inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, author of The Little Prince, who showed how complex and philosophical and real even a simple story and its characters could be. In all of my work, I seek to find the extraordinary in the ordinary much like Saint-Exupery.
2.) On a wider scale, I’m inspired by anyone who wants to share their story in a sincere, honest way. I love people who accept the vulnerability that comes with sharing a piece of their life so that I may take up the challenge of crafting a story around their words and experiences. It’s such people who guide On the Job and will continue to blanket my work.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
Are you a reader with a question for On the Job author Daniel P. Smith? Send it to smithwriting@gmail.com.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Ask the Author: How did you get started as a writer?
(Note from the author: Many thanks to the good folks at Ebinger School on Chicago's northwest side for inviting me to attend their annual Career Day. This question arrives from one of the school's eighth-grade students.)
Answer: I came from a blue-collar area of Chicago, a neighborhood filled with cops, firemen, electricians, and other laborers, so the thought of becoming a writer never occurred to me. The only people I knew growing up who worked for the Chicago Tribune or the Chicago Sun-Times delivered or sold the newspapers, my grandfather included. Growing up, I never knew writing was a realistic option.
At the University of Illinois at Chicago, I began writing sports for the college newspaper. I then became the sports editor and, later, an editorial columnist. That work gave me a practical grounding in the craft and inspired me to do more. I began do freelance work for one of Chicago’s daily newspapers and a few magazines. And so my career as a writer began, even as I continued to think I might become a high school teacher and coach.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
Are you a reader with a question for On the Job author Daniel P. Smith? Send it to smithwriting@gmail.com.
Answer: I came from a blue-collar area of Chicago, a neighborhood filled with cops, firemen, electricians, and other laborers, so the thought of becoming a writer never occurred to me. The only people I knew growing up who worked for the Chicago Tribune or the Chicago Sun-Times delivered or sold the newspapers, my grandfather included. Growing up, I never knew writing was a realistic option.
At the University of Illinois at Chicago, I began writing sports for the college newspaper. I then became the sports editor and, later, an editorial columnist. That work gave me a practical grounding in the craft and inspired me to do more. I began do freelance work for one of Chicago’s daily newspapers and a few magazines. And so my career as a writer began, even as I continued to think I might become a high school teacher and coach.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
Are you a reader with a question for On the Job author Daniel P. Smith? Send it to smithwriting@gmail.com.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
On the Job author slated to appear on Fox Chicago News
On the Job author Daniel P. Smith was interviewed by Fox Chicago News recently for a story on the nearing trial of former Chicago Police Officer Anthony Abbate. The story is (tentatively) slated to run on the 9pm newscast on Friday, May 29, just days before the start of Abbate's criminal trial.
Check it out:
Fox Chicago News
Friday, May 29 @ 9pm
Author Daniel P. Smith discusses the trial of ex-Chicago cop Anthony Abbate and the CPD's subsequent battle with public perception.
Update: Fox Chicago has posted the 3-minute special report online.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Ask the Author: How do you think the Chicago Police Department perceives On the Job?
Answer: Many Chicago officers I've met perceive the book in a positive light. I'm quick to say, however, that appeasing the police or city brass was not my goal; On the Job was not intended to be a civic booster project. The book has over 70,000 words, so I cannot expect that every word will please everyone. Some CPD may not like it, some average readers, too.
In my mind, I accomplished my objective—to encourage empathy for Chicago’s officers and show them as human beings rather than a uniform—and I need to be at peace with my work and know I wrote the best book I could. I would hope officers would look upon such honesty and sincerity in a positive way, particularly as most media stories about them generally reinforce some nasty stereotypes. Are all Chicago officers these wonderful human beings we should blindly praise? Absolutely not and it's naive to think so. Yet, they are not the unthinking, prejudiced, trigger-happy, etc, people we so often view them as. They have fears, emotions, ambitions. They are our neighbors, our friends, our family, our fellow Chicagoans. On the Job, I believe, sheds the uniform and reveals the soul—as best as my twentysomething mind could portray it. I would hope any reader, cop or civilian, would appreciate my sincere effort.
In my mind, I accomplished my objective—to encourage empathy for Chicago’s officers and show them as human beings rather than a uniform—and I need to be at peace with my work and know I wrote the best book I could. I would hope officers would look upon such honesty and sincerity in a positive way, particularly as most media stories about them generally reinforce some nasty stereotypes. Are all Chicago officers these wonderful human beings we should blindly praise? Absolutely not and it's naive to think so. Yet, they are not the unthinking, prejudiced, trigger-happy, etc, people we so often view them as. They have fears, emotions, ambitions. They are our neighbors, our friends, our family, our fellow Chicagoans. On the Job, I believe, sheds the uniform and reveals the soul—as best as my twentysomething mind could portray it. I would hope any reader, cop or civilian, would appreciate my sincere effort.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
Are you a reader with a question for On the Job author Daniel P. Smith? Send it to smithwriting@gmail.com.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
10 Questions for On the Job author
Accomplished author and freelance writer Wendy Burt-Thomas recently interviewed On the Job author Daniel P. Smith for her "10 Questions" blog feature. The site, geared at providing advice and insight for all writers, asks Smith to describe his work space, his career trajectory, and the best and worst parts about being a writer.
To read Wendy's full interview with Danny, click here.
To read Wendy's full interview with Danny, click here.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Ask the Author: Is there a way for cops to balance their work lives
Answer: Of course. I think reflection is a key component. I think a sound family life can help. I think a realistic perception of their individual lives is important. My two great uncles who were Chicago cops did a marvelous job of balancing work and life. They were tremendous fathers, decorated officers, and sincere men. I believe both of them did that by keeping those worlds separate as best they could, yet recognizing just how difficult a challenge that task would be. Ultimately, they challenged themselves to put their best effort forward each day and acknowledging that they would make their mistakes as both parents and officers. They put each role in its proper context and, more than anything, noted the carry over from one world to the other. For example, these are two men who realized that compassion was just as important as a father as it was an officer.
My biggest concern, however, is how so few officers take advantage of counseling or learn positive coping mechanisms to deal with the job's inherent stress. The cop culture has a general resistance to such help and that scares me because there are so many who need to discover positive outlets for the troubles of each day. The “macho” culture prevalent in so many departments restricts too many officers from accepting help.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
Are you a reader with a question for On the Job author Daniel P. Smith? Send it to smithwriting@gmail.com.
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