· Western Kansas Photo Club · I’m a postcard collector and historian who loves reading, research, and writing. As a result, I’ve been curious about some early-day Kansas photographers who created some of the postcards in my collection. Now that I know these people better, I’m ready to share some of the conversations they might have had. The following is a story with real people and events. The meeting actually took place. Let me set the scene for you. Photographers from Kansas during late … [Read more...] about Creative Non-Fiction
Behind the Books Blog
Richard Wickliffe
· Captain Richard Wickliffe Giving, Not Taking · People who know Richard Wickliffe remark about how he’s always calm. I’ve never seen him upset. So, when we sat down together for an interview, I had to see if he would share his secret. And while I was at it, maybe I’d also learn how a guy who retired from the Hutchinson Police Department (HPD) in 2001 at age 64, still looks young enough to be running marathons. Richard, a/k/a/ “Wick”, didn’t reveal his secret of eternal youth but he did … [Read more...] about Richard Wickliffe
Powerful Poetry
· Powerful Poetry: Annika Smith · After speaking with Annika Smith, senior at Buhler High School, it’s clear that teachers really do help change the world. Annika, a/k/a Anni, is an excellent example. I only met Annika in April during her book signing at Bookends book store in Hutchinson, KS. I didn’t know that she considered herself a shy learner. What I observed was a person who had successfully published a book of her poetry during her junior year in high school, scheduled her own … [Read more...] about Powerful Poetry
Is this man Elmer Swanson?
· Is this man Elmer Swanson? Photo Postcard from the Past · Is this man Elmer Swanson? Morgan Williams, collector and expert on exaggeration postcards, sent me another postcard challenge. As I examined the image of the front and markings on the back, I thought, Boy, there isn’t much information here! The photograph had the feeling of early 1900s but the clues were sparse: a man, sharply dressed, was holding a sword next to a step-ladder. He was staged as if preparing to climb the … [Read more...] about Is this man Elmer Swanson?
The Joy of the Hunt
· The Joy of the Hunt: Wade Photographer When Morgan Williams, known far and wide for his amazing collection of exaggeration postcards, sent me a postcard image to examine, I was hooked! The advertising postcard showed a side-view of an early model car, a convertible, with a smiling driver, parked on a brick city street. Photos of thirteen babies or infants had been added to the picture to give the impression they were all peacefully engaged while sitting for a portrait. The lettering at … [Read more...] about The Joy of the Hunt
Bottle Collector
· Bottle Collector: Mike McJunkin It was a joke. After seeing a lot of fascinating bottles in Mike McJunkin’s extensive collection, I asked him, "Do you have earthquake insurance?" “No,” was his one-word reply. When he hesitated a moment, I hoped I hadn’t created an unpleasant image for him of shards of glass on the floor. But a few seconds later he offered, “I had a good friend whose wife had been cleaning windows in the home one day when she accidentally knocked over and broke a … [Read more...] about Bottle Collector
John O. Siemsen
· John O. Siemsen Framed by F. D. Conard in Garden City, Kansas · Last month I had my socks knocked off by a surprise email sent to my website as a comment to a blog/podcast I’d posted two months earlier. A person can’t prepare for unbelievable. My earlier post, “EXAGGERATION Postcards: Tall Tales from the Great Plains,” https://jimpotterauthor.com/exaggeration-postcards/ gave an abbreviated history of the cards, including an appreciation for Frank D. “Pop” Conard, a creative and … [Read more...] about John O. Siemsen
International Writing Contest Results
· International Writing Contest Results Essays · The results of Sandhenge Publication's first International Writing Contest are here. Writers from four countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, England, and the U.S. participated. People were invited to use the postcard above (the front &/or reverse) as a writing prompt to tell a story, maximum length, 500 words, in either poetry or prose. I can't believe I'm sounding like so many … [Read more...] about International Writing Contest Results
Save-A-Date July 27
· Save-A-Date July 27: Young Writers · On Saturday, July 27, 2019, young writers from the Reno County community will be highlighted in a panel format at the monthly meeting of the Kansas Authors Club (KAC), District 6. The creative artists from high school—Annika Smith, Allison Bomgardner, and Iris Rees—and Hutchinson Community College—Dylan Kohls and Tabitha Barr—will share their motivation and passion for writing. Prior to questions from club members and guests, panel members will read … [Read more...] about Save-A-Date July 27
The Doll Lady
· The Doll Lady: Cyndy Enders Landon · I’ve never owned or collected dolls, but as a child I did enjoy playing with toy soldiers. My, the memories I have of the battles I fought and won—without ever leaving home. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Cyndy Enders Landon and learning about her passion for collecting dolls, including the art of repairing them. I also learned a new word: plangonologist. That’s a person who collects dolls. As with my obsession for collecting … [Read more...] about The Doll Lady
