This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on March 6, 2003. Winner of the Chicago Headline Club’s Peter Lisagor Award. “Left in the Dark” wasn’t a radio hit or a gold record. Its composer, Ken Draznik of Palatine, hadn’t earned a penny in royalties from the 1979 song — until last month.… Continue reading Almost famous: The story of the Vertebrats’ ‘Left in the Dark’
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Richard Price Q&A
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on February 5, 2003. Richard Price’s new book, “Samaritan,” is the third in a string of convincingly realistic novels set in the public housing projects of New Jersey. Price first used the setting in “Clockers,” a story of drug dealers and the cops tracking them.… Continue reading Richard Price Q&A
Rick Moody Q&A
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on September 25, 2002. Readers expecting a straight memoir from acclaimed novelist Rick Moody won’t find it in “The Black Veil.” Subtitled “A Memoir With Digressions,” the new book does include Moody’s account of his battles with depression and alcoholism. But it’s a stranger, more… Continue reading Rick Moody Q&A
Chuck Palahniuk interview
This article by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press on July 10, 2002. Since his novel, “Fight Club:’ was turned into a movie, Chuck Palahniuk has been drawing new fans. But Palahniuk doesn’t want just anyone reading his books. His most recently published novel, “Choke,” throws down the gauntlet with its opening lines, daring… Continue reading Chuck Palahniuk interview
A profile of conservative Congressman Philip Crane
This series of articles by Robert Loerzel originally appeared in Pioneer Press September 17 to October 1, 1992. Crane won re-election that year, serving until he was defeated in 2004 by Democrat Melissa Bean. Crane died November 8, 2014, at the age of 84. Crane’s father died in 1995 and his wife, Arlene, died in 2012.… Continue reading A profile of conservative Congressman Philip Crane