About enterwp77

Kim Clodfelter Author Hometown: Vermillion, South Dakota Education: University of South Dakota Living in Madison, Wisconsin Married to Renee’ Clodfelter (’81)

STARTED TO RUN TODAY

Started running again today. I’ve had an on again, off again, love affair with running – mostly off again.

photo (1)

I haven’t run in several months. So today I decided to go to a nearby soccer field and run sprints. To call it sprinting might be an exaggeration – it was more like plodding.

The soccer field was freshly mowed with soft, cushiony grass – good for the joints of a 59 year old. Soccer fields are good running venues. Flat. I don’t like hills. Hills aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

I decided on sprints of about 100 yards. Not 100 meters. Meters are longer than yards. Not everyone knows about this.

I set might sights on running about 10 sprints.

“That shouldn’t be too hard,” I thought.

It wasn’t – for the first 50 yards. Then I started gasping for breath. I crossed the finish line like a last place marathoner.

I did, however, successfully complete 5 sprints. Then the chest pains set in. I thought it might be a good idea to stop then. Drove home in a frenzy and chugged a couple of aspirin. It’s all good now…

I’m wanting to lose about 30 pounds. I don’t want to look like Rush Limbauigh when I start my book signing tour.

One can hope.

FacebookLinkedInGoogle GmailPrintFriendlyShare

CLODDY STORY #5

In 1958, a ten year old boy heard of the news of the Coyotes winning the national championship in Evansville, Indiana. He watched those glory years at the New Armory and has recollections of how the teams played.

photo

The boys name is Wayne Everson, a Vermillion native and in the VHS Class of 1965. Wayne submitted a “Comment” today on the “Cloddy Stories” page. This is the fifth story submitted so far. Below is the link:

Wayne Everson’s story.

Do you have a “Cloddy” story you’d like to share?

If so, visit the “Cloddy Stories” page on the website and go to the very end of the page to the “Comments” box.

THE NEW BOOK PROPOSAL – A DAUNTING TASK

A “New Book Proposal” is what an author sends to potential publishers/agents/editors in order to create interest and convince a publisher that this is a book worth publishing. I have written a New Book Proposal for a past book project, so I have a template to follow and a little bit of experience. I will include the following in the New Book Proposal:

unnamed[1]

Book Title and sub-title

The first three chapters of the book. (In polished form. In this case, I am writing a preface, the first chapter on dad’s Woonsocket days, and the second chapter which will cover his high school coaching years.)

Chapter titles and chapter summaries.

Book Synopsis. (The story in a nutshell)

Who the audience will be. (In detail)

What is the competition. (I.e. Other books out there in this specific genre)

Who will endorse it.

Who will promote it.

A Marketing Plan (A USD business prof gave me a template for this. This is going to take some time and input from experts)

About the author. (Education, experience and prior writing projects)

As I am unsure yet whether to go the traditional publishing route or whether to self – publish, I may not even send it to very many publishers. Yet, I believe it is a worthwhile exercise and will help – whichever route the book takes. I may need to use it for potential endorsements as well.

I enjoy the process of putting a New Book Proposal together and especially the polished end product. That being said, it’s still a daunting task and I find myself procrastinating. However, once I get on a roll, it’ll get done. And hopefully help me in getting “Cloddy” written and published and sold successfully.

The journey continues and thank you for your interest!

WRITER’S DIGEST MAGAZINE: A Good Resource for Writers

For those of you interested in writing, I would recommend taking a look at the magazine “Writer’s Digest.” The magazine covers all facets of writing and all genres: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Free-Lance Writing, Humor, Marketing, Getting Published, Agents and Editors, Tips on Writing, Etc.

The recent May/June edition has an article entitled “101 Best Websites for Writers.” This listing alone is a very helpful resource which will take a writer to websites which are further sources of help. My wife recently bought me a subscription which I am looking forward to receiving.

CAVEAT: If you subscribe to their email list, you will receive multiple emails daily trying to sell you something – a few of which may be of help, but mostly spam from my perspective.

Good writing!

Transcribing Interviews for “Cloddy”: It’s a Lot of Work

The journey writing continues…

As I am writing the first three chapters of “Cloddy,” I have also had to transcribe to text the interviews relevant to each of the chapters. I purchased “Dragon Naturally Speaking” software to accomplish this task.

However, in researching how to best use this software, I have learned Dragon Software is best suited for one particular person’s voice. Therefore, it is recommended that the transcriber (me) listen to the interview on a PC using head phones – with a microphone device – and repeat the words of the interview into the mic. A sort of “parroting” of the interview.

Photo Courtesy of Renee's IPhone

Photo Courtesy of Renee’s IPhone

Today, I attempted this new task and found success. I listened to my interview of Vernon Andersen, who I interviewed along with Sheree Schmidt in Centerville in Febrary of 2013, and simultaneously spoke into the head phone mic. (I don’t need to transcribe every word of the interview for the purpose of writing the book, so I transcribed selected portions of the interview.)

I was able to pause the interview at times and edit the transcribed text on the Word document (the DragonPad). The interview of Vernon lasted about an hour. It was useful, and interesting, and at times entertaining to listen to this interview – which took place 14 months ago. There were several moments during the interview when Vernon, Sheree, and I burst into laughter as Vernon shared his recollections of Cloddy coaching the boys in Centerville from 1943 to 1949.

I was exhausted after an hour of intense listening and transcribing. To date, I have about 50 interviews taped – totaling about 90 hours. I will need to listen to the other interviews as well – some lasting over 3 hours. On top of that, I hope to have 50-100 more interviews by the time I’m done. So I have my work cut out for me.

If Dad could read this blog, he’d ask, “Kim, are you bragging or complaining?!”

It’s all just a part of the process and will yield some good material for “Cloddy.”

Interview on Viewpoint University with former Sioux Falls Mayor Rick Knobe and Co-host Dan Peters

During my time in Sioux Falls for Jack Theeler’s recent induction into the SD Sports Hall of Fame, I had opportunity to be interviewed in the studio of Viewpoint University (KSOO AM 1140). Rick Knobe and Dan Peters host the show.

KSOO Viewpoint University hosts, Rick Knobe and Dan Peters

KSOO Viewpoint University hosts, Rick Knobe and Dan Peters

Rick started the interview with this introduction:

“Kim Clodfelter is our guest today on Viewpoint University. Here to do shameless promotion of a book not yet published…”

Rick has a refined sense of humor that has served him well both as former mayor of Sioux Falls and now as host of the Viewpoint University radio show.
Rick’s co-host Dan Peters, a Wagner native, conducted most of the interview – as Dan is a USD grad and more the sports buff.

I really enjoyed the interview and Rick and Dan do a great job with their show. Later in the interview I mentioned to Rick I have started a website kimclodfelter.com for “the sole purpose of shamelessly promoting the ‘Cloddy book!'”

Touche’!

KSOO AM 1140 STUDIO

KSOO AM 1140 STUDIO

To listen to the two interview segments, click on the links below:

Segment One:

Segment Two

Interview with Terry Vandrovec, Sioux Falls Argus Leader Sports Writer

Before traveling to Sioux Falls for Jack Theeler’s Induction into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame last Saturday night, I communicated to Terry I would be in town for the weekend. He graciously suggested that we meet for a podcast interview. We did so Sunday morning at Queen City Bakery near downtown Sioux Falls.

Terry Vandrovec, Sioux Falls Argus Leader Sports Writer

Terry Vandrovec, Sioux Falls Argus Leader Sports Writer

I wasn’t sure what he would be asking me. It turns out he wanted to know about the process of writing the biography of my father. I think it was a good angle and I really enjoyed the interview. It was an opportunity for me to reflect and to express why I chose this subject and what it meant to me personally.

Terry covers athletics for SDSU and does a fine job doing so. Can you believe I have a South Dakota State University bunny logo on my website?

South Dakota State University Jackrabbits

South Dakota State University Jackrabbits

I now have three friends from Brookings!

In all seriousness, Dad had a lot of friends and colleagues up in Brookings. Several of the students he taught in his 14 year high school coaching career in 6 different communities attended SDSU as students and some competed in sports for the Jacks. Don Bartlett, who played for Dad at Centerville High School in the 40’s, was a great athlete at SDSU.

Dad also had a very good relationship with former SDSU basketball coach Jim Iverson as USD and SDSU had an intense rivalry on the hard court in the 1950’s and 60’s. I saw Jim Iverson at the SD Sports Hall of Fame induction Saturday night and I wished I had my tape recorder with me. He gave me a couple of more tidbits for the book. I really like and admire Jim Iverson.

Read my blog of the interview and listen to the podcast interview courtesy of Terry Vandrovec by clicking on the link below:

http://www.argusleader.com/story/terryvandrovec/2014/04/16/podcast-kim-clodfelter/7685667/

Jack Theeler’s Induction into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame

On Saturday night, Jack Theeler and a few other South Dakota greats were inducted into the SD Sports HOF. It was a great evening and fitting recognition for Jack and his exemplary career at USD. I was privileged to sit at one of Jack’s tables and visited with his friends and family. His former team mate at Sisseton High School, Bob Hull, regaled us with some funny stories – out of earshot of Jack I might add! Bob played for dad one year at USD before transferring to Northern State in Aberdeen.

Jack Theeler

Jack Theeler

Jack’s wife, Nancy, provided me with copies of letters dad sent to Jack back in the 60’s. Dad always seemed to insert some humor in his communications. Jack and Nancy held a pheasant hunt on their farm for five years to raise funds for the Dwane Clodfelter Scholarship which Jack spear headed.

I remember watching Jack play at the New Armory. He had a nose for the ball and the basket and provided a lot of people with some entertaining basketball. He and Phil Jackson were in a battle for the NCC scoring crown going down to the last game. If the 3 point shot was around back then, Phil would have ended up far back in second place!

Article from Mitchell Daily Republic April 12, 2014

While at the banquet, I was able to visit with several other people I knew or just met. It was a delightful evening.

I was also able to take advantage of some other opportunites while in Sioux Falls for the weekend. A radio interview on KSOO’s Viewpoint University with Rick Knobe and Dan Peters, an Argus Leader podcast with Terry Vandrovec which will be online Wednesday, and an interview with Albert Schmidt who was sixth man on Alpena High School’s basketball team in 1942-43. Al Neuharth, an Alpena high school student at the time, cheerleaded for (literally!) and wrote sports stories covering the team that made it to the State “B” tourney in March of 1943 – a great thrill for the small town of Alpena.

I’ll blog about these stories soon.

Do you have a memory of Jack and his playing days at USD that you’d like to share?

Interview with Jim Iverson, former South Dakota State University Basketball Coach

One of the individuals I was looking forward to interviewing for “Cloddy” was Jim Iverson who coached SDSU basketball in the 50’s and 60’s. I wanted to get his perspective on life as a coach in the North Central Conference during the 50’s and 60’s when my dad was coaching at USD. It was a great rivalry then and still is today.

I was unable to contact him by phone, but was told where he had coffee each morning with his friends. I went there early one morning and saw two large, round, tables surrounded by gray hairs. I hadn’t ever met Jim so I went to one of the tables and asked if a “Jim Iverson” was here. Five guys pointed there finger at Jim and I introduced myself. I told him I’d like to interview him for the book. We went to a private booth, but the noise level would make taping the interview impossible. I told Jim we needed a quiet place and he suggested a nearby church.

I began the interview, which lasted for two hours, by asking him about his days playing high school and college basketball. Jim is older now, but was sharp as a tack during our time together. It was a delightful interview. He played basketball for Kansas State, played in a Division I national championship game, was drafted by the Boston Celtics, played against such NBA greats as Bob Cousy and Bill Sharman. Was a great high school player in South Dakota. Started his coaching career as an assistant at K-State. Told me the story of how he got hired by SDSU.

At SDSU, Jim’s teams won three NCAA Midwestern Regional titles qualifying the Jacks for the Divison II Elite 8 tournament and winning the national championship in 1963. During the five year stretch from 1957-1963, USD and SDSU would combine winning five regional titles in seven years. The Coyotes and the Jacks had some memorable contests – especially the 1957 playoff to see who would qualify for the postseason tourney. Both teams finished 11 and 1 in conference play. The playoff game at Huron, a neutral site, was one of the more memorable games in Jim’s career – which the Coyotes narrowly won.

Dad and Jim recruited the same South Dakota boys – and he told me what recruiting was like back in the day. Although the two coaches and schools had an intense rivalry, they were both gentleman and shared a good laugh once in awhile. The respect was mutual. There were also some other pretty good coaches in the North Central Conference in that era including Bill Fitch at UND and Norm Stewart at State Teacher’s College (today Northern Iowa).

At the end of our interview, which I think Jim enjoyed, he told me, “Kim, I wouldn’t agree to an interview with any coach’s son, but I would for Cloddy’s son.”

Jim was one of the great coaches in South Dakota history and is a very fine man.

A Strange Thing or Two Has Happened While Writing “CLODDY.”

I have conducted about 45 interviews so far in my research of “CLODDY.” These have been taped and are from one to three and a half hours long. I hope to conduct another 50-100 interviews by the time this book is finished. I plan to assemble this collection which may be a part of the book either by a CD or on an e-book. There have been some good interviews which I will share from time to time on my blog.

One interview that was very special was with former SDSU coach Jim Iverson. Bob Winter, former legendary coach at Yankton High School (both boys and girls basketball), gave me the name of an individual in Sioux Falls who would know how to reach coach Iverson. By the way, Bob has been a great help to me in pointing me to potential interviews. He seems to know everyone in the state.

I called Bob’s referral in Sioux Falls, but could not reach him. So I went to the phone book and located a phone number for a “Jim Iverson” – not knowing if this was the right Jim Iverson. I then called the number.

“Hello,” A woman answered.

“Is Jim Iverson available?” I asked.

“No, there is no Jim Iverson here,” she informed me.

As she was about to hang up, I frantically said, “I’m looking for Jim Iverson – former men’s basketball coach at SDSU.”

“There’s no one by that name here,” she said. “I’m from the Vermilion area originally.”

My ears perked up. “Well, did you know my father, Dwane Clodfelter?” I asked.

“Well, yes, I went to Southern State’s Teachers College with your dad back in 1937. Who is this I’m talking to?” She asked.

Now she’s really got my attention. I’m needing to research that time in dad’s life as well. So I take advantage of this unexpected conversation. And I’m just realizing I’m talking to a woman who is about 94 years old. It turns out I had dialed the wrong phone number.

“I’m Kim Clodfelter, Dwane’s son, and I’m researching for a biography I’m writing on his life. Do you recall anything about my dad during your college days at Southern Teachers?”

“Oh yes. He was a very good looking man,” she recalled. “Who is this I’m talking to?”

“Kim Clodfelter.”

“I don’t recall much else, but he was an awfully nice looking man.”

I said, “Thank you very much for your time. I may be calling you again one day…”

What are the odds? Of the 150,000 residents of Sioux Falls, I accidentally call the wrong number and end up talking to one of dad’s former classmates at Southern from 1937.

I did end up tracking down Jim Iverson and interviewing him. I’ll share that story soon.