The Columbia Star's own Mike Cox holds book signing

Mike Cox

Mike Cox is a regionally known author who recently published his second book, October Saturdays. He

is also a writer for The

Columbia Star. Cox was interviewed by a staff member of The Columbia Star.

Q: Can you tell our many readers about your new book?

A: The book, October

Saturdays is a Cox family history tied to University of Alabama football games. Each selected story involves a particular game and family circumstances that make that game memorable to us.

Q: Why did you write it?

A: To tell the fascinating story of how college football influences family life in the South. It will be of interest to anyone who follows college football. Alabama fans will definitely enjoy the stories, which should be familiar to them. Other college football fans should be able to identify with the emotions. It is short and easy to read so it makes the perfect Christmas gift for Southern football fans.

Q: How are you getting

the word out about October

Saturdays?

A: There have been two private book signings in Alabama so far with more hopefully to follow. Another one is scheduled December 6 at the Happy Bookseller in Columbia from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. We are in discussions with some bait shops, tanning beds, and used auto parts places. And of course we will do birthday parties, weddings, and bowl game parties.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish with this book.

A: Of the millions of football fans in America, thousands of them support Alabama. At least 10 percent of those are able to read. If half of the literate Bama fans purchase October Saturdays, I'll be very satisfied. I'm also crossing my fingers this one gets noticed by Oprah's book club. A spot in that organization assures an author unlimited fame and prosperity.

Q: Where can an interested

reader purchase October

Saturdays?

A: It is available at the Happy Bookseller in Columbia and can be ordered from any other book retailer, or online from the link: www2.xlibris.com.