On May 26, 2020, the Historical Novel Society hosted the Facebook Live launch of event of my latest book, Harlem Rhapsody. During the event I talke about the Jazz Age in New York, read an excerpt from the book and answered some attendee questions. You can watch a replay of the event here: https://www.facebook.com/jnuckel/posts/3800888083319101
I’ve been in the financial industry for 37 years. I’ve screamed in the trading pits and presented financial plans in board rooms. In all those years there has been one consistent revenue stream for industry professionals. They count on retail clients preferring nine shiny dimes to one crumbled dollar bill. In my early days the shiny dimes were glossy brochures or steaks and scotch in a power restaurant. Now it’s algorithms and video presentations. All of these shiny objects are presented to convince you to hand...
Those words were the beginning of the end to my career on Wall Street. It was the first time I realized that everything I had learned about my profession would soon mean nothing. To be honest, the words were a bit harsher. More vulgar and dismissive. At least the guy was up front with me. I knew my life would change the moment I heard those words. I was one of the first brokers in the trading pit of...
Charles didn’t have to approach Belle. A few minutes after he walked back to the warehouse, one of the bottlers walked over to him as he was talking to Moses. “There’s a funny man here to see you.” Charles turned. “A funny man?” “Well, funny-looking, for sure.” The man turned and walked away. After getting a few more instructions on where Moses wanted the barrels placed, Charles walked towards the front of the warehouse. There was indeed a funny-looking man standing near the...
Meet Joe Doyle. A character in my upcoming book who’s story is based on my Grandfather, Joe McNally. A proud Irishman and American. Doyle stood and walked over to a window that looked out on the Hudson River. He leaned against the frame and crossed his arms. “Soldier to soldier. I have spent my entire life fighting against tyranny.” He suddenly slipped into a heavy Irish Brogue. “I was just a lad in Donegal when I saw my first act of terror. It...
All of Harlem was buzzing over Ellington and his band. He had been playing over a week but tonight was the first chance for Charles Merritt to see him. He dropped off a case of Rye and stood behind the bar near the exit door. He made sure to have his best suit on, it seemed like the thing to do.
By the time he was nineteen Owney Madden was running the Gopher Gang. He got to that level because he knew how to handle any mug that crossed him. One of his trademark moves was the way he would bust a guy’s nose. Left him marked for life. All of New York knew that if you crossed Owney Madden, you’re gonna remember it every time you look in the mirror. He taught each new member the way he wanted...
I’ve been asked that question three times this weekend. First time was when I was checking out at the grocery store. The bagger held up a plastic bottle of ketchup and asked if I would like a bag for it. I looked at her with disbelief but refrained from responding that I would like to carry the ketchup in my hand as I walked out to my car. I said yes. The second time was later that afternoon as I...
I’ve heard that a lot about the main character in my first three books. In fact, most opinions are more definitive than that. He has been called; moral center, toady, hero, shyster, genius, drunk, liar and savior. It mainly depends on who did the reading and thus did the defining. So what do I do with this guy? I can’t make him go away. He does make people form opinions, and if they hate him or love him; they care...
I put out the recyclables last night and this morning I saw a man on my Manhattan street who collects cans. His cart was an engineering marvel. Blue bags hanging at odd angles from his shopping cart. Each bag looked like a half deflated Thanksgiving float. It was early, but his cart was already overstuffed to its limit. I didn’t look down on the guy, I identified with him. As a child I was him. I was taught my life’s credo while...
