“Hollywood Treasures” on Syfy Channel features stolen Ruby Slippers!

Paul Miles Schneider | The Official Site Posted on by  

On a recent episode of Hollywood Treasures on the Syfy Channel entitled “Justice For Dorothy,” host Joe Maddalena attempts to retrace footsteps at the scene of the crime for one of Hollywood’s biggest unsolved mysteries: the stolen pair of Ruby Slippers formerly owned by Michael Shaw and worn by Judy Garland in the MGM film The Wizard of Oz.

I posted about this unsolved crime early on in this blog and included an in-depth 2009 article from the Minnesota Monthly, so this is really a follow-up companion piece. The video doesn’t shed much, if any, new light on the case, but it features glimpses of Michael Shaw’s residence, where I saw his (now stolen) pair of shoes among hundreds of other incredible props and costumes in his private collection. It was that visit and encounter with his Ruby Slippers that inspired me, perhaps more than anything else, to write my novel “Silver Shoes.”

For MGM Oz fans, this 2-part video posted on YouTube on October 5, 2011, also showcases the interior of the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, featuring some additional Oz movie memorabilia, most notably the 1800s carriage seen in the Emerald City, pulled by the Horse of a Different Color, during “The Merry Old Land of Oz” musical sequence. I was surprised to learn of its historical connection to Abraham Lincoln as well!

Part One:
(includes interview with Michael Shaw)

Part Two:
(includes Judy Garland Museum)

Kansas Reading Association’s 2011 Annual Conference in Emporia

Paul Miles Schneider | The Official Site Posted on by 2
KRA 2011 Annual Convention

A wide range of vendors setting up for the day at the Kansas Reading Association’s 2011 annual conference in Visser Hall, Emporia State University. Emporia, Kansas.

Fellow authors Roy Bird and Wyatt Townley, who were also part of the guest panel.

Fellow authors Roy Bird and Wyatt Townley, who were also part of the guest panel.

The audience of convention attendees begins to gather for our 10:00 a.m. panel discussion with authors.

The audience of convention attendees begins to gather for our 10:00 a.m. panel discussion with authors.

Kansas Reading Association's 2011 annual convention luncheon.

Kansas Reading Association’s 2011 annual convention luncheon.

Paul Miles Schneider signs copies of "Silver Shoes" for the afternoon book-signing session of the Kansas Reading Association's 2011 annual convention.

Paul Miles Schneider signs copies of “Silver Shoes” for the afternoon book-signing session of the Kansas Reading Association’s 2011 annual convention.

A group of Kansas University education majors with Paul Miles Schneider, author of "Silver Shoes," at the 2011 KRA annual convention. A terrific group of future teachers. Their enthusiasm was contagious!

A group of Kansas University education majors with Paul Miles Schneider, author of “Silver Shoes,” at the 2011 KRA annual convention. A terrific group of future teachers. Their enthusiasm was contagious!

The morning session of the Kansas Reading Association’s 2011 annual convention was a big success! I met a lot of wonderful people, enjoyed reconnecting with the familiar faces of fellow Kansas authors, and sold a lot of books to enthusiastic convention attendees. I had a short break afterward, which allowed me to explore a bit of beautiful downtown Emporia before an afternoon book-signing at Town Crier Bookstore.

Downtown Emporia, Kansas. 2011.

Downtown Emporia, Kansas. 2011. Oddly enough, in all my years growing up in Kansas, this was my first trip to Emporia, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Granada Theatre marquee in Emporia, Kansas.

Granada Theatre marquee in Emporia, Kansas. I was given complimentary gift certificates to The Sweet Granada – A Chocolate Cafe, and the Granada Coffee Co., which I happily used during my visit. Nothing says “welcome to town” quite like a cup of java and chocolate!

The store front of Town Crier Bookstore in Emporia, Kansas. 2011.

The store front of Town Crier Bookstore in Emporia, Kansas. 2011.

Catching up with a childhood friend, Lori Herbel Grimmett, at the Town Crier Bookstore signing in Emporia, Kansas. Lori is an elementary school teacher in Emporia.

Catching up with a childhood friend, Lori Herbel Grimmett, at the Town Crier Bookstore signing in Emporia, Kansas. Lori is an elementary school teacher in Emporia.

Lori Herbel Grimmett and her son, an avid eight-year-old reader, search for a new book together at Town Crier Bookstore in Emporia, Kansas.

Lori Herbel Grimmett and her son, an avid eight-year-old reader, search for a new book together at Town Crier Bookstore in Emporia, Kansas.

KRA Book-Signing at Town Crier Bookstore

Paul Miles Schneider | The Official Site Posted on by  

Title: KRA Book-Signing at Town Crier Bookstore
Location: 716 Commercial St., Emporia, KS 66801
Description: Town Crier Bookstore will be hosting a book-signing in conjunction with the Kansas Reading Association’s annual convention. Paul will be on hand for this event, which is open to the public, selling and signing copies of his novel “Silver Shoes.”
Date:  Friday, Oct. 21, 2011
Start Time:  4:00 p.m.
End Time:  8:00 p.m.

Books Of Wonder, a terrific bookstore in New York City, now carrying signed copies of SILVER SHOES!

Paul Miles Schneider | The Official Site Posted on by 1
Books Of Wonder in New York City

Books Of Wonder in New York City.

For any of you visiting or living in New York City, stop by Books of Wonder, one of my favorite bookstores ever, located at 18 West 18th Street, New York, NY, 10011. They are now carrying signed hardcovers of “Silver Shoes,” also available via their website!