On Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, the College of Central Florida kicked off a publication event for its most recently published book, Wild Wind.  Edited by CF’s own professors Sandra and Ron Cooper, this anthology of poems and short stories pays homage to Texas native and singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen.

The book features many writing contributions from talented authors. Three of these writers were hosted alongside professors Sandra and Ron Cooper. The event began with the authors performing the Keen songs that inspired some of the pieces in the book.

With Ron Cooper and Andy Coats on acoustic guitar, Jeff Newberry on electric guitar, and Rick Campbell on harmonica, the audience was immediately enamored by the music. Coats sang lead, accompanied by the others, as they performed “Corpus Christi Bay,” “Feeling Good Again,” “Gringo Honeymoon,” “No Kinda Dancer,” “The Road Goes On Forever,” and “Wild Wind.”

Singing along to “The Road Goes On Forever,” it was clear that the audience was invested in this performance. A thunderous applause erupted after the final song was played. Sandra Cooper did not join them for the singing, but she participated afterward as they each read their own pieces that were based on the songs that were just performed.

Campbell read first, sharing his pieces “No Kinda Dancer,” “The Road Goes On Forever” and “Feeling Good Again.” Then, Newberry read his pieces, “Gringo Honeymoon: The Cowboy’s Tale.” Coats continued with “Corpus Christi Bay: Southern God of Sobriety.” Sandra Cooper then read her piece, “Willie: Fox Rain,” which was inspired by Keen’s work and a conversation with her friend and CF staff member, Professor Jong Ash. The event concluded with Ron Cooper’s reading of “Wild Wind.” As the title piece of the book, it made for an excellent ending. After this display of talent, audience members mingled and purchased copies of the book, excited to read more. Everyone had the opportunity to speak to the authors and get their autographs on their respective works within the book.

Ron Cooper offered advice for aspiring authors and young writers, initially responding humorously with, “Don’t.” He then provided a more serious answer: “Read and read and read and read.” He explained that young authors should read everything that they can get their hands on and take note of the choices each diverse author makes.

Jeff Newberry gave similar advice, emphasizing the importance of reading widely.

Andy Coats discussed the challenge that songwriters face when deciding whether a piece should be presented as a song or poem, a struggle many writers can relate to. He showed his kind and knowledgeable demeanor by inscribing the copy of an audience member’s book with inspiring words: “Best of luck in your writing.”

Sandra Cooper briefly spoke about her inspiration, which stemmed from an old Korean tale shared by Professor Jong Ash.

Rick Campbell entertained a gathered crowd by displaying a collection of harmonicas, humorously noting that the selection represented only a small fraction of his collection. “You need one in every key, and I have far more than what is needed,” he said. A student in this crowd asked if there are any stories written about harmonicas. He expresses that he has written a few himself and leads her over to where his books are displayed.

The audience lingered for about an hour after the final reading, and every moment they shared with these writers is one that they will likely hold with them forever.