Highlighting the best independent publications in fiction and non-fiction. Your new favorite author is right here.

Norm Spitzig

Norm SpitzigNorm Spitzig, MCM is internationally recognized as an eloquent and visionary expert on private club operations and governance. His groundbreaking book Perspectives on Club Management – now over 25 years old – continues to inspire and challenge club directors, managers and students around the world. Norm is also the author of four very funny and insightful books centered around the wonderful world of private clubs, Private Clubs in America and around the World, Murder and Mayhem at Old Bunbury, How Now, Norm’s Tao, and Soul on Nice.  Details are available at CliveEndiveOgiveIV.com and NormSpitzig.com.

Norm’s leadership and professional contributions to the private club industry are been varied and significant. Elected a National Director of CMAA in 1989, he served as National President in 1995 – the same year he became one of the six original general managers to earn the prestigious lifetime Master Club Manager (MCM) designation.

Norm currently serves as a Principal & Senior Partner in Master Club Advisors, publisher of the premier newsletter for leaders in the worldwide private club industry, Club Management Perspectives, and now regarded by more and more leaders in the private club industry as a “general manager executive search firm of choice”. Norm’s Board of Directors’ Leadership Orientations and Strategic Planning Sessions have been very well received at national, regional and local meetings of many professional associations as well as great individual private clubs on six continents. He has the singular honor of having been twice named the club industry’s “Educator of the Year”.

Norm, who doggedly continues his improbable, and admittedly weird, pursuit of logging one hundred thousand running miles before he ascends to the great private club in the sky, resides in the historic town of Mount Dora, Florida, with his beautiful bride, Cody, and ball-obsessed chocolate Labrador, Lucy.

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Private Clubs in America and around the World (Comedy Fiction)

Private ClubsPrivate Clubs in America and around the World is a VERY funny look into the world of private clubs by someone who has spent his entire life there. Private clubs are inextricably woven into the very fabric of America’s history, traditions and culture – and for that matter, those histories, traditions and cultures of ALL free societies around the world – and members, employees and guests alike will enjoy the author’s penetrating insights, off-beat humor, blatant irreverence and sarcastic wit. The author’s obviously extensive knowledge of, and deep affection for, the world of private clubs permeate all nine chapters and deal with topics ranging from “Boards of Directors” to “committees”, “employees” to “members”. Be prepared to laugh you socks off at this “must read”.

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Murder and Mayhem at Old Bunbury (Comedy Fiction)

Old BunburyMurder and Mayhem at Old Bunbury, Clive Endive Ogive IV’s eagerly awaited follow-up to Private Clubs in America and Around the World, is a VERY funny and perceptive look into the special world of private clubs. Private clubs are inextricably woven into the very fabric of America’s history, traditions and culture – and for that matter, those histories, traditions and cultures of ALL free societies around the world – and members, employees and guests alike will enjoy the author’s penetrating insights, off-beat humor, blatant irreverence and sarcastic wit. The author’s obviously extensive knowledge of and deep affection for the world of private clubs permeate all eight chapters and deal with topics ranging from “Boards of Directors” to “committees”, “employees” to “members”. EVERYONE with a sense of humor (club member or not) will laugh their socks off at this “must read”.

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How Now, Norm’s Tao (Comedy Fiction)

Norm's TaoHow Now, Norm’s Tao is a powerful and poignant memoir by one of the most accomplished and unique writers to grace contemporary American literature, Norm Spitzig. Far more than just an autobiography, How Now, Norm’s Tao is an inspirational, insightful and deliciously humorous probing into the essential components of “the life well-lived.” Along the way, Norm offers his legions of loyal fans “thirteen timeless core principles” that have guided and anchored his fascinating life’s journey–a baker’s dozen of pragmatic universal lessons that anyone, anywhere will find of significant value and compelling interest. As an added bonus, the book is peppered with the best of Norm’s Twitter wisdom (“Twisdom”)–nuggets of off-beat cleverness that have caused more than a few readers to chuckle uncontrollably at the most inopportune of times. Be forewarned: This groundbreaking book even dares to reveal “the secret of the universe.”

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Soul on Nice (Comedy Fiction)

Soul on NiceSoul on Nice chronicles the latest and greatest adventures of the Old Bunbury Golf Links & Reading Club’s waitress extraordinaire Esther, the highly eccentric but undeniably lovable protagonist of his previous epic works. This time Norm’s scintillating tale is truly global in scope, with Esther opening the novel zooming her merry old way to beautiful New Zealand. This titanic clash between good and evil is part playful and evocative travelogue, part staunch conservative manifesto, part clever and poignant mystery, part whimsical exposé of the madcap world of private clubs, and all treasure trove of quirky good cheer. While anyone with a decent sense of humor will surely love Norm’s latest story, readers who also understand and appreciate the fascinating world of private golf clubs will be doubly pleased.

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