Sikeston native pens his first fiction book

SIKESTON — Sikeston native Tim J. Culbertson recently took his first spin at writing a book developed from his interest in movies as a child.

Culbertson, who is the youngest of five children, said he has always enjoyed reading about celebrities’ lives and watching movies which ultimately led to him writing, “And The Oscar Goes To,” a fictional book that incorporates true facts about the Oscars.

The book, which was officially published July 19 by Book Writing Pioneer, is filled with Oscar trivia coupled with a fictional story about six people and their 40-year friendship working behind the scenes in Hollywood, fulfilling their dreams leading up to its greatest night, according to Culbertson.

Culbertson tells the story of six friends who meet by chance at a studio commissary and bond over their common experiences and goals in Hollywood.

The book follows them as they navigate the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, attending Oscar ceremonies, traveling to exotic locations and dealing with life-changing events.

“The book is really about their hopes and dreams,” Culbertson said. “And they get to meet celebrities throughout the book.”

Structured into 41 chapters, the book with each focusing on a different aspect of the Oscars. The chapters discuss the evolution of award categories, notable winners and losers, behind-the-scenes stories, and the Oscars’ cultural impact.

Culbertson said the chapters chronologically document the evolution of the awards and the milestones reached over the decades.

Culbertson, who is the son of the late Ed and Jane Culbertson and stepson of Nedria Culbertson Brock, attended Southeast Missouri State University where he graduated in 1982 with a degree in education with a concentration in library sciences. In 1986, he moved to Dallas, Texas, where he still lives today.

According to Culbertson, since he is retired, he has some free time and has always enjoyed movies, so he thought he would write about them.

“I’ve been a movie fan all my life,” Culbertson said. “And I just desired to write something about the movies, especially the Academy Awards. I watch the Academy Awards every year they are on.”

“And the Oscar Goes To” is available for purchase from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.