Staying With It

I have been pretty consistent about posting a blog every couple weeks.  I enjoy the writing, though sometimes it is arduous, and know at least a few people read these missives.  But I have only posted once a month since January and missed May entirely.  What has happened is a rewrite of my second book: Staying With It – Reflections on Running and Aging.  At this point, it is composed of 88 essays and entries on various topics.  Many are drawn from past posts and from content in Senior Distance Running Essentials, my first  book which is published online at TheSeniorRunner.com. I have lost track of how much time I have spent on this project over the past six months.  It seems to require unlimited effort, made worse by my own tendency to revise things numerous times.  I finally hired a developmental editor and have received some good, constructive feedback, which has led to further revisions!

I am beginning to understand just how involved writing a book is.  The first book was not intended to be published, other than online. I realized offering something as broad-based as SDRE into the larger world would require graphics, permissions, etc.  Yet, I honestly think it is a useful compendium of topics and have probably given 50 printed copies to friends.  Staying With It is different.  I think it might have broader appeal. The idea came to me from reading Haruki Murakami’s memoir: What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.  Yes, he’s well know and has a captive audience.  But with due humility, I think I have something to offer to the many people in their 60s and beyond who have had running a part of their lives and want to continue that.

I’m also coming around to understanding that less can be more with a topical book. As I revise, I’m finding numerous repetitions among the essays.  Who wants to read the same points over and over, even if the words and context are slightly different.  As has been pointed out to me by a successful running author, who may be willing to write a Forward for the book, the goal is to have a product that holds sufficient interest to keep people turning the pages.  I’m not there yet, but hope I am getting closer.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of topics to blog about and it’s time to get back to that more regularly!