You Have A Story Worth Sharing
Yesterday in the lunch room at work, I was eating lunch with one of my co-workers. I was in the middle of a very busy day, and my quick lunch provided a brief opportunity to catch my breath before heading into the afternoon. We talked about work for a few minutes and about one of our customers. I was in somewhat of a zone as I thought through my morning which consisted of non-stop meetings from 7AM until 12:30PM. My co-worker turned the conversation to another subject when he asked me what I did in my free time.
I had to chuckle. This isn’t a question I get very often at work. So I asked him if he really wanted to know.
He nodded, and I proceeded to tell him that I was getting ready to release my first book.
This opened up a broader conversation. I showed him a picture of the book cover, and he began asking more questions. After several minutes, the conversation concluded with a request for an autographed copy of my book.
My book is called On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field. The book is an intersection of my love for running, my interest in writing, and my faith.
I’m learning that my book will open doors to conversations I may never have had before. I’m excited for these new opportunities. I pray I’ll be prepared and open to each new conversation and opportunity that results from the book.
You do interesting things as well. You have a story worth sharing.
Make the most of the opportunities to share your story.
You could change someone’s life!
What do you like to do in your free time? How have you made the most of the opportunities to share your story?
On Track will be sold on Amazon.com starting April 22, 2014, and there will be a special discount available for subscribers to the Stretched Newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up for the newsletter.
Ten Things I’ve Learned About Writing a Book
On Tuesday, April 22, 2014, I’ll be releasing my first book, On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field. It’s an exciting time for me as I pursue this goal and dream. I’m certainly not an expert on the whole process of writing a book, but I’ve learned some things along the way. Here’s a glimpse into what I’ve learned so far.
Ten Things I’ve Learned About Writing a Book
- Writing a book is possible. I never thought about writing a book. After all, I’m an engineer. After I started blogging, people started asking me, “When are you going to write a book?” I never thought it was possible for me. Crazy how things change. Now, I’m getting ready to release my first book project, and I have another one in the works. If it’s possible for me, it’s possible for you too!
- Writing a book is scary. Once I started thinking about writing a book, fear began to grip me. Do I really have what it takes to write a book? Will anyone really read a book I write? I guess the second question still has me wondering a bit. I also fear what people might say about my book. A little fear may be healthy, but I’m learning to have courage as I move forward with my first book project.
- Writing a book takes time. I started working on a book about short-term missions. I created an outline, and I sent it out to a few trusted friends for feedback. I received some great feedback, but I realized along the way that I needed to try something a little smaller before I ventured into this topic. I shifted gears to my current book project, On Track. It has taken time to pull everything together, to come up with new material, to proofread it, to re-write it, to re-write it again, and to get it ready for publishing. A book doesn’t just happen. It takes time to write a book.
- Writing a book takes a community. I have been so blessed to have friends and contacts who have helped me with things like cover design, editing, proofreading, and endorsements. Now, I’m developing a launch team to help with releasing the book to the public in the next few weeks. A successful book release definitely requires a community.
- Writing a book requires a thick skin. I’m learning how important it is to get honest feedback. There have been a few people who have challenged me with feedback on this project. Their feedback has required me to consider changing things like the cover or like my approach to my topic. The feedback has also forced me to reconsider things like my release date and my release strategy. As a first time author, I’m especially appreciative of the feedback – even the feedback which was hard to hear.
- Writing a book is fun. So far, I’ve had a blast with this first book project. The process has tapped into the creative side of my brain. I’m excited to see what happens in the coming weeks as my book goes public.
- Writing a book is a learning experience. I am learning new things every day about writing and publishing a book. I’ve learned about sizing for cover art. I’ve learned about the importance of editing. I’ve learned about formatting. I’m learning about ISBN. The list goes on. When I get through this experience, it feels like I could write another book just about the experience of writing a book. I’m looking forward to using what I’m learning on my next book project.
- Writing a book is addictive. Despite all the time and hard work, I’m excited to keep going. For me, there is something therapeutic about writing, and another book project seems like a natural next step.
- Writing a book provides new opportunities. When people hear that I’m writing a book, they have a lot of questions. My book project has provided many new opportunities for conversation. I get to share with people about my book. I share what it’s about. I share why I wrote it. As the book approaches the release date in April, I’m sure I’ll have more opportunities. This is exciting!
- Writing a book is not what it’s all about. From the list above, you would think that this is all I do and all I think about. While the book writing process has consumed a lot of my time and thoughts, it’s not the only thing. I’m learning that it’s important to keep the whole process in perspective. Life is still happening around me, and I need to participate. Writing at times can suck you in. It will consume you if you let it. While there is definitely a need for concentrated efforts when you are writing a book, it is also important to stay in touch with the rest of your life while you write. I have a wife and two kids. I don’t want to miss out on them and their activities. If you plan to write a book, you have to find your balance.
Have you ever thought about writing a book? What’s holding you back from writing your book?
Or have you ever written a book? What have you learned about writing a book?
On Track will be sold on Amazon.com, and there will be a special discount available for subscribers to the Stretched Newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.
On Track Book Launch Update
On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field is coming together. I wanted to give you a little update on the launch.
The book front cover design is complete, and the editor returned the manuscript to me on Friday. In addition, the book has picked up a few endorsements. Here is what people are saying so far about On Track:
“This small book packs a big punch. When Jon writes about his races, I feel as though I am there. He draws me in and then promptly gives me a life lesson to take away. Whether you’re an athlete now, have one hidden inside, or have never so much as laced up your running shoes, read Jon’s book to discover how to get your life ‘on track.’” Matt McWilliams, entrepreneur, leadership guru, author of The Power of Gratitude (www.mattmcwilliams.com)
“This well-written, easy-to-read book is a great reference for any runner. But it’s so much more. Jon Stolpe teaches us great strategies for winning the race, both on and off the track. This little book is packed with lessons for runners and lessons for a life of faith. Take an hour to read this book. I guarantee that you’ll be motivated to run the good race.” Dan Erickson, musician, teacher, author of A Train Called Forgiveness and At The Crossing Of Justice and Mercy (www.danerickson.net)
“I have known Jon for over 7 years, and followed his blog since its start. I find his unique perspective on life so very intriguing, and refreshing. It is not often that you find a writer who integrates his faith, his hobbies, his family – his life – into his writing. ‘Get out and live your life’ is not just a catchy quote from his book. Jon shares how life can be lived as a race that can be run at your own speed, but it’s a race you need never run alone. With his faith out in front, On Track, is a great example of how to live a life with God right by your side. No matter if you are starting, finishing or just trying to get in the race, you will find something inspiring to take with you.” Diane Karchner, Life Coach, author of Losing the Mask (www.dianekarchner.com)
“Jon is a runner. At times a reluctant runner, but that’s what makes On Track so enjoyable. It’s not a book written by someone who never struggles or has all the answers. It’s a book written by a real person who has learned a thing or two about how similar a relationship with God is to running. Jon includes great quotes, Biblical insight, and personal experience into a book that can speak to the seasoned or rookie runners in life.” Rob Shepherd, pastor, author of Even If You Were Perfect Someone Would Crucify You (www.robshep.com)
I’m excited and anxious to release the book. I had originally planned to launch the book on Monday, March 31, 2014. After careful consideration and timely advice, I’m moving the launch date back to Tuesday, April 22, 2014. This will provide more opportunity to strategically release the book. If you’d like to be part of my launch team and pick up a preview copy of the book, let me know. You can e-mail me at jon@jonstolpe.com, and I will send out a preview copy to you later this week. I am looking for people who can read the book, write a review on Amazon.com and possibly on their blog the week of April 21-27, 2014, and promote the book to their friends, family, and social media contacts.
On Track will be sold on Amazon.com, and there will be a special discount available for subscribers to the Stretched Newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.
Thank You Thursday – Writing Your Acknowledgements Page
As I finalize my first book which I’m hoping will be released on March 31, I’m finalizing the acknowledgements portion of the book. For any author, this is place where we write a thank you note to those who have made a book project possible. There are many people I’ll be thanking (you’ll have to pick up a copy of the book though to read the list).
The exercise of writing acknowledgments is a great way to appreciate others. I’m learning it’s a little harder than one might think to write this section of a book. I want to make sure I thank the people who really made it happen, and I certainly don’t want to miss anyone. If I really think about it, I could probably fill a book with thank you notes for people who have made a difference in my life. (Maybe that’s an idea for another book in the future.)
Next week is the final week of the 90 Day Thank You Note Challenge. Before we close out the challenge, I’d like to challenge you to write an acknowledgement section for your future book. Use the time to express your gratitude for those who have changed your world for the better. When you’re done, make a copy of your acknowledgements and send it out to those you appreciate. I think you’ll make someone’s day.
Share a few sentences from your acknowledgements in the comments below.
Stay tuned for more details about the release of On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field. I’ll be posting more information in the coming days.
Book Project – Learning To Release / A Call For Your Help
Last week, I posted on the blog asking people to Help Me Pick A Book Cover Design. Traffic spiked on this day as people responded with their thoughts, encouragement, and criticism. I’m discovering courage is required when launching book ideas into the public. I received so many comments. Mostly, I received encouragement. Some readers offered constructive feedback on how the designs could be better. And I even had a couple of people submit their own design ideas.
Honestly, I wasn’t prepared for the deluge of feedback. I’m glad I put it out there for the “world” to see. And I’m thankful everyone responded. It was so helpful, but I just wasn’t quite ready for the variety of responses. I’m naturally a people-pleaser, so I am cursed with wanting to make everyone happy. I don’t think this is possible. Everyone has their own perspective and preferences.
I’m starting to realize the importance of writing and publishing for me first and then for everyone else. Obviously, I want my writing to challenge people and even be well received, but this won’t always happen.
I am getting ready to launch my first book project. If all goes well, On Track – Life Lessons From The Track & Field will be released by the end of the month. There’s a natural tendency to hold onto it until it’s perfect, but I’m learning I need to let go and release it; otherwise, I will fall into the trap of failing to ship.
On Track takes a spectator’s perspective from the athletic field to the classroom of life. Each chapter takes a look at a certain aspect of the track and field world and translates it to everyday life. From the practice field and the starting blocks to the finish line, we can all learn important lessons from the track for living and running the best race possible.
Here’s where I could use your help:
- Pray for me. I’d really appreciate your prayers. I want my writing to glorify God. Pray I’d stay focused on finishing up this project. Pray I’d release it. Pray that it would stretch people.
- I’m looking for some people to read and review the book. You don’t have to be a track athlete to get something out of this book. I think it has something for everyone. At this time, I’m looking for the reviews to be posted on March 31st. If you’re interested in reading and reviewing the book, leave a comment, send me an e-mail at jon@jonstolpe.com, or fill out the contact form below, so we can connect. If you are up for this opportunity, I’ll send you an advance copy a week ahead of time.
These two things will push me to the finish. I appreciate your help!
What keeps you on track towards finishing a goal or project? What project are you working on now? How can I encourage you to keep going?
Special thanks to John Noonan of True Blue Media for the incredible cover design. I’m looking for an editor who can read over the manuscript prior to release. If you can help, let me know.
10 Steps To Make Your Dream A Reality
What do you dream about?
Not at night. What do you dream about during the day?
If you’re like me, you have many thoughts, ideas, and dreams that come and go without becoming real. What’s stopping you from making your dreams a reality?
I’m working on a book project (my first book project), and I’m learning a lot along the way. This weekend, my project took an important step as I move towards realizing this dream. I finished an outline for the book idea. For me, this was important because it meant getting thoughts out of my head and onto paper in an organized structure. Hitting this milestone has taught me a lot about processing our dreams and getting feedback. Whether you’re writing a book, building a business, or chasing another dream, it’s helpful to process and to get feedback. In today’s post, I offer some ideas worth following as you chase your own dream.
10 Steps To Make Your Dream A Reality
- Process your idea first. It’s important you have put some thought into your idea before you do anything else. Part of this could involve prayer. And a major part this involves time. I’ve been thinking about the idea for a book for a while. This month I finally put some solid time into praying and processing my idea. I wrote down a lot of notes. I talked it over with myself before I shared it with anyone else. Before you waste someone’s time with your idea, make sure you put in time of your own.
- Talk about your idea with some close friends and advisers. Share your idea with them. Does your idea make sense to them? Can you explain your idea fairly easily. You should be able to describe your main idea in a few sentences without going into all the detail. For my book project, I talked to my wife, to a good friend, and to a couple other select people to see if my idea made any sense to them. In each of these cases, they gave me things to think about in taking my project more seriously.
- Process your idea again. This is important. What did you learn through the first two steps? Take time to write it down. For my project, this is when I wrote an outline for my book idea. The end product make look very different, but an outline provides an opportunity to get into more detail, to determine your potential structure, and for discovering any roadblocks. For my book project, I spent a couple of solid afternoons adding to my outline. I wanted to do this before I sent the outline out for more feedback.
- Develop a review team list. This shouldn’t be real long. The list should contain people who you trust to give you honest feedback. They should be people who have some expertise in the area of executing your idea. For my project, I chose ten people who have experience in book writing and/or short-term missions.
- Ask a select few to review your idea. Before you assume those on your review team list will have the time to look at your idea (or outline, in my case), you should ask them. This could involve an email or a phone call. Your message or conversation should include a brief description of your project, an explanation of what you need from them, and a deadline for when you want their feedback. For my book outline review team, I sent out an email message to my list. I explained what I was working on and how they might fit into the project. And I asked them if interested and available to provide feedback in one week. I did not include the book outline with my message. I only sent the book outline to those who replied with a willingness to help.
- Be open to the feedback. This may be one of the hardest parts. You send your idea to others for feedback. Now, you have to accept the feedback. People will have all kinds of ideas. Keep a record of these thoughts and ideas. They will help you! You must remember this. Iron sharpens iron. So far, I’ve gotten some great feedback on my book outline. I’m so thankful for people in my life who are willing to step in an constructively critique.
- Process again. It seems like this is a common theme here. Once you get the feedback, you need to process (and pray) again. What will you do with the feedback. Filtering is a healthy aspect to this. You may use the feedback or you may not use the feedback. You have the choice. In my case, I’m still reviewing the feedback and processing. I’m realizing I have a lot to think about. What is my expectation for my book project? Why am I writing the book? Who do I want to read my book? I’d appreciate your prayers as I journey through this step.
- Move forward. Once you’ve processed the feedback, make a decision on the direction you are going and keep moving. One of the reasons I asked for feedback within a week is that I do not want to lose momentum. I want to keep moving ahead with my project. Don’t give up (unless the feedback tells you too)! I know there’s a lot of work ahead in executing my idea, but I’m excited to keep writing and to move ahead.
- Thank your feedback team. It goes without saying that people who help you process an idea deserve some thanks. I plan to do this through hand-written thank you notes (of course) and a mention in the final product.
- Go back to step 1 and do it again. Our ideas and projects involve several iterations of processing, review, and feedback. Keep leaning into these steps. I’m excited to see where this journey leads me in realizing the dream of a book. I know I will need to process again, and I’ll definitely need the feedback of others.
What steps would you add to this list? What has helped you make your dreams a reality?
Book Idea…Moving Ahead…Asking For Help
If you happen to follow me on Facebook, you may have seen a couple of status updates from me over the past couple of weeks about writing a book and talking to book publishers. I’ve learned a lot the past two weeks about the whole process by talking to a couple of friends who have navigated the book writing/publishing journey for themselves. And I’m hoping to tap into more people in the coming days and weeks as I move down this road.
I thought it might be helpful to share my early ideas with you. I’d love to get some feedback from you as I value your thoughts and opinions as part of The Stretched Community.
I want to help Christian “couch potatoes” to understand the value of moving outside their comfort zone, so they can live a life worth living. Specifically, I hope my own leap of faith, short-term mission trip story will inspire others to take similar leaps of faith. In my book, I’ll share practical tips for moving off the couch and into the mission field of life.
This is a work in progress, but it’s a start I wanted to share with all of you.
Now, here’s where you come in. I’d love to get your thoughts, ideas, and questions about this topic to help me focus my ideas.
What do you need to know about short-term missions?
What do you want to know about my short-term missions story?
What specifically would make this a book you just have to read and share with others?
Does this sound like something that would interest you?
Do you have any advice for a first time book writer like myself?
Seriously, I would like to hear your feedback. Leave a comment with your thoughts.
Thanks!
Chatting With A Book Publisher
I just talked to a book publisher on my way home from work. There are a lot of questions running around in my head. Would any of you read a book written by yours truly? Also, if you’ve ever written a book, what advice do you have for me?
The Stretched Blog Visits DanErickson.net
You may have noticed that this week’s Ice Breaker was moved to Thursday. Today, I have the honor of guest posting for my friend Dan Erickson. Dan lives in the state of Washington, and we had the blessing of meeting each other this summer when he traveled to the east coast with his daughter to visit family and to visit NYC. In my post titled Connecting Through Writing, I share about the connection I’ve found through my writing. Here’s a glimpse of my post:
Connecting Through Writing
I never thought I would have a passion for writing.
It’s not that I was terrible at it. I survived four years of Honors English in high school (I actually did okay). But my interest was always more towards math and science. My love for these two subjects led me to a college degree in mechanical engineering and a career in the engineering and construction field.
I had no idea that writing would become such an important part of my life. Writing has actually become a discipline that I look forward to each day.
I’ve been blogging for over six years. And I’ve started dreaming and planning to write a book (or two or three someday).
What has amazed me the most about writing is its ability to connect people. (Click here to read the rest.)
How has writing changed your world? How has writing resulted in new connections for you?
Writing About Guatemala
Why do I write so much about Guatemala?
This is a great question. I haven’t done the math, but I’m sure a large percentage of my posts before and after our trip to Guatemala last month have focused on this trip. Here are some reasons:
- Guatemala STRETCHED me! This blog is all about processing my stretch marks. There is so much to process when you embark on a trip like this. I’ll continue to write about the trip as long as it keeps stretching me.
- I don’t want to forget what I experienced in Guatemala. As I get older, my memory doesn’t work as well. Writing about our trip to Guatemala helps to preserve my memory.
- My experience in Guatemala is worth sharing (at least I think so). What makes my story different from the story that others have to share? It’s my story. While my trip may be similar to others who have gone to Guatemala – who even went on the same trip, it’s a little different, because we all come in with a little different perspective. I love reading about other people’s trips to far away lands, and I hope you’ll find my story worth reading.
- A short-term missions trip can be momentary, or it can be lasting. I want my trip to be lasting. I want to continue to have an impact in Guatemala even when I can’t be there in person. Writing about our trip gives me an opportunity to share the stories of those we met and fell in love with in Guatemala. And at some point, it may provide an opportunity to provide more financially to help the orphans and widows.
- A book. Yes, I’m thinking about it. I’ve had several people ask me when I’m going to write a book. It’s flattering and a little scary. Would others people read it? The blog provides a place for me to explore some of these thoughts. Perhaps, the blog is even a rough draft for book material. What do you think?
- I hope my trip will challenge you. I write the stretched blog with a hope and prayer that I might stretch others. Whether I’m sharing about faith, family, leadership, or Guatemala, I want my words to be encouraging, challenging, inspiring, and STRETCHING. I hope my story of Guatemala will challenge you to do something of significance for the people of Guatemala. Maybe this means sponsoring a child in Xenacoj (more on that in a future post). Maybe this means praying for the orphans and widows of this poor community. Maybe this means reaching out to me to find other ways to help in Guatemala. Maybe this means going with me to Guatemala on a future trip. I’m not sure how my story will impact you, but I hope and pray that you will respond to the tug on your heart and the calling on your soul. Don’t just read about my trip to Guatemala – DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
I’ll continue to write about other things that are stretching me, but Guatemala will continue to have a place here on The Stretched Blog.
What do you think? Are you tired of Guatemala? Would you read a book about Guatemala written by me? What topic (besides Guatemala) are you dying to hear from me? Why do you write about the things you write about?