Big Plans, Vaguely Hinted At
At the beginning of this year, I hinted at taking some risks in 2010 — at leaving my comfort zone. Today I want to tell you a little more, and ask for your patience and support.
For 2010, there are three big projects I want to do. And while it’s probably unwise for me to announce something before I have anything to reveal, well…wisdom’s never been my thing. So:
Project 1: Fight Cancer More Personally
I of course plan to ramp up Team Fatty for another big year with the LiveStrong Challenge, but I’ve been thinking a lot about what I’ve learned from Susan’s battle with cancer, and how others who have been caretakers similarly learn a lot during these fights. This post from back in September got me to thinking: I would love to collect stories and tips from other caretakers in some kind of online forum, interview people in greater depth, and then publish what I’ve learned.
A “Caretaker’s Companion,” essentially.
I probably sound like I’ve got a delusions of grandeur problem when I say this (although not only when I say this), but I think this is the best idea I have ever had. Something that could really help the people who take it upon themselves to walk the path of cancer treatment with a loved one.
And it is something I really know and understand.
Project 2: Write Something Big and Fun
I’ve mentioned before that I wanted to write a book. What I didn’t mention is that I actually finished a proposal, shopped it around, and got no takers. And looking back now, I think everyone was right to not take that proposal. It was about too many things and had no arc to it.
So I’m working on another proposal now. It doesn’t have the failings of the previous proposal. It’s about one thing, and the very premise promises a big arc. Also, it’s something I think a lot of people will enjoy reading, and I know it’s something I can make into a very fun — yet, amazingly, informative — book.
There are a couple of big issues with this proposal, though:
- If the proposal is accepted, writing the book won’t be easy. Because the research — yes, research! — and preparation for it will consume my life. And then there’s the writing.
- Even getting the proposal finished is turning out to be a lot of work. Which is where my first request for support comes in. I want to get this proposal done, which means I need to write a sample chapter that goes with it. Which means I need to spend time with it. And I don’t have a huge amount of time. The obvious answer is for me to, for a couple weeks, blog a little less so I have more time to finish this proposal. Essentially, I think I’ll post on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday each week, giving me four days each week to use the time I’d usually work on the blog to work on the proposal instead. So I’m asking for your patience while I do that.
I know, I know: I haven’t said a word here about what this proposal’s actually about. And I can’t, at least not yet. I can tell you, however, that it’s the kind of book you’d expect from me, and the kind of book I’ll enjoy writing.
Project 3: A Best of Fat Cyclist Book
In a few months, I will have been writing this blog for five years. I think, during that time, I’ve written probably close to 2500 pages. Out of that, there’s probably enough good material to make a 250-page book. What I’m thinking of doing is the following:
- Organize my favorite posts by topic (How-To, Fake News, Epic Rides, Fighting Cancer, for example)
- Introduce and annotate each post, giving background on where different posts came from, additional thoughts and nonsense that didn’t make the cut when I wrote the post, and stuff like that.
- Include favorite comments for each post.
- Self-publish the book, making it available on a pre-order basis.
I kinda have my fingers crossed that this book will be what makes it financially possible for me to work on the other two projects. Which may be wildly optimistic and naive of me, but “optimistic and naive” has worked pretty well as a life philosophy for me so far.
Other Things Are Afoot
When I wrote my New Year’s post and said it felt like a year to take risks, I meant it. However, I expected to take those risks while still trying to keep the status quo intact.
Non-risky risks, if you get my point.
Since then, my status quo has been shaken in a couple of big ways. I won’t go into either right now, but I will tell you that one is public knowledge if you know where to look, and the other wouldn’t be a very difficult guess to make.
So status quo is out the door. In a lot of ways. And I’m looking forward to doing some things I’ve wanted to do my whole life.
In short, 2009 sort of grabbed me by the throat and took me for a ride. With any luck, I’ll repay the favor with 2010.
As you might expect, I’ll write about here as I go through it. In excruciating detail, and with excessive use of em-dashes and parenthetical comments.
PS: Does it sound like I’m having a midlife crisis or what?
Comment by NYCCarlos | 01.13.2010 | 2:25 pm
Sounds great dude. What about getting a guest post up on Wednesdays? Is that a possibility?
Comment by Blinddrew | 01.13.2010 | 2:32 pm
Just going briefly onto the previous post, but don’t let all those nay-sayers put you off. I did the budapest marathon in 4:13 on no training at all. that’s right, no training at all. I hadn’t run for a year and had been injured for the previous 10 weeks. You’ve mentioned your ability to just grind it out on the hills, do the same on the run. You’ll be fine. trust me.
Comment by Sasha | 01.13.2010 | 2:40 pm
Yay! I love it! :) I’m on board and fully in support! One area you might touch on for caregivers is what about the kids that are affected. I think a chapter or two included in your caregiver book would be very appreciated by future caregivers. How did you balance the kids and their needs with Susans, esp. those last few, very hard months. Just a thought.
Also, please put me on the list to buy all three books. I don’t need the first yet, but might someday, who knows (I am a cancer survivor, but my treatment was simple and no chemo or radiation needed thank God).
If you need any help, proofing a chapter or whatnot, let me know. I’m a journalism grad and writing is my daily life at work (cept, the not so fun kind – proposals). I’d concentrate on grammar, etc. Content wouldn’t be something I’d feel comfortable messing with unless requested. Want to help you get those books out so I can buy them! No pressure though. ;-)
I can make do with 3 blogs a week with a minimum of whining. I am a princess, but understand the world doesn’t revolve around me (at least your world doesn’t – Ha!). I could even wean myself to 1x per week if you needed the time. Just don’t make me go longer than a week. I was checking your blog everyday over your Christmas/New Year’s break.
I know you’ll have hundreds of supporters. I love it that you are allowing us on the ride with you! What fun! Woo hoo! FLS RLF (Fight Like Susan, Run Like Fatty)
Comment by Sasha | 01.13.2010 | 2:42 pm
Just saw NYCCarlo’s request for a guest post. Would The Runner be interested in writing something for us ladies? Would love to hear her view on running and cycling. :) Just a thought. Still think the bet needs to be how much faster The Runner will finish the marathon. :)
Comment by Dave | 01.13.2010 | 2:51 pm
If you are going to self-publish, I’d look at lulu.com. They seem to have a pretty neat model.
Comment by Juanita | 01.13.2010 | 2:51 pm
Are you pregnant?
Comment by Dan | 01.13.2010 | 2:55 pm
I’ll second what Dave said. Lulu.com is a great setup for self-publishing. They’ve been around for a long time and have a great reputation.
Comment by Todd | 01.13.2010 | 2:55 pm
I second The Runner doing a guest post maybe she could even get a spin-off blog going called Cool Running or The Hot Runner Who Likes The Fat Cyclist.
Comment by Chad | 01.13.2010 | 2:56 pm
I already have both of your forthcoming books on my Amazon wish list.
Comment by duane | 01.13.2010 | 2:58 pm
What Fatty is pregnant?! You are an amazing guy.
Yes, you are having a mid life crisis. I am 41 one this year – about to change careers in a major way. I am in the best shape of my life. If I can avoid the H1N1(unlike last year) I will do a 70.3 race. Enjoy the ride.
Comment by bikemike | 01.13.2010 | 3:05 pm
a little bit of common sense and a lot of chocolate will help you through all of this.
Comment by James | 01.13.2010 | 3:08 pm
My guess at the guessable one: at the team camp, LA invited you to join the LAF.
If it hasn’t happened yet, it will.
Comment by Gil Middlebrooks | 01.13.2010 | 3:12 pm
I thought the Runner was a great cover for Fatty’s secret crush on Chris Horner. Talk about your status quo shakeup!
That’s my take on the “guessable one”
Comment by boxhead (from oz) | 01.13.2010 | 3:13 pm
Go for it Fatty. I reckon you’ll be shipping more than a few of those books to Australia.
Comment by Joel P. | 01.13.2010 | 3:15 pm
I would think that your Fatty family will be behind you 100% in all your 2010 endeavors. Go for it as you usually full out. I also will be waiting for your books to come out.
Joel P.
P.S. If you are pregnant have you thought of a name yet?
Comment by shaun | 01.13.2010 | 3:24 pm
I’ll order the “best of” book. (Sounds like you lost your day job. If so, sorry, and what a way to make the best of it!)
Comment by Lisa | 01.13.2010 | 3:25 pm
Fatty,
Great news. Follow your dreams. As far as publishing, check out http://www.sethgodin.com He has published many great books, including some free e-books and has found that it has come back to him in incredible ways.
Consider getting a shorter free e-book out there as a teaser with an invitation for donations or contributions if they found the book useful etc. It will also get you in the eyes of publishers etc. you might not otherwise come across.
Will miss your regular posts but when what I call “mid-life crisis of opportunity calls” ya gotta do what you gotta do.
Just don’t keep us in suspense about the non-status quo changes aside from The Runner who we know is going to go the distance.
Second the suggestion that The Runner do a guest post or joint post with you. Maybe a Fatty Said/Runner Said banter would be fun.
Rock on!
Comment by Fat Cathy | 01.13.2010 | 3:40 pm
“I won’t go into either right now, but I will tell you that one is public knowledge if you know where to look”
Ouch. I looked and if I’m right, well, ouch. But you know, sometimes life just kicks you in the butt to make you go down some new paths.
Oh yeah, and congrats on being pregnant.
Comment by Bob | 01.13.2010 | 3:40 pm
Crisis? No. You already had that. This is a turning point. An unexpected turn in the trail, which I’m sure you will continue with the same energy you’ve always had.
Comment by Kathleen Lisson | 01.13.2010 | 3:40 pm
Good luck on publishing the book! Will we get an opportunity to purchased personalized copies?
I would love to see a chapter on advice for kids handling cancer in the family from adults that went through the same thing as children. For example – my mom had breast cancer since I was 9 and died when I was 20. As an adult, what is my advice to children that are handling a similar situation.
Kathleen Lisson
Comment by Nick | 01.13.2010 | 4:03 pm
Boo on fewer posts. That means there will be 2 full work days without being entertained. Boo. I’m a selfish jerk, I know. Good luck.
Comment by KK | 01.13.2010 | 4:04 pm
Does this mean we won’t be team mates at that company that bought that other company? Oh well… but we’ll always have Philly. Press on, Fatty!
Comment by David Hendry | 01.13.2010 | 4:07 pm
Young punks think just cause they hit forty they can have a crisis.
Just set 100 years as the age you want to live to and then you can postpone the crisis for another decade.
I’m up to looking for 140 now so I can put my own crisis off.
Comment by Mike Roadie | 01.13.2010 | 4:10 pm
I am so confused…………..
Comment by MattC | 01.13.2010 | 4:13 pm
David…I hear ya! If I were to have a midlife crisis (and I live to be 100) then it would happen THIS freakin year! So I have also decided to go to at least 120. That means I’m still a whipper-snapper!
Sad news on the less-posting Fatty…but if it means we get your first book sooner, then so be it. Ya’ gotta have priorities. I have been wondering when you sleep these last few years. You seem to be able to do more than most…puttin’ 10 lbs of stuff in a 5 lb sock on a daily basis if you will.
Comment by Marlys | 01.13.2010 | 4:17 pm
I will miss you doing few posts but certainly un derstand and believe you should follow what your heart tells you to do.
Most of our lives have been touched by cancer in one way or another. You have my support in pursuing your writing. When it is ready, I will gladly buy one!
Comment by BrindiCruiser | 01.13.2010 | 4:38 pm
Get into the new stuff. Good luck.
Comment by Tina Z | 01.13.2010 | 4:40 pm
You need to work seriously on the first idea, that’s your real book (and maybe actually is since we don’t know)! I think through your experience w/ Susan, your ability to reach out to others (and increased knowledge base as a result), and your constant writing that book idea will translate into a beautiful and very popular finished product (and it could include aspects of your blog as part of your own “case study” as a caretaker).
Comment by Metric Jason | 01.13.2010 | 4:44 pm
I predict #2 is about you preparing for and racing the Great Divide Race/Tour Divide. That would be awesome! Of course if that’s not it, I’m sure your actual idea will be even better. No pressure internet blog superstar.
Comment by TomE | 01.13.2010 | 5:14 pm
Just googled Elden Nelson and came up with this – http://www.eldennelson.com/. Is the secret that you are going to grow your hair back?!?!?!
Comment by Jeff | 01.13.2010 | 5:17 pm
Midlife crisis? PFFT! I go through one of those every 18 months.
Comment by Sasha | 01.13.2010 | 5:44 pm
Hee hee TomE, I googled and found the same website http://www.eldennelson.com/. :) I thought it might be kinda old cause I thought Elden was in UT and his resume site lists WA…
Comment by Doominator | 01.13.2010 | 5:52 pm
Fatty, I love reading your blog soo much. I must check my reader at least 3-4 times a day. That being said, I think I can limit my reading to 3 times a week if the end result is a book. Good luck in 2010!
Comment by bobbie | 01.13.2010 | 5:58 pm
I think your idea for a “caretakers guide” is a FABULOUS idea!! Go for it!!!
I could handle 3x a week on the blog,or even just once a week ~
As for your other projects ~ good on ‘yer!
And about your little secrets ~ I’m thinking I know what they might just be, and all I have to say is YAY!!!
Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 01.13.2010 | 6:08 pm
I love all of your ideas! Acquisitions are great for giving us all a kick in the behind sometimes. Change is never fun at the time but I’ve always been happier popping out at the other end. Way to embrace it!
Comment by Val | 01.13.2010 | 6:33 pm
I love your blog because many of your posts remind me of the articles (and books) of Lewis Grizzard. You might want to read Chili Dawgs Always Bark at night (http://www.amazon.com/Chili-Dawgs-Always-Bark-Night/dp/0345367081) He was a syndicated columnist and his books are compililations of his articles — much like you and your blog. Good luck!
Comment by Philly Jen | 01.13.2010 | 6:34 pm
If you are already thinking about self-publishing, then please do not forget:
Project N: Complete the final chapter of Susan’s YA novel. Self-publish, and release through pre-order.
*************
And now for something completely different…
Re: Fartlek
“I do not think it means what you think it means.”
Comment by Rocky | 01.13.2010 | 6:35 pm
Fatty, don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to do your research and write your books while you’re laid up after the marathon!
Comment by Dobovedo | 01.13.2010 | 6:49 pm
If this were a mid-life crisis, you would have already financed a Porsche based on the book royalties you haven’t yet received on the deal you haven’t signed, and made the downpayment by borrowing against your kids’ college fund, intending to pay it back with a huge advance you’ll never get.
Comment by Jenni Laurita | 01.13.2010 | 6:50 pm
I too think it’s the Great Divide.
And go on with your writing self. As long as you show up for the LiveStrong rides this year, I’m good.
Comment by RyanT | 01.13.2010 | 6:52 pm
Sure hope your new books are better than the last one I got by you. Some technical manual for Word Perfect (I think), truly forgetable. I didn’t get past the first page. Good Luck!
Comment by Charisa | 01.13.2010 | 6:56 pm
Shaking things up is ALWAYS good. Might not seem so at the time, but in the end things work themselves out. Hope you have lots of great new opportunities present themselves to you in 2010.
Comment by gail | 01.13.2010 | 7:15 pm
Good for you! Can’t wait to see how things develop, but I know it will be great!
Comment by Global_explorer | 01.13.2010 | 7:32 pm
Yes.
Comment by Meg | 01.13.2010 | 7:39 pm
Fatty, all three of your ideas sound excellent. I’m mostly a lurker here, but I thought I would throw this out there:
I’m an English professor and professional copy editor, and I would be glad to edit (for free) anything you are putting out. I’ve never been able to donate as much money as I’d like to your LiveStrong team, so I’d be glad to donate my time on a project for a good cause.
So. If you need a copy editor, send an email my way and I’ll gladly help.
Comment by Michael in TN | 01.13.2010 | 7:40 pm
Wait, what? I’m so confused. Where do I look? Are you talking about the Runner?
Fat Cathy – where did you look?
Comment by bubbaseadog | 01.13.2010 | 7:58 pm
i think the fat man and the skinny runner are going to merge into one family this year which could turn into another book on its own. too many blank pages need to be filled but by this time next year chapter and verse complete.good luck with the book so many are waiting for that help/
Comment by Heidi | 01.13.2010 | 8:15 pm
Any naysaying reaction regarding running the marathon can be attributed to your erudite mastery of the English language. You CONVINCED us you weren’t ready. That’s how great a writer you are. Go forth and be wildly successful. (But if you don’t want us to disagree, don’t write so well!)
Comment by matt | 01.13.2010 | 8:27 pm
I like the guest post idea – have the runner contribute! I’m sure she can take a few friendly jabs at you to give us another perspective on who you really are… :) :)
Comment by R. Walker | 01.13.2010 | 8:47 pm
Not a midlife crisis, but I’m familiar with the crisis involved. Just don’t jump out of any planes!
And good luck!
Comment by Zed | 01.13.2010 | 9:04 pm
“one is public knowledge if you know where to look”
Okay, I give. Uncle. Where do I find this mysterious “public information”?
Comment by joanne | 01.13.2010 | 9:21 pm
You probably as it is made good amt of money through the popping ads running on your blog and other shwag u got free through bike companies. Why a book now? Pointless idea in my view.
Interesting trivia fact: I would make more if, instead of writing this blog, I spent the same amount of time working at McDonalds. – FC
Comment by jill | 01.13.2010 | 9:50 pm
I think the self-published book is a great idea.
If you need help with the book layout and design, let me know. I too am willing to volunteer a little time, although I don’t have a ton to spare myself. Can’t wait to see what other adventures/projects are coming down the pipe!
Comment by Jennifer | 01.13.2010 | 10:09 pm
Please take a deep breath. I know you want to fling open the doors to the world, but I’m begging you to fling your arms around your (YOUR!) family.
I watched my mom go through the same “crisis” after my dad died of cancer, on almost the same time frame and with the same wild abandon and breakneck pace.
Please spend Wednesday and Friday on your kids. Choose one book to write. One. Blog two days a week. Play with your kids. Read to your kids. Ride with your kids. They are more important than we are.
Slow. Down.
You’ve been burning the candle at both ends for so long, that now that you can finally just burn one end it feels unbearable and uncomfortable. You pile on more and more into your life so you can continue to burn both ends.
I hate to be the party pooper, but I’ve seen this rebound effect in my family and in my patients.
Spend your time with your kids. Your fans understand. Never put projects ahead of people.
Comment by Jenn | 01.13.2010 | 10:30 pm
I don’t think it’s a crisis – I think your plans all sound like a lot of fun. The Caretaker’s Companion I think sounds especially important and I know it would be an amazing and probably really needed thing for folks who have to suffer like you have. I think the Divide sounds like a possibility and I too wonder if you are pregnant.
Comment by Alyson | 01.13.2010 | 10:41 pm
I would buy ANY book you write…and especially “Best of…”!! You are a very gifted writer.
I too have looked everywhere for this secret information, and only came up with you with hair…uggg. Fatty, you are a very handsome man and have no need of facial hair at all!!!! Please don’t ever grow it again.:-)
With regards to Jennifers comment above….unfort. I too experienced a Mom who went headfirst into life after my Dad died of lung & throat cancer, when I was 12yrs old. Dad had been ill for 3 years and Mom was only in her mid 40’s when he died. As a 12 yr old, I had to stand by and watch my Mom go spiralling thru embracing life, the quick arrival of a new step-dad, 5 step brothers, the departure of said step family, and rock bottom alcoholism. I lost my Mom the day my Dad died.
As an adult, my husband & I almost did the same thing 5 yrs ago when we lost our 23yr old son to brain cancer. Because of what I had been through as a child, I was able to pull us back and ensure that we focused on our other child, giving him the security he deserved. It was hard & it hurt but I hope we did it.
So now that I have totally bummed you out:-) Everybody is different and everyone handles grief differently. You seem to be an awesome Dad, so I am sure that whatever you are up to, you have put your children needs first. I don’ think you could write the way you do if you were not a truly giving human being.
Midlife crise ~ nah..supposedly only counts if you buy a Porche and date a 21yr old stripper!! :-)Otherwise they happen every few years and are normal & healthy!
Get working on the books’ Hun! And please leave more info on where that damn info lies ~ old ladies don’t have a lot of time left for searching for unknown things!! hee hee
Comment by Big Mike In Oz | 01.13.2010 | 10:43 pm
There is no midlife crisis without an expensive convertible and a cheap hairpiece.
Comment by AngieG | 01.13.2010 | 10:45 pm
FC-You are not having a midlife crisis. You are doing what comes natural to all of us…moving on.
Thanks for allowing us to share the ride with you.
The book ideas are wonderful and as your friends, we will all be here to support.
Comment by MVSC | 01.13.2010 | 10:57 pm
MergerSmergerKickintheButt. (though they do have a decent NYSE ticker symbol). I think this is a great opportunity to do what Fatty does best – whatever that is!
Comment by Sasha | 01.13.2010 | 10:58 pm
OMW. People never cease to amaze me with their complete and utter lack of human decency on a blog.
Joanne and RyanT, please do not visit this site ever again unless you have something positive to say or give constructive criticism and NO judgement please. Save that for small-minded blogs.
And don’t let the proverbial door hit you in the @$$ on the way out. I’m positive I’m not alone in my assessment. What is wrong with people these days?
Where in the heck are your manners?
Comment by Rosemary | 01.13.2010 | 10:58 pm
As long as your mid life crisis doesn’t involve driving a sports car while wearing a toupee, I’m looking forward to hearing about it.
Comment by Jason | 01.13.2010 | 11:19 pm
Fatty:
Love the idea of the “best of book”. However, I would love for you to separate Fighting for Cancer from your great memories of Susan and your family. Obviously the fight against cancer is core to your blog and to what you share with your online community/family but it is only a small portion of your experiences with Susan and your children. I personally would love to hear of the life you had before things became worse….those times that make you smile. In the end it is the sweet memories of joy that make it bearable to endure the trials of life.
Comment by Beej | 01.14.2010 | 2:17 am
If you’re going to do a ‘Best of’ book, make sure your include a chapter on ‘An open letter to….’ those are brilliant
Comment by skippy | 01.14.2010 | 2:43 am
replacing a soul mate is never easy and the children lost a mother.
concentrate on the family first as hyperactivity will only put off the day of reckoning.
the children need a fulltime father and i am sure they will provide the ammunition to improve the “Caretakers Companion”.
thet idea alone will keep you busy and i am sure will be your biggest gift to the “Cancer Threatened Community”.
your five years of blogging has built an archive of material that will fill the gaps in people’s day where they came to expect your daily contribution to their entertainment.
blogging twice a week with a lead in on other days will suit the majority as i like others are only recent arrivals and so the material you will introduce will be new to us.
how many of us reread a good book or go to see a film more than once and come away with the feeling that they found more there on the 2nd,3rd or upteenth visit.
filling each day with quality and challenge will keep you on your toes regardless of what you decide to do, i look forward to your postings as they arrive.
Comment by skippy | 01.14.2010 | 2:47 am
could you ask “boxhead(fromOZ)& Big Mike in Oz to contact me at http://www.parrabuddy.blogspot.com or follow http://www.twitter.com/skippydetour
caio
Comment by Fuzzy | 01.14.2010 | 5:50 am
Fatty,
Not so many post in a week? Bring it on Pal- you talk too much anyway (Only Kidding). Take the time to do what you need to do. You should look at this blog as a hobby more than anything else, even if we in the etherworld hang on your every submmision. I think the suggestion of guest posts in lieu of yours is great.
I second the suggestion of an ‘Open letter to’ chapter for the Best Of book.
Re the other writing plan, if you want a vicitim to read the chapter of part there of from a target audience prospective, give me a shout. I love to read, know what I like, don’t get sucked in/ put off by critics who don’t like stuff.
Comment by Mike E | 01.14.2010 | 5:53 am
Books! My bookcase could do with something black, orange and preferably a clydesdale horse on the spine.
Oh yes, I can see it now!
Comment by Doug (WAY upstate NY) | 01.14.2010 | 5:56 am
Fatty’s not preggers. He was asked to join Team Radioshack as a professional bicyclist! Can’t wait to watch you on versus in the tour this summer :)
Comment by Cyclin' Missy | 01.14.2010 | 7:13 am
First of all, I’d love to read your book. I hope you are able to put it together and publish.
Second, “public knowledge if you know where to look” sounds to me like I should look at The Runner’s left ring finger, if you know what I mean. Hmm?!?
Comment by Nancy P | 01.14.2010 | 8:21 am
YAY! Go For it! The best revenge is doing what you want to do with joy and purpose — and (definitely) extra em-dashes and parentheses!
Comment by jay leno | 01.14.2010 | 8:50 am
….but I will tell you that one is public knowledge if you know where to look, and the other wouldn’t be a very difficult guess to make…..
Are you going to host the tonight show on nbc?
seriously – good luck with 2010! we’ll all be here…..
Comment by The Trout Underground | 01.14.2010 | 11:19 am
I did the spreadsheet on self-publishing a book based on my fly fishing blog, and the numbers are frankly pretty good. The bigger bike audience couldn’t help but pad those some, and frankly, this sounds like a winner, and I’m waiting breathlessly for *you* to take the big risk first.
Comment by Donoman | 01.14.2010 | 12:19 pm
Love the idea about caretaker’s book. I added that caretaker title to my list of credits while my wife battled late stage colon cancer. I spoke to oncolocgists, Rns, friends, family and all said they couldn’t find a book that would be appropriate- at least for me as a father of four little ones.
Comment by GJ Jackie | 01.14.2010 | 2:13 pm
Awesome idea for a “Best of Fatty” book. Can I make a request? One post that I was deeply touched by and send to others to read was your Second Guesses and Self Doubt post in July last year. As a cyclist I love all your funny, cycling-related posts, but that one really got me.
Comment by Terri | 01.14.2010 | 9:31 pm
Do what you like and like what you do. Go for it Fatty. I can’t wait to read all about it.
Comment by joanne | 01.15.2010 | 12:31 am
But you are getting a lot of free schwag to take home. Mcdonald’s doesn’t give you that. Do you report these gifts to the IRS?
Comment by Clydesteve | 01.15.2010 | 12:43 pm
Hang on, Elden, I am trying to write code for random unsolicited advice.
Then when you need some, you just push the button!
Excited?
Comment by Rsteve | 01.16.2010 | 9:22 am
Please haters stop bothering to even post your hate on this blog. Elden does not deserve your piss poor attitude. Go Fatty.
Comment by Jenn | 01.17.2010 | 4:35 am
I’m so annoyed that I only found you a few months ago. I feel like I’m a brand-new step kid in this awesome family. An alien step-kid, maybe even. What I lack in tenure, I make up for in enthusiasm, rest assured! You have such a wonderful talent for writing, but I think perhaps an even greater one for life. An unbeatable combination, for sure. I wish you the very best and will most definitely be along for the ride! I, too, am a professional editor willing to lend a hand should you need it!
Comment by Julia | 01.18.2010 | 3:53 am
Go for three posts a week + a couple of guest posts.
Write the book, you’ll regret it if you don’t. I would buy it, if only to support you. I like reading whatever you write…
“Public knowledge” – I have no idea where to look so if you want us all to know you’ll just have to write about that too!
Comment by Terry | 01.18.2010 | 10:41 am
I’ll buy the books
Comment by Beast Mom | 01.18.2010 | 9:17 pm
I will always vote for the bashing-into-TV-while-flying-off-rollers post. I laugh any time I merely THINK about that post. It must be included. :)
Have fun w/ the book(s). You can do it.
:) bm
Comment by HJ | 01.20.2010 | 3:42 am
If you run slowly enough, you can run arbitrarily far.
This is, word-for-word, the mantra I kept in my head when I ran my one and only marathon, Boston, on no training whatsoever. (I used to swim competitively, so I had good lungs at the time, but no running training at all apart from whatever natural ability I had.)
Don’t go out too fast, and you’ll make it. Run strong!