Do you want to be part of ‘Balancing on Blue’, my 2012 Appalachian Trail thru-hike book? I’m looking for eager contributors who are willing to share some experiences. You don’t need a degree in writing, just have something to say. Preferably you walked the trail in 2012 but any year is acceptable. In particular I’m after any of the following:
1) Quotes for the chapter beginnings.
These must be original and your own, i.e. – it’s not use giving me a great sentence if I find out after I went to print that John Muir said it first. It must be thought up by you and no one else. It can be humorous, inspiring, profound or factual but it must strike a chord and it must be related to the AT, hiking or the outdoors. You get the picture. Here’s an example from ‘The Last Englishman’ – my Pacific Crest Trail account:
‘This world is too cynical, greedy and self-serving for me. I’d rather be poor and work from trip to trip than die rich. We take none of our possessions to the grave, but hopefully God grants us our memories’.
David ‘Walker Texas Ranger’ Allen
© Keith Foskett
2) Your stories from the trail.
Get mown down by a bear in mid sprint? Fall in a river? Fall in love? Get lost? Run out food? Get bitten by a snake? Walk a stupid distance in one day? Meet some dubious characters? Tell me about your week at home before hiking if it’s a great story, let me know how bad your blisters were if you like a good moan or regale me with the reasons why you use a hammock if you need to. Just make it interesting, readable or funny.
I would like some great stories, the sort of tale that you would like to read. Make it original, make it different!
3) Why did you do it? Why walk 2,178 miles? Would you do it again?
The age old question which all of us are trying to answer. We were asked it before we left, when we hiked and when we got back home. If it’s a good, original reason or there’s a story behind it, let me know!
4) None of the above!
Just because your story doesn’t fall into any of the categories above doesn’t mean I don’t want to know about it! Surprise me!
© Keith Foskett
What can I offer?
Your submission printed for eternity in Balancing on Blue, with your name as credit. The top five winners will receive a signed paperback copy when it is finished. An additional five offers if received by the end of January 2013, and subsequently used in the final book, will receive a signed copy of my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike account in February 2013 – The Last Englishman, see HERE for details.
Please do not reply with your offering on this post, please email me directly at: fozzieman@yahoo.com.
Include your full name, your trail name, age, year of thru-hike and where you are from. If you have any questions please feel to reply here so others can benefit from the questions and answers.
Disclaimer – If you win then your piece will be included in the book and you understand that I have your permission to use it. No royalties will be offered on winning or at any time during the publication of Balancing on Blue.