Lessons from the Trail: Part II

One of the occupational hazards about major biography is the length of time required for research and composition--usually 3 to 5 years I suspect.

My book required 3 years of composition/research, a year further to secure a publisher, and a year after that to oversee publication. What was special was that those 5 years spanned the length of my 20s. I started writing the book when I was 23 years old.

There were multitudes of changes between age 23 and age 28, in my writing method and general approach to life. That shift certainly informed the revision process as it unfolded this year. I sometimes struggled to understand stylistic decisions I must have made at age 23.

The first chapter of Walkin' Lawton especially, "Munn Park," was the product of an early vision for the book's structure. It was a fool's errand, in hindsight. Early drafts incorporated some flashbacks and flash forwards. I had the notion that setting the entire stage of the chapter on a single event in Lakeland's history, with background information all flowing from this one night's political rally.

A year or so into the writing process, however, I decided to stick to standard chronology as strictly as possible for the entire length of the book. During the last few months of revision, I refit "Munn Park" significantly so that it didn't stick out like a sore thumb.

Thematic organization was important to me, but chronology was paramount in structuring the chapters. I like to think that the final manuscript supports that mantra, after five years of personal growth.

Poster for Walkin' Lawton

To ensure property publicity for the book's release, I commissioned a promotional poster and bookmarks.

Winnie Sidharta, a freelance graphic designer and painter based in Ohio, did some phenomenal work for Walkin' Lawton. Her professional website has more information about her art.

Sidharta is highly recommended!

I look forward to releasing the poster soon--once the book is available on Barnes & Noble online.

Lessons from the Trail Part I

During the course of composing my Chiles bio, people often asked me how I went about writing it.

Well, the first couple years were the hardest because I was still learning how--and I was teaching myself through trial and error.

One of the key lessons that is at the top of my mind nowadays is, "smaller is easier." By that I mean that revising small portions of the book--a page or less--is so much easier than scanning an entire 500-page manuscript for typos or substantive errors.

Once I finished the book, I tried many different methods of revisions. Most were frustrating because at that point the manuscript was about 900 pages long and the top priority was cutting wholesale. But I think it's fair to say that I also just tried to revise on the chapter level and not on the single page level. And my efforts to polish the script suffered in consequence.

To me, the best way go about revising a large, hundred-page-or-more manuscript is to slice it into manageable portions and revise each portion individually. It allows the author to visualize a small section in isolation, and see whether it can stand along, on its merits and out-of-context. If it looks weak standing alone, it probably is weak and merits revision. If is really sings, even solo, then it will probably be fantastic ensemble.

The most successful revisions I did on Walkin' Lawton occurred toward the end of the process, when I fully realized the benefits of scanning passages at a micro-level. I skimmed chapters, found faults, and then broke those weak links away from the chain for a closer exam. I rewrote paragraphs, paying close attention to clarity. Then I rewrote words, paying attention to memorability.

I cannot help but delight in some of those new, revised passages that entered the manuscript very late in the process. They reflect the full benefits of micro-revision. It's highly recommended as a method to make peace with large manuscripts.

Dear Friends:

Walkin' Lawton is now available for online pre-order through Amazon.com. A Kindle version is forthcoming.

Pre-ordered copies will ship after November 20, the official release date. A book tour will follow through Florida, Washington, DC, and Connecticut (Yale).

Walkin' Lawton has been a labor of love and a source of intellectual and spiritual inspiration for 5 years--3 years of writing and research followed by 2 years to secure a publisher and complete editing and publication.

Chiles walked a thousand miles under the Florida summer sun and forged a lifelong bond with the land and the people of his state. His "Walk" campaign became a symbol of his career commitment to the public interest. Chiles deserves a strong legacy. I hope you will read this book and learn more about this marvelous man and magical politician. If you enjoy the story, I hope you'll share it.

After a long and fulfilling creative adventure on the "Lawton Chiles Trail," my literary career has truly begun. I'm grateful to my friends for the support and good faith they have shown throughout this journey.

Independent Bookstores

I've been reaching out to many independent bookstores in the state of Florida to expand the audience for Walkin' Lawton. There are some colorful spots out there.

Sandman Book Company in Punta Gorda has added to me to their list of Florida authors. I'm proud to join the list of authors who have written Florida-themed books.

Release Date: Nov. 20

The official release date for Walkin' Lawton is here. Tuesday, November 20th!

It will soon be available via Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble online. You may order the book now via Florida Historical Society. Just click on the book cover.

I've commissioned a poster and a custom bookmark as well--they will be ready soon.

I'm excited for what is to come. I will try to write some true commentary posts in the next couple weeks. There is much to reflect upon at the conclusion of this 5-year journey.

I have learned so much about the writing process.

The Book Is Available for Online Pre-Order

Through Florida Historical Society, Walkin' Lawton is now available for pre-order. Copies will ship in late November.

Order your copy now by clicking this LINK and then choosing the Walkin' Lawton book cover!


Let me know if there are any problems with the link. Ordering information for Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble online will be available soon.

Enjoy!