Striving to Live The Dream

One of the biggest reasons I'm excited to be done writing my first book, Climbing Out of Bed, is that I can start writing my second book. It will be another epic adventure, and already, before having written a word, I am willing to suffer for it, suffer to make it perfect, and strive to live the dream.

That was something I really admired about Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple computers, who passed away last year. He wanted his products to be the best, and to delight consumers.

I want to do the same with my writing. I want to deliver prose and stories that send the reader into a state of meditation and engagement.

I also want to take this philosophy and apply it to other areas of my life: relationships, climbing, and even simple day to day interactions. I owe it to the world to give me best in everything. After all, what else are we here for?

On the other side of this, I find myself disappointed when others don't give their full effort into something. When service at a restaurant is sub par, or something isn't consistent at the coffeeshop I frequent. Like the tea I just ordered: light on the herb of yerba-mate, which makes the drink unsatisfying.

Anywho, after the stress last week of getting my book ready, I am recharging to begin another effort, another dream, for you.

Luke Mehall is the publisher of The Climbing Zine.  

Climbing Out Bed Released Today

Today is a monumental day in my life, my book, Climbing Out of Bed, has been published. I thought I would publish my first book years ago, but honestly I’m glad I waited until now. I’m 33 years old, not too old for this occasion, and not too young.

Something I really want to share is that although these words were written by me, they are now yours. The greatest gift of writing for me has been inspiring, motivating and entertaining other people. When someone reaches out to me and says they enjoyed a particular piece of mine, it is very meaningful to me. When I was younger it would go to my ego, but now I realize I am just channeling a gift. I don’t know where the gift comes from, God, past lives, maybe simply hard work and dedication, but I know out of everything I have tried, writing is what I’m the best at.

I am proud of Climbing Out of Bed because it is an honest collection of stories and poems, centered around climbing and mountain town culture. This morning as I was editing the book for the hundredth time, I was reminded of the Willie Nelson lyric, “I may not be normal, but nobody is.” Our culture is so different than mainstream America, and I like it like that. Not only that, we are not just some passing trend like so many other countercultures; we truly live and love for outdoor experiences, and almost everything we do is based around that.

Although the words in Climbing Out of Bed are mine, there are several editors I’ve leaned on heavily, some who have read this book many times over. Because I’m publishing it as an e-book, I was able to edit it down to the last minute. I couldn’t imagine the stress of self publishing a printed book. Typos are so damn elusive, and I am forever indebted to this group of people: Lisa Lynch, Karen Ast, Jen Panko, Lindsey Nelson (www.typoslayer.com), Al Smith III (www.whatisaldoingfuntoday.blogspot.com), Mike Reddy and Mary Burt.

I am also grateful for the photographers (professional and amateur) whose images grace the book: Braden Gunem (www.bradengunem.com), Mark Grundon (www.elpotrerochicoguides.com), Mike Brenneman, Greg Pettys, and Daniel Nilsson.

           

While the promotion has only begun, I am grateful the book is completed. My favorite part of being a writer is doing interviews with awesome people, and actually writing. I’m stoked to start on my second book, and start the whole process all over again.

You can find Climbing Out of Bed on Kindle, by CLICKING HERE, and I promise I’ll get the printed version out as soon as I can afford to print it.

Thanks for the love and support everyone.

Luke Mehall is the publisher of The Climbing Zine.