Things you Learn when Writing a Book

Tracy makes a new friend at the Hackberry General Store (Arizona)

Writing a book, even your second (“Bicycling Historic Route 66”) is a learning experience if nothing else.

Here are a few things we have learned, or confirmed, while writing this book:

-Tracy is a much faster reader than Peter.

-Tracy is our empath and Peter is our tech/detail guy.

– Mr. Editor Guy:

  -Will not let you start every sentence with a prepositional phrase.

  -Will not allow you to use three exclamation marks at the end of a sentence. Ever!!!

  -Always has a reason for his edits, but if he doesn’t, he will admit it.

  -Is willing to make changes at any stage of book development if they make sense!

-Three dedicated individuals can edit better than one.

-The difference between mph and MPH, when to use, or not to use, hyphens, etc.

-Book writing ALWAYS takes longer and it is harder than you think it will be.

Chocolate milk helps when things get hard!

Book Writing Update:

This week we reviewed and approved the book design for the Preface, Introduction, Chapter 8 – State of Arizona (another long one), and Chapter 9 – State of California (a short one). We completed and approved the Acknowledgements, decided to nix the About the Author section (because it is pretty much covered in the Preface), and completed our Dedications. We also approved the back cover picture, narrative, and endorsement.

We are getting close to being finished and are still hopeful we will have books for a soft book launch at the Midwest Tandem Rally in Fort Wayne, Indiana over Labor Day weekend. It will be close! Special thanks to Mr. Editor Guy for all his hard work and long hours to try and meet our timeline. 

Endorsements:

“Tracy and Peter Flucke are an inspiration to those who enjoy biking for recreation, transportation, and just the pure joy of it. Their riding shows people what is possible. They experience communities on a human scale, which is one of the most beautiful things about biking.”

-Bill Nesper, Executive Director, League of American Bicyclists

Painted Desert Inn/ Petrified Forest National Park

“In its almost 100 years overlooking the Painted Desert, the inn has undergone many changes. The original building from the early 1920s was made of petrified wood. Today’s adobe facade dates to the 1930s renovation of the Painted Desert Inn.

The national historic landmark functions only as a museum now, with no overnight accommodation and food service. Displays inside highlight the building’s history, Route 66, and the Civilian Conservation Corps. There are also restored murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie.” https://www.nps.gov/pefo/learn/historyculture/pdi.htm