In the time leading up to a big day, you do everything you can. You make plans. You consider contingencies. You supply, you restock. You practice, you rehearse, you try to anticipate. You ask for help… a lot of help.
Good planning goes a long way. Giving a speech is a lot easier if you know exactly what you want to say. Laying the foundation for maximum impact comes through careful work done over the course of weeks, months, and years.
But some of the plans, you already know, will need to be adjusted on the fly. “No plan survives contact with the enemy on the battleground,” as they say. And in this case, the enemy is Taliban-like: hard to pin down; hard to predict. The enemy is tight schedules, dozens of unknown venues, places you’ve never been, and countless variables outside your control. (Not to mention your own fears and doubts… ultimately the most challenging enemies.)
In the interim between calm and storm, it’s good to take a long run early in the morning, preferably up an extinct volcano near your apartment. Or if you don’t run, just walk. Go outside and look up at the sky and say to yourself: “Whatever happens, things will be different after this is over.”
Process is important. It’s not the big event; it’s what led up to the event to bring you there. It’s not the finished product; it’s remembering what you put into it. Worldly success is fleeting, so if you can focus on what will be different in your own life after it’s done, so much the better.
Looking at the work from a distance, you see some things you’re impressed with, and others that you’d change if you could. But it’s too late to change, because in the end, an artist has to deliver. An artist has to be able to say, “Here it is, world! It’s your turn now.” Ultimately, that’s what it all comes down to.
And In This Case
You spend a year writing a book, then you spend a year waiting for it to come out. You ask your publisher about book tours and hear that no one does them anymore because there is no money, and no one buys real books these days anyway. So you decide, what the hell, we’ll do our own book tour. And because nothing worth doing is ever easy, you decide to make it the most epic book tour you could possibly think of.
Then you get on a plane and fly to New York City, home of big dreams, small hotel rooms, and Dunkin’ Donuts. And then, the next morning, it all begins.
###
Image: SM
September 6, 2010
tara - scoutie girl
Best wishes to you as you start this new journey! See you in Philly!
September 6, 2010
Kangai
Good luck Chris.
Wish you were bringing the tour to this part of the world (Kenya).
~K~
September 6, 2010
ABCcreativity
yah!!!!
this is going to be superawesome.
September 6, 2010
KatherineMO
I just want to wish you peace, joy and calm as you begin your marathon book tour across North America!
I’m looking forward to meeting you in Montreal in January.
September 6, 2010
Donovan (THE Boot Camp Godfather)
Loving your blog. Just came across it yesterday and immediately recommended it to several of my heretical friends. Your book tour sounds awesome and I wish you the best.
September 6, 2010
michael
Rock on Chris. In addition to passport stamps from all the world’s countries, you will soon have stepped foot in every American state. Indeed, remarkable! Travel well.
September 6, 2010
Sachit Gupta
Good luck Chris! See you in NYC.
September 6, 2010
Mike Ziarko Musing
The destination counts as much as the journey, and to your point.. it’s what happens after you hit that destination that matters most.
What an epic trip you have ahead Chris! This is no doubt going to be one of the highlight trips of your life, meeting all those people in many different interesting places.
Have a great time!
September 6, 2010
Elissa
It’s going to be seriously epic, Chris!
Ghandi called, he said way to go on being the change you want to see in the world.
September 6, 2010
Andi
Best wishes on your epic book tour! I know you’re going to rock it!!!
September 6, 2010
Tamara Schafhauser
Best of luck!!!!
September 6, 2010
Rex
Nothing more exciting than the start of an amazing journey! Enjoy each and every moment including each and every curve that comes your way. Kendra and I will see if we can’t meet up with you at one of your Texas stops.
September 6, 2010
Naomi Dunford
Congratulations, my friend. I am so, so proud of you.
September 6, 2010
Daisy
Good luck!
September 6, 2010
Kathleen Andersen
I see you’ll be in Calgary next January. If you need anything just let me know and I’ll see how I can help.
September 6, 2010
Laura Cococcia
This is right on – see you in NYC! This is a journey that won’t be forgotten in all of our collective memories. So glad we can all share it together.
September 6, 2010
Kristine Porter
What an amazing adventure you’re on! Since I’ll be out-of-town when you hit my city (Chicago), I will be driving 5 hours to DesMoines, IA to bring you some cupcakes or brownies there! Enjoy the road!
September 6, 2010
Steve Hicks
What inspires me most about this book tour is that even when your publisher said no, you decided to go big….actually you decided to go epic, and do it on your own…the unconventional way.
Thanks for inspiring through your words, and more importantly, through your actions. See ya in Phoenix.
September 6, 2010
Linas Matulis
Thanks for the post, Chris!
I’m in the process myself, so your email was very timely and very accurate. It makes me feel what you feel. Or “halucinate” that I do, you never know:)
Still, I’m sending you my support and best regards,
Linas
September 6, 2010
Kristin + Shannon
The book rocks. Can’t wait to put up our review in the AM. Thank you for your insight, honesty, and inspiration; your story has been invaluable in the telling of ours.
-The girls at All of Us
September 6, 2010
Seonaid
Good luck Chris! This is a fab (and ever so slightly crazy) idea! Hope it works out really well.
September 6, 2010
Ted Kusio
Hope I can get away from this MASSIVE PROJECT and see you talk, Chris!
FYI We have more than just small hotel rooms and Dunkin’ Donuts here in NYC…!
September 6, 2010
rob white
I agree Chris… process is everything. The creation of work is so enthralling that the finished piece is often boring… and thus on to the next creation. Congratulations, looks like you have a thrilling process ahead of you on your tour.
September 6, 2010
Tyler
Chris, everyone is so pumped for this tour. As long as you keep going, you can’t possibly fail. There are just too many people on your side.
Good luck, man! See you when you make it back to Portland.
September 6, 2010
Janice Cartier
Remember this moment..the just before…:) And then enjoy the rest….it’s going to be fantastic. xo Jan
September 6, 2010
ginastama
Impeccable timing with this article, from my perspective..and I wish you well in NYC!
September 6, 2010
Lisa Nigro
And then you realize right in the midst of the chaos you are “right where you are supposed to be” and this whole thing will grow you in ways that you never even dreamed possible…..
I am jealous…..
enjoy
September 6, 2010
Cathy Luders
Congratulations, good luck and thanks! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog the last few years. You have been an inspiration!
September 6, 2010
Lisa MB
Thanks for the doing the book tour that only YOU could, Chris. Congratulations!!
See you in St. Louis!
September 6, 2010
Krista
Much luck to you Chris! You will do well!
September 6, 2010
Malwina
Congratulations, Chris! I can’t wait to get the book!
September 6, 2010
Etsuko
Yay Chris! I can’t wait….it’ll be amazing!!!
See you in a few months!
Etsuko
September 6, 2010
Erica Basnicki
Thanks for this post! I’m actually just beginning a major year of “process,” and knowing what I’m like, I have to remember to focus on the process and not the end product itself. This was a nice reminder!
Cheers and good luck!
September 6, 2010
Charlie
Congrats to you, my friend. I look forward to seeing in my town, or your town or any other damn town.
Enjoy your dreams as they come true.
Best,
Charlie
September 6, 2010
Sylvia
All the best to you on your journey! May it be all you wish it to be.
September 6, 2010
soultravelers3
Best of luck to you Chris, I’m sure it will be a great success! I am honored that you interviewed us for the book.
Sending good vibes your way from Barcelona!
September 6, 2010
H. Michael Karshis
Best of luck with the tour Chris! Bummer that San Antonio didn’t make the list!
Happy Trails,
HMK
September 6, 2010
Lee Garverick
That post is beautiful. Good luck!
September 6, 2010
Raven
Vermont is filled w/non-conformists! When are you arriving?
September 6, 2010
Brian Monahan, Expert In The Rough
Wish I could meet you in Cincinnati but I will be in a seminar starting that morning. Let me know if you need anything when you are in town.
Brian Monahan
September 6, 2010
Debbie Ferm
Congrats to you, and good luck! Remember to enjoy it:)
September 6, 2010
Ramona
hope to see you in vancouver.
September 6, 2010
Catherine Morgan
Chris, your book tour is going to be amazing! You are going to meet some great people and have lots of wild stories to share on your blog. Good luck! I am so sorry that I will be on a plane when you are in Chicago. I would have brought cupcakes and everything
September 6, 2010
Katie
You are going to do great! I am very excited to get my copy this week.
September 6, 2010
Amanda
Great post! So many of us are sending good thoughts to you during your amazing journey. Have fun!
September 6, 2010
dezy walls
Good luck with book tour … we are touring USA doing house concerts and will spend some time in Portland, a city we love … I think you’ll be away between 10/24 and 11/7 but we’ll enjoy your city anyway.
September 6, 2010
Devin
Hey Chris,
Sadly, publishing has changed. The concept of a book tour is now relegated to a couple of stops in New York and Los Angeles, because no one has the money to fund such things. So writers are now stuck having to take their advances and figure it out themselves. Not surprisingly, you figured it out.
Nice post and I agree with what everyone else is saying here.
devin
September 6, 2010
Saundra Howard
Take heart — I remember finding a surprising comment by an editor of a medical magazine and it’s stuck with me: “When the electricity goes off, give me a candle and a good book.” There are still plenty of us who, as much as we depend on high-tech gadgets, still find solace in the low-tech, “real” hard copies…..
September 6, 2010
Linda
Uh…I understand it’s difficult to find a Dunk’s in NYC, but there are PLENTY in New England! Hope to get over to Manchvegas (NH) to see you on your book tour.
Have a great time.
September 6, 2010
Linda Gabriel
WooHOOO! I just won one of the copies you offered through World Changing Writing pals Pace & Kylie. Can’t wait to have you sign it when you come to Los Angeles. Isn’t it great that sometimes non-conformity means doing the thing that conformists USED to do? Gotta love this crazy ol’ remarkable world we live in. See you in December. Happy travels.
September 6, 2010
Pascal
Best luck Chris on your tour, can’t wait to receive your book.
September 6, 2010
viqueen
Can hardly wait to meet you in Omaha! May you have a fabulous journey.
September 6, 2010
Hillary
Thanks for reminding us that it’s the process that matters more than the end result. I also appreciated the reminder that our own fears are often our biggest enemies. Keep pushing on and good fortune will find you!
September 6, 2010
Luce
Congratulations in hitting this big milestone for you. Enjoy the book tour and I can’t wait to hear about it.
September 6, 2010
Alex Hajicek
“It’s not the big event; it’s what led up to the event to bring you there.”
I couldn’t agree more. Best of luck!
September 6, 2010
Zachary
Enjoy the ride Chris
September 6, 2010
Barbara
You have worked hard Chris and this is part of the reward. You have built a small and growing army and we will be supporting you – and each other – along the way!
September 6, 2010
Heather Allard
Congratulations, Chris! Will you be coming to Providence? Would love to meet you and buy your book!
Heather
September 6, 2010
Jennifer
Hello,
For years I’ve wanted to be self – employed using my nearly life long skills and passions: writing and photography. Obligations and children came along and I got side-tracked from my dream. I bought into the false sense of security that a “job” gives.
Then I found your site and Zen Habits. Then lots of other resources. I began a blog and started making plans to live the way I want to.
Not quite two weeks ago my well paying, but extremely stressful position became redundant. I see this as the perfect gift. I now have the time to devote to my goals.
I’ve just started a souvenir business and my wedding photography business will be up and running within seven weeks. Other micro-businesses to follow.
So thank you for sharing your ongoing journey so candidly. You are going to do just fine on this tour. By the way, people like me do still buy real books.
Take care and enjoy the ride…
Jennifer
Grand Bahama Island
September 6, 2010
Tim Dean
one of the best things you’ve written Chris
September 6, 2010
Bonnie
You will be outstanding!!
I’ll look for you in DC or Baltimore – I know there’s a schedule somewhere.
Bonnie
September 6, 2010
Christopher
Here’s to domination! See you in NJ!
September 6, 2010
Josh Bulloc
Now you have done the writing and publishing you are 20% done. Now time to market and sell your butt off.
Josh Bulloc
Kansas City, MO
How can I help?
September 6, 2010
Amanda
May the tribe be with you!
September 6, 2010
Mindy
Have a great time on your tour Chris! I’m sure it is going to be AWESOME
September 6, 2010
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot
Happy book touring:) I’m keeping an eye on my letter box and looking forward to reading it. I know the book will be marevelous and everyone who reads it will be inspired:)Have fun meeting your peeps.
September 6, 2010
Callie Oettinger
Happy Travels and Bookselling! See you in D.C.
September 6, 2010
Melissa Dinwiddie
Congrats Chris! Have fun, and I’ll see you in San Francisco! (And thanks for the sweet email.)
Don’t forget to let me know how else I can help.
September 6, 2010
Lindy klk
Hi Chris,
I really want to say ‘Ditto’ to all the above comments ~ they have all said it perfectly!!
I too believe it is one of your best posts to date and though it may relate to your book tour, it is so pertinent to us!!
Thank you for putting it so succinctly!!
Best wishes for a wonderful, exciting (& tiring!!) time ~
September 6, 2010
Adeline Chong
Have the time of your life. Real excited for you!
Adeline
September 6, 2010
Sheila Martin
Absolutely lovely, Chris.
See you next year, in either Victoria or Vancouver…
September 6, 2010
Douglas
Chris,
Wow! What a wonderful way to start your book tour in the big city of New York.
Congratulations again and looking forward to seeing you in Michigan.
September 6, 2010
Arthur
Cool post! It’s true that nothing will ever get done until you take the first step to make it happen and that one must be ready to face whatever may come, but also always ready for contingencies.
Your blog’s amazing! Best wishes.
September 6, 2010
Jonathan
good luck Chris! I cannot wait to purchase the book tomorrow.
September 7, 2010
Aaron
Everything is going to go great, Chris! Look forward to seeing you in LA!!!
September 7, 2010
Lisa
Chris,
You are an inspiration. Good luck on the tour and keep us all posted. See you in Boston.
September 7, 2010
Bill Enross
Word Up Chris – See you in Cambridge on Friday, rock on.
September 7, 2010
Jon - iPad Case
Congratulations on getting a mention by Seth Godin! I just read his latest post and there you were! That should help with your book sales!
September 7, 2010
Trisha Carter
May you have many memorable, enjoyable, challenging and thrilling moments as you go on this journey.
Look forward to following from afar
Trisha
September 7, 2010
Karen
Looking forward to when you’re in Toronto – will enjoy meeting you!
September 7, 2010
Wyman
Hi Chris,
You did really great on the book. I read it in a couple of days. Just heard from Amazon that the three pre-sale books have been shipped. I will pass them around and try to increase your readership. Have fun on the book tour. I hope your wife will fly out to see you regularly.
September 13, 2010
Jennifer Moore
WTG, Chris! Safe travels, and I look forward to seeing you in DC!