journey here to there
XAIPETE NIKΩMEN
In June 2004 I was on a plane that was about to leave San Diego and fly me homeward. I had completed my first marathon the day before and was in a state of fatigue such as I've never experienced - before or since. That fatigue, coupled with the general pain I was in, had me nearly asleep as I stifled groans and tried to settle into something of a comfortable position. I was just about off to dreamland when inspiration struck...that little voice from deep within simply said, "You should tell the story of the marathon and do it for kids".
By August the story was written, manuscripts were in the mail, and in February 2005 I received the call that all authors, especially first-timers, hold their breaths to receive. Albert Whitman and Company wanted to buy the manuscript and bring it into full life as a real book. I had to sit down.
The next several months were full of emails and phone calls back and forth with my editor, lots of research to verify fact from fiction, many revisions of many words. It was fun and challenging and I almost didn't want the process to end. But it has and now, in March of 2006, The First Marathon - The Legend of Pheidippides, will be available through booksellers around the country.
I don't want to give the story away but it's a good one. For one thing, it's about the gift in one boy's legs that was such a gift it inspires runners 2500 years later. But the story isn't just about a run. It involves armies and an empire, a heroic herald, and brave soldiers. There is a battle that is considered one of the most important battles in the history of democracy. And it is most of all a story of courage, the kind of courage ordinary people like you and I can still find deep within ourselves to do things that are not so ordinary.
If you are interested in getting your copy directly from me, click on the "Book order form" button above. Be sure to let me know if the book is going to be a gift so I can sign it to the recipient (if that's what you'd like) - there's a space on the order form for this info. It will be available from booksellers - the kind you walk into and the ones online - as well as direct from the publisher in March.
The book is being released in Canada spring '06. If you're in Canada and wishing to order the book, please check with your local bookstore or online booksellers. Thank you!
Being a marathoner is an accomplishment and a blessing. I felt that the history behind the marathon was something I just had to share. This book is a book for kids of all ages. I hope you will find it exciting, entertaining and inspiring.
The book's cover is presented above with permission of Albert Whitman and Company. I was blessed to be paired with Daniel Minter who illustrated the book. The art shown here is his work. I t wouldn't be right for me to have a webpage about this book without mention of the editor, Abby Levine. I was truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to be challenged, encouraged and guided by Abby.
To contact me about the book: Pheidippides@journeyheretothere.com
XAIPETE NIKΩMEN (c)2005 Here to There, LLC