Interview with Jon Stolpe, author of “On Track”
I met Jon Stolpe in the blog-o-sphere a few years ago. Since then, I have admired his ability and dedication to writing at the Stretched Blog. So Jon is also a runner and just today released his first book, “On Track: Life Lessons From The Track & Field.” I sent Jon a few questions about his book, running and life…
First and foremost, can you tell us about your book?
On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field is all about encouraging readers to get their lives on track. We all find times when we fall into a rut – when we get off track with the important things of life. On Track takes observations from the track and field world and applies them to everyday life.
The book combines my love for running, my appreciation for writing, and my faith. Throughout the book, I share some of my own stories and lessons from the starting blocks and the practice field to the finish line. The book is isn’t just for the runner or athlete. It provides practical life lessons we all can embrace.
If you’re stuck in a rut or need a little guidance in finding your way, this book will help you get On Track!
I was surprised that you didn’t mention the proverbial “runner’s high” in your book. Do you experience this in your running?
This is an interesting question.
At nearly 6 feet 6 inches, I have also enjoyed the game of basketball. Until three years ago, I could still dunk a basketball. I can definitely remember feeling a “jumper’s high” on the basketball court on more than one occasion when I went up for a dunk. It almost felt like I was floating or even walking on the air.
Having logged many miles over the past several years, I have experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of running. One of my favorite runs of all time was a 20 miles training run on a local trail. I started the run before the sun came up. The first several miles of the run were quiet as I ran by myself enjoying the sunrise before anyone else was on the trail. After climbing a small mountain at the midpoint of the run, I found myself in a rhythm. I’m not sure if this is the same thing as a runner’s high, but it was almost as though I forgot that I was running. Running became the same as breathing. This lasted until the last mile or so when my body was starting to feel the wear and tear of the previous eighteen or nineteen miles. When I finished twenty miles down the trail, I was excited to meet up with my wife and kids who greeted me with hugs and Gatorade. This was perhaps the best part of the whole experience.
What advice can you share about marketing and selling books that you’ve learned so far?
I will let you in on a little secret. I am working on another book about the importance of having a mission mindset. Actually, I was working on this other book project before I decided to write On Track. As I sent out my outline and began to collect feedback, I realized I needed to try something a little easier or shorter before I launched into the mission mindset book project.
On Track has provided a lot of great learning lessons. Initially, I wasn’t planning to sell the book. I was simply going to use it to learn more about book writing and self-publishing, and I was hoping to use it to grow my e-mail list for my future book project. As I got deeper into the On Track project, I realized I had something worth marketing and selling.
Many of the steps I’ve taken have come based on observations from my involvement in other book launches. I’ve also spent a considerable amount of time talking to other authors, editors, and graphic designers. This is really the best advice I have: Talk to as many people as possible who have done this before you.
Everyone has a different perspective. You will have to choose your own direction.
My second piece of advice is to plug into your community. I have met so many people over the years through my blog. These friends are cheering for me. They are just as excited about my new book as I am. And they want to help. If you are getting ready to launch your own book, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your community.
Do you think you’ll write another book?
Yes. As I mentioned above, I am working on a book about developing a mission mindset. I think it is so important for people to make the most of every opportunity whether they are interacting with the people of Guatemala where I have done international missions for the past couple of years, the people of their local neighborhood, or the people in their workplaces.
I’m hoping the book will help encourage people to consider short term missions as a springboard for transforming their minds to see the mission field right where they live and work.
How long have you been writing your blog?
I started blogging on July 6, 2007 at the encouragement of a good friend. I blogged for a few years on a Blogspot site before I switched over to my own self-hosted blog (jonstolpe.com). The blog has provided an opportunity to reflect and share about the stretch marks of life. I’m excited to see where it goes from here.
You have a wonderful theme and community for your blog, “Stretched” – can you share what it’s about and how you came up with the idea?
When I started my junior year in high school, I was 5 feet 6 inches tall. Now, I’m a foot taller. As I began to grow, my friends started calling me Stretch. The nickname came to mean more to me over the years when I realized that God was allowing me to STRETCH through the experiences of life. When I was trying to come up with a theme for my blog, I kept coming back to the concept of stretching. Jon Stolpe Stretched is about sharing my stretch marks, and I hope my stories and reflections will encourage others to stretch as well.
Like many of us writers, we’re busy with family, jobs and other activities. What are your writing habits (time of day, # of days a week, etc.)?
I typically write three or four posts on Sunday morning before church. This has become a time I cherish. It often write in a local Starbucks after dropping my kids off at church where they serve in the children’s ministry and middle school students’ ministry during the earlier services. I post five days a week which means I fill in the other one or two posts during the week. Often this writing happens later at night.
Can you share a bit about your spiritual journey and how you came to know the Lord?
I was raised in a Christian home. My Dad is a pastor, and my Mom is an amazing woman of faith. They have both been amazing examples for me. I can remember sitting down with them and talking about my faith when I was seven or eight years old. It was at this point, I knew for certain I wanted to follow Jesus.
Since then, I have experienced ups and downs like anyone else. I experienced the mountain top experiences, and I’ve walked through the depths of despair. I’ve struggled with doubts, and I’ve moved forward with confidence. I like how Michael Yaconnelli describes our spiritual journey in his book, Messy Spirituality. We do not typically have a straight line growth pattern between the time we decide to follow Christ and the end of our lives. It’s more of a roller coaster ride with lots of ups and downs and twists and turns.
The biggest helping points in my journey have been my church, my family – especially my wife, God’s Word, and a group of friends who are trying to live their lives for God as well.
Do you have any additional questions for Jon?
BIO:
Jon Stolpe is an operations manager for a construction firm in the Philadelphia area. He has a passion for family, leadership development, missions, and personal growth. Jon runs in the northwest suburbs of Philadelphia, and he can often be found hanging around the track or cross country course cheering on his kids. Jon writes about life’s stretch marks on his popular blog, Jon Stolpe Stretched. Visit with Jon at www.JonStolpe.com.
