I wrote this book four times… This is my shot.
Kent Babb has written what I think is the best book of the year, Across the River: Life, Death, and Football in an American City. It sounds like vegetables, and the book examines the weightiest issues in America, but reading it is all dessert as Kent is a master storyteller.
In this conversation, Kent and I discuss:
-“You have to find your Alfred.”
-“If you’re going to tell this story, you have to tell it straight up.”
-“I owed them an honest accounting.”
-“You look like the people who locked me up.”
-First draft is a shit draft. Second draft is the biggest leap. Third draft is micro-surgery.
-Word choice, or what Kent calls, “Writing Nerd Prom.”
-The difference between accuracy and precision. Accuracy is hitting the target. Precision is hitting the bullseye.
-Finding ways to read your manuscript fresh.
-Writing process and honesty.
-“There are so many Joe Thomas’ and so few Bryce Browns.”
-Coaching, trust, communication and investment in helping young people.
-Trent Dilfer and the “obedience model” of coaching.
-Book promotion is necessary but difficult.
-”It’s a social justice book that has some football shit in it.”
51. You have no idea how expensive it is to look this cheap...