I’ve just taken delivery of my new book, ‘No Ceiling’. Opening the box, I was awash with emotions. There was an element of the kid at Christmas, but more a very grown up sense of satisfaction and pride mixed with trepidation. I’m a lot wiser now than when I got the very first copy of my first book, ‘Defying Gravity Defying Fear’, which was published in 2001. Then it was pure excitement, a dream come true. Now I know this is just the beginning, and a lot of things apart from the quality of my writing, will determine the book’s success.
No Ceiling took nearly three years to complete. There were many, many rewrites - I think the version that went to the publisher was number 29. My goal was to write a book that would not only be entertaining and inspiring, but would also answer the big questions - how, why and what about the kids? I think I’ve achieved that, but only time (and reader feedback) will tell.
No Ceiling is my whole story from the dream of breaking the world record to having that dream come true, and the roller coaster ride in between. It covers some of the same ground of ‘Defying Gravity Defying Fear’. This was necessary because that book is no longer in print, so those who hadn’t read it would be missing a great chunk of the story and those that had (as far back as 2001) would surely have forgotten. Also No Ceiling is better written, and benefits from greater insight and more time to reflect.
My advance readers have been very positive, saying it’s ‘an easy read that’s hard to put down’ and that they ‘felt like they were right there with us’ and were ’strongly inspired to chase their own dreams’.
No Ceiling is on sale in bookshops from August 1 and that’s when the work to promote it and have it seen as more than ‘just an extreme sport biography’ really begins, which promises to be an interesting challenge. You can also buy a personally signed copy now from our shopping page.
In the meantime we’ve started work on the ‘Jumping Icons’ project. Despite the fact my eye injury has kept me on the ground for most of this year, I’ve stayed fit and I’m confident I’ll be back jumping again soon. I can’t wait to be flying again. I really miss being in the sky.
Keeping fit has involved lots of trail running with our dogs, yoga and indoor climbing and while it hasn’t been possible for me to ride (my bike or my horse), I’ve enjoyed and benefited from doing lots of Parelli style ground work with the wonderfully talented Phillipa Richards.
Glenn, Paia & I on one of our favourite trails. Photo Melanie Faith Dove.
While running last week I smacked into a low hanging tree and dislocated my jaw! Around the same time my horse ‘Ganesh’ saw the dentist and had some interesting looking work done on his teeth and jaw. When I had my own jaw put back by the charming and talented Dr. James Younessi, I thought of Ganesh and how lucky I was not to have to wear the same head gear he did!
Ganesh with John the horse dentist.
On a completely different note - apologies to Sam de Brito if it sounded like I was critical of him in my last post. I was not being critical of Sam or even his readers, but rather those who have emailed or written us direct after this and every other television, magazine or radio appearance and every BASEjumping death, accusing us of being selfish irresponsible parents. So I admit to being overly defensive on the subject. Glenn and I are very committed parents. My children are 25 and 20, happy and healthy, with more opportunities, better schooling, and material riches than I could have dreamed of as child or young adult. I did my best to try to balance my dreams with my responsibilities as a parent and if the ‘proof is in the pudding’, then I did OK. Similarly with Glenn’s boys. When I reflect on the millions of children around the world who are without reliable food, water and health care, and even the many thousands in our own country living in relative poverty, it seems a silly debate to be having. I wish we could all agree just to”Live and Let Live” and be done with it?
Never let fear stand between you and your dreams.
Blue skies
Heather