Being a sportswriter leads to cool opportunities. In December, I had the chance to travel to Reno, Nevada for the opening of the nation’s newest indoor track. I also competed in that inaugural Silver State Invitational meet against NCAA athletes!

I ended up ranked 1061th in the world at the end of 2024 in this off distance that is only contested indoors.

My next opportunity as a sportswriter involved an agency representing Allyson Felix. With 31 outdoor medals, she’s the most decorated track and field athlete in history. Since retiring, she’s been an ambassador for the sport and a champion of women’s rights. The agency offered me the opportunity to interview Allyson Felix as a part of the promotional campaign for her new partnership with Danimals.

To me, Danimals is not a joke. I really enjoyed those drinks when I was a kid. As a burgeoning food critic, I’m especially invested in yogurts and dairy products. Anyone who spends time with me will attest to that.

I’m happy with how my article about Allyson Felix turned out. It was a pleasure to interview her and hear more about her last race on the track and what she’s been up to since 2022.

Framed: Now a “Used” Paperback

I check the listing for Framed at least once per day, usually more because I like sending out promo copies. I’m not obsessively checking the rankings anymore, though. Yesterday, I was surprised to find a new purchase option: Used - Very Good.

Somehow, a copy of Framed got into the hands of Half Price Books Inc., a used bookstore chain. Although I won’t see a single penny if someone buys this lonesome copy, I can’t be angry. I’m more interested in the how and why.

Did somebody “sell” this book to a wholesaler for a few bucks?

Did somebody donate it?

Is somebody actually going to buy the used book for a whopping $1 discount (assuming they’re a Prime member)?

Does the book have my signature on the inside of the front cover?

What pains me is that someone took the time to donate or sell the book to a wholesaler while I’m sitting here with four Amazon reviews and virtually no reader feedback since my friend M (who is quoted in the book) wrote her awesome review on March 21st.

You can still help shape the trajectory of my debut title. Or, is it better relegated to the bargain bin?

An Update on the Audiobook

A number of people have asked about an audiobook, most while joking about being semiliterate. I’ll admit this much: I overshot the complexity, length, and density of the book. I don’t think that’s directly why people are asking for an audiobook (or why it hasn’t sold 10x as many copies), but I’m aware that Framed can be a slog. I re-read some chapters thinking, “Wow!" Others (about five chapters), I kind of stumble through wondering if I should have cut them.

Many weeks ago, I said that I’d commission an audiobook if I reached a certain sales threshold. That was either 1000 or 1500 copies. If I maintain my current ad spend, Framed will certainly sell 1000 verified copies this year. That’s awesome! That’s what people tell me. However, my advertising strategy isn’t working—it’s deep in the red, and I’m not going to keep throwing money away.

I thought to myself, “Why not take the thousands I’d blow on advertising through December 31st and do something worthwhile?”

My buddy Brandon Merluccio, who founded Luccid Production, talked me through different options, and the result is that my tiny West Village apartment will soon have an even tinier (but professional) sound studio.

Rather than commissioning an audiobook, I’m going to record my own and release it on ACX (Audible). I anticipate this taking over 80 hours, mostly during the hottest part of the summer when I can’t have the air conditioning on while recording.

I’m excited to learn new skills and expand the audience for my book. Those of you who have known me for a long time might wonder if I have a deeper motivation here (no, not becoming a voice actor). The answer is, yes, this venture may provide the foundation for a unique but highly improbable creative project.

If anyone has any tips on how to speak into a microphone, send me an email!

Read a (new) copy of Framed (before it becomes an audiobook)