It's been a long road to write, edit and publish my two books. The effort has certainly been worth it, as I continue to find inspiration from readers to keep me writing in hope that another book will find its way to publication.
If you do decide to order a book, I'd be glad to sign it for you. It's a humbling experience to sign a book for someone, something I'll always appreciate.
"This Journey We Call Running - One Runner's Anthology"
Paperback. 135 pages.
$9.00 per copy
In “This Journey We Call Running - One Runner's Anthology”, author Brian James Siddons captures the essence of running through stories, poems and essays that range from the beauty of winter running to humbling setbacks to inspirational efforts, each of which finds a way to bring the physical efforts and emotional breakthroughs of runners to life.
Spread throughout the anthology is a collection of poems that will provide the reader with a chance to enjoy Siddons' interpretation of a runner’s thoughts and emotions of key training and racing experiences. The author’s prose, nurtured by 45 years of running, captures numerous topics near and dear to a runner’s heart and soul, providing timeless insights to be enjoyed over and over again.
Runners of all abilities will be able to relate to the authors writing, a homage to the running lifestyle that has transformed the authors life and the life of runners around the world.
Paperback 135 pages.
Foreword by Amby Burfoot
- Longtime editor at Runner's World, Author,
1968 Boston Marathon Champion
(Excerpt)....."In an essay titled "Magic Legs & Fluid Pen," Siddons explains that "trusting in the process" is the key to our continued striving. Of course, I nodded in agreement with his "Ode to One Last Race," which must, of course, start out in "Hopkinton way."
You'll also find much to appreciate in this modest collection. In fact, you'll surely find yourself turning back to read and reread Siddons's most evocative pieces.
World Class Support
(Excerpt).....“The poems and short stories in This Journey We Call Running, are so true and a great reminder of all the trials and tribulations of running. Siddons’ writing is the essence of what running is and what it means to us.
Geoff Smith
- 2-time British Olympian, 2-time Boston Marathon Champion 1984, 1985
Praise from runners who have had a chance to read pieces before publication.
“What a beautiful poem. I love it!”
-Lori E.-R.
“Awesome fantastic wonderful!!!!!! Thank you so much!!!! I have a tough 50k trail run this Saturday! So appropriate!!!!”
-Doug H.
“Darn. I think I'm going to cry.”
-Vasantha B.
“You put into words so eloquently what I am feeling. Thank you!”
-Laine M.
“Oh, that is brilliant, thank you!”
-Sharyn M.
from "Free As The Wind"
Clarity and focus, perfect partners,
Fully engaged for another session.
Energized by the warmth of
Solar rays upon my skin.
Motivation filling my heart
As I envision reaching goals
So recently out of my grasp.
This is my favorite time,
Morning dawn or evening set,
The golden hour of the day.
All other pieces of life lay aside,
For the moment, of no matter to me.
I’m lost within the run, and yet,
I find my true self,
Each and every time.
from "An Unexpected Running Experience: The 2017 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon"
Marathon training is a love affair with the running life. We run with tunnel vision, looking the only direction we can, forward, to the light of race day. The blinders we proudly wear keep us safe from distractions that would otherwise impede the progress we desire, that of inching closer to the escape hatch known as the starting line. We plan, we adjust, we sacrifice, we prepare. We chart our course like a salty ship captain returning to a cluster of islands known for coral reefs, rough seas and unexpected swells. When we break through the trials of training and into the light, race day can be its own master.
The best laid plans may need to be discarded when the winds of marathon day rise. Some days we must go where the breeze takes us, for to battle the wind is akin to fighting an invisible enemy you’d never see attack or regroup. You will be left flailing until you fall, overcome by your inability to admit this particular day is not for winning, but for surviving. And sometimes, if you are lucky, I mean really lucky, you are presented with a life changing experience.
from "Upon My Return to Running"
Upon my return to running.
Savoring each stride, this
Delicious dance of
Motion and movement melds
Physical effort and
Soulful energy into such a
Contained excitement
I can barely restrain myself.
Upon my return to running.
My heart bursts forth short
Twinges of joy.
My legs fire signals of
Refreshed muscles to my brain.
My lungs carry the load, allowing
Potential hours-long runs
To nestle in my thoughts.
Paperback - 369 pages
$10.00 per copy
Marcus, Roxie and Axel, friends since grade school and now in their mid- twenties, were driving north on Highway 35 to meet up with the rest of their group for the annual cabin getaway in Havenswood Valley. Seven years in, the weekend get together was always fun, yet safely uneventful. Until this year. Havenswood Valley is about as idyllic a small town as their is, nestled in a forested area well north of Minnesota's main metropolis, it's citizens embracing the harsh winters as easily as they fill their days during the magnificent summers mother nature provides. It's hard to imagine that in such a beautiful area there was a deathly evil lurking, and occasionally striking, the populace. It didn't take long for the group of friends to learn this weekend would be quite different. When a mysterious disturbance in the middle of the night sets them all on edge, they decide to report the incident. They soon learn from Sheriff Anderson and his two close friends, Robert, the owner of the cabin and Norma, a local seer, there is a deep and deadly history to Havenswood Valley not talked about in the travel brochures! The Voyageurs - Discovery In Havenswood Valley is the foundation novel in a three book series that will introduce the reader not only to a cast of heroic characters, but also to a challenge of good versus evil that takes hold far beyond their weekend at the cabin. Lace up and keep pace with the group as they go from Havenswood Valley to Prairie Falls and back in their search for answers to the evil that has caused untold tragedy for over 100 years.
Paperback - 369 pages