Six months since I’ve posted here, wow – I wouldn’t be surprised if this spawned questions on the status of my book! I’ve been caught up with a (somewhat) normal life, part of which has been writing and editing “Never Unprepared”.

Four drafts in, I’m ecstatic to say I’m very close to completing the book. The writing process sure isn’t one to be taken lightly. As with any art, there is always a new idea, something to tweak, another task to do. But with all major themes for the book complete, I am gearing up for a launch this July!

Some notes on how the book will work:

• It will be available for online ordering at cameronjohnston.org (paperback) and on the Amazon Kindle store (e-book), at minimum
• Prices are still TBD – printing costs are to be finalized, but it’s looking affordable
• 100% of profits will go to the CMHA’s depression and anxiety initiatives
• I’m planning to have options to have your book shipped or arrange to meet me in person in Vancouver
• Cover art will be done by Natalie Tso – you can check out her art on Facebook
• It will be quite different from my “Cameron Cycles Canada” blog, with deeper ideas and a more serious tone – take this as good or bad news, depending on your opinion of my puns…

Next Sunday, June 24th, I’ll be participating in the Greater Vancouver 60km Ride Don’t Hide. This annual Canada-wide CMHA event is a community bike ride raising awareness and money for Canadian Mental Health. The CMHA reluctantly can’t offer me a speech or table at the event, but I’m excited to ride as it’ll be a great chance to immerse myself in the mental health community while possibly promoting my book.

After vanishing for six months, I suppose I can share some of my writing from that spell. Here’s some reflection on completing my journey in St. John’s, Newfoundland:

Reaching St. John’s brought attention to many feelings. I felt accomplished having crossed the world’s second largest country, but not as if I’d soldiered on in pursuit of this result. I would have been happy to continue my trajectory, if my trajectory was not into the cold Atlantic Ocean and Newfoundland winter. However, I was fully satisfied in every aspect, and for that reason I was ready to return home. Throughout my trip, my cravings for daily luxuries faded. A roof over my head, a comfortable bed, laundry and electricity constantly at my fingertips… They all paled in comparison with the longing to reconnect with those I was closest to.