How long do books, podcasts & investigations take?

“People follow you for your journey, not just for one wave, not just for one event.” - Justine Dupont, my favorite big wave surfer

Mexican photographer Jacky Muniello worked on a recent investigative story with me in rural Arkansas.

I love big projects and big wave surfing. I’ve been watching the new season of HBO documentary 100 Foot Wave, and a lot of the advice from the big wave surfers feels applicable to my writing life. They spend their lives chasing the ever-elusive 100-foot wave. No matter how many waves crush them or how old they get, you can see the gleam in their eyes to keep chasing gigantic waves. My favorite big wave surfer is Justin Dupont, a French woman delighted by daily life. She is kind, relaxed, prepared, powerful, hardworking, and one of the best big wave surfers on the planet.

I have been applying Justine’s advice to my writing life. As a writer, I often yearn for more perfect conditions (money, time, and support). But life, like the ocean, keeps sending waves. After recovering from an injury, Justine was not feeling as prepared to surf. She said, “Life is not waiting for you. The ocean is still sending some waves, so I need to be ready.”

I write to remind myself of the importance of daily practice, because it is easy to lose perspective when working on long-term projects.

My next book:

I signed the contract for it in October 2021, and it will be published in the fall of 2026.

Time: 5 years

My next podcast episode:

I signed the contract in October 2024 and spent hours on the road reporting in January and February 2025. It will be published by the end of May 2025.

Time: 8 months

My next investigative article:

I signed the contract in October 2024. In November, I applied for grant funding and was rejected. In December, I applied for a different grant and received funding. I imagine it will be published by the end of 2025.

Time: roughly 1 year

My next writing retreat:

I apply to fully funded artist retreats a year in advance, during what I refer to as application season. My favorites are Yaddo, Bellagio, and Mesa Refuge.

Time: one year

Keep paddling out to meet the waves,

Alice

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