Watch my interview with noted author Spike Carlsen as we discuss his latest book, A Walk Around the Block: Stoplight Secrets, Mischievous Squirrels, Manhole Mysteries & Other Stuff You See Every Day (And Know Nothing About).
Spike took time out from doing national media to become the first guest on Weekly Walking Tips and Inspiration, my weekly walking YouTube show.
"We read books about climbing Mt. Everest, going down the Amazon, and going to the moon but we don't know much about the world right outside our door." -Spike Carlsen
In the interview, we talked about his book, his writing habit, advice for young writers, and how walking helps to facilitate the writing process.
Spike’s “walk around the block” included research trips to San Francisco CA, Ardmore Alabama, Paris France, New York City, and towns big and small around the United States.
Along the way, he writes about how electricity and water get in our homes, how trash and recycling go out. Spike covers how streets and telephone poles were developed and improved, and the role of the front pouch in our communities.
Along with the 25-minute interview, Spike took the time to answer questions for my Walking Inspiration Newsletter, issue 9 Winter 20-21. Download it here.
Lastly, we learn the origin of the name Spike… good stuff!
You will love this book! Order, A Walk Around the Block today.
Walk on,
Frank
For more information about Spike Carlsen:
Website: www.spikecarlsen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spikecarlsenbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spikecarlsen/
Spike Carlsen is an editor, author, carpenter, and woodworker who’s been immersed in the world of wood and woodworking for 30 years. He’s the author of the award-winning A Splintered History of Wood: Belt Sander Races, Blind Woodworkers and Baseball Bats, as well as Woodworking FAQ and Ridiculously Simple Furniture Projects. His DIY guide, The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects, is packed with ingenious projects. Cabin Lessons recounts how his family built a sturdy structure on the shoreline of Lake Superior.
Carlsen has written for Old House Journal, Fine Homebuilding, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, American Woodworker, and other publications. He is former executive editor of Family Handyman magazine, where he wrote hundreds of articles on home improvement and woodworking, and oversaw the creation of the Readers Digest, Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual. He’s made appearances on the CBS Early Show, HGTV, and Modern Marvels.
Before becoming an editor, Spike worked as a carpenter for 15 years and ran his construction and remodeling company. He and his wife Kat have five children and reside in historic Stillwater, Minnesota. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, woodworking, and working with the staff and students at Bomalang’ombe Secondary School in Tanzania on establishing a tree farm and other projects
