We sat down with Chris "Idaho Bones" Veasey to talk about his journey to create 'Uncivilized: An Appalachian Trail Tale'.

Where are you from?

Staten Island, Westerleigh to be specific.

Tell us the story of how you got into writing

I wrote my first comic when I was 6. I kept it up for a long time and found myself actually enjoying writing essays in high school and college. I wrote a web series and a comedy pilot in college and have been writing standup for almost 20 years now. I always felt inside of me that I was going to write books someday.

What was your favorite book growing up?

The Hobbit.

What is your favorite book as an adult?

Call of the Wild.

What is the name of your new book?

Uncivilized: Leaving Society to Bury Anger on the Appalachian Trail

What inspired you to write the book?

I hiked the Appalachian Trail and realized the trail was nothing like the books I'd read about it.

Tell us more about your new book

After a string of sudden and decidedly impractical events, the man who would become Idaho Bones celebrated his 28th birthday unemployed, single, and homeless.

Having never pitched a tent outside a backyard, somehow this newfound freedom led Idaho to the longest footpath on Earth: the Appalachian Trail. To loved ones, he insisted that he wasn’t seeking anything to “heal and fix” him. This journey was only about adventure.

Amidst 2,200 miles of bruises, bears, and horny bartenders, there was plenty of adventure to be found. Idaho met widows, ex-convicts, self-proclaimed cowboys, and all breeds of not-so-lost vagabonds.

He didn’t expect to meet himself.

After a nearly fatal accident in a ferocious thunderstorm, he was forced to reconcile with the question he’d dodged so many times: what really lured him to the trail? Each remaining step brought Idaho Bones closer to equanimity, forgiveness, and the discovery that within all of us is an ancient instinct that knows the best path forward. Always.

Uncivilized will compel you to find your own Appalachian Trail and realize you’ve been holding a compass all your life.

Where do you go to get into writing mode?

Nature, baby. I like to write by hand with fountain pens. A cold beer in my cupholder and a joint in my ear gets my juices flowing.

Who needs to read this book?

Everyone. That's what's been frustrating about trying to get published traditionally. This book is about taking that chance that we all think about, pursuing that dream we all hush. It's also about living with more grace and understanding. Doesn't that all sound like something everyone needs to read?

Who inspires you?

My wife. She never thinks about why something can't be accomplished. She just starts on it right away and never looks back. And she finishes EVERYTHING she starts.

How important is reading and literacy for youth in this world?

Painfully critical. I'm optimistic because phones mean kids can read. I'm skeptical because it doesn't mean they're reading WELL.

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream?

If you really really can't do it, find something else. Negotiate with yourself, but be a tough negotiator. Don't just give up. Find a way. People told me "Oh man, I wish I could hike the trail but I have a family." I met tons of Moms and Dads out there. Make it work. Your family will be better off if you live up to your potential and live without regrets.

Connect

Where can people find your new book?: http://kck.st/3rSZY0F

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thats1ezvz/

Facebook.com: http://www.facebook.com/chris.veasey.9/

Website: http://www.readuncivilized.com

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