Giving Voice to The Geriatric Gymnast

Time to write another book!

When I started writing about gymnastics in this blog in 2020, there was a “someday I’ll write a book” vibe. I’d write about all of the feelings I was processing, the ups and inevitable downs I had experienced. If anything, it was a way to track and remember my journey. But often, I’d get some great feedback on the posts from other adults. I liked the idea that there were others that enjoyed or were inspired by the things I had to say.

On July 1, 2025, I was just starting my summer vacation from teaching. I was trying to think about another blog topic to expound upon. As I looked through all of my past posts, I started to think that maybe, just maybe, it was time for that book to happen. After copying and pasting all of the posts into one journal-style document, I had 341 pages, single-spaced. It was time to start editing.

There’s something I love about the editing process. It feels like I’m a sculptor with a mountain of wet clay. Molding words and phrases around, taking from here, putting it there, smoothing out what I’m trying to say to get to the heart of meaning. With every pass through the material, it became a challenge: what am I trying to say and what is the most concise, effective way to get that message across?

I wasn’t initially sure whether or not I’d move forward. Maybe this would just be a fun recap of all the gymnastics stuff I’ve experienced. But after a few weeks of editing, rearranging, and consolidating chapters, I knew I had something interesting here. I reached out to my developmental editor to ask if she was available to do a full edit. I sent her the manuscript. This was her response:

Stacey, this is great! It might be exactly what the doctor did NOT order that I indeed need!!! Where do I sign up?! Seriously!!!
God ALWAYS sends me the projects I need when I need them.

That felt great. She’s read hundreds, probably thousands of books. If a perusal of this manuscript garnered that kind of early reception, I knew I had something. I decided to move forward with a substantive edit, sign the contract, and invest in the making of this book. I knew that my voice was unique and that there were people out there who would appreciate hearing it.

I’ve spent the summer doggedly preparing this book to go to the editor. As of September 1, I will go “hands off” until I receive my editorial letter and comments. After that, I will make adjustments and figure out what my next steps are.

I will say, the thought of it all gives me butterflies. What if it doesn’t take off? What if it does? Will anyone really be interested? Do I have the “authority” to talk about this? Despite the unanswerable questions (for now), I need to push forward. After all, you don’t grow unless you take that leap into the unexpected.

I invite you to subscribe to my Substack. There, I’ll keep you posted on my book progress and share excerpts.