Camino Motivations

Dear fellow pilgrims,

I am currently writing a book about how to mentally prepare for the camino, covering the pre, during, and post camino stages. After completing a dozen Camino pilgrimages myself, and about 4 abandoned ones, I realized that there are so many books about the physical aspect - how many miles, blisters and injuries, where to stay, how to get there etc, but, the community was missing a book about the mental aspect of the camino, or any long walk. I want to change this by sharing my experience, and the stories and experiences of others.

My first camino, which I wrote about in the book Feel Every Step, was plagued with mental insecurities. They threatened to derail my dream of walking to Santiago. It’s safe to say, that despite many years of hiking long trails around the world, I struggled mentally. I wish I had a book like this then. I learned very quickly that no matter how far you walk, you can not walk away from your own thoughts and feelings.

One of the most special aspects of the Camino is the community that surrounds it. Age, race, social status fade away. We are all walking the same path like thousands before. I am looking for fellow pilgrims to share their stories, tips, and advice on how they managed the mental aspects of their camino. My plan is to weave these insights throughout the book, giving the other pilgrims the best change of successfully completing their own camino some day.

Before anything is published (The initial plan is self-publishing, but I will also submit the manuscript to traditional publishers too), I will share a draft for your approval to ensure that I represent your story correctly. As a way of saying thanks, I would like to offer you an ebook version of my first camino book, Feel Every Step, and a ebook copy of this future book when it is available, as well as include your name in the credits/dedication section.

Below is a link to a list of questions and space for you to share your story. It should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete. The camino has had a profound impact on my life. I want to do my part to help others have such a wonderful experience too. I am sincerely grateful for your support, and hopefully I will see you on a future camino soon. I am planning to complete the Camino del Norte this year after COVID forced me off the trail in 2022.

Ultreia et Suseia,

Quinton