Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Apropos of Running

 



Charles Moore

Apropos of Running


Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school, etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

I grew up in Detroit. I’ve lived in NYC, NY, Cambridge, MA, and Rome, Italy.


Contact: IG champagneandvitamins


What inspired you to author this book?

I ran 24 marathons all over the world and decided these adventures needed to be talked about.

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Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?

Telvin Wallace, an esteemed artist celebrated for his original and innovative approach to color and form, has crafted an eye-catching book cover for Charles Moore’s upcoming literary work. The piece, aptly titled ‘Divine Mercy,’ brings to life Moore’s request for the artwork to evoke a sense of greatness in endurance running.

The cover’s creation was a collaborative effort—Moore provided Wallace with an inspirational foundation rooted in the desire for the art to exude divinity’s presence and honor. This concept meshed perfectly with Wallace’s philosophy of conveying emotion through color, layering, and depth. Wallace’s choice of palette—notably the strategic use of king’s blue and other hues—not only reflects Moore’s intent but also showcases Wallace’s creative approach to understanding and rendering color.

When discussing the artwork, Wallace highlighted the significance of color in his artistry, likening it to the divine gifts of nature. He stated, ‘Color is something God gives to people. The sky’s blue, the grass is green. Our skin looks different under differing lights.’ The backdrop of the portrait, akin to the sky, further underpins the idea of the quality of God being both within and outside us.

Speaking on the stoic expression painted, Wallace emphasized its embodiment of fearlessness, a nod to the spirit of God within. The portrait is an ode to the many facets of human emotion, a journey from darkness to light, much like life itself. Wallace also eloquently described the portrait’s multi-dimensional depth, touching upon how the colors would evolve with time, much like the evolving spirit in everyone.

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The emblematic rabbit logo on the painted t-shirt, placed with intentional prominence, seeks to represent the unique mindset and vision of those who commit to the brand Tracksmith, subtly alluding to a broader theme of commitment and vision in life.

Moore, clearly moved by Wallace’s rendition, remarked that the cover perfectly encapsulated the sentiment he sought. This collaboration between Moore and Wallace has resulted in a book cover that’s more than just a visual—it’s an experience and a testament to the potent combination of profound thought and artistry.

Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

My mother as a person.

All the authors I love including; Cornel West, Leo Tolstoy, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Charles Bukpwski.

What were the struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

It’s a marathon, not a sprint to write a book.

Tell your readers about your book.

A world-class marathoner who completed all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, Charles Moore brings to light his experiences as a Black man in the world of marathons in his incisive memoir.

Based on Charles Moore’s experience running 24 marathons between 2016- 2023, Apropos of Running is at once a celebration of his journey to becoming a 24-time marathon runner and a candid, deeply personal interrogation of how race and culture are intertwined. The author explores the lack of diversity in marathoning, as he came face to face with the predominant myth that “Black people don’t run marathons.” From international races in major cities across Asia, Europe, and the United States, including his native Detroit, he is confronted with not only the racial history of America but the racialized history of the sport he had devoted his life to.

A timely and unforgettable memoir of long-distance running, Moore is one of the few to address the Venn diagram of Blackness and long-distance running. Apropos of Running is an essential testament to the persistence and power of Black marathon runners and how one man transformed his life and the sport of running just by showing up at the starting line time after time.

Who is your target audience, and why?

African Americans
Lovers of memoirs
Runners
Geniuses
Scholars
Athletes

What do you consider your greatest success in life?

Loving my family and being a good friend.

What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

I am the great one.

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