Author Does What Most Won't, Records It

Staff Report

Michael Crow said the most important thing about his writing is that his books are not about him, but what people can take from the things he’s seen and experienced during his life of adventure. He said he feels both his books, “En Garde” (2011) and “A One Man Guided Tour: Quest for the Golden Apple” (2012), pretty much wrote themselves, as they needed to be written.

Maybe that’s why Michael Crow’s books offer such an extraordinary, and human account of a man who has lived in 15 countries, parachuted, went scuba diving, sailing, rock climbing and rappelling, and so much more.

Before joining the Fayetteville native on his journeys, here’s a look at what to expect in his e-books, available at his website, crowinfocus.com.

What do you think gives you your sense of adventure? When did you find it?

The “sense of adventure” is a by-product of feeling a “sense of purpose” and running with it. That purpose has been intertwined with doing and being: the “adventures” I have had (to this day!) are a reflection of my soul’s quest for growth, which, for me, is the only reason I am here. That is my purpose.
I honestly believe my mother both possessed that and understood that about me.

Being the last of four, I had freedoms she largely influenced based on parental experience that allowed me as a child to take part in life to the fullest. It was perhaps a subliminal encouragement to set my own limits and feel free to expand my boundaries. She allowed me to teethe on green onions!

Do you write as you go through the experiences or in retrospect?

I have written “seriously” since I was 17. At 50, I threw it all away. Everything except my journals and notes from a 10-month, seven-country, life-changing trip I took when I was 32. Hence, “A One-Man Guided Tour: Quest For The Golden Apple.”

A lifelong friend said of “En Garde,” it was as if I lived my entire life to write that book. I did a whole lot of research to write the book, but most of it bubbled up from brushings with life. In that sense, it was retrospective.

Much the same could be said about OMGT.

It took 22 years to get that book written. And I started it five times! The perspective of years was required to completely set the underlying tone.