Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelan David.
Hi Chelan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a child, I loved to read. Some of my earliest memories are of my mother reading aloud to me and of summer afternoons spent wandering the aisles of the library, searching the shelves for treasures. Books about sports were always my favorite but I devoured nearly everything. That early love of stories eventually led me to major in journalism at the University of Kansas.
After graduation, I began a career in advertising before moving into sales. As a writer I was a late bloomer: in fact, I did not publish my first article until I was 30 years old. I began freelance writing on the side, and over time my work appeared in increasingly prestigious publications. Still, I always dreamed of writing a book. The genesis of my first title, Beautiful States of Mind: A Father and Daughters’ Pilgrimage to All 50 States, began when I pledged to take my two young daughters to every state before they turned 18 years old.
Encouraged by that book’s success, I decided to write another. At first, I wasn’t sure what to write about it. Then a friend told me, “You should write about what you know.” And I know a lot about the University of Kansas basketball program. I attended my first game when I was a fourth grader and have been a loyal fan ever since. Last fall I published Stories from the Phog: Forty Years of Kansas Basketball. The book has received strong reviews and was named Runner Up for the American Writing Awards Sports Book of the Year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My first book, Beautiful States of Mind, was self-published, and I learned a great deal throughout the process. When you do something for the first time, you learn as you go. I had not realized how time-consuming every part of the process would be, from writing and editing to marketing the finished book. Distribution was also a challenge as I relied primarily on personal appearances and online orders. Although the learning curve was steep, the reward was deeply satisfying. The book found an audience, earned a warm reception, and opened the door to numerous media appearances.
The University Press of Kansas published my second book, Stories from the Phog. With a publisher behind the project, distribution expanded, and the book led to even more media appearances, author events, and conversations with readers. The greatest challenge was shaping forty years of Kansas basketball into one cohesive story. Although the book is rooted in my personal perspective, I interviewed about 35 people connected to the program and wove their memories, insights, and experiences alongside my own. That approach was demanding, but it gave the book greater depth, texture, and perspective.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
People have told me that my writing makes them feel as if they are part of the story, whether I’m describing a travel destination or a sporting event. I also like to weave in bits of history and pop culture. For instance, Beautiful States of Mind references trailblazers in music, art, fashion, and politics. Stories from the Phog dedicates a chapter to the television movie, The Day After—about survivors of a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union—which was filmed in Allen Fieldhouse.
I’m most proud that, through sheer determination, I was able to interview so many people connected to the KU basketball program. I’m a regular fan with limited access to the athletics department. However, I was fortunate to interview all four living coaches—Ted Owens, Larry Brown, Roy Williams, and Bill Self—as well as former players and descendants of James Naismith and Phog Allen. I also interviewed prominent alumni, including booster David Booth and Oscar-winning director Kevin Willmott; athletic directors; broadcasters – including the Voice of the Jayhawks, Brian Hanni, who wrote a heartfelt foreword for Stories from the Phog; a mascot; a band director; and someone who attended the very first game at Allen Fieldhouse in 1955. The result is a must-read for any KU basketball fan.
How do you think about happiness?
The two things that make me happiest are the two subjects I’ve written about: traveling (with loved ones) and attending sporting events.
Since an early age, I’ve been fascinated by what lies beyond my immediate surroundings. Through my journeys I’ve discovered that traveling provides education, perspective, tolerance, a sense of accomplishment, and has helped me learn who I am. I also believe that my experience traveling has added a layer of texture to my brain: keeping calm in difficult situations, appreciating other people’s points of view, being able to understand and communicate with others, and recognizing how small and insignificant I am in the grand scheme of things.
I’ve been fortunate to share many travel experiences with my two daughters, Neah and Kylie, and my wife Isabel. I couldn’t have asked for better travel partners. No matter where we go, we find adventure. We learn – about our destinations and about each other. I’m looking forward to many more years of travel with all three of them.
As far as sporting events go, I’ve been fortunate enough to attend some high-profile games: Final Four, World Series, and World Cup. My favorite memory of all time was going to the 2022 NCAA Championship game between Kansas and North Carolina, with Neah, my oldest daughter. It was a seesaw affair, with KU coming back to secure victory after being down 16 points in the first half. The Tar Heel’s final shot – which would have tied the game – failed to draw iron and bounced out of bounds as the clock expired.
I’d watched each championship game over the past 40 years. I knew exactly what to expect. Still, the next few moments were surreal. Coaches and players on the winning side looked for people to embrace. Coaches and players on the losing side consoled each other. Confetti streamed from the rafters. And then it hit me. The Jayhawks were the national champions. They had just completed the greatest comeback in championship history. I had watched something in person that I had waited my whole life for. And I had done it with my daughter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cdavidbooks.com
- Instagram: @chelandavid
- Twitter: @chelan_david
