At last, my book "Disc In" is out!

What a feeling. I never thought publishing a book is going to be so tough. The writing process is just the beginning of the journey. Nowadays, publishers want to see your manuscript before considering whether your project is worth supporting. On the author's part, you are afraid that your hard work will be kept safety in the thumb drive if no publisher ever want to publish your book. I guess I just took the first step and plunge my head into the ground and hope for the best.

I have never been rejected so many times in my life. Not even in courtship. Sorry dear... "Sorry, there is no market in Ultimate Frisbee". " Sorry, this topic is not relevant to our company". What better excuse can they give?

As I tried to source for a publisher, I also need to look for a sponsor. The cost of publishing cost $3000, the minimum amount required for printing a decent book.

I am really grateful for all the people who share their ideas and suggestions with me. All of them are mentioned in the book. I am also very grateful for the Singapore Physical Education Association (SPEA) for sponsoring this book and Icon Book for agreeing to publish my book. Special mention to Dr Michael Koh, SPEA president and Mr Melvin Yo, Icon Books and Multimedia Pte Ltd.

During the process of sourcing for a sponsor and publisher, I need to continuously carry out my research and complete the manuscript. I set myself a target to complete the manuscript in one year and every night, I will spend one hour to write something. Just something. Anything.

I keep asking myself. How can this book value add to people, especially Ultimate players,coaches and PE teachers? Ultimate Players and coaches need information to improve their skills. PE teachers? They need LESSON PLANS! So I decided to do a series of lesson plans that PE teachers can use immediately in their PE lessons. The lesson plans ensure that their pupils are equipped with the fundamental skills and concepts in Ultimate. The lesson plans also ensure that through Games Concept Approach (GCA), pupils understand territorial games concept better.

One of my forte is to be able to synthesize complicated issues into simple diagrams and flowchart. So I thought to myself, why not start with a framework for skills development in Ultimate? At least if I start something, someone in future will be able to use this framework and improve on it. I believe this can definitely value-add to this emerging sport!

Fast forward to one year later, the book is published and launched. Through this process, I have learnt several important aspects of life.

1. Life is like a disc, if you never release it, you will never know where it will fly. If I did not start writing the manuscript, I will never know where it can bring me.

2. Life is like playing Ultimate. It does not matter which disc you use, which club you play for, or which country you represent. Focus on the important aspect of your life. Not on the distractions. If you really want to play Ultimate, just do it. Tap in disc and shout, "Disc In!"

Personally, as I am writing this book, there are many distractions. People keep telling me that there is no market in Ultimate. There will not be anyone who is sane enough to support me. Even if I did publish my book, it will not sell. I do not care. The important part of this process is the writing and researching. The outcome is not as important. If the manuscript is going to be a white elephant, so be it. What is important is while I am researching my content for my book, I have also enhanced my coaching skills. While I am coaching Shiok, I am able to convince my players that what I am trying to impart to them makes sense. I sound credible and I am able to answer their questions with conviction. I have also developed a 'sixth' sense to correct my player's throwing stance and calling for strategies before the play. These can only be achieved if the leader constantly upgrades himself or herself.

3. Life is like Ultimate. You need everyone in the team to work together to achieve success. You can play on the O line or D line. But if you are on the 'side' lines, you can also play an important part to the team's success. Never underestimate your contribution to the team's success.

Ultimate has really transformed me as a person. There are many lessons you can learn in this game and the process. I have made many friends through this sport and I cannot imagine what my life will be without Ultimate.

Cheers!