While we are ALL anxiously awaiting Charlie's Epic project (and not to hi-jack any of his thunder)...I thought I'd tease you with one of my own. Go ahead...ASK!
ps...Charlie, take your time man. This stuff is not as easy as it looks.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v508/woodwizard/bookpic1.jpg)
Can't wait! :thumbsup: :campfire:
Should I just look up all your old threads and save the $$$ for new arrows?
Seriously, that's great Mark!
When was your tome released?
OK, I'll ask, when can we expect to see this on the shelves....??? :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper: Looking forward to it!
Where can we find it?
It is currently available on-line. Check out the thread in the Sponsor Classifieds for ordering info.
Here's a few quick "early" reviews.....
Tension on the String is a gift to all of us from a very seasoned outdoorsman and bowhunter, Mark Baker. His trophies are not measured in inches, but in the memories, adventures, equipment, and family experiences of the hunt. In this era of "quick fixes," it was refreshing to learn that Mark's best seasons were those drawn out ones that allowed him to fill the freezer with precious wild meat on the last day. It was inspiring to learn that nearly everything this hunter required was right there in the forests, mountains and plains of Montana. His family and livelihood are all connected to a simple way of life where passion for the hunt and searching for that secret paradise in wild places is the ultimate reward.
Getting very close to unsuspecting game is Mark's goal, so using primitive weapons shaped by his own hands are not a hindrance at all, they are a natural ally emphasizing practiced skills are more important than technology. Making a bow may be a burden or a necessity to some, but for others like Mark, it's therapy to the mind and revival to the soul. A fallen tree may be dead, but to those of vision, the beauty and power of the tree itself can be brought to life, braced by the tension of a string. Mark is one of those special guys that can breathe life into death, and hand it down to the next generation.
I very much enjoyed this book, and Mark's words were like music drawing me close, holding me until I heard the sounds of the birds that were with him as he scanned the high-mountain basin waiting for the bull elk to chime in.
- Mike Mitten, Beach Park, Illinois
Here's another....
.... ten yards out, he (bull moose) veered to my left a bit, and as he reached the clear on the bank, he stopped, a mere five yards away. I was standing still, arrow knocked, with no cover but the small sapling, thinking that when he stepped out, I would put it to him, and focused on the spot I wanted to hit. My peripheral vision saw the bull look up the river away from me, then turn and look downriver, right over me, never seeing me! ....to give you an idea just how big these critters are, I am 6'2" tall, 220 pounds, standing in the clear only 5 yards away, and he was looking over me!
Using a simple wooden stick, held bent with a taut string, to cast a metal or stone tipped arrow, the author has pursued, and taken, many of the smartest and largest animals in North America. Though at times the clothing and camping equipment is modernized, the weapons used by the author is a throwback to bowhunting as done by our ancestors for tens of thousands of years. One is taken back to the essence of Pope, Young, Compton, and the Thompson Brothers, when they roamed the wilds with selfbows in hand hunting various critters. With the wildest country in the lower 48 states outside side his door he recounts his pursuit of numerous critters on equal footing, matching his wits with theirs, in their backyard.
This book has its share of thrilling moments. However, if you are into the chest pounding, jumping up and down, self-centered egotism displayed by many of the current genre in modern bowhunting, it will not be found here; that type of pretentious behavior is left out.
Permeating the book is the theme that why and how you hunt, conduct yourself while in the field, and act during and after taking an animal, is more important than killing animals. In a laidback and pleasant writing style he presents his views, beliefs, and ethics, regarding hunting, family, and society. It is more akin to having a discussion around the campfire, no pretense or sugar coating, just how he sees it and feels in an honest and straightforward manner.
The book is a good read and I highly recommend it for everybody.
Mark, .... You Done Good, Real Good!
-Walt Francis
And another....
In "Tension on the String", accomplished bowhunter, Mark Baker, shares a lifetime of traditional bowhunting experiences and his personal journey into timeless, classical bowhunting. Written in an easy style, this book is a nice mixture of philosophical thoughts and meat-on-the-table success stories.
Self imposed limits on archery equipment fuels Mark's passion for ethical hunts conducted in a way that can be proudly passed on to the next generation of hunters. Creating his own, hand crafted gear adds to his sense of accomplishment.
Mark Baker pursues a discipline that makes bowhunting ever more enjoyable and success ever more satisfying.
-Darryl Quidort
Here is the quickest way to get the book in your hands. Order directly from my publisher at
http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/
It is available in a hardcover, a softcover, and an e-book format.
I will very soon have a webpage up where you guys that want a personalized copy, can order a book directly from me...the only caveat being that it will take a couple weeks to get it back to you. If you are not in a hurry, or looking for a special gift (Christmas is coming!) that will be you option for that.
I will include a free "Feathers thru the Wind" CD to all personalized orders before Christmas.
Couldn't find it via the link Mark.
p.s. Sent you a pm.
I just tried the link. It works. Type "Tension on the String" (minus the quotation marks) in the search at the top...and clik on "search". Both hardcover and softcover versions will appear then. Click on the pic, and it will get you there!
Folks are already asking about personalized books....I should have that link available very soon...couple days at most. I have to make sure everything is working. Thanks all....
Okay Mark, I got it to work.
The first time I used your name, not the title then it brought the search blocks up again and I added the title and still had you name and it still didn't come up.
Hey Mark, where can we get an e-book copy? I found your hard and soft covers on that website, but don't see an ebook.
Thanks!
Brad
QuoteOriginally posted by BigBucksnTrucks:
Hey Mark, where can we get an e-book copy? I found your hard and soft covers on that website, but don't see an ebook.
Thanks!
Brad
+1
Found it.
http://www.amazon.com/Tension-String-Bowhunting-Insights-ebook/dp/B009OH2VZM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1351189536&sr=8-2&keywords=%22Tension+on+the+string%22
You have been holding out on us man!
Glad I checked in today, have already downloaded the e-version. Will also be ordering a Hardcover too!
The book looks a lot more stable than the old Baker Climbing treestands! Can't wait to read it, Mark. Thanks.
Tim
Yeah...I saw that Amazon had the e-books. I complained to Authorhouse about it...they said their site lags a little. I don't get it, since they are the main place everybody else - even me - has to buy from!
Let me know what you think, guys!
Just bought it for my Kindle. I'll start reading it tonight- can't wait.
Tom
I ordered it a couple of hours ago!
Thanks, Mark.
Can't wait to get it. I always look forward to your stories here on TGang.
I'm anxious to get Charlies book as well.. I'm sure no library will be complete without both of these books...
Good news...the webpage for the personalized books seems to be up and running. I have a limited few available, but will take orders and get the rest ASAP. The personalized books will take 2 or 3 weeks at least....just so you know, as I have to "buy" them from the publisher as well. I am selling them same price...just have to wait on me signing them.
The webpage link is....
http://www.tensiononthestring.com/
The pricing for the book is exactly the same, but shipping via Priority mail is added in...so there's no confusion!
I should add that international orders or multiple book orders on the personalized webpage should contact me first (there's a place for that) so that I can calculate their shipping for them.
Nicely done Mark, and I will see you in January at MTB. Mike
Just got my copy ordered. Seeing Mike Mittens review sold me on this purchase as Mike really knows what a good book looks like.
Awesome Mark!
Awesome Mark!
Mark, I may buy one from the publisher but bring it to you to sign if I can make it out for a visit ;) Looking forward to reading this! :campfire:
I ordered my hardback
Awesome, buying my daughter a Kindle for Christmas. This will be my first purchase on it.
Thanks Mark,
TJ
I just ordered it and look forward to reading it.
Just bought it for the Kindle. Thanks Mark. I can't wait to get at it.
http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000599737/Tension-on-the-String.aspx
Just got it on ibooks. Very cool!
Right on Mark....way to go and I cant wait to get a copy. Love the cover and title.
Lemme go grab my Kindle and take care of some business.
homebru
edit: done
Thanks for all the orders so far, guys!
I just got it on IBooks as well...
So I'll have 2 copies, the hard cover and the e version..
Mark, I ordered the hardback and the e-version. I'm loving the e-version on my Kindle. I'm a third of the way through it and love it so far.
I'm glad to see guys picking up the e-books! One of the reasons I self-published was to have a bit more "control"..and I wanted to have this option available. I feel it will help and reach more folks interested in this. I may have to get me a kindle myself, just to see what it looks like!
I'm also happy to see folks buying the hardback version, despite a bit more cost. It was my preference as well. Looking forward to hearing a little feedback soon...
You guys wont be disappointed. I got to read thru the unedited version prior to publishing some time back and it was great. Like Walt said "Mark done good, real good". Got my personalized HB version from Mark a couple days ago. Looks great, gotta find time to spend with it.
up for Mark
Thanks again all.
I just got another review in from Bryce Lambley.
Here it is....
When I learned Mark Baker was assembling his first book, I was happy. I have on several occasions read a magazine article, especially enjoyed it, and then looked back to notice that Baker was the author. I also had the good fortune to meet him while in Montana on a speaking engagement. A compilation of his works would have to be good.
And I was not disappointed. Tension on the String delivers.
Already adept at audibly painting a poetic and melodic picture with his music, the artisan Baker here shifts his canvas to the written word and the result is equally satisfying. In fact, I frequently found myself a hair jealous and thinking, "Man, I wish I'd written that."
While being a dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist, he has the skill of sharing his observations in such a realistic way that anyone who loves wild places can relate, regardless of whether they're carrying a primitive stickbow or a modern rifle. Woven into those observations are ideals that the Big Sky archer would like to convince the rest of the world in following. For instance:
"Persistence always pays. Most of the time, simply with the satisfaction of a hunt well conducted, of one's strict adherence to the challenge....The experience has given me the resolve to stay the course more often, the patience to accept that unfilled tag, not as a reminder of failure, but as a token of commitment to myself. After all, there is more to bowhunting than antlered results. The journey, and our conduct in it, is what is important."
Wow. Isn't that the truth? And wouldn't all the outdoor sports be better off if we held that view? The devoted hunter in each of us will be able to relate to Baker's journey. How he involves family. How he sometimes has to pick between the wonderful pallet of species Montana offers to pursue. How his last minute successes with deer are especially memorable after so much effort throughout the fall and so many close calls. How he looks for related "projects" (usually a selfbow in his case) to get him through the Montana winters. And how some of those rare events seem to occur mostly for those who go afield enough so that the law of averages rewards them.
This latter episode was exemplified by Baker's relating a veritable elk stampede, describing it as one of those "rare things we who are out a lot, eventually, hopefully experience."
As a similarly dedicated bowhunter, I found myself relating to each of his tales, ranging from the whitetails accessible to most of us, to the elk that I have pursued only through the writings of others.As a traditional bowhunter who has not yet made his own equipment, reading Baker's descriptions of that pursuit has planted the seeds in my own psyche. Those who have made their own selfbows will surely nod their heads, acknowledging the very personal layer of satisfaction that comes from crafting one's own equipment.
There is little doubt that bowhunters of any ilk will identify with the hunting tales, and those toting stickbows will instantly relate to Baker's keen descriptions of both what is obviously going on in terms of the animals and our hunt, as well as what's rattling around in our brains. The "thinking" bowhunter will gain much the insight and stories shared in Tension on the String, and I highly recommend it.
-Bryce Lambley
I've shipped all the order in thus far...but I'm already out of hardbacks...will have some in very shortly. Thanks so much you guys!
awesome! Just saw this thread. Couldn't get the e book from your publisher but got it from Kindle. Will read it starting next Monday when, I head back to Montana for the next round!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Got my hard cover in the mail today. Thanks! Am about half way through the e-version. Great book!
Great book, Mark! You describe the way bowhunting should be...and can be, if we want it to be. Thanks for a good read.
Darryl
I'll have to check that one out, need some new reading material. ;)
Mark, Your post-mark was 10-24 and I received the book in perfect condition 0n 10-26 in Illinois. So the mail is working fine. Mike
Just ordered one today!
Just ordered my copy.Looking forward to reading it.
Thought I would bump this back up to the top - just to make sure all who might be interested in a great book - get a chance to order one. Or maybe drop a hint to the spouse that this would make a great Christmas gift . . .
Just got my signed hard copy in the mail along with a little extra surprise. Nice looking book that will be perfect to read while next to the fireplace. Thanks Mark.
Just read through my book again. If you are contemplating going a little more primitive with your bowhunting...read this book. You'll like it.
I am trying to pace myself with this book as I usualy read everything in one sitting and am left wanting more.
This is great stuff and some of the thoughts Mark has put into words could have come right outta my own head.
Thanks guys...I appreciate the great comments.
I thought I'd bring this back up for those wanting signed copies before Christmas....timing is everything in "ordering" as it is in hunting rutting whitetails!
I have a small shipment of hardcovers (I sold all the previous ones) arriving any day...and still have some softcovers available for signing for those who want them for gifts, etc.
After these are gone (and I don't have too many at this time) I will have to re-order, and I'm quickly running against a deadline for orders to get turned around by Christmas. That's what my publisher tells me. This is for signed copies from me, only...
Of course you can still buy copies from Authorhouse bookstore (see the link) or from places like Amazon, etc. If you have any questions, please ask.
Done :thumbsup:
An evening on the couch or in a recliner with some Feathers Through The Wind playing and reading this book, equals a good combo!
Let me add kudos to you Mark. Fun read...very entertaining. I really loved the Fabulous Baker Boys chapter. Very fun and made me jealous as I have two boys that so far don't hunt.
One thing made me laugh. I was reading it while sitting on one of my dawn to dusk - Nov. rut hunts and Mark talks about how he cannot read on stand...made me laugh.
I want to keep this up top for a bit...for the Christmas gift crowd. Please read the earlier post I made today folks.
Thanks for the great feedback on the book guys! It's nice to see the responses from your peers...
Up top again for the Christmas wishlists...
I recieved my book order, and all the personalizations have been mailed out...up to today. There are still a few books left, both hardcover and softcover, for those that want it before Christmas with a personalization. After these are gone, I will try and get another order of books in....but no guarantees of getting the turnaround in time. Of course I'll try!
Don't wait too long folks....
Just saw this thread and ordered mine for the kindle.
as traditional bowhunters we all have a yen for the "old ways" but I still think the kindle is the best thing since sliced bread. so thanks Mark for making it available on the kindle also :)
:campfire:
I'm glad too that I did the e-book option, as I think it might help draw in a larger audience for the book. I personally don't own a kindle or I-pad thing....still like having the "real" thing in my hands and on my shelf I guess. But the times are changing...and it's the "wave" of the future I guess. Thanks, by the way, for buying the book in whatever form!
Mark,
Received my personalized book today and have read the first two chapters. I'm really impressed and wish to thank you for this book. By the way, where can an old man get a hat like yours?
Regards,
Grouse
Ervin....I assume you mean the hat I'm wearing on the back cover? That hat was "found" for me, literally buried in an old shed at the back of our property, by my son Kory when he was just a little boy. It was flattened and filthy dirty. I washed it, and re-shaped it, discovered it was an old Stetson, sold in Livingston many decades before. I used it for a long time, and finally retired it for another.
Hats like that can be found all over the place, in used clothing stores, garage sales, and auction sites....they just need cleaned and shaped, and "presto" new life. Easy to do, and a lot cheaper than buying a new one. I actually have several that I've picked up over the years....might have to "sell" a few on the classifieds here.
Mark, sent you a PM
I am enjoying Tension on the string right now!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I am reading it right now on my kindle, I am really enjoying it.
I am another that bought it for my eReader, enjoying it thoroughly!
Hey Mark,
Can you sign my Kindle copy? :bigsmyl:
Glad you guys are liking the book! Pat...I could sign it with a sharpie, I guess, but it might mess up your screen....
Mark, Just finished the book. That was a great way to end and truly tells the tale. Thanks for writing it.
I had meant to order this earlier, but got caught up with hunting. Finally got to it this morning, and really looking forward to the book Mark!