The one part about writing a book for which Alex Meacham was prepared is what is happening now: he is signing autographs.

        He did that plenty during his career as a basketball player for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, even though he was a walk-on whose playing career lasted 44 minutes and generated 20 points.

        Meacham's appeal to fans far exceeded his contributions on the court, and he believes he understands why. “The reality is Kenyon Martin is a big star, going to the pros. But there are more people like me in the world,” Meacham says. “. . . they can relate to what I've been through.”

        In Walk of a Lifetime Meacham tells how he made the UC squad despite standing nearly a foot shorter than Martin and owning almost no high school basketball experience because of injuries and other circumstances that aborted his career.

        But after pursuing a walk-on position with the Bearcats, he stuck for two seasons despite the exhaustive training required by coach Bob Huggins — and Huggins' impatience with non-scholarship players. He became a popular player and Huggins even ended up writing the book's foreword.

        Meacham was told his story was inspirational, especially for school-age children (a target audience). He once received a letter from a parent asking if he would write a note to a ninth-grader thinking of quitting basketball because she wasn't a starter. That girl's father thanked Meacham for the letter and told him to “get his story out there.”

        Meacham took his idea for the book to Simon Anderson, president of Cincinnati's Clifton Hills Press. The two have been friends since Anderson taught a music course that Meacham enrolled in as a UC freshman.

        Anderson was sold on the idea and Meacham began writing, only to discover something he had not anticipated: Playing for Huggins is tough, but writing at this level is tougher.

        He wrestled with the process for days before telling Anderson he didn't think he was up to it. But Meacham didn't quit. He got organizational help from co-author Sam Dunn and assistance with storytelling from co-author Mark Brown. They had a rough draft completed in January.

        “It's about having fun and working hard. I talk about all my different journeys, the ups and downs,” Meacham says. “Kids go through that, and a lot of times they don't want to listen to the authorities — their parents, their coaches. Maybe they can get something from my story.”

        The first printing is 2,000 copies. If the book is successful, distribution will be expanded.

        Meacham does not expect to make much money.

        “You really don't don't make as much as people think,” he says. “This is really more about the opportunity. I hope from the book I'll get opportunities to do different things.”

        Walk Of A Lifetime is available at some area bookstores and via www.walkofalifetime.com.

Homecoming queen fulfills her dream
Bearcat bench warmer hopes book inspires youth
KNIPPENBERG: Wayward piglet gone to the dogs
Pig Parade: Pig 4, Sow What Ye Reap, Wings of Hope
Dulli lightens up with Twilight Singers
Get to it
'Sex and the City' writer takles no shortcuts
What Tristaters are reading