For the second book, my goal is to write as objectively as possible about Real Madrid & Barcelona. How can I do that? Honesty at the outset and during the creation stage.

In terms of personal leanings, I'm a lifelong Real Madrid fan, but have tremendous respect for the history, success, and institution that is FC Barcelona. Notice how I say "institution" and not just "soccer club." If Real Madrid is all about the W's, then FC Barcelona has always harbored a role in Catalan society beyond 11 guys kicking a ball. From the founding documents to Josep Sunyol's elegant essays (and tragic death) to later President's "mes que un club" proclamations, the club has bravely (and adroitly) navigated the tumultuous waters of local Catalan politics.

No book about Barcelona could or should ignore this.

In terms of content creation (and sites I adore), I love the website Deadpsin and their tag line: sport without spin. I won't replicate their delightfully snarky narrative voice in the book, but I promise little to "no spin." And that means no access and no favors.

Thus, I don't plan on contacting either club or visiting either club. Over years of blogging & writing, I have developed some contacts at both clubs. However, if you ask for favors, you have to do favors. You at least feel a tinge of obligation. My goal is objective analysis where my only debt is to you, the readers.

Expect no favors in my analysis. I won't pull any punches, but I'm also not looking to make any enemies. A few prior books on this topic have looked down the nose at one another. I am thankful for the hard work & research put into previous books, and don't feel the need to highlight and then toss mud at perhaps erroneous ideas and explanations.

My book will cut through the crap, but nobody will need any band-aids after reading.