HUNTSVILLE — Former state legislator Mike Ball is kicking off his book campaign at an Author Talk event Thursday at the Madison Public Library.

Speaking to 256 Today, Ball said his book, “Picking, Politicking, and Pontificating”, is the story of an improbable journey through childhood tragedy and into a half-century of public service as a Marine, state trooper, criminal investigator, and a legislator.

“The book turned out better than I could have ever imagined,” Ball said enthusiastically.

He said the book provides an inside view of the political and the legislative process.

“It’s about politics but it doesn’t have a political agenda,” said Ball, who served 20 years in the Statehouse.

An excerpt of the book’s description on Amazon alludes to his struggle: “An active participant in the Republican takeover of the Alabama Legislature after 136 years of Democratic Party domination, a series of ethical failures across the highest echelons of political power in Alabama created a storm of corruption that he recognized as a threat to its constitutional system of governance.”

Ball told 256 Today an “unseen hand” has guided him his whole life.

“Following that unseen hand drove me into politics and drove me out,” he said.

Ball is out of politics and said he is enjoying life but has some wisdom to share.

“I’m done fighting the battle, but there’s so many stories that I’ve got to tell that will be helpful to the next generation,” he said.

“It’s important to know when to get in and when to get out.  It’s time to pass the baton and this story is for the next ones coming up.”

Ball said attendees at Thursday’s Author Talk event, which starts at 6 p.m., will be in for an additional treat. The longtime lawmaker is also an accomplished musician.

“I’m bringing Daddy’s guitar and will likely sing a couple of songs while I’m there,” he said.