Wanderlust Weekly, Sep 9, 2023: Feeding Bison

And a long-awaited writing retreat

Hello from the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Since the last time I wrote you, I’ve finished another book. This is a short one–it’s a guide to Indiana Amish Country. Show Me Shipshewana will be out next week (you can pre-order now, though!). I wrote it in partnership with the LaGrange County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, so you know the information’s accurate. It’s not just a guidebook, though. I’ve written profiles of my favorite places, like the Shipshewana Flea Market, Davis Mercantile, and Cook’s Bison Ranch.

Have you ever fed bison? It’s so cool!

I’ve also included planning and journaling pages in this one. It’s meant to be a book you use to plan your trip, as a guide when you’re there, and as a place to keep your memories. It’s a new concept for me, and I hope to create more of these guides. Of course, I’ll keep you posted.

So why am I in Asheville? I’m house- and cat-sitting for my parents while they’re on a grand European adventure to celebrate (a bit late) their 55th wedding anniversary. Mom’s been sending pictures daily and they are definitely having the time of their lives.

As am I. Well, I will be. I arrived Tuesday and most of my time has been spent putting the final touches on my book as well as helping a friend/client get her book out into the world. I did take some time Thursday to visit a few (count ‘em, six, ahem) breweries. It’s research, I swear! I’m writing a guide to Asheville breweries and that means I have to visit them, right? Right.

I’m solo until they return next Saturday. During this time, I plan to write, and write, and write some more. I’m starting my fourth Alex Paige novel, which is set in this area. I’ll also be writing stories for TLT. Hopefully, when I email you next week (which I will), I’ll have some more travel inspiration for you.

Or, maybe I won’t. I’m using this trip as an opportunity to take a writing retreat. I’ve wanted to have some quiet time in a cabin in the woods for years. Now I’ve got it. A really fancy cabin with lots of art work and all the amenities, and the woods are only behind the house, but I’m in the woods nonetheless.

What am I going to write? I’m going to let my muse dictate. It’s a new experience.

Anyway, I’ve babbled on long enough. I just wanted to fill you in on where I’ve been and where I am. And where am I going? Only the muse knows, but I’ll fill you in on my adventures next week.

Until then, have a great weekend!

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa Goodrich