Five Things - June 19, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. Our third son turned 21 yesterday! I’ve written about this particular kid before and how he is just the best combination of kind, sensitive, talented, and also quite driven when he puts his mind to something. Check out the POST I wrote just for him on his 18th birthday a few years ago, which I think captures him well. Also, you can follow this talented, funny kid on TikTok as he chronicles 100 days in his world, including building his drone business and cooking some amazing meals!

2. We’re still in Colorado for another few weeks and really loving it here. On the road from Granby to Denver, where we are now, we had to cross the Berthoud Pass. I’m just gonna pat myself on the back and declare total badassness (if that’s a word?). I drove the RV while towing the Jeep, because my dear husband is a much, much better passenger than me, and this was our deal so I wouldn’t end up curled under the bed crying. Wow, was it a white knuckle kind of drive, but we made it! Check out this post and video on Dangerous Roads to get a glimpse of the journey.

3. Speaking of Colorado, part of the reason we’re in Denver so long is because I’ll be signing books and moderating panels at Denver Fan Expo from June 30th - July 2nd. I’m really excited to be out and about doing bookish things. It’s a little harder to plan while we’re on the road, but we made this one happen, so if you’re in the Denver area, please come say hello!

4. Amy and I have been busy chatting it up on YouTube about our favorite writing topics. I’m currently smack in the middle of my latest manuscript, which sometimes feels like a slog. This feeling is so common among writers that we’ve affectionately called it the muddy middle, the murky middle, the messy middle - well, you get the idea! Check out our latest AUTHOR’S BUZZ VIDEO where we share our top tips for navigating the middle of the story.

5. Amy’s actually going to be here this week visiting! We are so excited to get in our girl time, do some hiking, and just be together in real life. “A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.” - Lois Wyse

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our itinerary subject to change:

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-15: Salt Lake, UT

July 15-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Rock Springs, WY

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

October 1 - November 15: Pacific Northwest TBD

November 15 - January 3, 2024: Orangeland Park, CA

Five Things - June 5, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. A fun thing happened the other day… My husband was filling out paperwork and had to list his emergency contact. The person at the desk saw my name and asked, “Is your wife the author Tabitha Lord?” Now, my work has certainly won some awards and had critical acclaim. Sales aren’t terrible, but I don’t have wide name recognition as a writer, so the fact that this gentleman, all the way out here in Colorado, knew who I was made me really, really happy. He said he loved my book and couldn’t wait to read the rest of the series. Sometimes, I feel like I am sending my books out into the void. I know this can be the nature of the beast, and the publishing industry is not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth it when someone falls in love with my stories.

2. Ray and I finally took the Jeep off-roading and it was amazing! We drove through mud, streams, up steep inclines, and down rocky trails. Great Sand Dunes National Park was another truly worthy destination. Besides thinking we were on Tatooine for a while, the vistas were spectacular and our back-trail experience a highlight of our travels.

3. It’s June already, and that means Denver Fan Expo is just around the corner! If you’re in the Denver area June 30- July 2, come say hello! I’ll be at the event signing books all weekend and moderating a couple of panels - ‘Not a Doctor, but I Play One in my Book’ and ‘A Hero, an Anti-hero, and a Villain Walk into a Bar.’

4. Writers, have you ever wondered if the idea you’ve been kicking around has enough substance to be your next novel? Amy and I had a fun discussion about this topic on our Author’s Buzz YouTube channel. Check it out here: Is My Idea Enough for a Book?

5. As we visit some amazing places, from the majestic mountains, to the stark desert, to the dense forests, I remember how restorative it is to spend time in nature. When I was a little girl, I loved nothing more than to be outside all day, climbing trees, picking berries and flowers, or lying on a bed of leaves staring at the sky. I couldn’t articulate it then, but for me, being in nature is a spiritual experience, where I feel connected to the world and at peace. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful, natural places in the world. “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our itinerary subject to change:

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-15: Salt Lake, UT

July 15-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Rock Springs, WY

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

October 1 - November 15: Pacific Northwest TBD

November 15 - January 3, 2024: Orangeland Park, CA

Five Things - May 28, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. SAVE THE DATE! I’ll be at Denver Fan Expo June 30th - July 2nd signing books. If your in the area, stop by and say hello. Panel and presentation schedule TBD so stay tuned.

2. Our time in New Mexico is coming to an end, and we are really going to miss it! Albuquerque was amazing. Our adventures there included a ride on the Sandia Tram with a fancy dinner on the mountain top, exploring the beautiful botanical gardens, and hiking through Petroglyph National Monument. Santa Fe captured our hearts even more. We hiked Bandelier National Monument - former home of the Anasazi, explored the immersive art installation at Meow Wolf, and rode the Sky Railway train, owned by none other than Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin who is a Santa Fe resident! The land is beautiful and the people even more so. We’ll definitely be back!

3. I finally got to see a road-runner. One hangs out in the brush across from our site and makes an appearance in the late afternoons. Meep-meep!

4. I’m smack in the middle of my newest writing project - a fantasy featuring a feathered dragon, an angsty hero, and a sassy gal who can’t remember who she is. The middle of any story is, in my opinion, the most challenging part to write. The shine has worn off, the writing feels stale, and I sometimes worry that I’ve totally lost the plot. I have a few tricks to getting through the muddy middle, so if you’re interested, check out my article on Author’s Buzz.

5. As we pack up and head to Colorado, I can’t help but think how fast time is speeding by. As much as we try to enjoy every moment, the days pass quickly. June will be our sixth month on the road! I’m keeping this quote in mind as we travel. “After all, life is too short to be anything but happy.” – Kayla Marx

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our itinerary subject to change:

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-15: Salt Lake, UT

July 15-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Rock Springs, WY

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

October 1 - November 15: Pacific Northwest TBD

November 15 - January 3, 2024: Orangeland Park, CA

Five Things - May 15, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. Highlights from out time in Carlsbad, New Mexico include Sitting Bull Falls and Carlsbad Caverns. The first is this beautiful oasis in the middle of the rugged desert. We hiked the falls and swam in the natural pools at the base. Mother Nature at her finest! And the caverns, located about 60 miles from the falls, were simply amazing. After trekking down 75 stories (yes that’s the height of the Empire State building), we wandered for over a mile in the ‘Big Room,’ the most spectacular part of the underground cave system that makes up this incredible geological wonder. Seriously, check out my pictures on Instagram. They don’t do the cavern justice with regard to scale, but they do capture some of the more interesting formations.

2. Okay, so Roswell! I totally geeked out at the International UFO Museum, and we even listened to a lecture by one of the crash site researchers. The whole town gets into the spirit. McDonald’s looks like a spaceship and there are statues of little green men everywhere. Totally my kind of place!

3. The desert is dusty. Very dusty.

4. I think Ray and I are finally finding a healthy balance between work and play. Some days, we are busy working, and others we are out having a grand adventure. Mostly, we are doing what we’d hoped to do and spending real time in different parts of the country. Our journey is definitely a lesson in living in the moment and being present. “Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” - Jim Rhon

5. Amy and I are having so much fun putting together these YouTube videos together for Author’s Buzz. First off, we get to catch up and have a little girl time every week, and then we talk about one of our favorite topics - writing! You can check out the latest here: Spring Check In & Writing Rhythm.

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our itinerary, subject to change:

May 8-15: Carlsbad and Roswell, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-15: Salt Lake, UT

July 15-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Rock Springs, WY

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

October 1 - November 15: Pacific Northwest TBD

November 15 - January 3, 2024: Orangeland Park, CA

Five Things - May 1, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. I can’t believe it’s May 1st! Last summer, when we came up with this crazy idea to sell everything and tour the country, we mapped out tentative plans for nearly an entire year. I wondered then if spring would feel like spring in different parts of the country, and I didn’t just mean the weather. In the springtime, I’ve always felt a sense of personal renewal as the flowers bloomed and the leaves turned green. I felt like I was coming out of hibernation right alongside the natural world, blinking at the sun, stretching my brain, and waking up. Next to fall, spring has always been my most productive time, and I definitely feel that renewed sense of energy and creativity while on the road. Hopefully, that will continue to hold true.

2. “There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” — Rachel Carson

3. A few highlights from Texas… It’s, well, big, and we’ve only seen a fraction of it this go around. We’ve spent most of our time in and around Austin, mostly because we love the city. There’s so much to do here including enjoying fantastic food, music, and of course the BATS. I love the bats. They shoot out at dusk looking for tasty snacks, and they eat between 10 and 20 thousand pounds of insects every night. Thank you, bats! Flexibility remains key as we encounter things like Texas storms. When large hail, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes were predicted, we drove about 120 miles west to keep well out of the way. The drive turned out to be beautiful. We’ve made a note to spend time in Texas wine country on our next visit. There were miles and miles of vineyards and tasting rooms, and after that, ranch land as far as we could see. The words that came to mind as we made our way through the countryside were vast and rugged. We’ll definitely be back.

4. I’m buying new cowboy boots tomorrow, because when in Texas!

5. A final reminder that I’m teaching another Zoom webinar for the ARIA Writing Academy titled ‘Editing: Soup to Nuts’ on Thursday, May 11th at 7 pm EST. A well edited manuscript can mean the difference between a book that’s ready for the world and a document that sits in a drawer collecting dust. If you’re ready to tackle your edits, check out this class. Here’s a link to the full course description and registration: ARIA Writing Academy.

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our itinerary, subject to change:

May 1-5: Austin, TX

May 5-8: San Angelo, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-15: Salt Lake, UT

July 15-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Rock Springs, WY

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

Five Things - April 17, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. Flexibility is key to our well-being, especially on the road! While we’ve planned out our path for the next several months, stuff happens in the meantime. Instead of feeling frustrated and tense when we have to make changes, we sit with our map and a glass of wine and rework certain dates and places. The more comfortable we are in our tiny, mobile home, the easier it gets to roll with things.

2. We’ve had a blast in New Orleans. It’s a quirky city with terrible roads, but we’ve eaten our way through the French Quarter, listened to some fantastic music, brought our dog to the Vampire Bar, where they served her a pup plate for dinner, met up with good friends from RI, and spent time with one of Ray’s college roommates and his wife. We visited the WWII museum, shopped, and managed to get some work done in between!

3. “Don’t count the days. Make the days count.” - Muhammad Ali

4. I can not stress enough how important it is that we have laundry on board.

5. I’m very excited to teach another Zoom webinar for the ARIA Writing Academy titled ‘Editing: Soup to Nuts’ on Thursday, May 11th at 7 pm EST. A well edited manuscript can mean the difference between a book that’s ready for the world and a document that sits in a drawer collecting dust. If you’re ready to tackle your edits, check out this class. Here’s a link to the full course description and registration: ARIA Writing Academy.

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our itinerary, subject to change:

April 19-28: Austin, TX

April 28 - May 8: Medina Lake, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-15: Salt Lake, UT

July 15-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Rock Springs, WY

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

Five Things - April 3, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. We bought a new RV! I know, I know, we just bought the first one, but this one is a significant upgrade. Honestly, when we started our journey, we didn’t know if we were going to love it enough to keep going after our initial cross country venture and therefore didn’t want to make a large investment. We also didn’t know what we didn’t know! We’ve learned so much in the last few months, and we definitely love it enough not to place an end date on our travels. Our original RV also had significant mechanical issues right from the start, and this last challenge confirmed for us that upgrading was the right choice. Check out my Instagram page @tabithalord very soon for some pics and videos of our new tiny home on wheels!

2. Related to the above, whenever Ray and I make a significant decision, we try to balance the idea of living in the moment, since none of us truly know what tomorrow holds, with planning to live a long time and behave responsibly with our time and resources. There’s never a ‘right’ answer to this, but I think placing the question at the center of our decision-making assures we at least make thoughtful choices.

3. People at RV parks and campgrounds are so kind! When you think about it, who would choose this lifestyle if they weren’t pretty social by nature? The neighbors are generally super close by, chances are you’ll need help with something sometime, and it’s fun to share a glass of wine with a new friend! It’s like being in an airport bar ALL THE TIME!

4. Yup, we made a third trip to Disney. The campground there is beautiful, and as season passholders, we’d hop into a park for an ice cream cone or a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean but not exhaust ourselves with long lines or long days. We spent some of our very favorite family vacations in Disney over the years, so we were both nostalgic as we wandered. And yes, we imagined someday taking our future grandchildren with us!

5. Last call for my Zoom webinar through the ARIA Writing Academy titled ‘Pathways to Publishing’ on Wednesday, April 5th at 7 pm. If there are any aspiring authors out there looking to learn more about the modern publishing industry and ways to bring your story to readers, check out the class. Here’s a link to the course description and registration: ARIA Writing Academy.

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our itinerary, subject to change:

April 6-7: Panacea, FL

April 7-10: Lillain, AL

April 10-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-13: Rock Springs, WY

July 13-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Salt Lake City, UT

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

Five Things - March 20, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. Happy birthday to our oldest and youngest kids who will be turning thirty and nineteen this month! It’s hard to believe I’ll be the mom of a thirty year old, gulp, and that our baby is almost out of her teens, but watching them all blossom into amazing human beings is an honor and a privilege.

2. I love airport bars. I may have mentioned this a time or two, and my most recent trip proved this is still the case. Truly, I meet the nicest people! Our tiny dog gets so excited when we approach the dog park that she practically leaps from the moving vehicle. It’s so darn cute watching her socialize with other dogs of all shapes and sizes and chase her ball around like a loon. I suspect she views the dog park like I do airport bars.

3. It’s hard to believe we’ve been here for two months, but we have, and this is our last week in Sarasota, Florida! We’ve had an amazing time here, with friends and family visiting and friends and family who live here. The beaches are beautiful, the yoga classes amazing, this resort so much fun, and the food options delicious, but we’re ready to see more of the country and continue our grand adventure. We’ll be making another stop in Disney before heading to the Alabama coast and then on to New Orleans.

4. We’ve loaded a new Author’s Buzz video on YouTube focused around editing. Amy and I really enjoy making these podcasts and sharing all the things we wished we knew when we were baby writers! In case you missed it, www.authorsbuzz.com is a new author resource website created by me and two other talented ladies. We provide tons of articles and tips on writing craft and the business of publishing, and we also host a fun little podcast on YouTube where we discuss all things writing related.

5. I’m very excited to teach a Zoom webinar for the ARIA Writing Academy titled ‘Pathways to Publishing’ on Wednesday, April 5th at 7 pm. If there are any aspiring authors out there looking to learn more about the modern publishing industry and ways to bring your story to readers, check out the class. Here’s a link to the course description and registration: ARIA Writing Academy.

Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

Feb 4 - March 27: Sarasota, FL

March 27 - April 2: Disney World, FL

April 2-3: Panacea, FL

April 3-10: Lillian, AL

April 10-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-13: Rock Springs, WY

July 13-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Salt Lake City, UT

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

Five Things - March 6, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. For the writer types who follow this blog, I’ll be teaching a Zoom webinar titled “Pathways to Publishing” on Wednesday, April 5th at 7 pm through the Association of RI Authors. Here’s a link to the course description and registration: ARIA Writing Academy.

2. If you’re interested in free writing resources, don’t forget about AuthorsBuzz.com, a new author resource website created by me and two other talented ladies. We’ve been uploading new articles every week, and we’re also having a blast recording short YouTube videos where we discuss all the things we wish someone had told us when we were new writers!

3. Red tide is no fun. Apparently, there is an algae down here that releases a toxin into the water and air. When the levels get too high, this toxin kills fish and irritates the lungs and skin of beachgoers. Yuk! Thankfully, we have a pool at this RV resort, and we’ve been keeping cool there.

4. I got a new vacuum cleaner, and I have been enthusiastically sucking up dirt and cat fur with a vengeance. This may not sound like something to get excited about, but when we moved on board, we only brought a high powered dust-buster and a broom, thinking these would be sufficient to keep our space clean. Not so! It’s been a losing battle living with so many fur babies, and this new appliance makes me ridiculously happy. It’s the little things!

5. My mom and dad and their childhood friend are down here for a visit. This week, we’re also hanging out with some cousins, and let’s just say this group knows how to eat, drink, and make merry! The downside of our life on the road, and the thing I miss the most, is the easy, regular access I had to the people I love. Lunch dates with my mom, family barbecues by the pool in the summer, dad tagging along for a shopping day because he’s actually an excellent personal shopper, are all things we could just do because we lived in close proximity. Their visit feels like a comforting little piece of home!

Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

Feb 4 - March 27: Sarasota, FL

March 27 - April 2: Disney World, FL

April 2-3: Panacea, FL

April 3-10: Lillian, AL

April 10-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-13: Rock Springs, WY

July 13-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Salt Lake City, UT

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

Five Things - February 27, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. Daisy is a great travel buddy. She loves riding in the car, running errands, playing at the doggy beach, and yes, bars. Most places down here in sunny Florida have outdoor decks where pets are welcome. Daisy is a popular attraction at such establishments.

2. Having a washer and dryer on board was an excellent decision. Most people we spoke with said they’d rather have the extra closet space, but I am so glad I don’t have to bring the dirty laundry anywhere. With the amount of yoga and gym clothes we go through, and because we have pets along, I still do laundry almost every day. That much hasn’t changed with our life on the road!

3. It still feels a little bit like we are on vacation, and I don’t mind that at all!

4. When I hit the 10k word mark on a new manuscript, it feels like a keeper. When I hit 20k, I’m really invested in the story.

5. If you follow this blog and you are a writer, you might be interested in Authors Buzz, a new author resource website created by me and two other talented ladies. We provide tons of articles and tips on writing craft and the business of publishing, and we also host a fun little podcast on YouTube where we discuss all things writing related. Our first few conversations are available so check them out!

Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

Feb 4 - March 27: Sarasota, FL

March 27 - April 2: Disney World, FL

April 2-3: Panacea, FL

April 3-10: Lillian, AL

April 10-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-13: Rock Springs, WY

July 13-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Salt Lake City, UT

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

Five Things - February 13, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. Good friends feel like a cozy blanket on a rainy day.

2. I like campgrounds better than RV parks. This is something I’ve realized as we’ve stayed in a few different places now. RV parks are really fun and have a ton of amenities, but I like being surrounded by nature rather than a resort-like setting.

3. Having said that, I can appreciate where we’re at and enjoy it thoroughly because I don’t live there permanently. It’s easy to focus on the good things, explore our surroundings, and think of each stop as an adventure when we aren’t planning to stay.

4. A good yoga studio keeps me grounded. It’s about more than just the practice, but also the vibe of the people who gravitate there. There’s a sense of striving, of everyone finding balance and peace, that is familiar and encouraging.

5. Dive bars are so much fun! We found a little gem right across the street with cold beer, excellent barbecue, and fantastic live music.

Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

Feb 4 - March 31: Sarasota, FL

April 1-3: Panacea, FL

April 3-10: Lillian, AL

April 10-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-13: Rock Springs, WY

July 13-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Salt Lake City, UT

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

Five Things - January 30, 2023

Welcome to my blog titled “Five Things” where you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. Our cat Beatrix never seems to learn. Back when we were refinishing the basement after some water damage, she managed to get walled in behind the new drywall. Yes, we had to break her out with a sledgehammer and have a fun conversation with the builders first thing the next morning! Well, since we’ve been living in the RV, she’s managed to get stuck in the closet behind the washer and dryer, and then, another day, she hopped into a drawer when no one was looking and got stuck again. Those little meows in the middle of the night are pathetic!

2. Regular plumbing maintenance is essential.

3. You can learn anything from YouTube, including how to clear your RV plumbing before you realize the importance of regular maintenance.

4. Flexibility is an asset. I mean, it is in regular life, but it’s especially necessary for life on the road. Sometimes flexibility looks like giving up half your day to figure out how to clear the gray water tank. See plumbing note above. Sometimes flexibility looks more fun, like when you can rearrange your schedule to coordinate a visit with some friends. In all cases, things are going to come up. Shit’s gonna happen. By keeping a flexible mindset, I can approach those things with less resistance and change my attitude toward them.

5. I’m learning not to overschedule myself. Anyone who’s seen my collection of notebooks, my online calendar, and my daily planner, knows I’m a little obsessive about managing my time and scheduling my day. I even schedule my down time. This approach generally works well for me as I’m able to be proactive when it comes to organizing my time rather than reactive. I am however, guilty of making unrealistic to-do lists. At the end of the day, when several items remain undone, I have to carry them over to the next day and rework my whole plan! One of the things I love about this RV life is the simplicity of it. Tidying up and taking care of the animals in the morning takes just a few minutes. There’s a limited amount of actual stuff to maintain and keep track of. This simplicity creates space. So, my focus lately has been not to fill up that space just because it’s there. I want to be as productive as ever, sure, but I also want to appreciate and live into the simplicity.

Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

Feb 4 - March 31: Sarasota, FL

April 1-3: Panacea, FL

April 3-10: Lillian, AL

April 10-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

May 22-29: Santa Fe, NM

May 29 - June 2: Alamosa, CO

June 2-10: Colorado Springs, CO

June 10-18: Granby, CO

June 18 - July 5: Central City, CO

July 5-9: Vernal, UT

July 9-13: Rock Springs, WY

July 13-22: West Yellowstone, MT

July 22 - August 5: Jackson, WY

August 5-10: Salt Lake City, UT

August 10-18: Hurricane, UT

August 18-27: Coachella, CA

August 27 - September 5: Temecula, CA

September 5 - October 1: Santa Barbara, CA

Five Things - January 16, 2023

In the spirit of new adventures, I’ve retitled my “Monday Musings” blog to “Five Things,” and you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. I love the simplicity of a tiny house (on wheels). It’s easy to clean, cozy, highly functional, and really does feel like home. Having downsized from a four bedroom house with a fully finished basement suite, I realize just how much stuff we accumulated that we didn’t use or need. It was cathartic to purge and donate and keep only the essentials in our space.

2. Dry January is going well. I’m sleeping better and overall I feel more clear-headed. I miss wine, but not as much as I thought, and it wasn’t even difficult when eating out with friends. Glad to feel in charge of this particular habit!

3. Just when I feel like a total badass, backing the RV into a tough spot or helping to mastermind a handy fix, I do something incredibly stupid, like close the slides with a closet door open. That little mishap cost us an extra trip to Home Depot and a few hours trying to get the door back on the hinge. When I mentioned it to a neighbor at one of the campsites, he said he’d just backed up into someone else’s car, so that made me feel a little better, LOL.

4. It’s important to close the awning during a wind or rainstorm. Lesson learned.

5. I’m really enjoying writing something completely new and different. I’ve wanted to write a fantasy for a while, but had too many other projects to finish. Now, I’m into the story deep enough for it to feel real. Stay tuned!

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

January 15-28: Clermont, FL

January 28-Feb 4: Disney World, FL

Feb 4 - March 31: Sarasota, FL

April 1-5: Panacea, FL

April 5-12: Lillian, AL

April 12-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

Five Things - January 2, 2023

Happy New Year everyone! Well, it’s official - we’re on the road. The house is sold, and we’ve moved full-time into our RV. Driving for three days down to Florida was exhausting, but from now on we’re going at a much more relaxing pace. We are learning a lot, really living in the moment, and becoming adept at ‘MacGyvering’ things! There’s so much to see and do, and at the same time, life feels much simpler. It’a a new start to a new year.

In the spirit of fresh starts and new adventures, I’ve retitled my “Monday Musings” blog to “Five Things,” and you can expect just that - five random musings or reflections from the previous week or so. In addition, at the end of the blog, I’ll keep a running itinerary of our travel plans. For a photo gallery of our life on the road, our pets, and miscellaneous things I find interesting, you can follow me on Instagram @tabithalord.

So here are this week’s five things…

1. I love driving first thing in the morning. In general, I am not a morning person, but there’s something magical about being on the road as the world awakens.

2. Plumber’s tape is my new favorite thing. The material scientist who invented it is a genius and deserves high praise. Wrap something up with this stuff, and leaks just stop! Seriously, it’s the best thing ever.

3. There is always construction on interstate 95. Always.

4. I really am a sunshine girl. Summer has always been my favorite time of year, but it really hit home when we reached the Carolina’s, the sun popped out, temperatures reached a lovely 75 degrees, and my mood instantly lifted. It makes me happy to think we’ll be chasing the sun for a while now.

5. I miss my friends, family, and neighborhood as much as I thought I would. I’m loving our new life already, but I have moments when a wave of sadness hits. I actually embrace this feeling because it means I created a meaningful life in Rhode Island. I surrounded myself with amazing friends, had a fulfilling career, and made tons of memories in our home at 59 Eastwick Rd. I’ll carry those experiences with me wherever I go.

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Our Itinerary (subject to change):

January 1-5: Disney World

January 5-15: Naples, FL

January 15-22: Clermont, FL

Jan 22 - March 31: Sarasota, FL

April 1-5: Panacea, FL

April 5-12: Lillian, AL

April 12-19: New Orleans, LA

April 19-26: Austin, TX

April 26 - May 2: Corpus Christi, TX

May 2-8: Lakehills, TX

May 8-15: Carlsbad, NM

May 15-22: Albuquerque, NM

Monday Musings 12-19-22

The New Year is quickly approaching, and it’s certainly going to be a different kind of year for us! As we transition into our life of adventure on the road, we have an opportunity to consciously create new habits around work, health, and play.

Despite the fact that I’m an avid yoga practitioner, and Ray hits the gym nearly every day, the nature of our work is more sedentary than in years past. We also really, really enjoy our cocktails! We’re both looking forward to exploring different parts of the country and adding more daily activity into our lives. We’ve even discussed implementing ‘no drink January’ as part of the new deal. We’ll see how that goes…

On the work front, I’m excited about a few projects. Dreamwalker is still on submission, so there’s really nothing I can do around that for now, but I have already started a new fantasy novel tentatively titled The Dragon Dancer of Krysh. Yes, there are dragons! Meanwhile, my alter ego, Maggie Clare, will be finishing off the TSI romantic suspense series with three more books. Yep, I’m feeling pretty ambitious!

Finally, I’m planning to share my travel journey online. It’s time to refocus my social media presence, blog spaces, and overall professional platform anyway, so this seems the perfect time. In the coming weeks, look for those updates and for some new ways to follow our journey.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a very happy New Year!

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” - Seneca

Monday Musings 12-5-22

It’s December already, and things are a little crazy around here! We’re getting ready for the holidays when most of the kids will be home, we have an out of state wedding to attend before Christmas, and we have to be moved into the RV and on the road by December 28th. In addition, there’s still all the everyday work stuff to contend with. Don’t get me wrong, theses are all great things and I’m thrilled about every one of them, but I’m also exhausted, and it’s only Monday.

I won’t spend this post whining though. Instead, I want to focus on how excited I am about this next phase. For years, our lives were big and messy and full. We built careers, raised kids, hosted holidays and parties, traveled the world, and were fully engaged in our community. They were wonderful years, and even the challenges contributed to the rich experience. Now, I look forward to the simplicity ahead.

Our RV home will be small but our backyard grand. We will have less stuff to manage and more time for experiences. Since we aren’t rooted to one place, we will have the ability to go where we want, when we want, for however long we want. There is tremendous freedom in this version of simplicity.

Ironically though, the road to get here has been somewhat frenetic. Sorting, organizing, clearing out, and donating stuff, while at the same time turning our new RV into a home and tending to day to day operations in our lives, has been time consuming and complicated. As I push through the final days, I tell myself that it will all be accomplished in a just few more weeks - one day at a time, one step at a time, sometimes one breath at a time!

“Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough.” - Charles Dudley Warner

Monday Musings 11-21-22

I’m writing this from the airport as I wait to board our flight to LA for Thanksgiving. Last year at this time, we flew out with heavier hearts as one of our kids needed urgent surgery. Everything turned out well, and we were certainly filled with gratitude when we shared our Thanksgiving meal, but it had been another scare on top of an already scary year.

When illness or tragedy hits us close to home, it’s easy to spiral down the rabbit hole of worry. Amidst the turmoil and uncertainty that is our world, it’s easy to allow worry to consume us. The older I get, the more complex life seems. Maybe it’s because our circle is wider, with children, friends, and extended family all living their own lives filled with joy, sadness, love, and loss, and those things touch us. Maybe it’s because as we age, different concerns loom. Our physical health may be more fragile, our work life may be in transition. In our case, this year all our children have moved out and we’ve sold our family home of nineteen years.

I find that whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed or afraid or simply exhausted by the chaos of life, if I focus on gratitude, it can reframe my mindset. The unique thing about Thanksgiving, as far as holidays go, is that it’s only about food, friends, and family, and our gratitude for those things. There is no other agenda – no gifts to buy, no atonements to make, no goals to set. Just a gathering around a table. So, for this week, I’m going to do my best to appreciate every moment. Happy Thanksgiving!

“When gratitude becomes an essential foundation in our lives, miracles start to appear everywhere.”
- Emmanuel Dagher

IN OTHER NEWS:

Save the date! It’s time for the 10th Annual RI Author Expo. Signed books make great holiday gifts so come on down to the Crowne Plaza in Warwick on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 10 am - 5pm for a festive event featuring over 100 local authors. The day will be jam packed with panels, programs, signings, raffles, and even Santa. Hope to see you there!

Monday Musings 11-7-22

I spent this weekend signing books at RI Comic Con, likely my last one in RI for a while. I’m always exhausted on the Monday following a Con, and this Monday is no exception, but it’s always worth it!

I love interacting with readers, aspiring writers, and fans. I especially love moderating panels and facilitating discussions on some of my favorite topics like world-building and character development. This year, we had several people stop by to tell us they always look forward to the panels we host. Super gratifying!

Character development, in the context of storytelling, is a great discussion topic, and our panel titled “A Hero, an Anti-hero, and a Villain Walk into a Bar” generated quite a lively conversation. If you missed the panel but are interested in the topic, here’s a post I wrote for another blog that captures some of the main points:

The Intersection of Plot and Character Development

It’s fun to explore the various aspects of creating a character’s backstory, defining and developing the hero, the anti-hero, and the villain, and considering the places where plot and character development intersect. Really, this last part is where the good stuff happens!

Developing your character’s backstory helps bring authenticity and depth to them. It helps explain why they are the way they are, and how they got to this point. But, your character doesn’t remain stagnant throughout their adventure. All the heartbreak, strife, love affairs, battles, and mistakes have an impact. They emerge on the other side of their grand tale a changed person. 

An Abridged Hero’s Journey

Think of it this way – a character’s essential character, and their backstory, informs the plot. Then, as the story moves forward, the plot pushes the character’s development. We can use a Cliff Notes version of The Hero’s Journey as an example. We meet the hero of the story just as they are ready to leave home on some sort of quest, adventure, or journey. Their life experience and personality up to this point helps determine how they respond to this call to action. Are they reluctant, over-eager, clueless, or jaded? Why?

Once the adventure begins, the character will meet challenges and have experiences that will further shape them. Their responses are initially influenced by their past and by their personality, but during the course of their journey, growth happens and change occurs. When the character returns ‘home,’ they have been altered by revelations, relationships, loss, and any other meaningful experience we choose to throw into their path.

Agency  

In the intersection of plot and character development, we can explore agency. Agency, in this context, is defined as the capacity of the character to act independently and make their own free choices. Rather than reacting, our character is acting.

Let’s use Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games as an example. When we meet Katniss, she volunteers to take her sister’s place as Tribute for the games. While this could be considered ‘acting’ in a way, I’d argue that based on her relationship with her sister, her personality, and all her life experience to this point, Katniss really couldn’t have reacted any other way.

However, by the end of the first book, after all the drama and trauma she’s faced, Katniss stands up to the game-makers and refuses to play. When she and Peeta decide they would rather both die than kill each other, there is real agency in the moment, and it’s a very powerful moment because of this.

The Cost is Real

Science fiction and fantasy writers tend to deal with grand adventures, epic battles, and not-so-subtle heroes and villains. We write big! Sometimes, this can be at the expense of character development. In order to bring more depth to this part of our narrative, an area we can focus on is showing the fallout of trauma on our characters.

If we’ve subjected them to loss, torture, or war, there should be an appropriate emotional impact. We may want our characters to be larger than life, but if we don’t at least acknowledge their pain and suffering, we’ve missed an opportunity to give them depth. If we rush them through a recovery after a devastating injury, or don’t give them any baggage after years of war, we are presenting a one-dimensional view of them. The hero, displaying only heroic qualities, is boring. It’s the struggle that our readers are after.

Plot and character development are inextricably linked in our storytelling. We can create a well-formed character, with a compelling backstory and personality, and use plot action to push their continued growth and evolution. 

The weekend was long but wonderful. If you stopped by my table to buy a book or simply to say hello, thank you. It really means a lot to me. As Ray and I wind down our time in RI and look toward our next great adventure, I’m so grateful to have met all of you and for the great memories!

IN OTHER NEWS:

Save the date! - The RI Author Expo is coming soon! On Saturday, December 3rd, meet your favorite local authors at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. Signed books make great holiday gifts! More info coming soon…

Monday Musings - 10-31-22

October is a month with five Mondays, so that means this post will appear on tabithalordauthor.com and msmaggieclare.com. It also happens to be Halloween, and I’ll be spending the evening alone. Ray is out of town for work, and the kids now all live on the opposite side of the country. But, instead of throwing myself a pity party, I’m going to dress my tiny dog in a cute costume and give out candy to the neighborhood younglings. Then, I’m going to pour a glass of wine and binge watch something on Netflix. It really sounds like a lovely evening!

Halloween has always been a big deal for us. Ray and I had our first date on Halloween a million years ago, and we got engaged on the spooky holiday a year later. We’ve thrown massive parties over the years, provided that ‘special’ cider for the adults in the neighborhood, and could have outfitted our own horror movie with the number of costumes in our closets.

So, it might seem a little strange, and maybe a little sad, that I’ll be spending the last Halloween in our house all by myself. Well, me and the dog. But I don’t feel sad. I feel really excited. Next year, a new family will be here making new memories and we’ll be off on a grand adventure somewhere. When I look back, it’s with a sense of completion. When I look forward, it’s with enthusiasm and excitement.

IN OTHER NEWS:

I’ll be at RI Comic Con this weekend signing books at the ARIA table #621. Stop by and say hello! Here’s my panel schedule:

World Building 101 - Friday, Nov 4, 5:30-6:15 pm - Convention Center Room 552

Science fiction and fantasy stories transport readers to new worlds, from the wondrous to the weird. Solid world building is essential to invite readers into your story and keep them immersed. How can writers construct believable worlds in unbelievable settings? How can we bring authenticity to these imaginary places? How do we develop an internal logic for our stories that is both fantastical and believable? When imagination and writing craft successfully intersect, the results can be out of this world! If you are an aspiring speculative fiction writer, this presentation is for you. 

A Hero, an Anti-Hero, and a Villain Walk into a Bar - Sat, Nov 5, 11:30-12:15 - Convention Center Room 552

Your main cast of characters should be well-developed and multi-faceted. Each one has a journey and a backstory. Let’s break down character archetypes, and explore ways to bring depth and complexity to these fictional personalities. Join this lively conversation as we examine existing pop-culture heroes, anti-heroes, and villains, and discuss ways to breathe life into our own characters.

Monday Musings 10-17-22

It’s official. We sold our home of nineteen years! Over the next few weeks, we’ll be prepping our new RV for full-time living, finishing up a few projects around the house, and sorting and packing. We’re slowly checking items off our list in anticipation of the big move. It’s exciting for sure.

On my last post, I talked about managing expectations during this time. That way of thinking has allowed me to approach our giant to-do list with equanimity most of the time, still make some forward progress with my writing, and be present for all the activities, events, and relationships that are important to me. So far, so good!

Speaking of activities, I’ll be at Rhode Island Comic Con November 4-6 signing books and moderating panels with a fantastic group of local authors. Here’s more info on the panels:

Friday, November 4, 5:30-6:15 pm - World Building 101

Science fiction and fantasy stories transport readers to new worlds, from the wondrous to the weird. Solid world building is essential to invite readers into your story and keep them immersed. How can writers construct believable worlds in unbelievable settings? How can we bring authenticity to these imaginary places? How do we develop an internal logic for our stories that is both fantastical and believable? When imagination and writing craft successfully intersect, the results can be out of this world! If you are an aspiring speculative fiction writer, this presentation is for you. 

Saturday, November 5, 11:30-12:15 - A Hero, Anti-Hero, and a Villain Walk into a Bar

Your main cast of characters should be well-developed and multi-faceted. Each one has a journey and a backstory. Let’s break down character archetypes and explore ways to bring depth and complexity to these fictional personalities. Join this lively conversation as we examine existing pop-culture heroes, anti-heroes, and villains, and discuss ways to breathe life into our own characters.

These will both take place in The Convention Center - Room 552. Hope to see you there!