Bushwhacking: How to Get Lost in the Woods and Write Your Way Out

Bushwhacking is going into the woods without a trail and striking out on your own. It is similar to what writers do when faced with a blank page, leaving a comfortable place and going where no path exists. Jennifer McGaha's book Bushwhacking combines writing memoir, nature memoir, and meditation on a life well lived to offer readers encouragement and practical suggestions for their writing and life journeys. Each essay links one of McGaha's forays into the wilderness to an insight about the creative process.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Trinity University Press,U.S.

Bushwhacking is the act of venturing into the woods without a designated trail, often involving physical exertion as you navigate through branches, thickets, and fallen trees. It also embodies a determination and resilience to explore unknown territories. In her book "Bushwhacking," Jennifer McGaha draws upon this term to describe the challenges writers face when confronted with a blank page.

Exploring the wilderness within oneself entails leaving the familiar and venturing into uncharted territories. Similarly, writers embark on a journey to craft a final draft, navigating through unforeseen obstacles. "Bushwhacking" blends memoir, nature memoir, and contemplation on a fulfilling life, drawing from McGaha's experiences in various outdoor activities across the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina.

Through her essays, McGaha connects her wilderness adventures to insights into the creative process. An almost-failed zip-lining attempt becomes a lesson in stepping out of one's comfort zone. The rhythmic hum of hummingbirds' wings, the breathtaking beauty of an autumn sunset, and even the sound of a hound dog barking at a bear on the path serve as impromptu master classes in finding inspiration in the ordinary and unexpected.

With humility, humor, and deep wisdom, "Bushwhacking" pays homage to writing craft traditions while offering fresh perspectives on how close communion with nature can enrich both writing and personal growth. By venturing into the unknown and embracing the challenges that lie ahead, writers can tap into their creativity, find inspiration, and discover new dimensions in their work.

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781595349811