Writing, Hiking, and Staying Inspired

Life as an author is a wonderful blend of creativity, discipline, and, believe it or not—movement! While much of my time is spent in front of my computer, bringing stories to life, I’ve also made it a priority to balance those long writing hours with plenty of time outdoors.

Since the beginning of the year, I’ve hiked nearly 200 miles, and I’m just getting started. I set a personal challenge for myself to hike 1,000 miles this year—a bold goal, I know! Why? Honestly, I’ve asked myself that same question more than once, especially on those days when my legs are burning, and I could easily justify staying inside with a cup of tea and my laptop instead. But deep down, I know I want to prove to myself that I can do it, all while sticking to my tight writing schedule.

And speaking of writing—what a year it’s been so far! Book Updates & Exciting Releases

If you’ve been following along, you know that I just finished Ruth’s Amish Words of Faith, a deeply personal and faith-filled story that I can’t wait for you to read. It’s currently with my editorial team and is set to release May 6th. I’m so proud of this book and the message it carries, and I hope it touches your heart as much as it did mine while writing it.

I’m also in the middle of writing The Amish Widow’s Last Stitch, the third book in my Willow Springs Mystery Series. This one has me fully immersed in twists, secrets, and small-town intrigue—it’s been so much fun to write! On top of that, I’m outlining a secret project (shhh, details coming later!), which is set to release in January 2026.

And guess what? There’s even more coming your way! By the end of 2025, I’ll have four more books released—woohoo! It’s taken a lot of planning, dedication, and a few late nights, but I’m right on track, even with my hiking goal.

Balancing Writing with Adventure

If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that staring at a screen all day isn’t always the best thing for creativity. That’s why I make it a point to step away from my desk and enjoy nature as often as I can.

Recently, I planted strawberries in my South Carolina garden (I can already taste the fresh berries!) and cleaned out my vegetable beds to prepare for planting. There’s something so rewarding about working with my hands in the soil, watching new life take shape.

My husband and I also love camping, and last month, we took a birthday camping trip to Savannah. We also spent time at Lake Jocassee, soaking in the peace and beauty of the outdoors. We have several more hiking and fishing trips planned for the rest of the year—nothing too extravagant, just simple getaways to enjoy God’s creation and recharge our spirits.

A New Monthly Book Club!

One of the most exciting things we’ve launched recently is a new monthly Book Club in my private Facebook Amish Fiction Readers Group! If you love Amish fiction and want a cozy, ad-free place to chat about books, you’re invited to join us. It’s a safe, friendly space free from distractions, and I’d love to have you be a part of it. You can request to join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyfredrychowski

The Secret to Staying Motivated

Writing can be lonely work, but I’m blessed to have four amazing author friends who keep me accountable and inspired. We sprint together, talk almost daily, and help each other push through those inevitable moments of burnout. Even though we mostly see each other through Zoom meetings, they are truly the best workmates I could ask for!

So, what does the rest of 2025 look like for me? More books, more hiking, and more connection with my readers! I can’t wait to share these new stories with you, and I hope you’ll continue this journey with me.

If you’re reading this, thank you for being part of my world—your support, encouragement, and love for Amish fiction mean everything to me.

Until next time, happy reading!

Blessings,
Tracy

P.S.

Are You New to My Books? Let’s Fix That!

If you’ve never read one of my books before, I’d love to introduce you to my world of Amish fiction! Just send me an email at 📧 author @ tracyfredrychowski.com with the subject line “Send Me a Story!”, and I’ll send you something to enjoy right away. I can’t wait to share a little piece of my storytelling with you!

Looking forward to hearing from you! 😊

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