Write what you know and learn as you go

If you’re a country person at heart, hold on to your boots, because I’m going to gush over my recent trip to Austin, Texas. 
Before I give you highlights of a memorable five-day adventure, there’s a point I’m making. As a writer, we always hear, ‘write what you know.’  But it’s also fun to write what you want to learn about, as long as the facts are correct. 
When you read a book in a place you’re familiar with, it draws you in because you know the culture or the vibe of the location. A writer friend recently said she read a book and was disappointed the author wrote about a location she obviously wasn’t familiar with, a location this writer friend knows well. If you’re familiar with a setting, it’s easier to write about, but if not, it comes with possible criticism if you get a detail wrong, and a reader might not trust the author again.
It's always fun visiting a new place. I’ve heard so much about Texas ( who hasn’t? ), it seems fitting to absorb the qualities and culture of a new city. 

​If it wasn’t for some close friends inviting my husband and me to travel with them to the U.S, I don’t know when we would have gone. Politics aside, these two trips we went on were still, I’d say, the best ones we’ve been on. We have memories to share and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 
Last year, my trip to Nashville was still one of my favourite trips, so when the opportunity to go to Austin, Texas, with the same group of friends arose, I knew it would be another great adventure. 
The thing is, when you travel with a small group of friends, you get bonding time. It allows you to relax, do things you may not have done on your own, and of course, there are plenty of laughs. Right there, it’s worth it.

Our five-day retreat was jam-packed with entertainment. We attended the Austin City Music Festival, which brought in around 75,000 people. We were there to see Luke Combs, and he’s an outstanding performer every time. We went to a pitch and putt where the weather was hot, and the drinks were cold. One day, we went to Pins Mechanical Company. A place we should have here in Canada. It’s an old-school, family arcade/bar/games room, all rolled into one, suitable for families and their dogs. Yes, there were dogs hanging out too. With college football on the big screen, it’s a high-energy, entertainment facility. https://www.pinsbar.com/locations/austin/activities
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​There are lots of restaurants to choose from, too, and what I appreciated the most was the vegetarian and gluten-free options. Most places we visited had a great menu with plenty of options. 
If you head to Sixth Street, where the nightlife is, you’ll find comedy shows and live music. Pete’s Dueling Pianos was a hit. So much fun! We were there for hours. 
I have to say, the people in Austin were kind, friendly, and the most welcoming people I have ever met on a trip. We felt welcome. 
If I ever have a book published with Nashville or Austin as the setting, you’ll know I’ve written from experience. Speaking of, I did write a book set in Seattle and Nashville; I just haven’t found a home for it yet. When I read my manuscript, it brings a smile to my face, and a wave of good memories overcomes me. It’s the great thing about writing. Reflecting, dreaming, and imagining the joys of a place you want to visit. Again.

​If Nashville or Austin is on your travel list, I recommend going with friends and a great-fitting pair of boots. You won’t be disappointed.