Writing On The Road!

Big and exciting news: I’m buying an RV later today! It’s a 1996 Rialta Winnebago. 22′ long, drives like a van, VW engine, full-size bed, two burner stove, fridge, heater and AC, self-contained bathroom. The works. It even has a solar panel already installed! And a back up camera! Here are some photos of a the same model, for the curious. This one is newer, but the set up is very similar.

Why am I buying an RV, you ask? Great question! I’m heading out on an epic road trip for (hopefully) a creativity-inspiring, experience-having year of wonder. Now that writing is my only job, I don’t need to be any one place. What’s more I’m supposed to be a bunch of different places this spring and summer anyway, so why not already be mobile? And I love the idea of being able to write at home but also in a beautiful different park every day. Oh, and Bay Area housing is pretty out of control, so while I’ll be around and about, I will be considering new stomping grounds. Wooing is encouraged.

I am filled with anxiety, also known as excitement, also known as a reasonable response to such glorious risk-taking. I have traveled cross-country in an RV, but not with plans to stay in it indefinitely, and not alone. At the same time, as a hardcore introvert and reluctant empath, I am excited for this chance to explore solitude away from the constant hum of other people. And I’ll be visiting lots of people and events along the way. Plus, with modern smartphones and hotspots, I’ll be connected most of the time.

I have struggled with the environmental impact of this decision (I’ll be driving a lot!) However, the Rialta gets about 18-20 mpg highway, which is better than plenty of SUVs.  I have a solar power on the roof, which covers just about everything but AC & microwave (which are really only usable when plugged in.)  And when I use the AC or (propane) heater, it’s a small space to maintain.  What’s more, I’m not going to be connected to sewer (I’ll be dumping my tanks at designated sites), and very conscious of my other water usage. While I can’t say for sure that things will even out, it’s greyer than it might at first seem.

I have a estimated departure date of April 3. Once the trip starts, I’ll be posting about it sporadically on twitter. I’m starting off by driving through AZ and NM towards mid-April conferences in Houston and Dallas. After that, I’ll probably head towards the Midwest, New England, and family in Virginia. After that who knows? If you are affiliated with a bookstore, school, library, or community center in any of those plaecs, and you’d like me to visit, email me at alex@alexgino.com.

So yeah, that’s my plan.  Next task:  Get a bumper sticker that says “Go around, I’m already home!”