I need to write a blog post. That is, unfortunately, the entirety of my inspiration for this week's blog post. I've been doing this long enough that I have written about writing, editing, publishing, marketing, worldbuilding, research, rejection, reviews, sales, failure, success, characters, covers, maps, mistakes, lessons learned, things I wish I had known, things I apparently learned and then forgot, and probably several subjects I have unknowingly written about twice.

Last week, the official travel agency of Lucardia offered a carefully curated introduction to some of the kingdom’s finest destinations. You can find those here. This week, in the interest of transparency, we have agreed to publish some of our best comments from travelers who actually visited them. The Lucardian Tourism Board has graciously provided official responses. Blackdown ★★☆☆☆ — “Pack for winter.

So, you’ve decided to visit Lucardia. Excellent choice. Whether you are searching for breathtaking mountain vistas, ancient cities, unspoiled forests, vibrant local traditions, magnificent ruins, fascinating religious history, or the exhilarating possibility of being chased across a field by something considerably larger than yourself, Lucardia offers an unforgettable travel experience. Few destinations can boast such variety. Where else can you spend the morning touring the remains of a fallen kingdom, enjoy a hearty midday meal beside a centuries-old fortress, and end the evening learning that the charming roadside inn where you booked a room was constructed atop what locals affectionately refer to as…

This week's look to the past was originally published on 8/13/21. I'm posting it again now because it is some good advice and a bit of encouragement that I also need to remember from time to time. Many, if not all, of us seek external validation. But perhaps the most important validation is within yourself. If you take ownership and are confident, others will follow, or not, but you didn't need them anyway 😉 Cheers!