How Writing a Memoir is Like a Long Distance Hike: Books and Setting Records with Heather Anderson

(Psst -- Win trail prizes during Trailtober: a trail challenge supporting gender equity in October! Learn more here.)Heather Anderson has hiked over 50,000 miles — including completing the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail multiple times, and often faster than anyone before her. Heather shares why writing a memoir could feel as vulnerable and difficult as hiking alone for months. We talk about the mindset needed to write about your life (especially when it doesn’t follow a classic narrative arc), the challenges of maintaining a public presence online, and her tips for aspiring authors.We talk about:Heather's early book and outdoor experiences (personal pan pizzas anyone?)The challenges of writing memoirsSelf-identity after setting trail recordsThe impact of social media on authorsBalancing media consumption and writingTips for aspiring authorsLove adventure books like Heather's?Grit Lit is our quarterly subscription box meets book club, celebrating women and adventure.Members get a box every quarter full of woman-created goodies, including a nature-inspired book.Interested in becoming a part of Grit Lit? Head to ⁠⁠cairnproject.org/grit-lit⁠⁠ to join and get the fall 2025 box, plus a welcome box! It’s a great gift for a friend, too.Join the trail fun of Trailtober, our October community challenge to spend time on trail, connect with others, and win trail shoes, electrolytes, gear patches and more! https://cairnproject.org/trailtober-2025-challengeFind Heather on Instagram or explore her website. Make sure to read Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home.Like this episode? Leave a 5-star rating and review on your podcast app!Make sure you subscribe to the See Her Outside Podcast so you don’t miss a story!Brought to you by the Alliance for Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure (GEA Alliance).Hosted by Angie Marie Lake, edited by Alyson Castonguay, research assistance by Danielle Peecher