Wireless RVing a new chapter for Kennedy
Kay Kennedy is living her dream.
“In the beginning my goal was to have fun traveling and to earn enough money from writing to pay for gas,” said Kennedy from an RV campground 15 miles outside of Sedona, Ariz.
She has certainly accomplished that goal and more.
During her 20-year writing career – 14 of those as a full-time RVer – the former interior designer has published more than 100 magazine and newspaper articles and two books.
“In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s,” said Kennedy, “I edited and published ‘Rolling Ventures,’ a guide for RVers who wanted to make money from a hobby or business while traveling.”
She sold that company in 1994 but continued writing for a number of publications and business clients.
In her recently published second book, “Portable Writing,” Kennedy shares some of her secrets of writing and living on the road.
“My husband, Joe, and I started RVing full time in 1992,” she said. “We had a home in Tacoma and got struck with wanderlust.”
Since then, the couple has traveled “all over” the United States, usually spending their winters in Arizona.
Last summer the Kennedys were in the Inland Northwest visiting Joe’s mother in Spokane Valley.
This year they plan to stay in Arizona through October in their 33-foot 1996 Gulf Stream Ultra Supreme class C motor home.
“It’s gorgeous here,” she said. “We’re right by the Verde River in a park with lots of pine trees and shady cottonwoods.”
The Kennedys are staying in their beautiful campsite because she is able to be anywhere and still ply her trade.
“Thanks to new technology,” she said, “no matter how far you travel you can still work with clients back home.”
Kennedy keeps in touch using a wireless Internet service and cellular telephone.
“RVing and writing is the ultimate match,” she said. “The best thing about RVing is that you can take your office and equipment with you on the road.”
Kennedy works on her laptop computer on the dining room table or outside on the picnic table.
The longtime RVer advises people to find something they enjoy doing and write about it.
“RVing is like a magic carpet ride that takes you wherever you want to go,” she said.
“What else offers the freedom to travel and an opportunity to earn a living without having to give up the comforts of home?”
For more information
“ Kay Kennedy’s Web site is www.kennedyk.com.
“ “Portable Writing: The secret to living your dreams with 25 projects to fund your freedom” is available in paperback (Booklocker.com, $16.95). An electronic version ($9.95) can be purchased through Booklocker.com (www.booklocker.com).
“ To get a look at the latest Gulf Stream recreational vehicles go to www.gulfstreamcoach.com.
‘Travels with Charley’
So many RV travel memoirs are on the market now, it might be time to revisit the classic “Travels with Charley: In Search of America” by John Steinbeck.
In the fall of 1960, Steinbeck, then 58, embarked on his 10,000-mile trek across America with his poodle, Charley. For the next three months he weaved his way through America in “Rocinante,” his custom-built pickup truck and camper.
Published in mid-1961, this nonfiction reflection became one of the largest commercial successes of Steinbeck’s career and won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962.
“Travels with Charley” is both a journal of personal discovery and brilliant commentary on America during the year John F. Kennedy was elected president.
The paperback book is still in print and retails for about $9. Copies are available at most public libraries.
RV clubs?
Marian Moseman of Greenacres called in with a question about area RV clubs.
She and her husband, Walter, recently moved to the Inland Northwest from Nevada and they are looking for some RVers to go camping with on weekends.
“In the Las Vegas area we belonged to a group of about 15 couples,” she said. “We had a lot of fun just getting out in our RVs for a few days and relaxing. We’re like to find such a group here.”
If you have suggestions for the Mosemans, or if you are a member of an RV club you would like to let people know about, call (509) 459-5435 or drop an e-mail to juliannec@spokesman.com.