Is it a coincidence that I write paranormal and fantasy and my muse loves the Ghost Town Trails? Hmmm… 

No Spooky Stuff

Despite the name, I’ve not encountered any ghosts, yet. (Let’s hope to keep it that way. I may write the stuff, but I’m a big baby in real life.) The Ghost Town Trail is one of many of Pennsylvania’s Rails-to-Trails.

Utilizing many of the old railroad trails, Pennsylvania has developed over 93 rail-trails and continues to work on
adding more.

Bicycling, or walking, on these paths gives one the ability to escape into the serenity of the woods, and gain a close-up view of nature in all it’s splendor.

Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

Yep, there it is, the age-old question all writers hear all the time. Well, I’ll tell you that these trails really inspire my muse. If you’ve read my book, Destiny Calling, you’ll be all too familiar with the role the eerie woods play in the story. Because something so beautiful, and so desolate, can craft a multitude of stories.

Forget Me Not

I looked through the eyes of my heroine from Forget Me Not when she returned to her home state of PA as I ventured down the path in the featured photo at the top of the page.

(P.S. I’ve included this eBook (Forget Me Not) in the Grand Prize Basket. Read on to find out how you can win this, and many more books!)

Grandma Must Die

When we approached the church rising from the woods in this small town, I knew it would be in my story, Grandma Must Die. 

Wanna Venture into the Woods?

During the Highway Cafe’s Spring ‘Tastic tour, I’m giving away an eBook copy of Destiny Calling. Here’s your chance to escape into the woods, even if it’s only in your mind.

When the woman who raised Hope is murdered by something not human, Hope loses the only family she knows and discovers one she might wish she never met. With a touch that can make the desperate hopeful, Hope is the answer. The only question is if she can deal with sibling rivalry, accept that entities feeding off despair exist, and determine if Griffith is the man of her dreams, or not at all what he seems.  

Leave a comment about what you consider a sign of spring for a chance to win Destiny Calling, and if you find the hidden eggs on my blog, let me know for an additional entry in my giveaway.

And…Be sure to visit The Highway Cafe’s Blog for the list of other participants in the Spring ‘Tastic Tour, as well as enter our grand prize giveaway of a Spring ‘Tastic Basket of 13 eBooks!

Winner will be announced on April 28, 2017.

The post Biking for a Spring ‘Tastic Time & Musings of the Mind appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Welcome to The Wild Rose Press Summer Treats & Reads Blog Hop

The Wild Rose Authors are presenting a bouquet of blogs dedicated to surviving and thriving during the summer heat. Each blog gives you a treat—a recipe, a summer life hack, a vacation spot—as well as a fantastic selection of books to read.

In addition, enter the Wild Rose Summer Treats and Reads contest to win the grand prize of a Kindle Fire–donated by The Wild Rose Press. You can read posts and enter contests from July 22 through July 30. Winners will be announced notified the following week.

Many authors are offering additional prizes on their own blogs, so visit as many as you can.

I’m so glad you stopped by to join me on a magical adventure that stems from childhood and provides that same feeling of freedom and escape from the daily worries of life- bicycling. 

Bicycling Opened up new roads

When I was a kid, I practically lived on a purple bicycle. It was the closest thing to flying and way faster than walking. Although I enjoyed it, for the most part, it was a means of transportation.

Then I grew up. 

Once I got a car, I didn’t ride a bicycle anymore, I didn’t need to. Bicycling was for kids, anyway, wasn’t it? 

Then, a few years ago, my hubby decided to begin bicycling in addition to our walking routines as another form of exercise. I was wary to join him.

I hadn’t been on a bicycle in….many, many years. I was older now, and the ground seemed much further down than it had on the small bicycle of my youth. Plus, I was more aware of how I could break things. Ie: bones & other body parts.

Then there was the whole thing about using hand brakes that had me visualizing myself becoming airborne over the handle bars if I pressed too quickly. 

Eventually, I relented and got a bicycle. Despite my reservations (and the lack of bicycles with the brakes on the pedals like the old-fashioned ones)

I didn’t choose a purple one, but instead choose one that resembled the bicycle I remembered my older sisters and mother riding.

I graduated to the adult bicycle. 

Bicycling Gave me Wings

Once I got the hang of it, I couldn't believe I hadn't considered the fun of riding a bike.
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• I was able to explore new places in an area I lived in for years, that I hadn’t even realized existed. 
• I gained a better appreciation about the beauty of Pennsylvania
• My hubby and I grew closer as we explored the countryside together and found new bike trails 
• I’ve viewed hidden wildlife up-close. Such as a turtle, deer, a porcupine, a multitude of chipmunks, an occasional groundhog, and unfortunately- too many little snakes. 
• I gained new muscles, and endurance, but most of all- it was as if I’d rediscovered my lost youth 

The Only Other Way I Can Escape Better than on a bicycle is Through Books

When I’m on a bicycle, my mind can wander (except for examining all of the sticks on the ground to make sure none are snakes!). 

My chores and responsibilities are blown away as the wind whips through my hair (okay, around my helmet- I am still doing a little ‘adult-ing’ & worrying about breaking things.) 

My muse comes alive and I work through story lines, as I enjoy the beauty surrounding me. If you’ve read any of my stories, (Especially Destiny Calling) you’ll see that I incorporate some of my countryside into the setting and the stories. 

Occasionally there might be a bit of a sinister edge to my stories  of the woods, but that’s all part of the magical mysteries hidden within the foliage.

I’ve only ever achieved such peace through writing or reading books. It’s a joy to discover that something so simple can reap such rewards. 

What’s your favorite childhood pastime? Do you continue to do it today? 

Answer the question in a comment below for a chance to win your choice of one of my ebooks. Winner will be randomly drawn on

Friday, July 29th and will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

Be sure to enter The Wild Rose Press Rafflecopter for your chance to win a kindle fire
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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t forget to visit the other blogs for a chance to win more prizes!

The post How to Rediscover the Magic of Bicycling appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.