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Lately, I’ve been juggling growing this blog, diving into AI, and dealing with a few unexpected life twists. I wanted to take a moment and share a few of the behind the scenes stuff going on.
I’ll also share some personal updates, including a brief update on my injury that’s put many of my outdoor adventures on hold and how I’m using this time to refocus and plan for the future.
So, whether you’re here for outdoor tips, intrigued by my AI adventures, or just curious about what’s coming next, you’re in the right place. As always, if I’ve left anything out or you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comments below!
In a Hurry? Here’s what you’ll find in this post:
- Exciting feedback from readers has inspired me to create more content focused on car camping, gear reviews, and outdoor adventures.
- I’m diving back into writing with tons of fresh ideas and updates planned for the blog, plus a potential new Eric Links resource page (currently started and currently being built).
- Balancing freelance work, blogging, and side projects has been challenging but rewarding, with a focus on outdoor and small business writing.
- AI has been a game-changer in the content world, and I’ve been exploring its capabilities while building my own AI website, Build AI Staff.
- An injury has slowed my outdoor activities, but I’m focusing on recovery and planning future adventures.
- I’m excited to bring more content, explore new opportunities, and offer freelance writing services. Reach out to Contact@EricWilde.com.
The Power of Feedback
There’s something incredibly rewarding about putting your thoughts out into the world and hearing back from people. Over the past year, I’ve been fortunate to receive some amazing comments and feedback from readers like you.
Everything from a quick message saying you enjoyed a post or a thoughtful question that sparked a new idea for me to explore. It’s been a huge motivator and a reminder of why I started Wilde Escape in the first place.
Speaking of that, when I first launched the Wilde Escape blog, I honestly didn’t expect many people to read it. But over the years, it’s grown into something I’m truly proud of. There’s more to that story, but let’s save it for another time.
One of the best parts of sharing my journey online is seeing how it resonates with others. Most everyone is here for outdoor adventure tips and gear reviews, but it has helped me shape the blog’s direction and inspired me to keep pushing forward.
So, if you’ve ever left a comment, sent me an email, or even just silently nodded in agreement while reading, Thank You! Your support fuels my passion, and I can’t wait to bring you even more content in the coming months.
Getting Back Into Writing
If I’m being honest, getting back into the rhythm of writing hasn’t been the smoothest ride.
Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, and between juggling projects, learning new things, and, well… just trying to stay sane, my writing took a bit of a backseat. But I want to say that I’m back, well I never left, but you know what I mean. I have a ton of ideas that I can’t wait to dive into.
Moving forward, my focus is going to be all about what I love most:
- Car camping adventures – From choosing the right gear to finding the perfect remote spot, I’ll share tips, tricks, and personal experiences to help you make the most of your trips.
- Gear reviews – Whether it’s the latest camping gadget or the tried-and-true essentials, I’ll be putting outdoor gear to the test and sharing my honest thoughts. I’ve gotten a few cool gadgets over the last few months and can’t wait to share them with you!
- Outdoor adventures – Short hikes, scenic drives, and everything in between. Even with a few limitations (more on that later), I’m still getting outside whenever possible.
I’ll also update and expand some sections of the blog, so stay tuned for more resources and guides.
As I mentioned earlier, I’m adding a dedicated Eric Links page, your go-to spot for everything I’ve been working on, from my outdoor blog to my newest AI adventures.
Speaking of AI, I’ve also been busy starting a Build AI Staff, where I dive into all things artificial intelligence. If you’re curious about AI tools and content creation or want to see what I’ve been up to behind the scenes, check it out.
Juggling Multiple Projects
One thing I’ve learned over the past year is that balancing multiple projects is an art form. Between freelance work, personal projects, a full-time job, and the never-ending pursuit of learning new things, my to-do list sometimes feels like it has a life of its own.
If you didn’t already know, I manage this blog and work as a freelance writer.
I’ve worked on everything from product descriptions for gear brands to adventure guides, and I love every bit of it. But beyond that, I also take on general writing gigs for small businesses and friends, helping them craft website content, blog posts, and even the occasional quirky social media caption.
And I’m also trying to get more involved with social media, but it’s a process and yet something else to learn that is added to the never ending list.
And let’s be real, keeping all these plates spinning isn’t always easy. There have been days when I’ve felt stretched a little too thin, but every project I take on teaches me something new. Plus, I’ve got some exciting plans to streamline my process and dedicate more time to writing!
At the end of the day, I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. Whether it’s helping businesses tell their story or sharing my own adventures with you, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
AI and Its Impact on My Work
People have mixed feelings about AI, and I totally get it. Whether you are a fan or not, one thing is certain, it has changed the game.
Over the past year, I’ve noticed a big shift in how businesses and content creators are approaching writing. More and more of my clients have been experimenting with AI-generated content, hoping to streamline their workflows and cut costs. And while AI can churn out words at lightning speed, there’s one thing it’s still struggling to master, the human touch.
As I’m sure you know, AI tools can produce decent blog posts and social media captions, but they often lack the nuance, personality, and storytelling that connect with readers on a deeper level.
Many of my clients found that AI wasn’t quite the magic solution they hoped for, and some even came back to me after realizing that their content needed, well… a real person behind it.
That said, instead of fighting the rise of AI, I decided to embrace it. I’ve spent a ton of time diving into AI-powered writing and image-generation tools, learning how they work, what they do well, and where they fall short.
This curiosity led me to build a new AI website, Build AI Staff, where I explore the world of artificial intelligence and share insights on how people can use these tools effectively (without losing their authenticity).
And because I’m all about experimenting, I may or may not have tested AI by having it help me draft a book! But it’s also a reminder that AI works best when used as a tool, not a replacement for creativity and experience.
The Challenges
Alright, it’s time to get real for a moment. This past year hasn’t exactly gone according to plan. Somewhere along the way, life again decided (yet again) to throw me a curveball in the form of an injury. And let me tell you, it’s been frustrating.
If you’ve been following along for a while, you know that I thrive on being active, whether it’s hiking, biking, climbing, or packing up for a weekend camping trip. But with my injury, many of those activities have been temporarily sidelined.
No long-distance treks, no scaling rock faces, and (sadly) no epic overnight camping trips. For now, I’m limited to short hikes and taking things slow. This is something that’s been tough to accept, but hey, patience is part of the process, right?
Recovery has become my main focus, and while it’s not as thrilling as hitting the trails, I’m focusing on healing so I can get back to doing what I love. In the meantime, I’ve been channeling my energy into writing, learning, and planning for future adventures.
Once I fully recover, you better believe I’ll be making up for lost time!
If anything, this downtime has given me a fresh perspective on what truly makes me happy (spending time outdoors, sharing my experiences, and connecting with people who have the same passion for adventure). It’s also made me more grateful for the little things, like a short stroll through the woods or enjoying a good sunrise without rushing off to the next big thing.
Not only that, but I also have two pretty epic adventures planned for this year, one of which I just booked! They are things that I’ve never done before, and I can’t wait!
Looking Ahead & Next Steps
Even with a few bumps in the road, I’m more excited than ever about what’s ahead.
There’s so much I still want to explore, write about, and share with you all. Whether diving deeper into car camping tips, testing out the latest outdoor gear (I recently got a few more things I’m excited to test out and share with you), or continuing to experiment with AI tools, my goal is to keep bringing you content that’s both helpful and (hopefully) entertaining.
What’s Coming Up on the Blog
As I ease back into a more consistent writing routine, here’s what you can expect:
- More car camping content – Practical tips, trip planning ideas, and lessons learned from my adventures (and misadventures).
- Gear reviews – Honest, real-world tests of products I actually use, so you know what’s worth packing and what’s not. Again, there are a few items that I’ve wanted and recently received and cannot wait to test out!
- Outdoor adventure stories – Even with my current limitations, I’m finding ways to stay connected to the outdoors and can’t wait to share those experiences with you.
Need Help? Let’s Work Together!
I can’t help myself, and I need to do some self-promotion. In addition to the blog, I’m taking on freelance projects, whether they are outdoor content, small business writing, or even AI-related work.
Feel free to reach out if you or someone you know could use a little help with content creation! You can always contact me at Contact@EricWilde.com, and I’d love to chat about how I can bring your ideas to life.
At the end of the day, this blog has always been about sharing my journey. All the ups, downs, and everything in between. I’m grateful for your support and look forward to keeping things rolling with fresh content, new adventures, and maybe even a few surprises along the way. Stay tuned!
Stay Tuned
Sitting back and reflecting as I’m writing this, I have been reminded that growth is something we all need in life.
Whether you’re building a blog, exploring new technology, or recovering from an injury, remember that the path is never straight. We all have experienced highs, lows, and plenty of unexpected detours. Despite it all, I’m grateful to have this space to share my journey with you.
There is so much more to come, and I am beyond excited to keep moving forward. I appreciate you being part of this community, and your comments, emails, and support mean the world to me.
So, what’s next? More posts, more ideas, and hopefully a lot more time spent outdoors.
Thanks for being here, and stay tuned for what’s ahead. I promise it is going to be an exciting ride.
I’d love to hear from you!
Whether it’s about outdoor adventures, AI insights, or content creation, feel free to reach out.
Check out my contact page or message me at Contact@EricWilde.com, and let’s chat about how I can help bring your ideas to life.