Check Out Zachary Lamothe’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Lamothe.

Hi Zachary, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey as a writer began in 2011. Prior to this, my main creative focus was music- playing in bands in my home state of Connecticut and then in the Boston area. After a question mark in my career path, I decided to pursue something that I loved: writing. I began as a journalist for a small newspaper in the town of Wellesley. Soon after, I pitched a book idea that bridged my love of all things off the beaten path with the history of my home state; alas, Connecticut Lore was born. Since then, I have written four additional books, one more about Connecticut and three about the South Shore and the Greater Boston Area. All the while keeping up with my website and podcast of the same name, Backyard Road Trips which stresses how to travel in a meaningful way, but on the local level.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes and no. I was lucky in pitching my first book, Connecticut Lore. I sent an inquiry to the first publisher I reached out to who, shockingly, got back to me and asked for a proposal. It was approved, and the ball got rolling quickly. After the research and writing process, the book was published in the fall of 2013. And then came the events. Soon, my weekends, and even weekdays, had me driving from Massachusetts to all regions of Connecticut to promote my book. This included being on the same bill as a world-renowned novelist to open the new bookstore at UConn and appearances on National Public Radio. In my mind, it was not if, but when I would write full time. I quickly learned that once I was a published author, the limelight would soon wear off. After authoring multiple books, each got less and less fanfare. Luckily, even ten years after the publication of my first book, I was booked solidly with speaking engagements. The struggles began, though, when the books were no longer “new” and I was getting fewer and fewer opportunities.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the author of five books: Connecticut Lore, More Connecticut Lore, A History Lover’s Guide to the South Shore, Classic Restaurants of Boston, and Distilled in Boston. I also run the website Backyard Road Trips. I co-host the podcast of the same name, as well as a podcast called Red and White at Silver. I am proud of all I have accomplished. As I like to say, I wrote five books and became a father to three boys all within ten years. I try to bring authenticity to my work. In an age of constant visuals and soundbites, I try to bring an old-fashioned approach to the written word.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Plymouth, Massachusetts, is my adopted hometown. I am a proud Connecticutian, meaning I was born and raised in the Nutmeg State. Nevertheless, Plymouth is truly a wonderful town. I love that I have the ability to leave my doorstep and be right by the water within a four-minute walk. This I can never tire of. Plymouth has beautiful beaches and a thriving dining scene, and plenty to do. What I like least is the inaccessibility it has to other destinations. No, this doesn’t mean that the next sizable town is miles and miles away. What it does mean is that traveling north toward Boston, south toward Cape Cod, or even west, at most times of the day, brings horrific traffic. Where Plymouth has loads to offer, it can be an ordeal to travel even short distances without a headache.

Pricing:

• Backyard Road Trips trip planner: $199.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.backyardroadtrips.com
• Instagram: @backyardroadtrips
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backyardroadtrips
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@backyardroadtrips4532
• Other: https://backyardroadtrips.com/backyard-road-trip-planning/