Lydia J. Wilder

Welcome to the Wild World of Lydia J. Wilder! Nature enthusiast, adventurer at heart, Cherokee descendant, and self-proclaimed queen of glamping! If you’re looking for rugged tales of survival mixed with a little sass and a whole lot of wisdom, you’re in the right place. Lydia J. Wilder (a pen name for Loreanne Sistrunk Cowan) is passionate about helping people reconnect with the wilderness and their inner survivalist—without skimping on the creature comforts. Lydia's life is a blend of outdoor escapades, family hilarity, and her love for her quirky pack of three dogs (or, as she calls them, her “Dog-tourage”). Grizzmo, Olive Bean, and Porqen Bean are always by her side, ready to offer opinions, chew on manuscripts, or just take a nap in the sun. She’s also got four amazing grown children who have survived her unique brand of parenting, which includes life lessons in the woods, many strange snacks, and lots of “character-building” hikes. With her four grown children now off on their own adventures, Lydia has officially graduated to the "empty-nester" chapter of life—and she’s making the most of it! While she misses the days of juggling soccer games, science projects, and snack-time negotiations, Lydia has traded the chaos of a full house for the freedom to roam the great outdoors. Lydia doesn’t just write about adventure—she lives it! She and her husband (the ever-patient “Ethan Wilder”, another pen name) roam the scenic Oklahoma landscapes in Tina, their beloved travel trailer. But don’t be fooled—Tina isn’t your typical camper. She’s a cozy cabin on wheels, and Lydia makes sure to pack both marshmallows and a survival kit, because you never know when you’ll need a little sweetness… or some hardcore wilderness skills. Instead of quiet evenings, the Wilder nest is filled with the hum of travel plans, the scent of campfire smoke, and the occasional ahem "friendly debate" over who forgot to pack the coffee for the glamping trip. For Lydia, the empty nest isn’t empty—it’s wide open, filled with opportunities for new adventures, a lot of laughs, and maybe just a little peace and quiet (but not too much). Lydia’s mission is simple: to inspire others to fall in love with the great outdoors, find peace in nature, and learn how to thrive even when the going gets tough. Her books are perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh mixed with a dose of reality—ideal for those who enjoy the wilderness but also believe in keeping some creature comforts close by. Her unique voice combines humor, grit, and a deep respect for nature and Cherokee heritage. When Lydia isn’t writing, you can find her people-watching (she’ll say it’s for “research”), scoping out new glamping spots, or judging her neighbors’ landscaping choices with a touch of good-natured humor. So grab a cup of coffee, check out her latest books, and get ready to venture into the wild with a woman who knows how to survive—and keep things fun! Join Lydia and her furry editorial team on social media, where she shares outdoor tips, humorous takes on life, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her glamping escapades.