From the Back Cover
The "look before you leap" guide to the joys and pitfalls of the rural good life
"Especially valuable for someone who is just starting to contemplate a homesteading lifestyle and wondering if they should jump in -- and how far."
-- Deborah Niemann, author, Homegrown and Handmade and Raising Goats Naturally
"Three years ago, we moved from our small hobby farm in Virginia to the woods of Maine. If only I had Kirsten's book back then!"
-- Lisa Steele, author, Fresh Eggs Daily and 101 Chicken Keeping Hacks
"A realistic look at the joys and trials, benefits and challenges... with a great deal of "worked for wisdom" shared along the way."
-- John Moody, author, The Frugal Homesteader
DREAMS OF self-sufficiency, independence, and tranquility continue to pull in a new generation of modern homesteaders. While growing your own food and being in charge of your life is the source of much satisfaction, there are many challenges to living away from modern conveniences.
Written by an experienced modern homesteader who successfully made the leap, So You Want to Be a Modern Homesteader? offers an in-depth examination of what you need to consider before moving "back to the land." Drawing from a deep well of experience, this essential guide covers:
- Romance versus the reality of rural living
- Finding the right property
- Building versus bootstrapping
- Practical "must-have" skills
- Earning an income and farming on a budget
- Creating community
- Seasonal living
- Children and schooling
- Social media, the internet, and rural life.
Whether you are dreaming of moving to the country for peace and an escape from the daily grind or to provide a different lifestyle for your children, this complete and realistic guide is the essential resource to help you achieve success as a modern homesteader.
"Perfect for folks just beginning the journey, experienced old-timers like me, and everyone in between."
-- Hank Will, Editorial Director, Ogden Publications including Mother Earth News
"A fun take on all things homesteading."
-- Diana Rodgers, The Sustainable Dish
KIRSTEN LIE-NIELSEN is a farmer and writer restoring a 200-year old farm in Liberty, Maine. She is the author of The Modern Homesteader's Guide to Keeping Geese, writes about homesteading for Grit, Mother Earth News, Backyard Poultry, and Hobbyfarms.com, and blogs about the good life at hostilevalleyliving.com.
Kirsten Lie-Nielsen is a writer and farmer living on 93 acres in rural Maine. After starting a small hobby homestead with her partner on an abandoned farm with no electricity and running water, Kirsten's endeavors have quickly grown to encompass geese, goats, chickens, bees, ducks, and extensive vegetable and herb gardens. Always intrigued by self-sufficiency and working with her hands, Kirsten enjoys sharing her experiences and the lessons of life on the farm for publications such as Grit, Mother Earth News, Backyard Poultry, and Hobbyfarms.com. Kirsten blogs about her rural adventures at hostilevalleyliving.com, and her first book, The Modern Homesteader's Guide to Keeping Geese, was released in October 2017.
