Jim Harrison begins his 2002 memoir, Off to the Side, by describing his process for managing his occasional mental instability. He begins:

“When mentally fragile I like to drive to a far city, say at least a few hundred miles from any of the three modest places my family lives, check in to a somewhat pathetic brand-name motel with the pleasant feeling that I wouldn’t know a single soul in the local phone book.”

Of course, stepping away from life for a couple days may not solve the big problems that are thrown our way. After all, says Harrison, “the overexamined life is also not worth living.” Instead, he uses this time away from his daily life to mostly reconnect with nature, walk through the woods, listen to the sounds of a nearby creek. These settings offer him a necessary mental reset.

This notion resonates with me, because when I find myself needing a creative reset, I turn to Jim Harrison.

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This isn’t the first time I have written about Jim Harrison. As an aspiring writer hailing from the great state of Michigan, I often find myself drawn to the works of fellow authors who have called this land home. Perhaps it’s his frequent inclusion of themes regarding the natural world or his unique writing style, but something always draws me back to his work.

Despite frequently returning to his clever fictional storytelling talents in bestsellers such as Dalva and Legends of the Fall, it’s actually Harrison’s memoir, Off to the Side, that I find on my nightstand nearly annually. It offers a captivating glimpse into his real life, experiences and creative journey. For fellow admirers of Harrison’s work, this memoir provides invaluable lessons that resonate deeply with our shared passion for storytelling and the natural world.

Let’s delve into some key takeaways from Jim Harrison’s memoir Off to the Side that can inspire and guide us on our own writing paths.

1. Harness the Natural World

Michigan’s rugged beauty and unspoiled wilderness served as a wellspring of inspiration for Jim Harrison. Through Off to the Side, we learn the importance of immersing ourselves in the landscapes we love and allowing them to influence our writing. Whether it’s the serene forests of the Upper Peninsula or the vast expanses of the Great Lakes, let Michigan’s natural wonders breathe life into your narratives. And, although I am biased toward Michigan, this lesson can ring true for wherever you call home or find inspirational. Harrison does this with places outside of Michigan as well, such as Montana and Arizona. The sense of place is a powerful tool in crafting authentic and resonant stories.

2. Include Honesty and Vulnerability

Harrison’s memoir is marked by its unflinching honesty and vulnerability. As aspiring writers, we must be willing to peel back the layers and explore our deepest emotions and experiences. Our readers connect with genuine voices and relatable stories. Although this may be difficult, don’t shy away from your personal perspective, as these vulnerabilities can help us forge profound connections with our audience.

3. Pursue Multifaceted Characters

In Off to the Side, Harrison introduces us to a cast of complex people that he met throughout his life, each with their strengths, flaws and idiosyncrasies. As writers, we should strive to create multidimensional characters that mirror the depth and diversity of real-life individuals. These characters breathe life into our narratives and make the stories feel alive. Embrace the messiness of humanity, which is where the beauty of our craft lies.

4. Embrace the Writer’s Life

Jim Harrison’s life was a testament to the writer’s pursuit of meaning, experience and adventure. From his earliest memories and well into adulthood, he celebrated the art of living — and his experiences enriched his work. We, as fellow writers, should embrace the freedom to explore, travel and indulge in life’s pleasures. Without living these experiences, using them as inspiration and ultimately passing them along to his readers through his books, we never would have gained insight into the authenticity and depth of this talented writer’s life.

5. Find Solitude and Reflection

Harrison sought solitude in remote cabins around the United States — most notably in northern Michigan, southern Arizona and Montana — allowing him to reflect and connect with his inner voice. If we are to follow the path that he blazed for us, we must also seek those moments of quiet introspection, where ideas take root and creativity flourishes. Take in the stillness of a lakeshore or the serenity of a forest trail, and let your mind wander freely. In these tranquil moments — if you’re anything like Jim Harrison — you may discover the essence of your storytelling.

Ultimately, Jim Harrison’s memoir Off to the Side is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration for aspiring writers who share his love for the natural world. I’m reminded of its lessons every time I pick it up — which is becoming more and more frequently in recent years. And I don’t see that changing anytime soon.