On episode 32 of Granite Goodness, Andy chats with genuine writer-in-the-woods Caroline Tremblay about wood chopping, Hallmark movies, the Radically Rural summit in Keene, and a bunch of other stuff like:
Roots and Return: Growing up in the Monadnock region, Caroline left to explore the world but ultimately rediscovered the magic of her hometown.
Building Community: She champions the idea that rural living thrives when everyone participates and focuses on local assets.
Career Pivot: From high school teacher to full-time writer, Caroline now helps local businesses share their stories through Owl & Pen.
Digital Storytelling: She founded The Monadnocker to showcase the region’s best food, art, and outdoor experiences for younger audiences.
Collaborative Success: A local stream restoration project highlighted the power of teamwork in achieving lasting environmental impact.
Rural Renaissance: Caroline envisions New Hampshire as a hub of creativity, connection, and innovation, built on pride in what’s already here.
Caroline Tremblay is the creator and content director of Owl & Pen LLC and TheMonadnocker.com, where she covers culture, events, and all things that make the Monadnock area of NH special.
Links & Notes:
Here is a link to the article where Andy first discovered Caroline’s work, where she covered a local stream restoration project highlighting the power of teamwork in achieving lasting environmental impact. This article was part of Caroline’s involvement in Radically Rural.
Radically Rural is a grassroots movement founded in Keene, NH, that aims to amplify collective rural impact by connecting folks with each other and with ideas. Radically Rural started in 2018 as a partnership between the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship and The Keene Sentinel.
This episode was recorded at the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship in Keene, NH
Music provided by Sneaky Miles
Youtube
AI Generated Episode Summary*
What makes New Hampshire such a unique place to live?
What I love about New Hampshire is its magical mix of rural and modern living. I can spend my morning chopping wood in my pajamas, then go to an art gallery opening, have the best Indian food for dinner, and end the day hiking a world-class trail. It’s rural living with all the perks, and that combination is so special to me.
What was your connection to New Hampshire growing up?
I grew up in the Monadnock region, where my parents moved to give us a nature-focused childhood. I went to a progressive school that combined outdoor learning with arts and project-based education, which shaped my love for this area. I left New Hampshire for a while to explore places like Ireland and Boston, but I eventually came back, drawn to the community and sense of belonging here.
How has your perspective on rural living changed over time?
When I was younger, I didn’t fully appreciate the community I grew up in. I thought rural life would always be waiting for me. But I’ve realized community isn’t passive—it’s about showing up and contributing. Rural areas are rich with resources when you focus on what’s already there instead of what’s missing.
How did you transition from teaching to writing and entrepreneurship?
I used to teach high school, and while I loved it, the focus on standardized testing made it less fulfilling. When I left teaching, I decided to pursue my dream of being a writer full-time. That decision led me to start Owl & Pen, where I help local businesses tell their stories and strengthen their online presence. It’s been amazing to live that creative dream in southern New Hampshire.
What inspired you to create The Monadnocker?
During the pandemic, I noticed how much there still was to do in New Hampshire—trails, farms, and outdoor events—but I felt these stories weren’t reaching younger audiences. I started The Monadnocker to highlight local experiences in a beautiful, digital way. It’s been almost five years now, and it’s exciting to celebrate this region with others.
Can you talk about your involvement with the Radically Rural Summit?
I love Radically Rural. It’s an event where changemakers gather to share solutions for rural challenges across different sectors like arts and journalism. I write stories leading up to the summit to spotlight what’s working in rural areas, and it’s inspiring to see how these ideas energize our communities.
What’s an example of a project that showcases the power of collaboration?
One of my favorite stories is about Distant Hill, where a conservation project restored habitats in a local stream. The owner worked with state organizations, neighbors, and even remote property owners to make it happen. It was a reminder that collaboration magnifies what we can achieve, especially in rural areas.
Why is storytelling so important to rural revitalization?
Storytelling helps us celebrate our successes and make sure we don’t take them for granted. When we share these stories, we can keep initiatives alive, attract support, and inspire others to champion their own communities. It’s such a powerful tool for building pride and connection.
How can rural communities shift their mindset for growth?
We need to focus on what we already have—our assets—rather than what’s missing. When we map out our strengths, whether it’s local food, art, or landscapes, we realize how much we can build on. That mindset shift makes all the difference in creating optimism and opportunity.
What’s your vision for New Hampshire’s rural future?
I see a thriving, connected rural renaissance where communities celebrate their unique qualities and support each other. I want us to continue leveraging our strengths and fostering creativity, so New Hampshire remains a place where people love to live, work, and build their lives.
*This episode summary was generated by an AI analyzing a transcript of the interview. The questions, wording, and written meaning of particular sections may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give listeners a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.
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