Life Altering Adventures
A trip to remote parts of Asia in the 1980s, particularly for a young woman by herself, was a serious undertaking — remember, cell phones had not been invented and the internet was 10 years from becoming mainstream. The only way to reach home for the majority of her trip was via posting a letter, (which took an average of 3 weeks to reach anyone back in the states).
Lia was only able to manage it because, as far as she could see, remaining at home was not a viable option. As a neurodivergent, non-linear-thinking individual (before those terms were even coined), she had serious problems in school, and was convinced she would never be able to succeed at any job.
Her mother had remarried and Lia was resented by her new stepfamily. Suffering from rejection on all sides Lia felt like she would never be able to fit in or find acceptance in the only world she had ever known.
And so she left… And you know what they say about that … When one door closes, another one opens. Only Lia’s new doors were full of intrigue and foreign worlds.
Lia’s writing style is engaging, often humorous and refreshingly honest. She doesn’t shy away from sharing her struggles . . . . Lia’s reflections on self-worth, independence and the search for belonging resonate deeply, making this memoir more than just a series of travel experiences. —Ella Brown, Reads Ella
Note: this is Book One of a two-volume set and is available now. Book Two will be out later this year; check back for updates on the exciting sequel!
Available as a hardback, a paperback, and as an E-book. Click here to purchase.
More About The Book
After Lia returned to the States, everyone said she should write a book. This daunting task required much research. To recreate the trip as accurately as possible, Lia utilized her journals from that time, along with letters she wrote to people back home. Sifting through the many photos and memorabilia (which help the reader connect deeply with Lia’s narrative) required much effort. It took over 20 years to create Winging It, but not everything could fit into the book.
Careful readers can find a password hidden in the text of Winging It that, when entered here will take them to a delightful private website containing additional stories and photos. There is also a Gallery where readers can access large, high resolution originals of all the photos used in the book. The password for this is on page viii.
Four Exotic Destinations
Click to learn more about each destination.
Exploring India!
Modelling in Tokyo.
Loved the people and the food.
Adventures in the majestic Himalayas!
What People Are Saying about Winging It
What I loved about this book is Lia’s ability to blend adventure with vulnerability. Her journey isn’t just about navigating new cultures—it’s about confronting her own insecurities, embracing discomfort & learning to trust herself in unfamiliar places. Her experiences are vividly detailed, bringing to life the sights, sounds & emotions of each destination.
Anjali Nolkha, Read By Heart
Russ paints vivid pictures of landscapes and cultures that have since changed dramatically, offering readers a glimpse into a past that no longer exists. Her storytelling is immersive, filled with raw emotion, humor, and the universal quest for identity and belonging. For those who love travel, personal growth, and introspective storytelling, Winging It is a must-read.
Ella Brown, Reads Ella
Lia’s struggles with dyslexia and self-doubt made her story incredibly relatable and inspiring. The book beautifully captures how travel can serve as a catalyst for self-growth, showing how different environments and cultures shape our perspectives. The inclusion of Lia’s own photos adds a unique and immersive touch, allowing readers to witness the world through her eyes.
Tahrun Mehta
Watch Lia reading from Winging It
Lia Russ
Lia Russ was born in Colorado in a small shack that clung to the steep slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Crested Butte was a little town that was cut off from the rest of the world for six months every year.
After a difficult childhood and adolescence, Lia began her healing journey with a trip to Asia, as described in Winging It.
Since returning to the United States, Lia has continued to pursue self-exploration and healing both for herself and others. These interests lead to writing her first book, Connecting the Dots: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science (Masked Path Publishing, 2021). In 2023, she created a free quiz that helps people discover their gifts. Then she wrote a book and that supports the understanding and use of these gifts called Lightworkers Archetypes: Honoring Our Sensitivities, Remembering our Gifts and a follow up The Ascension Guide: Practical Advice For Lightworkers (both Silver Path Publishing 2023.)
Lia also hosts a free support group for sensitive individuals and has started an online school to help Lightworkers navigate Awakening, the Shift, and learning to use their gifts to create the life they want and be comfortable in their skins.
Visit Lightworkers Lifeline to connect with her healing love and magic.
PRIVATE WEBSITE
This site contains photos and stories that cannot be found anywhere else. The code for entrance to this site can be found in the text of the book (in three places). No, I’m not going to tell you what pages — read the book and find them yourself.
WINGING IT GALLERY
This site holds all of the photographs from the book. I wanted you, dear reader, to be able to see the originals in a higher resolution than I was able to print them. Go to page viii in Winging It Book One and you will see the password for the Gallery. Click the button below to enter the code and enjoy the photos! (If you want to own higher quality photos I recommend purchasing the hard bound book).
Coming soon — Winging It Book Two.
Be a part of it. Join the Book Launch.
Exciting news! My book, Winging It: A Memoir of My Journey to Asia Book Two, is launching soon,
and I’d love your help to spread the word. Join my launch team to get early access and be part of sharing this journey with the world!
More Adventures in Winging It Book Two!
If you loved Winging It Book One, get ready for the next chapter! Lia is currently working on Winging It Book Two, bringing more travel adventures, unexpected lessons, and unforgettable moments from the road. This sequel dives even deeper into the joys and challenges of exploration, proving that the journey never truly ends.
Stay tuned for updates—more stories, more adventures, and more reasons to keep winging it!
Lia’s putting together a Book Launch Team—a group of amazing supporters who will get early access to the book, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and a chance to help spread the word!
✨ As a launch team member, you’ll get:
✔️ A free early copy of Winging It Book Two
✔️ Exclusive updates and sneak peeks
✔️ A chance to be featured in my book promotions
✔️ The opportunity to make a big impact in bringing this story to the world
JOIN NOW!
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