Rooted in the same spirit that shapes life at the Meadowlark Motel, Wild Ducks Don’t Fly in Formation reflects the resilience, creativity, and community that have defined our journey here in Maggie Valley. Just as the Meadowlark has weathered storms, welcomed travelers, and built a home for music, stories, and connection, Joseph Franklyn McElroy’s memoir captures the heart behind it all — the belief that flying your own path can still bring people together.
Now Available on Amazon as of December 9, 2025 at 9 AM
The wait is over: Wild Ducks Don’t Fly in Formation by Joseph Franklyn McElroy has officially taken flight.
As of 9:00 AM on December 9th, the book is now live on Amazon and already generating buzz among small business owners, creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone who has ever carved their own path instead of following the flock.
This powerful memoir-meets-manifesto shares Joseph’s lived experiences of resilience, community-building, and unconventional leadership: offering a refreshing, human perspective in a world that loves conformity but desperately needs originality.
A Story for the Wild Ducks Among Us
Wild Ducks Don’t Fly in Formation is more than a memoir. It’s a reflection on:
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Surviving storms — literal and figurative
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Building lasting community even when systems fail
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Leading with integrity in the face of pressure
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Creating a life defined by purpose, not expectations
Joseph pulls from decades of experience across technology, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and rural community development. Readers will recognize influences from his work at Galileo Tech Media, his stewardship of the Meadowlark Motel, and his deep passion for preserving Appalachian culture.
This book validates the misfits, the innovators, the self-starters, and the rebels with a cause.
If you’ve ever been told to “fit in”: this book is your permission slip to proudly stand out.
Get Your Copy Today
You can now purchase Wild Ducks Don’t Fly in Formation directly on Amazon.
After reading, you can support the continued momentum by leaving a review on Amazon — even a short one makes a huge difference in visibility.
Who This Book Speaks To
This launch marks the arrival of a book written for:
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Small business owners navigating today’s unpredictable landscape
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Creatives and innovators who thrive outside the “standard playbook”
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Leaders seeking a more human, community-first approach
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Readers who crave real stories of resilience, grit, and hope
If you’ve ever flown solo, carved your own path, or questioned the status quo — you’ll see yourself in these pages.
Celebrate With Us
The flock has officially gathered, and the journey begins today.
Join us in celebrating the launch of Wild Ducks Don’t Fly in Formation. Share it with your friends, colleagues, and fellow wild ducks. Start conversations. Post your favorite quotes. And help amplify a message that matters:
You don’t have to fly in formation to go far.
