Adventuring

I used to think that life would be easier with a regular 9-5 job, a steady wage, a routine. A stress-head from way back, I thought that this would take all the anxiety away, and that I’d be blissfully chilled out.

Not so, obviously. While I adored full time teaching, it did nearly kill me, and the past six years since I’ve had to combine work with kids has taught me that, actually, I’m not a regular 9-5 girl at all.

Sometimes I wonder at the general mayhem in our house, but despite the endless To Do lists, permanently open suitcases, and a ridiculous number of calendars that are never all quite in synch – I think we’ve decided we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tomorrow I’m getting on a plane with my family and heading to Cambodia for two weeks. We make this trip every couple of years, in part to do some volunteer teacher professional development with Teachers Across Borders, and in part to explore the crazy streets in tuk tuks and to sit by the pool drinking cocktails.

While I’m soaking up the humidity and coconut shakes in Kampong Thom, Skylarking will be released in the UK by Legend Press. This is all very exciting, and I can’t wait to hear how UK readers feel about Kate and Harriet’s story.

I’m only going to have to put up with Melbourne winter for a couple of weeks on our return from Cambodia, because then I’m heading off to Darwin to jump on a yacht heading for Ambon, Indonesia. Despite my TOTAL lack of experience, a skipper has been generous enough to allow me on board to join his crew as part of my research for my next novel. I’m completely terrified, but so excited to have this opportunity. Hit me up with your sailing tips, if you’re that way inclined…

But, before all of that, tonight I have the utter privilege of launching the wonderful Emily Brewin’s debut novel Hello, Goodbye. The story of May Callaghan, coming of age in country Victoria in 1968 against the backdrop of growing opposition to the Vietnam War, Emily’s novel explores the complexities of the political issues of the time, and pulls the reader in deep to deliver on all the big feels. I read it in two sittings over a single day, and felt bereft when I finished. I’m thrilled to celebrate this occasion with her.

Stay tuned for notes from various adventures. I’m hoping there’s a whole lot of stories to be unearthed…