I was tagged in this blog hop by Tracy Simmons, a lovely blogger who enjoyed reading “I Grew My Boobs in China” with her daughter. I was lucky enough to get in touch with her as it’s always rewarding to stay connected with readers and meet fellow authors.                  To participate, thank the blogger who tagged you, answer four questions about your writing world and process, then tag two or three more bloggers. It’s a good idea to provide a link to the tagger’s blog somewhere within your post.

1. What are you working on?                                              

For years I have been working on a non-fiction series which documents my family’s 4 year, 80-country journey around the world. In 2012 I published the first in the series, “I Grew My Boobs in China” and the second “Backpacks and Bra Straps” is currently in editing, due to be released in September/October. I am currently working the publishing process in order to meet the deadline for my book tour.
The second installment “Backpacks and Bra Straps” covers our overland backpacking journey through Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Western China, Tibet and Nepal. The characters continue to grow and develop, with the group dynamic ever evolving and fluctuating. New characters and their reactions are introduced when my sister’s best friend flies out to join us for the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal. The reader will experience parts of the Silk Road, Tibetan monasteries and the strength of Nepali sherpas in the incredible Himalayas. And of course it’ll all be tied in with the same kind of adventure, humour and excitement that was found in my first book, “Sihpromatum – I Grew My Boobs in China”.

2. How does your work differ from others of its genre?

There are tons of excellent, thrilling travel memoirs out there but few are, one; about family travel, and two; written from the perspective of a young, budding teenager being dragged around the world against their will. The voice is very innocent and sincere, taking the reader along each step as I grow both physically and emotionally, documenting how the travels mold me into the woman I eventually become.

3.  Why do you write what you do?

I always loved expressing myself through writing. Travelling really sparked my dream to be an author, and ever since I was 14 I wanted to share my crazy upbringing with the world.

4.  How does your writing process work?

Oh goodness, it varies so much. Though I do have a sense of self-discipline, I cannot say I do it one way or the other. My outline starts with organizing the many journal entries and blogs kept while on the road. The rest is all just a matter of feel. Sometimes I feel inspired, sometimes I don’t. At times my brain will go wild while I lay in bed at night, words and sentences forming like magic and I am forced to get out and write them down. Nights like those can easily turn into a 4am bedtime. Other times I have to sit at the desk and force myself to write. Luckily I have amazing support from family and friends to keep me going.

Here are the questions:

1. What are you working on?

2. How does your work differ from others of its genre?

3.  Why do you write what you do?

4.  How does your writing process work?

It was too difficult to choose amongst all the amazing blogger/writer friends I have made since publishing my first book. I look forward to reading answers from these amazing writers…

Roy Huff:

I consider Roy AKA @Evervillefans to be my help line when it comes to promoting and marketing my books. When you start out as a writer, weak and shivering with doubts, there are those few people who come into your life and help you get started. Well, Roy is one of those people to me. I met him early on in my author career and he always seems to be one step ahead of me, always an email away with tips and advice to share. I’m so thankful we somehow bumped into each other on this vast internet world.

Ionia Martin:

Ionia AKA @readfulthings is everything reading and writing, including book reviews, which is how we met. A great gal with a loyal following because, well, she’s just awesome!

Mapping Megan:

Megan AKA @mappingmegan is an inspiration to many as she blogs, travels, reads and keeps everyone waiting breathlessly for her next amazing travel shot! She has helped me so much by simply encouraging and guiding me in the blogging world. Follow in her footsteps and you’re bound to meet with success.

Karla:

Karla AKA @travellersoul76 met me through Twitter and my book “Sihpromatum – I Grew My Boobs in China” (can’t remember which came first) and ever since has become like a big sister to me in the blogger, tweeter, writer world. She is an incredible person, overflowing with talents. I mean, she speaks FIVE bloody languages. Now tell me you aren’t jealous of that!

Savannah