Who’d have thought that back in February 2019 there would be a worldwide pandemic killing over a million people? In my first world existence, my only dilemma back then was do I go travelling to Bhutan and its neighbouring countries in 2020 or do I go to Australia to write another book?
Luckily I chose the latter. Instead of being one of the million Brits desperately trying to be repatriated earlier this year, I had found my perfect writers retreat. There was no way I was going to dash home to lockdowns and quarantines. I wanted beaches and kangaroos. And that is exactly what I found.
Looking down on Serenity Bay from the Look At Me Now Headland
One of the many beautiful Eastern Grey Kangaroos at the Look At Me Now Headland
I discovered the most idyllic location to spend the next 8 months writing my book and I’d never even heard of it. On the east coast of Australia, just a short drive from Coffs Harbour, is the laid back Emerald Beach. With beaches on my doorstep and more kangaroos than people, I knew this was the perfect place to ignore the world and immerse myself into my writing.
Springtime brought lots of cute joeys
Eight months turned into twelve months of writing, running and talking to the birds who came to visit me on my veranda nestled in the treetops. The human residents of Emerald Beach were also friendly and always had a smile and a wave to share when they passed me. I met many early risers like me during my morning runs along the Look at me Now Headland coastal track. A wave turned into a quick chat which ultimately resulted in dinners, wine tasting, hiking and even repairs of my travel torn clothes!
Beaches and kangaroos at the Look At Me Now Headland
With lockdown hitting Australia and border closures, it meant I didn’t get distracted very much and within 6 months my book was complete. Editing and proofreading followed. Then came the time to start submitting my manuscript to publishers and literary agents. A laborious and time consuming task but it paid off. With both UK and Australian publishers interested I now have another first world dilemma. Which publishing offer do I accept?
One of my many writing locations in my Emerald Beach retreat
Most people cannot wait to see the back of 2020. Personally I don’t want it to end! It’s been such a good year for me, but sadly my visa expires in December when I will be returning home to a country in lockdown. On the upside, my book “Secret Lands, Petrol Clams and a Bagful of Bolivar” should hopefully be available globally on bookshelves and online by the end of 2021! Bhutan still remains on my bucket list even if it takes me a few more years than anticipated to eventually get there.
Links:
For more information on Emerald Beach highlights visit Coffs Coast
For the most amazing breakfasts and located just metres away from the beach you must visit Surf Street Cafe
And for the most amazing pizzas (my favourite is the Gamberetto with prawns, capers and pesto) is Emerald Beach Pizza & Pasta
I had daily sightings of Osprey
A blue-faced honeyeater bird feeding its chick
A noisy miner bird hanging from a hibiscus flower in my garden
Meet my new furry friends at Emerald Beach
‘Secret Lands, Petrol Clams and a Bagful of Bolivar’ – the completed manuscript!!!
One of many Serenity Bay sunrises during my early morning runs
Two tawny frogmouths facing my veranda that looked over me for the entire year
My travels are my life and have been for the last twenty-two years. Before the days of Instagram and Facebook my travel up-dates were always sent via email and I now write books. My second book ‘Secret Lands, Petrol Clams and a Bagful of Bolivar’ was released on 13 July 2021.
Secret Lands, Petrol Clams and a Bagful of Bolivar was released on 13 July 2021.
Pringles, Visas and a Glow in the Dark Jesus was released on 30 September 2015.
