I’m currently lying on a bed in a sweltering hostel room in Sydney, trying to figure out why the air con hates me and watching an advert for an Australian television show called Love At First Kiss when a woman is blindfolded and kisses loads of men to see if she feels that flutter of love just by locking lips with strangers. Oh, and my jet lag may be kicking in – the perfect time to let you guys know what’s been going on in my world, yes?!
It’s been ages since I did a rambling blog post but this feels as good a time as any. Life has got, how do I say this, hectic. It feels as if someone has turned up the volume and filled all this amazingness into such a small time that I’m trying my hardest not to miss a thing or take anything for granted. I know that it could all go as quickly as it came, trust me. Because of this busyness it has meant that I’m behind in my blogging schedule, something that I’m hoping this trip will give me the time and creative space to fix. There’s now more of you than ever reading my words so I want to make them count*
At the start of last week I locked myself away to go through the first round of edits for my third novel Destination Chile, thankfully both myself and my editor are pleased with how this one is shaping up so just a few more polishes and it will soon be gleaming! I then finally showered, brushed my hair, got out of my pjs that had become a second skin (the life of an author is so glamourous) and prepared for the second part of the week that I’d been looking forward to for months.
I got to stand side by side with my very best friend as she tied the knot in a gorgeous, glam and super pretty wedding in Liverpool. As you all know, me and weddings don’t really mix but I was so honoured to be part of her day and to watch her take the next step into what I’m sure will be a happy and loving marriage. Maybe one day I’ll share my views on the world of weddings (spoiler alert – they’ve changed a lot since I was supposed to say I Do) but for now I’m just thrilled that I got to be part of what was such a fantastic day. How flipping gorgeous does she (and my blogging bridesmaid partner-in-crime Hannah) look!
I then whizzed down to Heathrow, quickly packing my bag and booking accommodation for the first night (I don’t know if I wished I was more organised when it comes to my travel plans or if I actually enjoy the feeling of freedom and spontaneity that comes with booking as you go) before my flight to Sydney. This was the furthest that I’ve ever flown before and although I’m a good flier the thought of a 24 hour journey, via Abu Dhabi, still gave me a few butterflies. I’ll be sharing my tips on surviving a long haul flight tomorrow!
Just before I boarded my flight I spotted my face (and my favourite photo of me ever – that donkey one) in the Sunday Times magazine. This story was also picked up by the Daily Mail and the Mirror online. When dealing with the media words can get twisted, wires can get crossed and don’t get me started on the comment trolls but I am grateful for this spotlight I’ve found myself in as it means I can share my story to hopefully help others realise that your life doesn’t have to end when you’ve been dumped, no matter what the circumstances. I am getting to live my dreams, to be a published author, to travel the world and to show that heartbreak can lead onto bigger and better things if you have the courage to say yes to the unknown. That’s worth all the negative comments, I can tell you.
The messages I’ve received from all over the world still make my heart sing with love, hope and humbleness. It has shown me that getting dumped and having your life spin out of control is universal, but how you deal with it – that, my friends, is totally up to you and something you can control.
I then landed to a photo of the first look of my second novel Destination India (out 2nd June in paperback and e-book) which instantly lifted the post-flight fug my head was in. I can’t wait for you to read the next part of Georgia’s journey which takes her to the land of Bollywood and bhajis, I had so much fun writing this one and re-living my time in this wonderful but chaotic country.
So, that brings me up to the present (and the sweaty Sydney room I’m melting in). I am beyond excited to discover Australia and will be taking you along with me (sadly, only in a virtual kinda way) and sharing what I get up to on this very blog, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat (search thenotwedordead). Yes, I’ve been persuaded to head into this world and would love for you to join me, but I am only just getting to grips with it so bear with me!
Phew, what a busy week. Now, enough about me – what’s been going on with you?
*This blog post doesn’t count as quality words. Please come back when my jet lag has lifted!
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