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Back soon lovelies!
A compelling need to write?
Hi there lovely readers! We all love a well written story or a bloody good yarn don’t we? My dad was a seasoned journalist who wrote the former, my step dad, quite the raconteur, spun the latter. I suspect that’s where I inherited a passion for the written word. But do I have a cracking good yarn worth sharing?
To find out, I combined my love of travel and writing and took myself off to a writer’s retreat conducted in the Tuscan mountains of Italy by the wonderful Lisa Clifford. (Read about that journey here: On finding one’s voice) From there I holed up in the Cinque Terre on the coast and started writing. Thing is, I was struggling to surface from a tsunami of grief at the time, and although my writing was cathartic as I spoke my truth, I questioned if the outcomes would be worth sharing beyond the laptop. That was 10 years ago.
Have you always wanted to shape your words into a compelling story worth sharing? Super news fellow aspiring writers! Lisa (The Art of Writing) is bringing that same very special writing experience to Brisbane. In her words:
Even if you’ve simply been thinking of a story idea. Let’s write it. Even if you’ve never put pen to paper. Let’s do it.
Now had I written those words, I’d have thrown a few exclamation marks in – my way of demonstrating my enthusiasm – something I need to temper? And what about that sentence – passive or active? And did I create a compelling call to action? I know Lisa and guests will have the answer.
Your story might be a novel, a memoir or a story line that’s stalled. Perhaps you need time to dream about that seed of an idea, or your keen to improve your blogging? Designed to bring your writing to life, Lisa and her guests will help you nail down the essentials of your story. I’ve signed up and hope you can join me!
Brisbane Art of Writing Retreat – The Essentials of Story
February 9-12th 2023 – West Village – Brisbane
Sign up here: The Art of Writing
See you there!
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Five travel blogs that make my heart sing…
Hello lovely readers! Yearning to scratch that travel itch? Me too! So many places to go, people to see, views to snap, exotic foods to consume, i simply can’t decide where to next.
You see, the silver fox, a Naval man with a story for every port in the world, primarily swaggering through posh hotels (aiming to attract women who can’t resist a sharp Richard Geresque white uniform I’m sure), is a tad meh! ‘Your choice Jano.’ So do I revisit existing highlights (all things European) to inspire and annoy in equal measure, or do we make new memories together? Research required stat!
Drawing inspo from my favourite travel blogs, I realised there’s a lot about travel that I’m not an expert on. Family destinations? No idea. Travelling solo? A little bit. Information on hotels? Only a little. Photography? My trusty iPhone. Food expert? Only to consume it. While researching I came across even more exciting blogs from people who CAN answer those questions; and as you might be after a little inspo as well, here are my top 5:
The Blonde Abroad
The minute you subscribe to The Blonde Abroad you’re greeted with Kiki’s favourite destinations with a focus on photography, food, culture and adventure. The safest cities to travel alone, top Safari destinations in Africa, best Scuba Dives, best Girlfriend getaways. Beautifully presented, inspirational, you can just feel Kiki’s passion pulling at your travel heart strings.
I Am Aileen
Aileen Adalid is behind the cool site I Am Aileen. Gorgeous design, ethereal photos, Aileen is the epitomy of a successful digital nomad with a mission to show us that no matter the odds, it is entirely possible to create a life of non-stop travel and establish financial independence with remote work. Check her site out for the destination guides, hints and tips and humble lessons.
Salt in Our Hair
Nick and Hannah are two creatives from The Netherlands, Salt in Our Hair is their baby, and if you’re looking for Asian, European, African, Central and South America and Middle Eastern inspiration, look no further. Their Instagram imagery so inspired I just had to subscribe! While garnering inspiration from their insightful recommendations, check their Insta out here: #saltinourhair
12HRS
Have a destination in mind, a limited itinerary and unsure where to start? 12HRS provides you with 12hr long itineraries that encapsulate the best of the best to see in one handy schedule. Less sightseeing, more wandering. Cool stores instead of tourist traps. Luxury when you want it and bargains when you least expect them. You can just feel their love for fashion, design, great food and even better coffee.
Hand Luggage Only
Yaya and Lloyd upped their Facebook holiday snap share competitiveness while at Cambridge by collaborating their stories into this one spectacular site Hand Luggage Only. Just reading their bios makes you want to follow. And that’s what I did. Not unlike 12 hours, these guys give you 10 things to do when visiting… sometimes 11 because why not? Hints, tips, hacks, advice and a cracking good journalling comes with their destinations. Check them out here: Hand Luggage Only
Now you have a glorious feast of suggestions from which to draw a little inspiration. Me? I’m hovering between Spain (the Catalonian region), Portugal and Morocco, the nordic countries or the southern tip of Italy (thanks ‘The White Lotus’ season two!) 🙂 Drop us a line on where you’re planning to brave the 24 hour flight for a fabulous holiday…
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