25 July

I’d never been to a book launch before, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect for my own. When it sold out nine days before the event, I started paying a lot more attention.

What I did know was that those that I love and adore would be there and the excitement and ‘book buzz’ had been steadily building.

A few days before July 25th 2024, I found myself looking up synonyms for ‘overwhelmed.’ I felt I needed to mix-up my responses when people asked how I was feeling about the impending release. I settled on 'humbled' as the next best way to describe my pre-launch emotions.

The night was crisp and wintery as you'd expect at the end of July and Fullers Bookshop in Hobart was packed. Brightened by hot pink books stacked on the counter and being given out, I was keen to get my beautiful book cover poster on its easel. My bold pink dress that had been hanging in my wardrobe for a while now also put a smile on my face.

The audience was a mix of familiar and not-so-familiar faces. As the chairs filled and the excitement peaked, I could feel my emotions bubbling close to the surface.

Having my amazing friend Maeve O’Meara by my side, asking me questions that allowed me to bring my book to life couldn't have been more perfect.

Speaking about my ‘happy place’ is always a joy.

I shared with the audience that on the 25th July, 2023 I left Kata Beach after five months and returned home to Hobart. Here I was on 25 July, 2024 holding my book in my hands and sharing my adventures and precious memories with an audience. This was nothing short of surreal.

A week on since my book ventured out into the world has seen it sold not just in Australia, but also in the USA and the UK. It featured as the No.1 Best Seller for Non-Fiction in my local bookshop, and my readers started sharing their first impressions and thoughts. Their kindness and positivity has blown me away. 

This book that I only wrote for myself might also be for others as well. 

xx