It’s been a while since I’ve posted, I’m so sorry. But I have exciting news – The truth is Im closer to finishing – my book on the Camino Invierno. And today, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at my writing process/struggle.
Keeping Records
Being fairly geeky I do have a record of the journey – includes photos, videos, notes, and maps. And luckily, all of us shared our photos and videos on a shared directory, OneDrive. We also had a detailed planning spreadsheet, all our accomodation options, travel bookings and so on. Th latter was looked after by my dear organised friend, Anju.
The Camino Invierno in winter was a challenge, with plenty of ups and downs – both literal and metaphorical. It was a long and sometimes grueling trek, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
As I sit down to write (actually I stand) , I sift through my content, looking for the moments that really stood out – the moments that made me laugh, or cry, or simply marvel at the beauty of the world around me.I also mentally grumble at my lack of fashion sense for the pics – I am often in a bright orange poncho – looking like a giant blob.
Trepidations
While I write I also reflect on the experience, and exploring what it all meant. Sometimes this feels like a rabbithole and I hav veto drag myself back. For me, the Camino Invierno was different, as I had my friends, tow first time pilgrims – would they like it? Would they lose all faith in me and say never again? After all when you drag two unsuspecting HIndu friends hundred of kilometers across Spain to a Catholic shrine – it should be worth it. ( it was – we all burst into tears when we reached the Cathedral).
And that nervousness applies to readers too, As I work on my book, I’m reminded of just how lucky I am to be able to do this – to travel, to explore, to write. And to share this journey with you all, and hope you will treat my efforts kindly. Mostly I have had amazing readers, and really, its the readers who determine the writers – if it hasn’t been for all the readers who wrote to me telling me how I had enabled them t decide to just go! Okay there have been some who were unkind!
And so, I’d like to invite you to connect with me – to be among the first to hear about my book, and to share your own travel stories with me. Whether you’re a fellow writer, a fellow hiker, or simply someone who loves to explore the world, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the conversation going – let’s keep exploring, and learning, and growing.
Thank you for reading, and I’ll see you on the trail. And no laughing at the orange blob..it IS me. I promise!