Nov 27, 2013

When life imitates art...

Last month my first self-published novel hit the shelves: Dance With Me. The story was partly inspired by a trip I did a couple of years ago, travelling through Mexico and down into Guatemala. I took that trip because I had a business trip to San Francisco, and I figured why not take the opportunity to travel somewhere new and exciting whilst I was over on that side of the world?

The trip around Mexico and Guatemala was one of those "no frills, get to know the locals, stay in villages and backpackers, eat at the local markets" kind of tours. (I took a tour because I was travelling alone and figured it was safest, especially considering both countries can be kind of dangerous for tourists.) I talked about it last month on LoveCats, particularly some of the interesting food options I enjoyed! Generally speaking I prefer a more five-star style of travel, so while I enjoyed the experience I can't say I wasn't pleased when it was time to move on.

My next stop was the amazing city of San Francisco. (Also a location in Dance With Me!) I'd been there once before, when I was much younger, on a business trip with my mum. It was instant love-at-first-sight between me and the city and I couldn't wait to get back to it.

The universe decided to grant my wish, and for the next few years I had business reasons to go to San Francisco at least once a year. I got to know it pretty well -- its hilly streets, hidden bars, and friendly people. A friend and I even did the famous Pacific Coast Highway drive from Los Angeles to San Fran -- in a convertible, of course!

In Dance With Me, Polly ends up finding herself a with a new life, and all kinds of new opportunities in San Francisco by the end of the book. And, in a very strange twist, I'm about to do the same.

In January I'm moving to live in San Francisco. I've taken up a new day job, and I'm excited about it and about the chance for me to experience new places, people and adventures -- that will all no doubt end up being book fodder one of these days!

It does feel a little weird to have written Dance With Me and Polly's journey and then to be walking in very similar footsteps. Maybe I need to write a story about a girl who encounters a genie who grants unending wishes (and is super-dooper handsome to boot!). Can we see if that one might come to life too?

There are a few more details about my move over on my blog. But in the meantime I'm going to stay in touch with all you Lovecatters and if/when you read my next book and discover it's set in San Francisco, you'll be able to go, "A-ha! I know why that is!"



14 comments:

  1. Am so envious yet resoundingly happy for you Emmie. Life is really imitating art for you!
    Safe and happy travels!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It sounds absolutely exciting, Emmie! Wishing you many fun adventures and much thrilling inspiration. :-)

    And as Amy said -- safe and happy travels!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Michelle! I'll miss all the Lovecats! Lucky I can always just pop in and read the blog. :)

      Delete
  3. Emmie, I'm with you. San Francisco is a fabulous city. We were there this year, my second time and my DB's first - he loved it as much as I did. I'm setting my current ST story in SF. I just know you're going to have a wonderful experience living there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Let me know if you need any first-hand SF research -- I'd be happy to help!

      Delete
  4. Emmie, this is a lesson to you to write about wonderful things and hope more of them come true for you! What an amazing coincidence. But maybe your love of the place is part of the reason for the job opportunity and your move? I'm sure it'll be a wonderful adventure. I can't wait to hear more about it. So excited for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, Annie! Definitely a reason to keep writing about things I love and hoping they will manifest in the real world! Thanks for your kind wishes!

      Delete
  5. Emmie, I love the idea that the universe is giving you the opportunity to follow in the "footsteps" of a story you've written! Congratulations on this exciting move and I hope it will be everything you could wish for.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Sharon! I am very excited -- just have to get through all the packing now!

      Delete
  6. Hi Emmie

    Well done it must be really exciting for you I have not travelled much at all and one day I would love to visit The States and San Francisco has always been a place I would love to visit

    Have Fun
    Helen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Helen! Now you'll definitely have to come visit! :)

      Delete
  7. Emmie, I'm also a fan of San Francisco and envy you the opportunity to live and work there. Am sure it will inspire many more wonderful stories. All the best with the move. Safe and happy travels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Than you Bronwyn. I'm excited about the opportunity. I really love San Francisco too.

      Delete