What started off as a joke, laughing at language differences between Australia and America, tongue in cheek, grew into a story concept, and ultimately, a writing adventure.
“We should write a story together!”
“Sounds fun. But how do you do that?”
“I have no idea.”
And we didn’t, but that’s what made it so much fun. Laurie Salzler (who took on the pen name of Laurie Eichler for the new publishing adventure), American, writer of several highly acclaimed books, wanted to write with me, an Aussie, with two fledgling titles under her name, and a huge road ahead in terms of trying to tackle a literary learning curve.
Writing with someone else…easy! (gulp)
And yet, to both of our surprise, it has been a wonderfully, rich, fun journey. Somehow, despite our many, many differences, our heads are frequently in tune with story lines and character developments, as is frequently reflected in our mutterings to each other, accompanied by laughter, get out of my head!
So what to write about…we stuck with the adage of ‘write what you know’. So our story To Be Determined was about an American coming to Australia, and learning to care for Australian native wildlife. It was based on places we knew, and animals we have cared for.
Simple huh? Not on your life.
Charlie Dickerson is desperate to get away from small-town minds and all the painful reminders of her ex. What better way than to travel halfway around the world? A wildlife rescue exchange program in Australia looks like the perfect solution to her current predicament .
Pip Atkins has an innate affinity for wildlife, but people are another story. When she’s tasked with looking after an American wildlife carer on a work exchange, the thought of someone shadowing her every move for twelve whole months represents the ultimate nightmare.
Worlds apart, but forced together, Charlie and Pip struggle to find a middle ground, as they discover they have more in common than they think.
Here’s a sneak peak listen to Charlie’s first night in Australia. We hope you enjoy To Be Determined.
AND NOW FOR THE TREAT…A reading from To Be Determined: The Cabin https://youtu.be/FbokB3D2XGA
To Be Determined is available from Bold Strokes Books, Amazon, Book Repository and all good independent book stores.
Charlie Dickerson is desperate to get away from small-town minds and all the painful reminders of her ex. What better way than to travel halfway around the world? A wildlife rescue exchange program in Australia looks like the perfect solution to her current predicament.
Pip Atkins has an innate affinity for wildlife, but people are another story. When she’s tasked with looking after an American wildlife carer on a work exchange, the thought of someone shadowing her every move for twelve whole months represents the ultimate nightmare.
Worlds apart, but forced together, Charlie and Pip struggle to find a middle ground, as they discover they have more in common than they think.
Laurie's Muse and Musings 