beyond the border

Due to the suppport and encouragement from many of you, I have pursued my hobby of writing and have submitted several short stories and articles to various sources. The response has been very positive! I have discovered that my current job as tour manager and writing are actually quite compatible and this has further served to fuel my interest in writing. Much of what I do at work involves researching or describing experiences, places, and activities for others through writing. So the natural progression has been for me to expand my writing beyond the workplace, and into my personal explorations, which you have witnessed through the Q-Files.

Perhaps one of my most significant accomplishments in writing has been the inclusion of a short story in an e-book entitled Beyond the Border: True Stories by Young Travelers. Last March I was visiting a local hostel when I noticed an email on the wall from a woman in Canada who was looking for true stories from travelers about their personal experiences while abroad. Having just returned from a four month backpacking trip around Europe, my mind was literally spinning with such anecdotes. However, it wasn't until this winter that I found the time and motivation to compile and send her some stories. One of them was accepted and she has just released the book for sale through her website.

First of all, some of you may be interested in purchasing the book to read some of the stories...they are both entertaining and inspirational. Secondly, you may be interested in submitting a story of your own for her next book of true stories by young travelers. She is currently accepting submissions for the next compilation of stories. I know many of you have traveled or are currently traveling and have countless stories and experiences to share. You do not need to be a professional writer, just someone that has a good story to share.

Please pass this email onto friends and family that may be interested in this book, or have traveled and may like to write. I appreciate any publicity for this book that you may be able to generate! A Q-Files will be forthcoming in the near future...stay tuned.