Greek islands (summer): I have lost myself. I am not here, and I don&rsquo;t know where I went.

writing trips reflections
Travel diary of a writer with a broken heart.

Paris: I was inspired to write. I outlined a book while there, and I wrote it in the 15 days after I came back home. A 70k full-length novel just came out of me. I just couldn’t be stopped.

London: I felt I belonged. I have never felt like this, anywhere in my life. Not at my city, not at my college, not at home, not with friends or family. I think I was myself for the first time in my life. I also outlined 5 different books in detail. It was incredible how it changed me, being myself and feeling ok with that. Completely ok, for the first (and possibly only) time.

Toronto: I enjoyed my own company. For the first time in my life, I was happy and calm being by myself. With myself. I had so much quiet time with myself, and I learned that that is all I need. I think I stopped being afraid in Toronto, and I had been afraid, constantly, every day, for over 12 years by then.

Boston: A writer’s paradise. I got inspired and empowered. Inspiration just could NOT stop coming. I filled pages and pages of notes for various books. I started writing again, after being blocked for months. I explored bookstores and the snowy city, I “met” historical writers, and had so many dreams of mine come true. I was strong, I was powerful. i could take care of myself, I could do whatever I put my mind to. It was a version of myself I had not dared imagine into existence. I did not want to leave, because I knew I would leave that person behind, that strong, independent, happy person–me.