Since my books were published, I find that people I meet want to talk books with me all the time. If the conversation isn’t about my own books, then it will be about the books they are reading, or they ask me what I’m reading. Some people might remember a scene from one of my books and recite the scene in the middle of a conversation, (which I find awesome!) then ask me how I go about constructing a scene. I love this!

I’ve also encountered receiving emails or text messages from people, only to receive a follow up saying, “Sorry, I misspelled a word” or “That should read…” and they change the entire sentence, apologising profusely for the error. I recently received a lovely long email from a friend, and truly, even though I saw the error, it didn’t bother me in the least, in fact I just smiled because we have a joke about this very subject. Within about 30 seconds of me opening the email, he sent another one with the correction saying, “being a writer, I’m sure that type of thing would be quite annoying.” It makes me smile to think that he thought about that when sending it to me.

It's lovely to engage in conversation about books and writing in general, but really nice when in mid conversation, someone may ask me about a certain character or scene in one of my books, or care so much about spelling – that really puts a smile on my face!

#gratitude #inspiration #writer #gillian_ducaurroy_author #journey #journeyofloveandbetrayalbook1 #inquisitivemindsbook2 #anotherpathanotherlifebook3 #inspired #motivation #meditation #love #friendship #reading #books #author #thelittlethingsinlife

I’m sure people who know me well, know that I love going for walks. I absolutely love just setting out with the intention of relaxing and exercising, but it is so much more than that!

For those of you who love rainbows, I was out walking yesterday afternoon. The sun was out, then it started to rain. I love the fresh smell of rain especially if there is sun to enjoy at the same time. So, I knew there would be a rainbow, and sure enough – a double rainbow! I took a moment to stop and look at it, making all my usual wishes and showing gratitude for these little wonders of nature. As I turned to get back on my walk, there was a ten dollar note right in front of me on the footpath, with absolutely no-one around who could have just dropped it! So, I’m thinking, I may have just found that pot of gold 😊

These gorgeous mushrooms were discovered on one of my walks recently. Truly, this little bit of garden was like something out of a fairy-tale and also holds some significant details for my latest novel that I’m writing.

I get a lot of inspiration for my writing while I walk. The characters in my story get a good working over as I take each step. Recently, I passed a beautiful home that I’ve admired for years, yet until this day, didn’t realise the home has a name. I have now named a very significant place in my latest novel, after this home.

During the planning process, I may write my ideas on paper, but the freedom of creativity while I walk outdoors seems to bring about a broader depth, the more I let it unfold. In which case, I whip my phone out and type in the idea before I forget!

I also find that meditation is a wonderful way to enjoy a walk. I put my earphones in and enjoy a meditation while I take in the scenery. That too is an inspiration, and often just after I’ve completed the meditation, ideas will start to pop in. It’s like a window of opportunity has just unleashed all these ideas.

Next time you feel like some inspiration or need a few new ideas or a pick me up, try going for a walk. It does wonders! As a bonus, when you see these little beauties in nature, it really makes you feel grateful for every little thing.
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#goingforwalks #nature #writing #gettinginspired #writerslife #friends #writer #gillian_ducaurroy_author #travel #journey #healthy #journeyofloveandbetrayalbook1 #inquisitivemindsbook2 #anotherpathanotherlifebook3 #inspiration #motivation #meditation #love #friendship

Recently I was lucky enough to spend the day with my good friend in the Hunter Valley. It was an early morning start, driving in the thick fog to begin our journey, and then as the sun beamed through the fog, we arrived at our destination to perfect weather. The occasion was for our birthdays, which happen to be a couple of weeks apart.

I am reflecting on this, because even though we live nearby to each other, spending uninterrupted time for the entire day is a rare occurrence. We must do it more often, because spending time with your closest friends is the best kind of therapy.

The enjoyment of cruising up the freeway, with music playing and not even having to have a conversation if we didn’t feel like it, was just the best. Not to mention the singing! No restrictions of time, and both of us in a relaxed frame of mind.

Given, we were blessed with gorgeous weather, the surrounds were picturesque, the atmosphere at the festival was relaxed – the day could have been just as good if it rained, and we were in a cosy pub with a fireplace, and a live band playing!

Actually – that’s a great idea for next time! I see no need for an occasion to do this sort of thing anymore. This type of therapy should happen more often at any given time!
Have you done this recently? I'd love to hear about it.
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#friends #enjoyinglife #metime #huntervalley #success #adventure #food #bestie #bff #coffee #cupcake #writer #girlsdayout #gillian_ducaurroy_author #travel #journey #healthy #journeyofloveandbetrayalbook1 #inquisitivemindsbook2 #anotherpathanotherlifebook3 #inspiration #motivation #meditation #love #bestbuddies #sisters