22 September, 2014

#GuestPost :: Aspirations by Chrissie Parker

Chrissie lives in London with her husband and is a freelance Production Coordinator working in the TV, documentary and film industry.  
Chrissie is also an Author.  Her thriller Integrate was released in October 2013.  Chrissie is currently working on two sequels to Integrate called Temperance and Retribution.  Both will be released in 2015.
Other written work includes factual articles for the Bristolian newspaper and guest articles for the charities Epilepsy Awareness Squad and Epilepsy Literary Heritage Foundation.  Chrissie has also written a book of short stories and poems, one of which was performed at the 100 poems by 100 women event at the Bath International Literary Festival in 2013.
Chrissie is passionate about Ancient History, Archaeology and Travel, and has completed two six-month Archaeology and Egyptology courses with Exeter University.   She also likes to read, collect books, make bracelets and listen to music. To find out more about Chrissie visit her website www.chrissieparker.com

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Aspirations

I have always enjoyed travelling.  I love the ability of being able to jump onto a plane and immerse myself into a new country, its history and its culture.  Transportation is so easy nowadays and you can travel pretty much anywhere in the world and be at your chosen destination within a day, or less.

For years I tried to find my niche in writing and it was only when I visited Jordan on my honeymoon that my writing brain finally slotted into place.  I came up with a great idea and many other ideas for stories quickly followed.  Now I write about countries that I love, and I enjoy showing readers what fabulous places they are to visit, as well as immersing the reader into the history and culture of the place. 

Growing up I remember watching the Michael Palin travel documentaries, Around the World in 80 days’, Pole to Pole and Full Circle to name but a few.  He brought countries I have always wanted to visit directly into my living room, and made the world seem accessible to me.  The only country I had ever been to was France on a school trip and I longed to see the Pyramids, climb to the dizzying heights of Machu Picchu and explore the ancient city of Petra.  Watching these documentaries not only made it seem possible, but it gave me the power to dream and make it happen, and he became a huge inspiration to me.

A few weeks ago I discovered that Michael Palin, was going on tour to promote his new book Travelling to work.  Three days before the show (which was sold out), I managed to get hold of a returned ticket.  I was so excited and I spent an enjoyable evening learning more about Mr. Palin’s travel documentaries, getting an insight into the highs and lows of filming them, and learning more about his career as a comedian, writer and travel documentarian.  It was an amazing evening and I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Palin after the show, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am so glad that I was able to get that ticket.  

The evening reminded me of how much I love travelling and history, so for me, writing about both of my passions is a no brainer.  They are the inspiration for much of my historical fiction work, and I have been to all the countries I write about.   A few years ago I got to visit Egypt and see the Pyramids, and it was truly amazing.  I still have Machu Picchu on my list, but haven’t given up on it, one day I will make it.  As for Petra, I got to visit the Ancient city on my honeymoon, and words cannot describe how incredible it was.  If I could pass on one piece of advice it would be to travel as much as you can, learn about the history of countries you visit and enjoy every moment! 

As for me, I’m thinking about planning my next trip, maybe Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy?  Who knows, but wherever I end up going, it will be a lot of fun and will give me plenty of inspiration for my next book.

Genre
Historical Fiction
Released
July 2014

Book description
Elena Petrakis adores living on the Greek island of Zakynthos.  When World War Two looms her way of life is threatened.  Left with no choice she joins the island's resistance to fight for what she believes in; her family, her home, and her freedom. 
Decades later, thousands of miles away in the Cornish town of Newquay, Kate Fisher prepares to celebrate her twenty-first birthday, but her joy is fleeting when she learns she is adopted.  Abandoning life in England, Kate flees to Zakynthos, where she is forced to acknowledge a life she has struggled to come to terms with, one that will change her future.
From the beautiful crystal turquoise seas of the Ionian Islands to the rugged shores of the Cornish coast, 'Among the Olive Groves' is a story of love, bravery and sacrifice.





1 comment:

  1. I also love to travel and explore new places around the world. Its always been pleasure to check out accommodations in various resorts and specially food there.

    Resorts near Delhi

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