The ‘Packing for Greece’ series

Book One: Unpacking for Greece

When Sally set out for Greece with her mum’s 1978 travel diary in her pocket, she was searching for the wanderlust she’d lost in a puddle of blood.

Travel with Sally as she seeks her wanderlust, missing since a bus accident in rural Sri Lanka ten years before, and proves it is possible for an out-of-shape, middle-aged woman on a budget to experience a life-changing travel adventure.

Equipped only with a guidebook and her mum’s journal, she discovers the trick is taking a step away from the mass tourism track.

This is more than a travelogue.  It is an uplifting mix of anecdote, memoir, family history and mild misadventure, combined with a fascination for heritage, culture and the volatile landscape (both geographical and emotional) she finds in Greece.

Publication scheduled for mid-2023

Photograph of the author in the centre of Santorini's caldera - there are small boats in the background.

“The notion that our stories may mean something to someone is the reason that writers write. We all hope that our characters and words will encroach on lives, appear unbidden long after the reader has closed our books. Sally’s memoir is a delightful demonstration of how unrelated stories can guide, influence and enrich a new story. To me this meeting of minds and imaginations is what storytelling is all about.”  

Ned Kelly 2018 award-winning author Sulari Gentill

Let’s Get Social!

For travel news or to follow Sally on her writing journey:

facebookwww.facebook.com/JourneysInPages

Instagramwww.instagram.com/JourneysInPages

twitterwww.twitter.com/JourneysInPages

Just after the birth of my daughter, I had the privilege of being asked to beta read Sally’s book. This was something I had been asked to do by aspiring authors numerous times in the bookstore – and I had agreed a few times with trepidation and with vastly differing results. Luckily Sally’s book was captivating and I found myself wanting to know more and experiencing that lovely feeling all readers seek – the need to keep turning the page! This was especially important to a very sleep deprived new mum.

This relatively quiet, unassuming woman has had some marvellous adventures, grand escapades and survived a terrifying life threatening accident. She came out of this with strength and vulnerability and knowledge of herself, and doesn’t shy away from any of this with her readers.

Feedback on Draft Manuscript

Feedback from a Beta Reader (and Independent Bookstore Owner)

Sally Smith is the bravest most adventurous traveller I know. She goes to ordinary places and does ordinary things in the most extraordinary way. What is most extraordinary is that she travels on her own but takes all of us with her. I’ve had the fun of being her beta reader and reading her early drafts. Each time, I haven’t been able to put them down. One draft took me 12 hours straight reading with only one forced break for a physio appointment (the physio wasn’t needed as a result of reading her book, but it could have been). Some good books leave you sad that they end. Not Sally’s. Sally’s book leaves me warm and happy and smiley like I’ve just got back to my cosey hotel after an exhilaratingly exhausting day, stepping out of my shoes and contemplating a glass of wine and some Greek home cooking, and wondering where the cat has been all day….
If you’re looking forward to reading her book when it’s finished, like and share her page. She’s posting the most beautiful photos of her travels. It’s not far to go to travel with her. Just One Step.

Feedback on Draft Manuscript

Feedback from a Beta Reader

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