If you’ve been following this lil’ series of blog posts about my adventures on the Supanova trail, you’ll know I’m sliding into home base now with Gold Nova. Thankfully, the dreaded lurgy I caught on the plane to Melbourne, had eased off. I was definitely on the upward swing with much more energy, instead of functioning on Dimetape and Nurofen.

Continuing in this series of posts for readers who like a glimpse behind the scenes and for author’s considering investing in similar ventures, Part 3 focuses on how I made the most of my 4 days down-time between the Melbourne and Gold Coast events.

For reasons best known to the good Lord, I managed to book myself a horrific 6am flight from Nelson which required being at the airport at 5.30am which meant my body was on high alert to not miss my alarm which meant I started the day at 3.30am. Oh my Lord. Naturally, I collected a virus on the plane and landed with a head cold and a bonus bout of vertigo. Blimey! What a start! But, I promise it gets better from here…

When my publisher pitched me to Supanova, I did my sums and said my prayers. Then, sooner than I could have anticipated, an official invitation came through. I danced a jig around my living room and braced myself to break the news to my husband. Honey, how would you feel about me taking a week off work, abandoning you and the children for 11 days and flying to Australia? Erm … sure? My school gave me leave and I booked my tickets and accommodation with a mighty gulp.