Some time next year my wife and I are planning a trip to England to visit my sister and her family in London and to go on a driving holiday around the UK.

One of the places we plan to visit is EDINBURGH.

I’ve only been there once before and that was back in 2012 when I was invited to the EDINBURGH BOOK FESTIVAL to speak about the ISHMAEL TRILOGY which had been recently released in the UK. (I’ve always loved their covers.)

It was such a thrill and a joy to be even a small part of the Festival and I have only fond memories of my few days in Edinburgh and the lovely folk I met there. (Hi Jane, if you’re reading.)

While there I got to stay at the beautiful ROXBURGHE HOTEL which was just across the road from the festival site.

I also got to catch up and share meals with fellow Australian writers Margo Lanagan, Garth Nix and Shaun Tan, have a brief chat with the amazing Michael Morpurgo (War Horse), mix with and listen to the likes of Patrick Ness and China Mieville and learn the shocking truth about the Gruffalo!

And on top of the writers festival itself there was all the fun surrounding the FRINGE FESTIVAL and the colour and excitement of the TATTOO to enjoy.

I am very much looking forward to returning to Edinburgh to share the experience with my wife this time and of course to have the opportunity to see more of Scotland.

Cheers
Michael