On Writing Unconventional Routes: Around the World from Boardrooms to Backpacks by Gillian Fawcett

As a first-time author, I relished the opportunity to write creatively and explore the ins and outs of the publishing community. I’ve learned a great deal along the way that goes well beyond simply writing the book.

My inspiration to write about traveling the world for business came from my husband, though it was my mother who, years ago, suggested that I keep notes of my travels so I could reflect on my experiences in the future. As I journeyed from country to country, I jotted down notes on both the fascinating places and unusual events I encountered, and I also collected clippings from local newspapers to capture the day’s news. By the time my travels ended, I had amassed a sizable collection of clippings. I also took photographs, some of which appear in the book, though I’m not one to obsessively take selfies at every location I visit.

Starting the book was challenging because I wasn’t sure where to begin, but once I did, the stories started to flow. The most challenging aspect of writing was the creative element. Throughout my career, I had become skilled at writing business reports, but creative writing required a very different style and approach—it was liberating.

The book is unique, as, to my knowledge, there aren’t many books written by women that focus on the experience of traveling the world for work as a woman. In addition to describing the places I visited and the people I met, I wanted to capture how women’s approaches to risk differ and what it’s like to work in a male-dominated profession, particularly in senior roles. The book explores themes of gender, place, and the hidden layers of countries I experienced while working with governments and institutions. Deciding what to include and what might engage a reader was challenging. It was also difficult to gauge how much background knowledge to assume about a country or specific context.

My first draft was full of grammar errors, but nonetheless, it was a draft, and I felt I’d overcome the first major hurdle. In the second stage, I tidied it up and shared it with trusted individuals for feedback. This was when I felt most vulnerable, as people would see my work and decide whether it was worth pursuing. I sighed with relief when the comments came in—it was a resounding go-ahead! The third stage was implementing suggestions and giving it a final proofread. One key lesson for any new author is to seek feedback early, as it can provide the confidence to move forward.

From the outset, I was told finding a publisher would be a challenge. My career in finance and public policy is far removed from the publishing community, so navigating the myriad of agents and publishing houses felt daunting. I eagerly absorbed advice from industry insiders, including successful authors, and learned effective techniques for crafting an appealing synopsis. Having a book published is a personal achievement, even before marketing begins. Although the experience has had its share of ups and downs, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!

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Gillian Fawcett is a public policy and finance consultant and debut author who lives in north London. She is passionate about travel, improving public services, and advancing gender equality. Unconventional Routes dispels the myth that a punishing work schedule involving international travel means that you can’t have fun too.

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Unconventional Routes: Around the World from Boardrooms to Backpacks

Being a businesswoman on a whirlwind tour of forty-three countries is no ordinary adventure.
Unconventional Routes takes you on a wild ride, offering a glimpse into the highs and lows of global exploration. Fasten your seatbelt and prepare to embark on a journey that will have you laughing, cringing, and gasping at the absurdities of Gillian Fawcett’s encounters around the world.
No two journeys were ever alike. Each possesses its own unique flavour, seasoned with a generous blend of incidents ranging from side-splitting hilarity to spine-tingling unease, and at times, hair-raising danger. It’s a never-ending game of travel roulette, where the next destination holds the mystery of what adventure awaits.

It offers a unique account of what it is like as a businesswoman to travel alone. Unconventional Routes dispels the myth that a punishing work schedule involving international travel means that you can’t have fun too. It sheds light on the nuanced aspects of risk-taking and adaptation within male-dominated environments. Gillian’s experiences of navigating these challenges provide valuable insights and relatable stories for readers, especially women who may face similar situations.

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Tags: featured, women writers

Category: On Writing