Kia ora,
Mum handed me a $5 note and a pen and said, “Go up and say hi!” She gave me a gentle nudge on the back.
A few metres in front of me was Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first two people to stand on Mount Everest. We were at the opening of Rakiura National Park, and Ed was part of the delegation.
“I can’t. I’m too embarrassed.” My knees shook.
“He’s finishing up his conversation, now’s your chance.”
You can do it, just go up. He must get this all the time. Okay. Deep breath. I walked up, clutching the note and pen, and said hi.
I don’t remember much more than that. I do remember how gracious Ed was with his time, how he managed to eek out some kind of conversation with shy 17-year-old me, and how he didn’t seem to think it odd that I asked him if he could please sign this $5 note that had his face on it. (Turns out, he did it often.)
I walked back to Mum with a big grin. I’d done it.
If I hadn’t had that nudge, I wouldn’t have had the courage to meet one of my heroes.
I may not have become a mountaineer, but by the time I met Ed, I was already a keen tramper. I wanted to explore the outdoors and go on adventures, like Ed.
Take this tiny story of mine as permission, inspiration, even a nudge, to suck up the courage and do whatever you need to do to get your story published.
- Maybe that’s making the first step in getting feedback on your story (hi! I can help!)
- Maybe that’s contacting someone you met during your travels and asking their permission to share their story.
- Maybe that’s pitching to agents and publishers.
The worst they can say is no and you’ll have to pivot, but that’s okay. You can do that too.
Go on, do it. Say hi.
Cheers,
Deborah
PS: And now for something completely different: I have written my policy on generative AI. It’s not set in stone, but it at least shows you how I’m (not) using AI for my client work. And you get a peek at the other editing tools I use. Read my digital tools and AI policy.
📚 What I’m reading
I wrapped up The Place of Tides, by James Rebanks at the weekend. Loved it. It’s a calm, quiet meditation on ducks, the sea, women’s work, and conservation.
Yesterday I started Our Home in Myanmar: Four years in Yangon, by Jessica Mudditt. Super interesting so far, and I love the strong, direct writing. Jess’s journalism background comes through!
(Full disclosure: Jess sent me this and another of her books, and I’ve edited for her press, Hembury Books.)
📅 Availability
I have one space left for mid-February, then I’m booking from March. Get in touch if you want a sample edit so you can see what editing can do for your story.
✍️ Ways to work with me
Read the Base Camp Writing blog
Check out my self-publishing guides
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Deborah Shaw Adventure Editing 