For those of you who enjoy this blog and have lived vicariously through the tales of our travels, you will pleased to know that a book is coming – soon.

It’s now four years since we started this blog. It was never intended as anything much more than a family diary; a means of extending the boys’ study while out of school; and a way of keeping our friends in touch. But along the way it has become something much more.

We’ve all enjoyed contributing our various perspectives, at different times, some more often than others. We’ve gained followers and many more readers, some of whom, having connected online through shared interests, have now become firm friends offline, in and around the local community. That’s probably the greatest unexpected pleasure that has come from the exercise.

But, we have also gained a wider following and a genuine and widespread interest in our experience, with queries coming in regularly from families like us in New Zealand and around the world wanting to know how we’ve gone about our adventure – and wanting to do the same.

Early on in our blogging, I had an email from an interested reader. No questions, just a single line:

“Are you writing a book? If not, you should.”

I wasn’t. I hadn’t thought about it, but it did get me thinking. I’d enjoyed blogging, there was a body of writing to build on. Maybe there was a book in it.

So, a year ago I set aside time to write, and after  a couple of rounds of peer review, substantial editing, significant self doubt, two rejection letters and a few months of stagnation, I have seized control. I am contracted to an independent publisher and after quite a lot more hard work, the book will see the light of day.

Having come this far, hopefully there’ll be more people interested in buying the book than just that one follower!

Next week I’m back to France to focus on the re-work that will doubtless be required after the professional edit. I am excited and daunted in equal measure. But it’s all part of the adventure. I’ll keep you posted.