Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a wanderer at heart. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, I started college at the University of Alabama on a swimming scholarship, transferred to the University of Northern Colorado, and finally graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture. I now live in Kauai, Hawaii, where I’ve worked as a bookkeeper for several years while trying to find my dream job.
An avid outdoorswoman, I enjoy outrigger paddling—both one-man and six-man—running, surfing, and scuba diving, as well as yoga. I am always up for adventure and love doing things that scare me a little.
Wandering is my first book, and I hope to write many more.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wandering is my first and only book so far. I needed a change of pace, I sort of freaked out when I turned 40, so I quit my job and bought a one-way ticket to Mexico. I spent nine months traveling in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Cuba, Australia, Cambodia and Thailand. I blogged throughout the trip.
When I returned home to Kauai, many people couldn’t believe that I had done all that by myself, especially being a woman traveling solo. Since I had such great reviews from my blog, I decided to turn them into a travel book.
The book is more humor than guide… I have a bit of social anxiety and get lost everywhere I go. There was no lack of funny and ridiculous situations in which I found myself.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write near the beach, with just a bit of tequila to make the words flow better.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love humorous books, like those of David Sedaris and ‘Holidays in Hell’ by P.J. O’Rourke.
What are you working on now?
Advertising and promotion! And vaguely planning my next adventure for a new book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Along with social media, I like to mail a copy of the book, along with a handwritten letter, to various companies that might be interested in the travel genre; not necessarily publishing companies, but magazines and stores that can promote in an area where I cannot visit.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start working on a marketing strategy while your book is being published. I underestimated how many marketing sources exist and spend almost as much time now on my computer as I did while I was writing. Advertise everywhere you can and become very active in social media.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just be yourself.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak, ‘Close to the Wind’ by Pete Goss, ‘The Geography of Bliss’ by Eric Weiner, and ‘South America on a Shoestring’ by Lonely Planet.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am planning another solo trip, this time to South America, and will continue to keep a blog and write about my adventures. The future hold more travel in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. So many places I’d like to explore and write about!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring Jane Eyre and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. And hope that someone else with 3 or 4 books was stranded nearby.
Author Websites and Profiles
Melissa Burovac Website
Melissa Burovac Amazon Profile
Melissa Burovac’s Social Media Links