Why I Took a Three-Month Research Trip to South America

This novel was calling to me, so I packed up my apartment and worked remotely.

Actually, there are two versions of the answer to why I undertook this research trip. The short version is that I wanted to write the book I’m currently working on, but there’s more to the story, especially in regards to why I decided to write this book and why I took the trip when I did.

One answer is this: As my thirtieth birthday approached, I was deeply disappointed at where I was in life. Particularly in the fact that I was single, with no romantic prospects, and the fact that I couldn’t seem to get a publisher (or agent) interested in my writing, despite my newly acquired MFA degree.

So I challenged myself to celebrate the life I actually had and make my thirtieth a year to remember.