Kiama is blessed with a multitude of accomplished authors. Among the list, Trish Griffin, a two time non fiction published author with two more books on the way, finds inspiration writing the stories of people she meets on her travels. 

She grew up on a large cattle station 180 kilometres north west of Longreach in the fifties. Reminiscing on days spent barefoot, riding horses 24/7, and mastering the art of driving at a young age. "I had my own gun since I was 8 years old, we all did," she shares, on the unique realities of her upbringing. The freedom and tranquillity of her childhood inspired her to explore the world.

Her second published book, “Dancing on the Head of a Pin”, was met with rave reviews. It chronicles her journey along the Camino from Barcelona to Santiago, covering a staggering 1300 kilometres in 2012. Her writing only flows when she's deeply inspired, and the individuals she encounters during her journeys serve as the perfect muse.

I had the privilege of discussing Trish's current work in progress, a book focusing on post-war immigration in the Snowy Mountains region. She spent time there with locals and again inspiration hit when listening to their stories. Trish is committed to presenting these narratives without any agenda or political bias, allowing the truth to shine through organically. Keep an eye out for updates on her upcoming book release on the Bugle app.

Trish gave her advice for those who want to travel in the same way she does, getting involved in the community and immersing herself in the culture. She discourages organised tours like Contiki and volunteer organisations, preferring instead to engage in independent volunteering to truly experience local culture firsthand and witness the direct impact of her efforts. Despite acknowledging the discomfort and fears associated with solo travel, she believes the rewards are boundless, stating, "It's a scary edge, but that's where all the good stuff happens - you learn things you don't learn in school."

Trish's approach to travel involves landing in a new place, taking a taxi or bus to find budget accommodations, and relying on locals for insider tips on navigating the area. She describes this style of travel as being "on the edge," where one can gain invaluable experiences and insights that go beyond typical tourist experiences.

Trish brings a wealth of incredible stories from her global adventures, and we're delighted to welcome her as a new columnist. Look out for her name on the byline, and stay tuned to Bugle News for updates on her upcoming releases.