Dawne Archer

I love and support Indie AuthorsSince we are planning to visit Morocco next week, I have been devouring any literature, videos and any kind of information about the country. Naturally I was drawn to Dawn Archer’s book, ‘Trekker Girl Morocco Bound’. Not only was I attraced to the title but also admired the cover. Luckily, I won this book twice from my favourite FB group, WLM. Don’t worry, I didn’t hoard the wealth, but donated my second copy. I naturally wanted to know more about the author behind this wonderful informative book, Dawne Archer, and what spurred her to do her Sahara trek? Brave or Foolhardy? I admire her guts. I can’t imagine doing that trek myself and I am so glad I could take the journey with her vicariously as I absorb her book. I enjoyed her book so much and I wanted to feature her on this blog. Thanks again Dawne for allowing me to put the spolight on you.

Dawne Archer, author
of Trekker Girl Morocco Bound.
1. Tell me about yourself.
My name is Dawne Archer, also known as Trekker Girl. I live an active life, indulging my curious nature through travel by any means possible; backpacking, road trips, cruising, sailing and any opportunity that comes my way.

2. Synopsis of your book (memoir) in one sentence.
Brave or foolhardy? That was the question I asked myself when I stubbornly pursued my goal of trekking in the Sahara Desert to raise funds for Thrombosis UK.

3. What inspired you to write this book?
I aim to raise awareness of thrombosis, as I suffered blood clots in my leg and lung aged only 26. I am donating profits from sales of Trekker Girl Morocco Bound to the charity.

4. What message did you want your readers to take from this book?
As a radio presenter, I interview people from all walks of life. Often, I become the interviewee, talking about my brush with death and how life is still an adventure, despite an inherited clotting disorder.I started writing to describe the ups and downs of my unforgettable desert trek. Reliving my travel experiences encourages me to continue writing.

5. What was your greatest fear while trekking?
I hoped to avoid a close encounter with anything like a scorpion or giant spider as, like many of us, I am not keen on bugs and insects.Also, I was unfit and in pain and kept that to myself for fear of exclusion at the last minute. I was doggedly determined to complete the trek, whatever it might cost me in terms of physical exertion.

6. What was your most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment was walking across the finish line, hand in hand with my fellow trekkers. It was an emotional moment and one I will never forget.

7. Would you do it again? If yes, what would you do differently?
It is the tenth anniversary this November. I did consider going back to Morocco to complete it without the pain. However, I think it is more likely that I will look for a new challenge.

8. What advice can you give to aspiring trekkers?
My advice for aspiring trekkers is to go prepared with the correct kit and train for it in advance. Walking 20 km. on a Sunday with all week to recover is one thing. It is quite another to get up and do that for several days. Good boots, well worn in, are essential and take a roll of gaffer tape in case emergency repairs are needed!

9. Any tips for a successful fundraising?
For successful fundraising, you need to be creative and find ways to reach people outside your usual circle of friends and family. Push yourself forward and ask for support. I even danced in a ballroom competition, something that was outside my comfort zone.

10. Are you currently working on a book at the moment?
This year I relaunched the book, using everything I learned since the original publication in 2017. I reworked and tightened up the text and took professional advice on a cover which attracts the eye and draws readers to it. So, I have been busy with promotions, marketing and sales this year. However, I have a large stack of travel diaries on my desk. Watch this space…

11. If you are not writing, what are you doing?
When I am not working on the book or spending time with family, I travel with my husband in an old motorhome called BINI (But It’s Nice Inside). Our curiosity often gets us into trouble!

12. What would you advise emerging Indie authors?
I would advise anyone thinking of publishing independently to use a good editor and get a professional cover to draw readers to all your hard work.

13. What are you reading right now?
I spend most of my time reading memoirs recommended in We Love Memoirs. It is a Facebook group full of supportive people. Not only do I enjoy reading and reviewing these books, but I also learn as I go along; the best way to present your story, what interests the reader and how well humour works.

14. If you were a fruit or a vegetable, what would you want to be and why?
If I were a fruit or vegetable, I would have to be a banana. Take the trouble to remove the peel; you might like what is inside.

You may purchase Dawne Archer’s book here. Check out my review here.
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