fbpx

Pull back the curtain and see how a suspense writer puts the thrills and chills together.

SIGN UP FOR SNEAK PEEKS OF MY NEXT BOOK + NEWSLETTER-ONLY UPDATES.

A is for Adventure: My Quest to Become The Island Connoisseur

Dancing on the Beach in the Mayan Riviera

Welcome back, Dear Readers!

It should come as no surprise that my first word in the A to Z Blog Challenge is ADVENTURE. The best times of my life have happened when I’ve left my comfort zone and tried something new.

To that end, I decided to take the plunge and enter the 60 Days in Paradise contest. The lucky winner gets to be Tobago’s Island Connoisseur, spending two full months having an amazing time in paradise and sharing their experiences with friends around the world. How cool would that be?

As promised, I’m giving you a sneak peek at my entry as I reveal it publicly for the first time. Here is my official bio, styled as a press release.

The Island Connoisseur

190 Sunny St. | Toronto, ON  | M1M 05A | T 416.555.5555 | F 416.555.SUN1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2014

From Snowbanks to Sandcastles

Kickboxing Writer Begins Epic Adventure As Tobago’s Island Connoisseur

 
She’s snorkeled with stingrays, faced down a ravenous monkey, been charged by an elephant, and mooned by a hippo. But Holli Moncrieff says that two months in Tobago will be her greatest adventure yet.
“I’ve traveled across the globe and visited several islands, but I’ve never had the chance to explore Tobago,” she says. “It’s a beautiful island, famous for its gorgeous coral reefs, friendly people, and unique cultural scene. I can hardly wait to try my first curry crab and dumpling, wine to this year’s Carnival tunes, and learn more about the art of liming.”
Not to say she’ll be lounging in her cabana. Moncrieff plans to make the most of this incredible opportunity by experiencing everything the island has to offer and sharing her exploits on social media.
“I love immersing myself in the culture of each country I visit,” she says. “I’ve made tortillas with the Mayans, attended a cremation ceremony in Bali, eaten iguana in Curaçao, and canoed alongside crocodiles in Africa.”
She’s also no stranger to hard work. Moncrieff has published thousands (yes, thousands!) of articles in magazines, newspapers and blogs, including Flare, Chatelaine, and The Globe and Mail. She’s spent two months in Africa as a travel writer, penned restaurant reviews for Ciao!, and was the head writer for Canada’s first Internet soap opera.
She’s been an event planner, a fundraiser, a publicist, a journalist, a photographer, a social media maven, and an editor—often all at once.
After facing down an opponent in the ring, nothing fazes Moncrieff, who has been studying Muay Thai kickboxing for years. She’s interviewed Hollywood celebrities, been an eye model for a music video, and written a murder mystery for a museum exhibit.
“I’m always up for a new adventure,” Moncrieff says. “I can hardly wait to break out the bikinis and make friends for life in Tobago!”
For more information, please see:
“Brown” Water Rafting in Bali

Want to help me escape winter? I need to get my view count up. Thanks so much!

What was your last big adventure?

Thanks for reading!
1 part newsletter, 1 part unnerving updates,
2 parts sneak peeks of new projects.

23 Comments

  1. Lisa S.

    LOVE the video, Holli! Each shot is so creative. I especially like the Museum shot with the line of articles leading to you holding the kickboxing article. You’re a shoo-in for this gig, girl! Good luck.

    Reply
  2. Rhonda Parrish

    Well, if I were the person deciding who gets to go to Tobago, I’d pick you.

    Great video and ‘press release’ 🙂

    G’luck!

    Reply
  3. Holli Moncrieff

    Thanks, ladies! I really appreciate your support. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Jamie Dement (LadyJai)

    WOW! That’s amazing! You did a really fantastic job on the video entry and OMG a kickboxing journalist! YAY! I <3 you already! Wishing you loads of luck on your entry and your A to Z challenge!

    Jamie Dement (LadyJai)
    My A to Z
    Caring for My Veteran

    Reply
  5. Charity Bradford

    Way to go! I think you did a great job with your video. I was expecting something silly, but this is actually really good. Nothing to be worried about. AT ALL. 🙂 Good luck!

    Reply
  6. Crystal

    What a fun video Holli! I agree with Lisa, the shot from the museum is awesome. Good luck, I’m rooting for you!

    Reply
  7. Jeanne Gonzalez

    Your video makes me curious and I want to know more. Congrats on your accomplishments 🙂

    Reply
  8. sydneyaaliyah.com

    I love your goals and wish you luck. I totally get what you mean by pushing out of your comfort zone. Good luck with the contest. Like the Greatest Job On Earth.

    Reply
  9. Holli Moncrieff

    Thanks for your comments! Your kind words are amazing and are totally giving me a boost.

    I was really lucky to have such awesome friends who let me shoot in the museum for free. Yes, I used to work there, but who lets a former employee have the run of the place in the evening? I have some fantastic people in my life.

    @ Jeanne: What would you like to know? I’m an open book. 😉

    @ Sydney: Yes! I was inspired by the winner’s video. I loved his energy. Thanks for the encouragement!

    Reply
  10. Anonymous

    Great job Holli!! Hope you win! 🙂 Looking forward to seeing what you do next! Nadine Neufeld

    Reply
  11. Chrys Fey

    The video is great! My fingers are crossed that you’ll win. 🙂 It would be an amazing experience to be Tobago’s Island Connoisseur, so I’m wishing you luck!

    Reply
  12. Toby Neal

    OMG, such a fun video! Love it, good luck. Next stop, Tobago!

    Reply
  13. Holli Moncrieff

    Thanks so much for the kind words! I’d love to go to Tobago for two months–talk about an adventure!

    Reply
  14. Rebecca Douglass

    Wow, you’ve really done the adventure travel thing! Hope you win–what a prize!

    Reply
  15. Lynda R Young

    Hahaha, loved the video. Good luck with the contest.

    Reply
  16. Chris

    This position would be so perfect for you! It’s an awesome video, and you have my vote. Tobago, get ready to meet your new best friend!

    Reply
  17. Tana

    Oh my gosh! Holli! You need to win this! You are such a great writer! It’d be so fun to read about your adventures!!!
    Who wouldn’t want to see a kickboxing writer’s island adventures!?=-)
    P.S. Your video is PERFECT!!! You should do more vlogs too! =)

    Reply
  18. Elle

    What a great video! They’d be crazy to pick anyone else. Of course, you know I’ll be your designated porter, right?

    Reply
  19. Anonymous

    Awesome video!!

    Reply
  20. Holli Moncrieff

    Wow, what awesome comments! Thanks, everyone. You truly made my day.

    Reply
  21. sdneeveindieauthor.com

    Watched the video and thought you did a great job! All the best, hope your dream of going to Tobago happens, you deserve it.
    Happy A to Z’ing. 🙂

    Reply
    • Holli Moncrieff

      Thanks so much! I really hope it happens. I’m giving it everything I’ve got!

      Welcome to my blog. I hope you visit again.

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.