Looking Back and Looking Forward

Hey Guys!

I'm in Edinburgh, Scotland, currently seated at a coffee shop with the most incredible view of the castle. I remember sitting here, in this exact spot, quite a few years ago when I came to Edinburgh for the first time.

I studied abroad here in college and it was a transformitive semester-- seriously, guys, if I have one piece of advice for college students or HS students entering college, it's this: study abroad.

Not only did Edinburgh prove to be an incredible city, and one I continue to cherish, but it also woke up the travel bug in me. I had always traveled as a child--- my parents have been the king and queen of adventure since far before I was born (they're way cooler than me, trust)-- but it wasn't until I came here that I really understood the way a place can effect you-- seep into your skin and just stay put.

I wrote my grad-school application essays here, and applied. I got in, and those two years brought me to New York, and the publishing world--- a city and an industry that has since allowed me to realize my life-long dream. Now it is here! This book comes out in a month and three weeks--- a month and three weeks!

So what the heck am I doing in Edinburgh? Reflecting. Writing. Remembering that this city, and my dreams for myself, were here long before a book deal--- and they will be here long after. Oh, and stalking JK Rowling-- for updates on that stay tuned to twitter.

Thank you all so much for your advanced support, and love, and well-wishes. It's going to be an awesome few months. I can only hope that in another 5 years time I will be back here with even more news to report to this place--- can you believe it, Edinburgh? My book is a bestseller!

Have a great week, friends!

xo,

R

To say this place is magic for me is a bit of an understatement.