...and just like that, it is June!

I am sure we are not the only ones wondering where nearly half the year has gone. Time flies - it turns out - when you have a deadline to meet! Yesterday I submitted the first draft of the book manuscript to the publisher. It represents a significant achievement for the team, many of whom are first time authors, and - even more impressively - are writing in a second language. 

Writing can be terrifying. Not only is there the obstacle of the blank screen with a blinking cursor waiting expectantly, and the dreaded word count that either increases too fast or never seems to budge. But also the knowledge that through the words that are written, you are revealing yourself to complete strangers, most of whom you will never even meet. Writing down thoughts and feelings is such an intimate act, and yet the publishing of them is a very public release into the world that can never be taken back.

Now that we have submitted the first draft of our book manuscript, there is still much work to be done to mold our recollections and experiences into a compelling narrative - but the book can only ever be as good as its raw material and thankfully the raw material of this draft turned out to be very rich indeed. I am so proud of - and grateful to - the team for opening up so courageously to record their memories and impressions. It is not an easy thing to do and yet they have each given full and honest accounts that provide fascinating insights and thought-provoking ideas that I am sure you are all going to really enjoy and appreciate.

It is not forgotten that the only reason we have this opportunity to share our experiences in writing is thanks to your generous support and encouragement. Thank you again and we look forward to producing something really wonderful for you!

With best wishes,

Felicity and the Women's Euro-Arabian North Pole Expedition team 

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