Monday Morning Emails: Six months, twelve countries, a thousand thoughts - two mothers share the journey of living a global life

A continent apart, Jo and Terry Anne made the commitment to email each other every Monday morning for six months. Part memoir, part diary, part self-help, the result is a vulnerable and insightful recollection – the then and now – of expatriate life between two friends. Over the past twenty-five years, the authors have created homes for their families in 12 countries from Japan to Kazakhstan, Malaysia to the Netherlands, the US to India and Oman. Combined, they have raised five sons, supported their husbands’ careers, and cultivated their own passions in writing, publishing, mentoring and more.

Uplifting yet painfully honest, Monday Morning Emails delves into myriad of tough subjects including identity, parenting, Third Culture Kids, faith, rootlessness, traumatic childhood experiences, anxiety and depression. Jo and Terry Anne emerge from this candidly emotional exchange drawing joy and growth from facing life’s challenges before an ever-changing backdrop. And together they affirm that mothers are mothers, wherever home may be. With input and advice from experts, this book will enlighten, guide, and offer solace.

"At the age of 26, I carried off my hopes and dreams in a 55-litre backpack, embarking on a six-month trek through Asia. Copious letters were written back to Canada and my adventures journaled in loving detail. Writing has always been a way of connecting with others and capturing my experiences for posterity. And now, a deep love of history, people and culture infuses my work as I travel and live globally. I have walked much of that path with my travel companion and husband of 27 years and our three sons, each born in a different land. We currently live in India, the ninth country that we've called home. From Teacher to Cultural Trainer to Tour Guide/Historian, I ultimately discovered my passion - as a writer and a researcher. I share my journey through my blog, hoping to convey a cultural and historical context to our world. My first co-authored book Pioneers of Penang, affirmed my love of historical writing. Monday Morning Emails speaks to the power of writing and of claiming your personal stories. It seems that things have come full circle - this book will sit proudly alongside those old travel journals!"

"Like many of us, I have embraced social media and smartphones and use both to keep in touch. As a writer, this is second nature. I've written books (this will be my 32nd), articles, poems, blogs, training courses, brochures, letters and emails over the 30 years I have accompanied my husband, Ian, on a series of eight moves. We left England for Dubai in 1987 where we had our sons, Sam and Joshua. From there we moved to Oman, then Stavanger, back to England, over to the Hague, briefly Brunei, Kuala Lumpur and now find ourselves back in the Hague. Throughout this time I have continued to work as a writer, publisher, teacher and writers' mentor and run residential Writing Me-Treats worldwide. It's been and continues to be fun yet I admit it can be darn tough too. Writing this book and the emails from which it grew has been a revelation, deeply fulfilling and a joy. Social media has its place but please let's revive the art of writing letters."