How I Turned a Walk into a Story—and a Tribute to My Gran

The photo that sparked a fresh path into the world of books!

My Gran's birthday was coming up soon, and I wanted to do something to mark the occasion. So, I set my mind to it and published my first book in her memory.

For years I had been writing, adding to, and editing a manuscript of my experience walking the Camino de Santiago - twice - in 2018. I even did a podcast on Instagram and Spotify! It took until 2025 for all the pieces to join together, both from within myself and in the technology available to me, for me to produce a version which I could happily share with the world. 

The revelation came when I realised that writing a piece of narrative fiction based on my experience would make it possible for me to take a brave step to add it to store bookshelves! Callum Jackson is my new character, who gives me permission to be bold and produce a story that isn't just about me and that could resonate with those who read my writing.

I also knew my story would be of value to some people, and I was feeling guilty about not putting it out there. Imposter syndrome is never far away in this head of mine, but I have the tools to put myself back on track, which in this instance I could use and which ultimately gave me the courage to push the 'publish' button. 

And now that I have achieved this step on my journey in authorship, I feel there are a few more books in me! I definitely have a few more manuscripts that I have been tinkering around with too over the years.


Launch Book: The Way That Loved Me Back

Author: Jamie Wallace

Year: 2025

Blurb: Callum Jackson is no hero—just a weary Glaswegian drawn to the Camino de Santiago by a dream and a letter. With his Gran’s blessing, he walks in search of healing, and along the way, old wounds soften, a quiet romance blooms, and the road itself seems to awaken something sacred. 

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Location: Argyll

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