Box of Clouds took the long road to publication. What began in Cambodia’s wild heart as observations made from a tuk-tuk hurtling through the streets of Phnom Penh became jaunty scenes – sometimes comical, often harrowing, to populate my website The Godless Traveller.

Over time I could no longer publish light-hearted travel stories, the story had become bigger. A more personal story played out behind the scenes where lives were at risk. Pulling seven years of collected stories and photos into some chronological order became obvious when a friend whispered … “You’ve buried the love story.”

I love the English language, and I am mesmerised by words. In front of my high school Intermediate year English Literature class studying Charles Dickens, I changed one word in A Tale of Two Cities to great acclaim. In the word consternation, changing the first letter “n” to “p” drew wild cheers. Hopeless at maths and science obviously I was destined to write. At fourteen I was on the cusp of greatness.

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Years later entangled in drafts of Box of Clouds I wrote myself into several dead ends, often not understanding how to write my way out. Strictly speaking it is not a travel story, it is not a romance, it is not a memoir, it is not a factual history of contemporary Cambodia. Well, it is, but it isn’t, and if it isn’t, what is it?

It is not a straightforward story either. Beginning in Brisbane 2007, embarking on a 7-year sweep in and out of post genocide Cambodia concluding in Phnom Penh, 2013. As election approaches, paramilitary fill the streets, police roll out razor wire. Trouble is inevitable. Living where there a no maps for survival Box of Clouds explores dislocation, cross-cultural differences, identity, ghosts, hope and promise.

I considered entering a PhD but found an answer sitting in the carpark, so drove home and re-wrote the thing again. Finally, I engaged the service of an editor who opened the path leading to my decision to self-publish Box of Clouds as literary fiction. Now the question asked of readers is … “How far would you go, and what would you give to save a life?”

Self-publishing is another world again, not quite as hard as life in Phnom Penh, but not without its own potholes and set of conventions to negotiate the path through to the day 300 paperback copies arrived on my front porch. I know they are meant for me my name is emblazoned across the front cover. I am the author.

There is one more twist in this tale. Box of Clouds was launched a little over a year ago. Once made public I can do no more, the book is no longer mine. It belongs in people’s hands to read it, to love it, or not, I cannot dictate its course, I relinquish my hold. My job as author is done.

Tony Preece is a communications professional who has performed, written and directed for theatre, cabaret, television, corporate business, theme parks and special events. A lecturer at the University of Queensland, he also has a second novel heading towards publication.

To purchase Box of Clouds, email  [email protected] or go to thegodlesstraveller.com/contact