On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Jacqueline Lambert shares the hilarious mishaps, heartfelt discoveries, and unexpected joys of her COVID-struck road trip through Britain’s hidden gems in her latest memoir, More Manchester than Mongolia: An Unexpected Road Trip Through Back Road Britain.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Jacqueline Lambert about her life and career, the experiences of traveling around Britain that inspired her to write her new memoir, More Manchester Than Mongolia, and her creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I’m an adventurous travel writer who prefers the long way round, the quiet lane, and the place you’ve never heard of. Although I am UK-based, I live on the road full-time with my husband, Mark, and four dogs in a converted ex-army truck called The Beast. My award-winning books are humorous travel memoirs about what happens when curiosity beats common sense.
When did you first want to write a book?
My parents used to joke, “You’re never alone with a Jackie…” so I’ve clearly always had plenty to say. Writing has always been a passion – even before I could do it properly, I filled notebooks with exuberant scrawl.
Once I went to school, I was unstoppable! I was an A-grade English student, although when forced to choose, I followed my love of science to degree level.
I did query literary agents back in the 1990s, but quietly shelved my ambition to publish a book after being turned away by the gatekeepers.
When did you take a step to start writing?
Writing is part of who I am, and I’ve always found outlets – even if only as a devoted diarist and ardent letter writer.
Professionally, I created technical content for company newsletters and industry magazines. My first printed byline was an article about recycling London Underground trains for Local Authority Waste and Environment. Zero glamour – but infinite satisfaction!
As a keen windsurfer and skier, I wrote for the UK’s National Watersports Festival and the ski website, Ratoong.
Once I hit the road, I started my travel blog WorldWideWalkies. Part travelogue and part ‘how-to’, it’s for anyone who dreams of full-time overland travel – especially with dogs – whether real or from the comfort of their armchair.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
I released my first book, Fur Babies in France: From Wage Slaves to Living the Dream, within two months. Since it was based on my blog, I already had a solid first draft. The push came from an enthusiastic blog reader, who not only encouraged me to write a book but also introduced me to the concept of publishing independently – before adding, “If you write a book, that will sort out my Christmas presents this year…”
With guaranteed sales waiting, it seemed rude not to!
Focusing on your latest release, More Manchester than Mongolia. What made you want to write this book?
Mark and I bought The Beast, a 24.5-tonne 6×4-wheel drive ex-army truck, blind off the internet and converted it into an off-grid home-on-wheels for a grand overland trip to Mongolia. Then COVID happened – and stranded us in Britain.
I wrote the book because getting to know a monstrous vintage truck on the eminently unsuitable back roads of Britain was hilariously funny. Along the way, we met a cast of wonderful characters, and saw parts of the country most people miss completely.
It is also a love letter to my homeland – a phenomenal destination with an unrivalled variety of landscapes, history, and beauty packed into a tiny space. It proves that you don’t need border crossings to find adventure – often, it’s waiting right on your doorstep.
What were your biggest challenges with writing More Manchester Than Mongolia?
Timed thoughtfully as a birthday present in February 2025, my husband skied off a mountain and broke his leg.
That left me as sole carer for him and The Fab Four, our four pooches, which rather scuppered my plans to finish Manchester ready to publish in May ‘25. I had intended to launch it at the National 4×4 and Camper Festival in Stratford-upon-Avon, where I was a guest speaker.
Happily, Mark is back on his feet, and Manchester finally rolled into the world on 5th December 2025 as an Amazon bestseller, and was promptly awarded a Readers’ Favorite Five-Star Seal – perhaps proving that good things come to she who waits…
What was your research process for More Manchester Than Mongolia?
A mix of obsessive curiosity and a fondness for falling down historical rabbit holes. I love rooting out forgotten stories and curious facts, and am equally drawn to anything funny or eccentric – strange traditions, memorable characters, or any gloriously bonkers trivia that can bring a place to life.
The research never really switches off. It carries on before, during, and after a trip. I always have a notebook about my person, and Mark often admonishes me for taking too many photos, lingering over interpretive signs, and hoarding leaflets, maps, and other assorted ephemera. These details add colour – and frequently find their way onto the page.
How did you plan the structure of More Manchester Than Mongolia?
Because it is a travelogue, the fundamental structure is chronological. I knew the route, but I let the stories dictate the rhythm. I want the reader to feel like they are travelling with us: with all the diversions, surprises, laughter, and the occasional “how did we end up here?” moment. Structure matters, but not at the expense of voice.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did More Manchester Than Mongolia need?
Yes – editing is where the book becomes what it’s supposed to be, and I’m fortunate that I genuinely enjoy the process. My process is probably 30% writing and 70% editing and tweaking – I can never re-read any of my work without changing something, and I find it hugely satisfying to land on exactly the right word or phrase.
I tame my messy first drafts with the paid version of ProWritingAid, after which editing sharpens clarity, pacing, and humour. Then, the manuscript goes to a team of around thirty beta readers from across the English-speaking world – many of them memoir writers themselves, and a few who are also professional editors and proofreaders. Their responses as readers, along with their international insights on tone and cultural references, are invaluable.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Write because you want to – not because you think it will bring money or fame. And respect the craft. Learn how to tell a story properly – it’s the most generous thing you can do for your reader.
And don’t keep thinking about it.
Start. NOW!
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Although we are almost ten years into a three-year trip, the road still calls. I’m currently working on the first in my new Never Mind the Balkans series – From B to A: Britain to Albania.
Later in 2026, we’re heading into Africa with The Beast, then perhaps on to Turkey and Georgia.
So long as I continue to have captivating journeys, entertaining mishaps, and dogs, I will write more books.
Pop all your books, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Author Website: https://jacquelinelambert.co.uk
Travel Blog: https://www.WorldWideWalkies.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacquelineLambertAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18672478.Jacqueline_Lambert
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jacqueline-lambert
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/4pxzM6P
More Manchester Than Mongolia
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3NBOP1R
Paperback: https://amzn.to/49Na0GY
Other Books:
Building The Beast: https://amzn.to/49sqK53
Adventure Caravanning With Dogs 1: https://amzn.to/4jy1Q8M
Adventure Caravanning With Dogs 2: https://amzn.to/4aRhbPw
Adventure Caravanning With Dogs 3: https://amzn.to/45DmL4r (Kindle deal – 99p from 1-31st January 2026)
Adventure Caravanning With Dogs 4: https://amzn.to/3YsVo9t
Adventure Caravanning With Dogs 5: https://amzn.to/3YvW7qk
Adventure Travel With Dogs: https://amzn.to/4prRzwh
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