Dear Substack Friends,
A short update from me to replace my lack of a newsletter this month.
A Change of Plans
A few weeks ago, I packed up my little studio apartment in Lennox Head, closed the door behind me, and set off for another European summer.
There was excitement in leaving. The anticipation of new places, familiar places, and the freedom that comes with a few months following the sun.
My first stop was Greece, where I spent time with my sister soaking up warm days, blue skies, and the reminder that travel always has a way of opening the heart. You can read more in my earlier post about our adventures there.
From there, I returned to Denmark, a place that feels increasingly like a second home. Something is super comforting about arriving somewhere that is both familiar and welcoming.
I was looking forward to a summer of writing, exploring, catching up with family and friends, and continuing my travels through June and July.
Life, however, had other ideas.
A simple trip up some stairs ended with a serious fall. In an instant, my plans changed. I fractured both wrists, suffered a minor head injury, and suddenly found myself navigating hospitals, scans, specialists, and surgery instead of trains, cafés, and writing sessions.
The physical pain has been challenging, but perhaps the bigger adjustment has been accepting that recovery now needs to take priority over adventure.
What has surprised me most and warmed my heart extensively is the kindness that has surrounded me. Family has stepped in without hesitation. I’ve been cared for, checked on, and reminded that accepting help is sometimes its own form of strength.
Being far from Australia could have felt isolating, but instead, I’ve experienced an incredible sense of support. My loving and caring older brother, who has helped me navigate the maze of travel insurance. My amazing sister-in-law, who has cared for me like the best nurse you could ever imagine. My incredible younger sister, my best friend, who has made me laugh and giggle and forget about my wrists. My extended family here, my nieces and nephews, have gifted me with beautiful flowers and chocolates, trying to make me smile. And of course, my own beautiful family in Australia and in the US have called and sent messages, from my friends, all the love and support. It’s been amazing and has really lifted my spirit when I’ve not always been my smiling self. And last but not least, all the messages of support from you, my sub-stackers. Thank you.
For now, my June and July plans are being rewritten. Some destinations will have to wait. Some adventures will happen later than expected. The writer in me wants to know how the story unfolds; the traveller in me is learning patience.
Travel teaches us many things. Sometimes it teaches us about new places. Sometimes it teaches us about ourselves.
Right now, I’m learning that not every journey is measured in kilometres travelled. Some are measured in healing, resilience, and the people who show up when you need them most.
So for the moment, Denmark is where I will stay. The summer I imagined may have changed, but the story continues.
For anyone wondering how on earth I can write this with two broken wrists. I’m actually speaking this and using a tool called Wispr Flow, which was recommended by my friend and artist Dean Power. It is an amazing tool. It reads or listens and clearly hears your words and types them out beautifully for you. It will be very useful for the next month or two, and I’m happy and thankful to Dean for suggesting it.
If anyone else would like to try this tool, you can use the link below to check it out.
Want to support without a paid subscription? Make a one-time donation below.
Thank you for being part of my writing journey. I hope these stories bring a smile, a tear or a spark of inspiration. Just in time for your next coffee break.
Sal ♡´･ᴗ･`♡
Until next time, I wish you many cups of coffee (or whatever your beverage of choice may be), creative sparks, and gentle wellness.
Love to hear from you.
Don’t want to miss any of my updates?
Why subscribe to The Writers’ Café?
Has it been your lifelong dream to finish that book and publish it?
Do you lack the drive, knowledge and confidence to realise your dream?
At The Writers’ Café you will find:
Inspiring stories - fiction and non-fiction
Regular posts on writing and publishing with a sprinkling of healthy living
Tips, Tools & Templates
Webinars
Monthly Newsletter
Supportive community chats
And much more…
….all the way to The End.
Sal Gallaher
Author of:
Secrets in the Lakes is a compelling blend of romantic suspense, women’s fiction, and psychological mystery. It captures the intimacy of small-town life, the thrill of a twisting investigation, and the heartbreak of second chances. Themes of grief, guilt, redemption, and the courage to love again pulse beneath every page.
Perfect for readers who love Diane Chamberlain, Jodi Picoult, or Liane Moriarty, this story delivers all the tension of a domestic thriller with the heart of a small-town romance. It’s a gripping exploration of trust, forgiveness, and what happens when loyalty collides with truth.
Shorter Than a Coffee Break is a beautifully crafted collection of short stories and drabbles (100-word flash fiction pieces) written by Danish-Australian author Sal Gallaher. Each story began with a single word and grew into a moment of truth, a flicker of emotion, or a twist of fate. These stories capture the full spectrum of life: its humour, heartbreak, resilience, and hope.
The Word Between Us is a collection of contemporary short stories, each inspired by a single word and written from the heart. From that simple beginning, each story unfolds into moments of quiet tension, connection, and change.
Set within the familiar rhythms of everyday life, these stories explore relationships, family, memory, and the unspoken spaces between people.
A marriage begins to shift under the weight of what isn’t said.
A small act of openness ripples through an entire community.
A woman learns to reshape her life when the house finally grows quiet.
Told with careful observation and emotional depth, these stories capture the small turning points that often go unnoticed — yet change everything.
©️ Sal Gallaher 2026
“This content is for informational purposes only. It does not and should not be considered professional advice. Information shared here is current at the time of publication, but may become outdated with time. Please verify details before relying on them. Use your own good judgment and consult a qualified expert before acting according to the information I provide.”
Gosh Sal I’m pleased that app works knowing how AI can totally mess up things you actually type 😩, just goes to show that things can work well for us. It was like how Neale Daniher was able to talk via his computer.
I'm so sorry this happened to you. I love how you are leaning into the lessons you learn along the way & through the pain. And this line is so powerful: "not every journey is measured in kilometres travelled. Some are measured in healing, resilience, and the people who show up when you need them most."