It was with great excitement and a bundle of nerves (which I hope I hid well!) that I recently appeared on Morning Live, South Africa's TV breakfast show.

I was booked on the show four days prior to the interview without any indication of the questions that would be asked. This was rather daunting as it's kinda LIVE, you know?  And I'd need to sound professional and calm and many, many people would be watching .., some who know me and many others who don't.  (To be honest, I'm not sure which made me more nervous!)

One thing you should all know is that I'm extremely camera shy.  I avoid a camera like I avoid Brussels Sprouts so the idea of me behind one, on real time, answering questions I couldn't prepare before the time had my stomach in a tiny twist.

Fortunately, the day before, after processing the idea for a while, I found my happy, peaceful space.  First, I absolutely 100% blocked out the live TV part.  I'd be talking to one person - a simple conversation - and best of all, we'd be talking about my book, The Keepers: Archer.

I can do that.  Easily.  Ask me any time, any day, about my Keepers or my writing and I'll talk your ear off!  They're my stories, my characters, my passion, so talking about it would come naturally.

It's with those thoughts that my husband and I got to the studio and I went straight into hair and make up.  I'd expected a bustling news studio with people running around like crazy.  Instead, it was the opposite.  It was so peaceful and quiet. From the security, to the make up artist to the sound and camera guys, everyone was so chilled that I couldn't help but feel calm too.  They were so friendly and they all welcomed my hubby into the process too so it was lovely having him with me and sharing the experience with him.

From make up, I was taken into the studio, hooked up with ear and voice pieces, and went through a few sound checks, voice checks, camera positioning and then I had to wait for the show's host, Samm Marshall.  The team spoke me through the whole process which was great as I knew what was happening every step of the way.

When we finally went live, I was blown away by how relaxed and calm Samm was and it was all too easy to take my cue from him. He'd prepared well, had great background knowledge of my Keepers, the plot and Sienna.  Chatting to him was wonderful and talking about my Keepers came so naturally, especially when I focused on him and only him - which was odd considering I couldn't actually see him!  We were filming in Cape Town and Samm was in the Johannesburg studio.  (Isn't technology awesome?)

And then it was over and I could breathe again and there were hugs and high fives all around. I did it!  Phew!

Hubby and I ended off with breakfast at the beach whilst I got that post exam feeling. Huge relief that it was over but wondering how I'd done!

I'm so thankful to my publicist and the Morning Live team for the opportunity. What a fun experience!  I'm also incredibly grateful for all the support and messages I received from friends, family and readers cheering me on from the sidelines.  You know who you are - thank you!

And best part of all was that when I got home, I was greeted with big hugs and excited squeals from my kids.  According to them, I'm a rock star! :)

Happy holidays,

Rae Rivers