Two books coming soon!

My messy writing room with dog!

 I thought I'd update you on what's going on in my writing world. To say it's been hectic, is an understatement. Who would try and get two books published so close together? Ah, that would be me.

Tinsel Street is on track for publication at the end of August. I've just approved the amendments to the editorial edits and the book will now be going to the printers. I have seen and approved the front and back cover of the book, and I cannot wait to reveal this to you. I have put together a Spotify Playlist, but will add to it and will share the link here and on my author page on Troubador by publication date.

My goal for this year was to publish Tinsel Street and a collection of flash stories. These are stories previously published through print or ezines over many years, but I have added some new unpublished stories to the mix. I also have a cover for this one now and I just love it! I'm now waiting for the typeset version to approve or amend. This collection will hopefully be out in a few weeks and I cannot wait to share this with you.

The process of getting two books ready has been stressful (unless you have been through this, you have no idea what's involved), Even when you think all the typos have been found and changed, more stick out their ugly heads. Despite proofreading by me and others (many times), things are missed. So I apologise in advance for any that slip through. That's been my biggest worry. I go from being elated to feeling overwhelmed. My comfort zone is being stretched. Us anxiety-ridden introverts don't cope well, but I am also excited, and to see your name on a cover, well, it's the best thing in the world. And it's given me a confidence I never knew I had. Reading through my manuscripts was a positive thing as I sat back and thought, actually this is rather good. That might sound stupid, but no one bigs you up in the writing world. You have to push yourself forward and go for it.

I've spent years sitting on the edge thinking 'I'm not good enough' even though I've had a lot of work published in magazines. I once described writing like a video game. You desperately try to reach the next level, but to break through is hard. You get stuck at one level and never think you will move up. I've have finally started to move up.

I've always been honest about my writing journey, the highs and the lows. Of course, everyone will have a different story to tell, but one thing I will say is this. Do what you feel comfortable with, or rather do what works for you to get where you want to be. You might not make the bestseller list (and I have no illusions about that). Don't set impossible goals. I once told myself, if after five years I've not made it, I'll give up. Hah! What a comedown that was. Of course, some writers hit the big time with a first book. They are lucky ones. Your goal might be to get a story or poem published in a certain magazine. Mine were Popshot and Ink Sweat & Tears. I achieved those and oh, was I happy! I've never made it into Mslexia, but I can live with that. Whatever small success can be built on.

Don't let anyone put you off your goal, but do it in stages. If you aim high the comedown will be immense if you don't achieve it. I've been there.

Although I will have my books, I shall continue to send out submissions the way I always have. Every little success is another addition to your writer's CV. But now I have the flavour of seeing a cover with my name on it, it has urged me on to do it again!

Another thing, I'm not someone who is pushy about my work, but if you don't do it, who will? Marketing/publicity is not my strong point, but with the job of putting the book together myself in someone elses hands (someone who can do a far better job than me), I am now freed up to do some pushing. More and more publishers expect their writers to do it, traditionally published or not, so it has to be part of what you do. I'm learning a lot as the process of book publishing goes on. 

The cost? Yes, there is a cost to publishing in the hybrid world, but I've come round to this way of thinking. What do you spend on a hobby in a year? I've heard of people spending thousands on their racing bike and all the equipment. It's their passion and so the money doesn't matter. I don't keep an account of how much money I spend on books, which is just as well! In the past it was music and as a teenager I'd buy at least one single a week and probably an album, too. Then there are holidays. Writing is my passion (sorry about likening it to a hobby....I hate it when people tell me 'well, its just hobby'....arrh!), and I decided to think about the cost as what I spend on holidays. 

To have a professional book that can sit alongside other novels was my goal. I want readers to be able to order my book at Waterstones (and you will be able to), not just Amazon (though you can). Of course, I don't have copies in my hand yet, but I can't wait. Should I have done this years ago? Maybe, but sometimes it takes something to click before you can do it. For me it was my birthday. I'm going to seventy this week. I don't want to sound morbid, but how many years do I have to shunt my manuscripts around? It was now or never. That's how I felt. Yes, I do wish I'd done it sooner, but I'm not dwelling on that because I am enjoying the moment, and maybe I wouldn't have been ready for this back then. Things changed last year for me. Certain events spurred me on, and then I joined a writing group. Feedback was positive on what I read, and they encouraged me to write more.

With all this going on I've been unable to write new things. I have two potential books started, but abandoned. I have other things that need my attention when I have time. Stories that need more editing, things in various stages of not quite complete. But one thing I love about hybrid publishing is that I am not a genre branded writer. I am in control, and that is important to me. That extends to titles and book covers. I've heard of traditionally published writers complaining that their title has been changed and they are not happy with their covers. I love mine and I cannot wait to share them with you.

More to reveal soon.