The proofs have arrived from Matador. It already looks different – not like my manuscript, the font, style and layout are changed – but also not like a book. Instead, it’s a tantalisingly glimpse of what the finished product might be. I feel a glimmer of excitement. However, the main feeling is one of... read more
I’ve just finished reading ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Khaled Hosseini, a number one bestseller, the cover proclaims. It also shouts out the high praise the book has received: ‘A suspenseful epic’, ‘A triumph’, ‘Unforgettable’, ‘A masterful story’. Does it, I wonder, deserve such acclaim. Would it be such a success if... read more
I’m going to be talking about ‘Unravelling’ at the first Chipping Campden Literary Festival in May! I wrote to the artistic director Vicky Bennett with an idea for a talk. At first she was hesitant about a self-published author (although she’s successfully published her own novel) but when she saw my... read more
Communications about Unravelling come from Matador thick and fast. There’s so much to decide: the book’s details and my biography for bookshops and online stores, such as Amazon; a press release; marketing materials … And most difficult of all the book’s cover. This is the aspect that causes me most anguish.... read more
Wow! The editing and rewriting are finally done. The title of my novel is on its third incarnation. Now I need a publisher.
My very first blog. There’s so much advice: make a contract with your reader – they have to feel there is something worth investing their time and effort in. Raise a question. How to start? Who’s the main character? Well, me, obviously. Or is it you? Make your reader care.... read more