I've had a busy time - but sadly not with writing!
One of our sons, plus his wife and child, are temporarily living with us after a disastrous house saga involving two house moves in three weeks. Meanwhile, the writing day I was organising, with some help from others, was a great success but left me exhausted. At the same time, my day job intensified. Then there were (are!) a few things at Church that claimed (claim) urgent attention.
This sounds like a list of excuses for my writing being at an all-time low, but somehow I have managed to set in place just enough to ensure Losing Face is gradually taking off. I have a book event in Littleport on Saturday, when I will be 'presented' by Soham Books and hopefully sign many, many copies of LF. I sold none at the Norfolk Christian Writers' Day, but nonetheless arrived home with one less copy than I took. I expect someone will realise they owe me some money. I don't think anyone connected me with the novel, as I was very busy running around and organising things (under my regular name, not my maiden name) and just FORGOT TO SAY! Don't tell my publicist, but I am really not very good at self-promotion.
Despite my shortcomings, there seems to be a stealthy spreading of comments about the book across the Net, partly due to complimentary copies sent out by the aforementioned publicist. A steady ripple of reviews and invites to do guest blogs flows into my inbox. Sales are happening through Amazon and the bookshops. Also, I have carried on becoming a minor local celebrity - the feature in the local paper was exactly right, with the main emphasis on the endorsement by two charities: Changing Faces and The Katie Piper Foundation. The interview on Radio Norfolk went surprisingly well - apart from Stephen Bumfrey using my married name and not Annie Try. Several reviewers have mentioned that this is an important book and should be on the school curriculum as well as read by adults, all of which has delighted me because I really want it to help people think.
My trips to Waterstones in Cambridge and Norwich have achieved nothing so far, but wasted review copies. However, on a very wet day, I dripped into Heffers (Cambridge) - a wonderful independent bookshop. The children's department manager read it, is very enthusiastic and is not only selling it but has asked me to talk in schools. It is a very strange feeling to have all this praise for something I have made up. It feels like cheating, somehow. People ask me if it is exciting - it was, but now I really don't know - I feel as if I could be on the edge of something but may topple either way.
But it is all fine - I can hang onto my faith and I believe that God knows what's right for me and for Losing Face. So it doesn't matter much whichever way I topple; like a wobbly toy I will regain my equilibrium!
May those who write be immersed in the joy of discovering beauty in their art and those who read enjoy great tales,
Annie
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Flowers, photos and incredible weather
Yesterday. The garden looked fantastic - two gazebos on the lawn, plus a tent for the children's entertainer. Croquet set out ready to play. Beautiful bunting, zigzagging across between the trees, borrowed tables and chairs spread out in the leafy shade. My family preparing the food in the background. A sense of excitement. The time had come. My book launch celebration event.
It was a great day. We sat in the sun and lazily chatted, drinking elderflower spritzers and even a little champagne. Two teens from my family read from Losing Face and the local press sent a photographer. People who said they would definitely come didn't, but others turned up who hadn't promised anything, which led to some long overdue reunions. Flowers and cards arrived from friends. There were no major disastors - the threatened power-cut was over before the guests arrived and I even managed to use the right names (for myself and the book buyer) when signing.
Not everything was perfect; I have learnt not to make events so long or in such a large area that there is never a crowd, however many come. And I really must work hard at not over-catering. Even if everyone with an invite had come, there would still have been too much food. Although it was good to share the party food that never left the fridge with those at church today.
I have an interview on Radio Norfolk tomorrow and another one for the local paper later in the week. Being in the limelight doesn't come naturally for me, but by God's grace I shall cope with this very necessary publicity. It will be a few weeks before I can regain my writing time, especially as I am very busy with Norfolk Christian Writers too, at present, as we prepare for our first writing event, The Write Idea, on 16th June. (For details email hobdayangela@yahoo.co.uk )
Thank you to all my family and friends who worked so hard to make yesterday a success. And thank you to all those who bought the book - I was so encouraged that people want to buy it.
Annie
It was a great day. We sat in the sun and lazily chatted, drinking elderflower spritzers and even a little champagne. Two teens from my family read from Losing Face and the local press sent a photographer. People who said they would definitely come didn't, but others turned up who hadn't promised anything, which led to some long overdue reunions. Flowers and cards arrived from friends. There were no major disastors - the threatened power-cut was over before the guests arrived and I even managed to use the right names (for myself and the book buyer) when signing.
Not everything was perfect; I have learnt not to make events so long or in such a large area that there is never a crowd, however many come. And I really must work hard at not over-catering. Even if everyone with an invite had come, there would still have been too much food. Although it was good to share the party food that never left the fridge with those at church today.
I have an interview on Radio Norfolk tomorrow and another one for the local paper later in the week. Being in the limelight doesn't come naturally for me, but by God's grace I shall cope with this very necessary publicity. It will be a few weeks before I can regain my writing time, especially as I am very busy with Norfolk Christian Writers too, at present, as we prepare for our first writing event, The Write Idea, on 16th June. (For details email hobdayangela@yahoo.co.uk )
Thank you to all my family and friends who worked so hard to make yesterday a success. And thank you to all those who bought the book - I was so encouraged that people want to buy it.
Annie
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Carefully excited
I have discovered that, when recovering from a nasty bout of bronchitis, it is quite difficult to dance around with excitement without descending into a frantic coughing fit. So I am blogging about it instead, to let you know that I am carefully excited about the enthusiasm for Losing Face from three sources - no four! What an answer to prayer.
The first is the local Waterstones. A review copy was received very warmly and LF will now be stocked in King's Lynn, with a recommendation being written that can be accessed by other stores. The second is the charity BAAF - some of you may remember I went with my sister Pat on a trek along the Great Wall of China (not all of it!) to support their work with children who cannot live in their birth families. The issues for teenagers in the care system are a feature of Losing Face, so BAAF were pleased to receive a copy for review.
Then today I have had feedback from the CEO of Changing Faces. He is so enthusiastic he is going to blog about it - but best of all he is going to recommend Losing Face to those who may benefit from it most. Young people who have maybe had an accident that has left them with some facial scarring, or have struggled with adversity.
Finally, I coughed my way into Pilates at the end of the session on Friday, too ill to take part but just to let people know about the book. I was really touched by the way these wonderful ladies responded, encouraging me, making suggestions about who else should know and which bookshops might put on a signing event.
So thank you to all who are urging me on to publicise and not just hope the book will sell itself. Especially thank you to Dominic James, my publicist who gently asks where I am sending my review copies - such a polite prod in the right direction - and to Sarah, my writing daughter-in-law, who quite firmly suggested I should go into Waterstones. And, of course, thank you to everyone else who has encouraged me along the way.
What have I learnt on this part of the writing journey? Don't hide away - tell everyone even if it feels uncomfortable. You may be surprised at the reaction. If your book has a message that needs to be spread, follow the God-given opportunities and look-out for those that are yet to be revealed.
But then, hiding away does seem rather inviting, especially if with pen and paper or my laptop. Mmmm . . . where can I go? There's a problem with the heating in my study. Airing cupboard, perhaps? See you later.
Happy writing, reading and many blessings,
Annie
The first is the local Waterstones. A review copy was received very warmly and LF will now be stocked in King's Lynn, with a recommendation being written that can be accessed by other stores. The second is the charity BAAF - some of you may remember I went with my sister Pat on a trek along the Great Wall of China (not all of it!) to support their work with children who cannot live in their birth families. The issues for teenagers in the care system are a feature of Losing Face, so BAAF were pleased to receive a copy for review.
Then today I have had feedback from the CEO of Changing Faces. He is so enthusiastic he is going to blog about it - but best of all he is going to recommend Losing Face to those who may benefit from it most. Young people who have maybe had an accident that has left them with some facial scarring, or have struggled with adversity.
Finally, I coughed my way into Pilates at the end of the session on Friday, too ill to take part but just to let people know about the book. I was really touched by the way these wonderful ladies responded, encouraging me, making suggestions about who else should know and which bookshops might put on a signing event.
So thank you to all who are urging me on to publicise and not just hope the book will sell itself. Especially thank you to Dominic James, my publicist who gently asks where I am sending my review copies - such a polite prod in the right direction - and to Sarah, my writing daughter-in-law, who quite firmly suggested I should go into Waterstones. And, of course, thank you to everyone else who has encouraged me along the way.
What have I learnt on this part of the writing journey? Don't hide away - tell everyone even if it feels uncomfortable. You may be surprised at the reaction. If your book has a message that needs to be spread, follow the God-given opportunities and look-out for those that are yet to be revealed.
But then, hiding away does seem rather inviting, especially if with pen and paper or my laptop. Mmmm . . . where can I go? There's a problem with the heating in my study. Airing cupboard, perhaps? See you later.
Happy writing, reading and many blessings,
Annie
Friday, 23 March 2012
Non-writing writing time
It has been a strange block of time since I last blogged. Writing has been a high priority on my weekly lists but has translated itself into all sorts of other projects - bits and pieces needed for Church, reports for work, going to someone else's reading to try to learn how to promote my writing, putting together an article, attending the Association of Christian Writers' Day and working on the equivalent for Norfolk Christian Writers. Fortunately, another member of the group has put together a facebook page for NCW and has taken great strides in advertising the event. But it took a whole designated writing day to look at shortlisted venues. Once that was agreed I was enthused - so for much of the time since my mind has been filled with ideas on how and what to teach.
Then, of course, there has been time spent on spreading the word re Losing Face and planning for the day when I have to start 'selling myself'. Only 64 days to publication! Preparation has included a practice run reading an exerpt from my manuscript to my writing buddy; I thought that went better than expected and looked up at her with relief probably written all over my face. I had thrown myself into the task, even trying to emphasise some bits with movement. There was a pause while I waited for her comments. Then very carefully she suggested that my previous thought of recruiting real teens to read it was an excellent idea. Was I that embarrassing, I wonder? It's a good job I wasn't reading from Dancing in the Dark - there's a lot of leaping about in that novel which certainly wouldn't have suited my great age and may have ended in tears.
So maybe it's okay that I haven't sat and scribbled. I have learnt how not to read my manuscript, have gained the valuable insights of other writers, thought a lot about what we scribblers need to know and how to teach writing. I'm sure it's all moulding me into some sort of shape.
Trouble is, I now look back at my work-in-progress, Dancing in the Dark, and I have literally 'lost the plot'. But maybe when I have remembered who's who in the novel, thought about the characters I am trying to portray and filled in all the little missing links and details, I will find that this varied and interesting past few weeks has added a few different dimensions to my writing.
But before I go, here is the information you may need about the forthcoming Christian writers' day. It is called The Write Idea and will be held on 16th June 2012 in Norwich Central Baptist Church from 10am - 4pm. It is open to all writers and will cover a wide range of genres. Although it only costs £15 per ticket, it will be a really valuable day. For further information please visit Norfolk Christian Writers on facebook, or email us at hobdayangela@yahoo.co.uk or hobdaysarah@hotmail.co.uk.
Happy scribbling,
Angela
Then, of course, there has been time spent on spreading the word re Losing Face and planning for the day when I have to start 'selling myself'. Only 64 days to publication! Preparation has included a practice run reading an exerpt from my manuscript to my writing buddy; I thought that went better than expected and looked up at her with relief probably written all over my face. I had thrown myself into the task, even trying to emphasise some bits with movement. There was a pause while I waited for her comments. Then very carefully she suggested that my previous thought of recruiting real teens to read it was an excellent idea. Was I that embarrassing, I wonder? It's a good job I wasn't reading from Dancing in the Dark - there's a lot of leaping about in that novel which certainly wouldn't have suited my great age and may have ended in tears.
So maybe it's okay that I haven't sat and scribbled. I have learnt how not to read my manuscript, have gained the valuable insights of other writers, thought a lot about what we scribblers need to know and how to teach writing. I'm sure it's all moulding me into some sort of shape.
Trouble is, I now look back at my work-in-progress, Dancing in the Dark, and I have literally 'lost the plot'. But maybe when I have remembered who's who in the novel, thought about the characters I am trying to portray and filled in all the little missing links and details, I will find that this varied and interesting past few weeks has added a few different dimensions to my writing.
But before I go, here is the information you may need about the forthcoming Christian writers' day. It is called The Write Idea and will be held on 16th June 2012 in Norwich Central Baptist Church from 10am - 4pm. It is open to all writers and will cover a wide range of genres. Although it only costs £15 per ticket, it will be a really valuable day. For further information please visit Norfolk Christian Writers on facebook, or email us at hobdayangela@yahoo.co.uk or hobdaysarah@hotmail.co.uk.
Happy scribbling,
Angela
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Twirls, whirls and graceful slides
As January quietly slides into February, my writing is picking up again after a foot-dragging time after Christmas. Dancing in the Dark is now pirouetting gracefully towards its final bow. In fact, the last chapter is written - I often write the best bits first. The novel is turning out to be a little longer than orginally envisaged, so I still have two or three chapters to fill in the gap. They are rather like those creams and toffees that everyone leaves in the bottom of the tin of Quality Street - not quite the treat I would like but being fairly satisfying to finish.
After overcoming a little bump in plans for Losing Face (my original marketing lady is going on maternity leave!) all is ready to run smoothly under the expert guidance of my multi-tasking editor. Now is the time for a lull before the rising whirl of activity as we work towards the publication date of 25th May. I am toying with the idea of having a big launch party on 26th, at my home. There is some uncertainty about this because I would like all my friends and family to populate the readings I will be doing in various bookshops, so I don't think I can expect them to attend both. Or perhaps a party will stimulate their interest in seeing me doing a reading and book-signing?
But what next? With Dancing in the Dark reaching the editing stage, I need to be making decisions. I have other novels waiting to be finished - only one of those is for the young adult market and that is extremely complicated. The one with the most written so far needs some research which may be beyond me unless I travel very widely and the final one is only about 10,000 words so far, but is taking me on an interesting journey into crime fiction.
So who knows? Only the great Creator and Author of all Things. There may be a new novel just bursting out of the wings of my imagination to take centre stage.
Happy writing for those who are entrenched in that noble art and enjoy your reading to those who join us in our imaginery dance.
Annie
After overcoming a little bump in plans for Losing Face (my original marketing lady is going on maternity leave!) all is ready to run smoothly under the expert guidance of my multi-tasking editor. Now is the time for a lull before the rising whirl of activity as we work towards the publication date of 25th May. I am toying with the idea of having a big launch party on 26th, at my home. There is some uncertainty about this because I would like all my friends and family to populate the readings I will be doing in various bookshops, so I don't think I can expect them to attend both. Or perhaps a party will stimulate their interest in seeing me doing a reading and book-signing?
But what next? With Dancing in the Dark reaching the editing stage, I need to be making decisions. I have other novels waiting to be finished - only one of those is for the young adult market and that is extremely complicated. The one with the most written so far needs some research which may be beyond me unless I travel very widely and the final one is only about 10,000 words so far, but is taking me on an interesting journey into crime fiction.
So who knows? Only the great Creator and Author of all Things. There may be a new novel just bursting out of the wings of my imagination to take centre stage.
Happy writing for those who are entrenched in that noble art and enjoy your reading to those who join us in our imaginery dance.
Annie
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Tangled Writing
Here we are in 2012 with Christmas receding as a memory, only retrieved by baubles discovered shining under the sofa or when a Christmas pud from a hamper gift is served up thinly disguised as a fruity dessert for an ordinary Sunday. Life begins to pick up its everyday rhythm, with normal tasks to be completed.
I have a weekly list - to be fair it sometimes stretches into two, or even three weeks. It becomes a glorious mess of arrows and loopy lines linking the different areas of my life: writing, church, psychology, home. For example, those thank-you letters which await my attention, are they 'Writing' or 'Home'? And bits and pieces I write for Church - maybe even about counselling others, or a psychological article for a Christian magazine - where do I put those?
But even within those items which definitely belong in 'Writing', there is a woven, tangled web. One example: today I was looking up diseases. It was research for my novel-in-progress, Dancing in the Dark, but the information is helping me to think about other work I am doing - particularly the pending 'Ask Angela' for Caring magazine.
Then there are the two novels that are dominating my life at the moment. Losing Face now has a publication date, 25th May (I am shouting this from the rooftops!) so my task is to move into my role as a published novelist including publicising it. Meanwhile, I am working out the finer details of what happens to the same characters next, as I finish and edit Dancing in the Dark. The two novels are dangerously merging into one in my mind, as I read backwards and forwards between them, seeking consistency. But there is a bonus - out of their converging stories, the characters become even more 'real'. I will just have to be careful to avoid lifting the curtain on Dancing in the Dark, when discussing Losing Face.
So my prayer is that I will have wisdom day-by-day to become more organised to make good use of my time, yet accept, enjoy and discover the benefits from the chaotic, interesting, wonderful confusions of life.
Happy writing,
Annie
I have a weekly list - to be fair it sometimes stretches into two, or even three weeks. It becomes a glorious mess of arrows and loopy lines linking the different areas of my life: writing, church, psychology, home. For example, those thank-you letters which await my attention, are they 'Writing' or 'Home'? And bits and pieces I write for Church - maybe even about counselling others, or a psychological article for a Christian magazine - where do I put those?
But even within those items which definitely belong in 'Writing', there is a woven, tangled web. One example: today I was looking up diseases. It was research for my novel-in-progress, Dancing in the Dark, but the information is helping me to think about other work I am doing - particularly the pending 'Ask Angela' for Caring magazine.
Then there are the two novels that are dominating my life at the moment. Losing Face now has a publication date, 25th May (I am shouting this from the rooftops!) so my task is to move into my role as a published novelist including publicising it. Meanwhile, I am working out the finer details of what happens to the same characters next, as I finish and edit Dancing in the Dark. The two novels are dangerously merging into one in my mind, as I read backwards and forwards between them, seeking consistency. But there is a bonus - out of their converging stories, the characters become even more 'real'. I will just have to be careful to avoid lifting the curtain on Dancing in the Dark, when discussing Losing Face.
So my prayer is that I will have wisdom day-by-day to become more organised to make good use of my time, yet accept, enjoy and discover the benefits from the chaotic, interesting, wonderful confusions of life.
Happy writing,
Annie
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Dancing in the Dark
When I last blogged, I was just over a week into the November writing-a-novel-in-a-month challenge. At that time my draft was called Em the Gem - a dreadful working title that made me cringe everytime I opened up the document. So I spent a little of my precious writing time just scribbling potential titles over sheets and sheets of rough paper, until I came up with Dancing in the Dark. With the new title, I began to expand the theme, emphasising Em's love of dance and the way she saw it as an expression of her own life. Then I was away, writing avidly, with Em's backstory unfolding as she renewed contact with lost relatives and became more aware of her own identity.
Which is all a rather grand way of saying that I became immeasurably immersed in what I was writing and completed the whole 50,000 words. Not all of it will be useable - but isn't that true of any first draft? The story is not quite finished, maybe four more chapters will do it, but I haven't been able to resist beginning a little editing on the work so far. So was it worth the effort? Well, I have learnt that I can write while I keep everything else going (excluding most housework!), I can think and type away in the warmest room while others are watching television, I can be encouraged by a simple graph monitoring my progress and I benefit from linking up with writing buddies. I now feel that writing is an integral part of my life, and not just a hobby. I am eagerly planning to complete Dancing in the Dark next, as it has become my longest work-in-progress (I have three others!).
Meanwhile, there is exciting news about Losing Face. The proofs are all done, the novel has reached its final stage and I have chosen the image for the cover. I have no publication date yet, but when I do have one, I shall be shouting it from the rooftops - and probably remember to write it here, too. Although, all new ventures bring fresh challenges. With the impending publication of this first novel, I am beginning to become a little concerned about doing readings in bookshops. Can I make myself sound like a 15-year old girl? Should I try? Advice please, from any who have walked this road before me!
But, for the time being, my priorities are Christmas and all the preparations; carol singing, playing the cello, preparing for visitors, cooking, giving presents and generally celebrating the birth of Jesus.
After all, the birth of that particular extraordinary baby is the most exciting news of all.
Happy celebrations and may all your writing be beautiful,
Annie
Which is all a rather grand way of saying that I became immeasurably immersed in what I was writing and completed the whole 50,000 words. Not all of it will be useable - but isn't that true of any first draft? The story is not quite finished, maybe four more chapters will do it, but I haven't been able to resist beginning a little editing on the work so far. So was it worth the effort? Well, I have learnt that I can write while I keep everything else going (excluding most housework!), I can think and type away in the warmest room while others are watching television, I can be encouraged by a simple graph monitoring my progress and I benefit from linking up with writing buddies. I now feel that writing is an integral part of my life, and not just a hobby. I am eagerly planning to complete Dancing in the Dark next, as it has become my longest work-in-progress (I have three others!).
Meanwhile, there is exciting news about Losing Face. The proofs are all done, the novel has reached its final stage and I have chosen the image for the cover. I have no publication date yet, but when I do have one, I shall be shouting it from the rooftops - and probably remember to write it here, too. Although, all new ventures bring fresh challenges. With the impending publication of this first novel, I am beginning to become a little concerned about doing readings in bookshops. Can I make myself sound like a 15-year old girl? Should I try? Advice please, from any who have walked this road before me!
But, for the time being, my priorities are Christmas and all the preparations; carol singing, playing the cello, preparing for visitors, cooking, giving presents and generally celebrating the birth of Jesus.
After all, the birth of that particular extraordinary baby is the most exciting news of all.
Happy celebrations and may all your writing be beautiful,
Annie
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