Nell Grey's Blog - Posts Tagged "magick"

This week I've been re-editing The Golden Web, the first book in what was intended as a pagan trilogy. I've been reading and making slight alterations to the print copy rather than the file, and finding the process very strange - as if coming across the work of an unknown author for the first time and recognizing myself in a past life, which is of course exactly (well, maybe not exactly), what's happening. I'd forgotten many details, many twists and turns and the strange atmosphere created by the voice of the narrator. No wonder I was exhausted - paganed-out - when the final page had been completed. I'd lived it.

But that's the point and why I feel compelled to republish as a Kindle book. Because I realized fairly soon after the second edition had been published that I'd got it all wrong. I should have rested and waited until I'd finished the sequel so it could become the second part of the original book, between the same two covers.

As for the planned trilogy, the ending of Three Magic Women rendered a third book superfluous, although a character from it spoke to me and I began a new and separate work, yet to be completed.

So today, and not without some trepidation, I'll open the pages of Three Magic Women and hear again Una's odd voice, walk with her through the land and relive her journey. Wish me luck.

Is it ever possible to breathe a sigh of relief and truly believe a project has been completed?

In March 2004, when I published the first of two pagan novels, I believe that sigh did pass my lips to escape into the wide blue beyond the clouds.

Having researched needful things, lived Ellie's journey while writing, learned how to format and publish the file, created a cover and found and coped with printers, I wanted little more than see my work go out into the world. But that was not to be.

Most of the first edition sold quickly to collectors keen to snag a first edition. They seemed to have spread a rumour that I was the new JKR - after all, the novel was about magic. I suppose I should have told them that this was not Harry Potter's sort of magic...

Then came a rollercoaster ride and eventually another sigh - yes, of relief. I like my peaceful life.

A hardback edition followed, which did well, then the planned sequel. Cue for another sigh.

Now, at last, after many glitches and setbacks, The Golden Web and Three Magic Women are together as a Kindle, so I've made it free until the 21st May, and thought I'd post the brand new cover here to celebrate. I do hope you'll feel tempted to accompany Ellie on her journey, but I'm not risking any more sighs...