C.L. Peache's Blog, page 40

Getting creative and adapting to life

Well, since last month there has been a lot of ups and downs – but then, that seems to be life for the vast majority of people during these difficult times. Also, how fast is time going? How is it November? I feel like I’m going to wake up one morning to discover I’ve reached the ripe old age of 90 ((I’m saying nothing!)) with no idea where the time went, only that it went by at 100 miles an hour with no moment to breathe. I suspect many people feel like that, it’s very much a time of reaction to day to day changing events.

Adapting is probably one of the most useful skills anyone can have. When so much is happening, it requires real determination and inner strength to keep going when all you want to do is hide under the duvet with a big box of chocolates and drink Baileys through a straw ((Just a normal day for you then Peachy)) But I’m from Yorkshire and basically stubborn as they come, so failure is not an option or a word I recognise. If something doesn’t work or I get a no – which I recently received from the Arts council for a creative project I’m helping to develop in Newark. Does that mean the project fails before it’s even started? Of course it doesn’t. It means I sit down and apply for multiple jobs which give me the opportunity to do both. Unlike a lot of people, I like working, but it must be the right job that compliments my life. Life is way too short to be unhappy at work. I’m a sucker for routine and find work is the best way to ensure you have this. I also like the challenge of work and the social interaction that comes with it. ((You mean you like talking!))

I’m passionate about the new creative project I’m developing in the heart of Newark; which involves offering creative writing workshops – in fact, the first workshop is already full, providing it can run in these strange new times. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and having found the perfect space, I cannot wait until I have the freedom to really push this creative project. I’m looking forward to supporting creative people, having new friends visit and the mental break to focus on something we all enjoy will be very welcome. Anyway, this project will fully launch in the new year and I’m excited to share it all with you. ((I’m sure you keep teasing people with this – get on with it Peachy and tell us what’s happening?)) All in good time, Brackets. Projects like this take time to organise and not to mention the painting, cleaning, and purchasing of essential items… ((I don’t think new notebooks count!))

Anyway, I didn’t really intend to chat about this today, I was going to talk more about my Patreon account and the cover for my new fantasy book. But there’s those adapting skills being put to use again. This blog is about my journey as a writer and everything that goes on in life is part of that journey and what’s more important than working in a creative space to feed that journey.

I really want to share more about my cover and Patreon account and I might even have some news on the job front, so I might treat you to a sneaky mid-month blog post ((Oh joy, wait whilst I add that to my diary with an invisible pen!!))

Take care my friends, keep adapting and stay strong!

Clair x

P.S. I snapped the picture in Sherwood Forest, it’s a perfect representation of adapting to whatever life throws at you!

Preparing for NaNoWriMo

So, it’s less than a month until NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month. Have you signed up? Have you done it before? Want to buddy up for the month? ((okay calm down with the questions, Peachy you’re giving me a headache))

For those that haven’t done it before, I will include a link below so you can find out more and register. The website has lots of writing aids and you earn badges when you complete your word-counts so what is not to love! The aim of NaNoWriMo is to write a novel in the month of November or 50,000 words, which is less than most novels but it’s an incredibly good start!

nanowrimo.org

I love doing NaNoWriMo as it focuses me to get those words down on the page and it doesn’t matter if it’s complete nonsense ((Most of what you write is nonsense, Peachy so I wouldn’t worry too much)) you can always edit it later. But it makes you find the time to write – especially if you’re busy. I’m always trying to find time and even though I’m always running around like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland – I will add that I’m never late though – just busy. If you’re an author, working in the freelance world, hustling many jobs, and have a mortgage to pay ((not forgetting the fizz, holidays and book/stationery addiction)) you need to hustle to earn every single half penny ((showing your age there!))

If you’re thinking about giving NaNoWriMo a go, then go for it. Why not? I always aim to reach my goal, if I say I’m going to do something, then I do it, but if I didn’t manage to achieve the 50k then I would have done my very best. Everyone will have a different goal, some people use it to start a novel, finish a novel or rework a novel. It’s really up to you. You don’t have to write fiction either, it could be another project you want to start/finish.

Anyway, if you want to buddy up to encourage each other throughout November then shout up and either add me to your account or let me know and I will find you in the virtual world; either on my blog, Twitter or NaNoWriMo. I’m going to try and share my wordcount each day. My project is to work on book two of my fantasy novel; book one should be out in November/December! Exciting. I finished book one during NaNoWriMo in 2019!

Right, that’s it from me. Next month I’m hoping to finally share the news of my creative project and my Patreon account, which I have set up and will aim to build on over the coming months. It’s here is you want to have a sneak peek… C.L. Peache

Clair x

Working together during lockdown

So, this month I’m delighted to share that I will have another book published! ((Show off)) Now, I cannot claim the full word count as this has been another collaborative project with my writing group. Last year we published a book, Burning Old School Ties. This new book has been written by a coven of thirteen ((Ohhhhhh spooky – just like the book!)) It’s been a pleasure to write another book with such an amazing group of people. Lockdown has made this project harder, but we managed it! Luckily, we have an online forum which we use and through the power of tech we can catch up. I really enjoyed creating my story in our book and cannot wait to hold a copy of these Gothic Tales in my hand.

I’ve stolen this blurb ((COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT!!) Calm it Brackets, I have permission ((Does the group know that?)) maybe stolen was the wrong word. I’m sharing the information our boss, a.k.a chair person, Nick has cleverly knocked together for our online event on Sunday 27th September 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm as part of the Newark Book Festival online events. The tickets are free or you can give a donation to the festival… www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/1521-2

Fosseway Writers are Newark’s local writing group and last year produced a collaborative novel, Burning Old School Ties: a unique writing project by eight authors writing eight intertwined tales within one story about a school reunion. This year they are launching The Brinwade Chronicles, a collection of Gothic short stories centred around a fictional village close to Newark, written by an expanded coven of thirteen authors. Join Nick Rowe and a few other writers from the group to find out how they share ideas, discuss key features, and help each other in collective and individual projects.

Sadly I won’t be part of the online event as I will have my other hat on working for Newark Book Festival that weekend and I think that by Sunday evening I will be only capable of watching and not talking. I might try and think of some difficult questions though!

It was fun working on a Gothic themed book and I hope everyone will enjoy the gruesome, funny, and spooky tales we have created. If you’re ever in Brinwade… watch out! ((I hope your character Caleb never wants to be my friend!))

If you’re not part of a writing group I can highly recommended it. Our group is so friendly, and the support is so important, more so now, than ever. You might be hesitant about joining in online, but if you have the technology, then go for it. Remember they are all people who like writing, just like you and they were nervous about joining once upon a time. If your new group is anything like our group, then you won’t regret joining.

Right that’s me done, nearly… I’ve also being working on a project with a few local creative people… watch this space ((Well don’t actually watch this space as that would be really boring. Also, Peachy it’s no wonder you never have any time to yourself with all these networking sessions and collaborations! Take five minutes why don’t you.)) Oh Brackets, people might think you care!

See you next month folks. x

P.S. I did have a lovely picture set up with all the Fosseway book covers. At 9pm last night i decided that maybe i shouldn’t reveal the cover of the new book before the group does! So it’s a lovely picture of a beach in New Zealand instead

Publication day. Stick to your genre…

Hi everyone,

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Where did last month go! It’s been a blur of helping to organise the Newark Book Festival and finally finally, finally getting my travel book out there! ((You sound like an old broken record Peachy)) Oh I feel like one Brackets, especially when it comes to my travel book!

My blog in April was all about publishing my book; 187 Kilometres, turn left. So, I’m not going to waffle about it more today. ((small mercies!))

I wanted to chat a little bit about genres, both writing and reading different genres. I very rarely stick to one genre, both when reading and writing. If I’m writing a fantasy story I tend not to read/listen to them as I don’t want to be influenced or accidentally steal a characteI wanted to chat a little bit about genres, both writing and reading different genres. I very rarely stick to one genre, both when reading and writing. If I’m writing a fantasy story I tend not to read/listen to them as I don’t want to be influenced or accidentally steal a character or plot line – something I do have regular panic attacks about! I struggle to stay in my genre when it comes to writing. I’m unable to settle to one, as once I get an idea, the characters rule what I write. I completely understand why it’s suggested to stick to a genre as there might be an expectation from a reader that they want ‘more of the same’ from an author. But I have tried and failed, and I also think it is one of the big plus points for self-publishing. I can write and publish what I like.

As I said, I understand that if you have agent and a traditional publishing deal, swapping genres would be hard. You’re marketing to a specific audience and I suppose there are possibly readers out there that will only read thrillers or romance or fantasy or biographies and maybe they don’t like to read anything else. But I’m sure there must be a lot of readers out there that are like me and like variety in their books. I really wouldn’t mind reading a fantasy and a chick-lit by the same author as sometimes it’s the style of writing that I enjoy, and the story could be any genre.

What do you think about reading or writing different genres? Do you know any blogs you can share that have gone into more detail? ((I’m sure they’ve spoken about it a lot more eloquently and to the point than you, Peachy))

Anyway, I said I wasn’t going to waffle in this one. Quite frankly I’m worded out with everything that has been going on lately. So, I’m going to leave you in peace. ((Sorry, I nodded off Peachy – what’s happened? You… not waffle?? Are you ill? Should I call 111? Are you still hungry?? That’s the main way I can tell if you’re really ill?))

If you want to read my travel journal about my trip to Singapore, New Zealand, and Sydney then you can buy your copy here… the eBook is only £1.99 187 Kilometres, turn left

See you on the 4th September. Have a fabulous month. Keep writing and reading.  Clair x

BE BRAVE. My steps to publishing…

[image error]Be brave, one step at a time. You will make it to the top

BE BRAVE! My steps to publishing…

Write a novelEdit the novelCreate a coverUpload to the platform of your choiceTa Da – sit back and watch the reviews and the cash roll in…

If only it was so simple! ((Life is never that simple Peachy, and don’t they say the best things in life are harder to get, or you have to work harder to get them or nothing easily achieved is worth having or some such nonsense to make you feel better when you’re sitting at your desk with your swear jar overflowing!)) Quite Brackets. So, I will try and break it down a little bit and hopefully it might help. These are my steps to publishing a book.

Write a Novel – This is the easiest bit for me. I love writing and lucky enough, I have not yet run out of ideas ((Show off! That’s mainly because you have the sick mind of psychopath)) It’s okay Brackets there are plenty of things I’m not good at. ((I know, I have a list)) To expand on this a little bit. So, you have an idea for a book. Fabulous, the idea probably struck you at about 3am and your characters won’t rest and you either have to write it down on the notepad you keep at the side of your bed, and then you hopefully drop back off to sleep or like me, you have to get up and write it just to shut them up! Then at some point you find some time and sit at your desk and off you go. Unless you’re a planner and must create many spreadsheets before you start. Either way, it’s a start. One recommendation – it’s always worth saving your work in multiple locations – even though I’m careful, I’ve lost work and it is very annoying. ((Get on with it Peachy – honestly wish someone would edit your blog posts!))

Okay so you’ve finished writing your novel and had the satisfaction of writing THE END. ((Woohoo crack open the champagne and let’s get the party started!)) hang fire there Brackets, I’m a writer you know – as in poor. I will be cracking open my £4.99 bottle of fizz and drinking every last drop!

So, what comes next…

THE EDITING… ((oh no, this strikes fear into my heart Peachy)) you and me both. Now I will confess that at the beginning of my writing journey I didn’t enjoy editing, not… one… bit. ((I remember the whinging!)) I’d written the story and I wanted to move onto the next one. If I were rich, I would email my novel to my editor and say, “make it so” and have a shiny new novel ready to upload and publish. But we all know real life does not work this way. I’ve gone from hating (I do not use that word lightly) to now enjoying the editing process. Not only does a good edit make your story tighter, stronger and cleans it up, it also makes you a better writer – well that’s the plan. ((That didn’t quite work out for you then!))

Editing also involves people reading it – this is followed by sleepless nights as you wait for people to give you their verdict. I’m lucky to have quite a few people that beta read my work and give me feedback. I’m now paying someone to do a professional final edit and I think the next stage for me is find a proof-reader for the final, final, final edit before publication. I’ve met a lot of people through my writing group, and some of the group help me with the editing – for me it was extremely important to have someone that I could learn from, and not just someone that would return my novel covered in red pen with no guidance. ((No-one professionally edits this blog so don’t judge her book by the blog – see what I did there!))

My normal editing process…

Use word editor to check for any issuesRead on the screen and editChange into a different font and edit on screenPrint, read and editMake amendments and then send to beta readersMake amendments from feedbackRead through again on screenSend to editorMake amendmentsFull read throughSend to people for a final checkOrder proof copyRead and make amendments

((Do you want to add one more Peachy? You’re sending chills down my cables with only thirteen processes.))

CREATING A COVER. In the early days I created my own covers as I didn’t have the money to pay someone. You can create some great covers using free software like Canva or by uploading images into Photoshop. I had a particular cover in mind for my travel book and by this point I’d met the most amazing artist, Christine from www.artandsolescompany.com/ so there was no other option than for me to pay for it, and the results are stunning – so no going back to creating my own. They say that the cover sells the book and of course it does as it’s the first thing you see. I’m definitely guilty for judging a book by the cover!

UPLOADING – So, your book has been edited and you’ve got an amazing cover and now for the easy part! Uploading and creating your book. I know a few indie authors use a few different platforms like Kobo and Apple for example. But I’ve only ever used Amazon. Although these systems do have guidelines and videos, they can still be a bit tricky to format and I would always recommend ordering a proof paperback copy before making it ‘live’. With my latest book I decided to pay to have it professionally typeset and wow, the results are beyond anything I expected. I used a local company called Narrator and I highly recommend them if you need a typesetter. It really does take your book to the next level. Check out their work here… www.narrator.me.uk

MARKETING – Once you have a wonderful shiny book, then comes the marketing, which is a whole different blog post. Getting your marketing right is tricky, especially in this new world. I’ve developed friendships across different platforms, and I’ve seen many people that try and get as many followers as they can, and I get that. But I prefer to interact with people and so have stepped away from just joining in on the writing lifts on Twitter. I’m much more likely to retweet posts for other people’s book if I interact with them and want them to do well. I’m not bothered about the numbers. Which is probably the worst marketing idea but oh well ((great advice there Peachy – i bet people are over the moon that they tuned into this month’s blog of boredom! I’m so funny… blog of boredom ha-ha))

So what I’m really saying, is that if you want to create a professional looking book then unfortunately there is no way around paying for it – unless you have some of the extra skills on top of being a writer, and even then, editing your own work is impossible as you just cannot see the errors when you’re so close to the story and characters. I didn’t have the money to do any of this in the beginning, I relied on friends and family and my own limited skills to build up my knowledge and was just brave enough to press that button and make the book live! That never gets an easier by the way. As soon as you press ‘it’ you inevitably spot an error – that’s life.

I think the most important lesson is… learn to be brave. Its very easy to listen to those negative thoughts telling you your story is no good or what if you have missed some errors. Well, just do your best. I’ve spotted glaring errors in books published by big publishers. Obviously, you want it to be perfect, but typos happen to the best of us. What if people don’t like it? What if they leave you a bad review? I’ve had a bad review and I’d prepared myself for it so when it arrived, I accepted it and moved on ((Not before printing it, shredding it and burning it and stamping on the ashes)) Well come on Brackets that’s fair enough, surely! The overwhelming support I have from my friends, family and writing group makes such a difference and I’ve even had fantastic reviews from people I don’t know and honestly haven’t paid them for amazing comments! So that really makes it all worth it. BE BRAVE PEOPLE. BE BRAVE ((who do you think you are, William Wallace!))

I hope this has been helpful and not overwhelming. Remember you write because you love it, because you love your story and characters and lets face it you have no choice in the matter as the characters will tell you what to do! First job is to finish your story and then take it one step at a time.

Have a great weekend. Happy writing*. xx

*As always any errors in this blog post are down to my editor, Brackets. Please address all amendments to him. thank you

((Oi… wait… Peachy… no… don’t end. I want to add a disclaimer… it’s not my fau…

2020 you started so well… a routine amid the chaos… taking back control

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Well we have been in lockdown for a while now and I don’t know about anyone else, but it took until mid-May for me to finally find my feet in the new world we find ourselves in. I still sometimes wonder what the hell happened. One-minute life was running along nicely, I’d had a few holidays. In January I went freelance and started my new job working part-time for Newark Book Festival. I’d had a great chat with an agent about my book, my travel journal was all ready to go and then suddenly the world went into absolute bloody chaos!

After we’d already organised 75% of the festival, we then had to re-imagine it and it felt like we were organising it all over again. Certainly, a baptism of fire into this new world. I don’t think I’ve ever helped to write so many emails! Also, not helpful that my income will be affected throughout the year and because I’m newly self-employed I’m not entitled to one penny, not even a half penny – showing my age! ((You need to start selling more books Peachy. Everyone is stuck at home now; they might even read your erm amazing books… Phew think I got away with that one folks))

As I said in my last blog, I had to postpone the launch of my New Zealand paperback (eBook currently still available!) because there was a delay in receiving the proof copy due to the pandemic… and this is probably part of the reason even big publishers have had to delay launches. Also, most of the book festivals and events have had to cancel, or find a new way to run them, so it means most of those promotional opportunities have been lost or gone online. Which in turn means the online world is flooded with so much information I sometimes hide my phone because it becomes overwhelming.   ((It must be bad Peachy; you’re not known for your emotion… and you’re a social media addict!))

To my point about the agent, earlier in the year I’d paid to have a 1-1 with an agent to get feedback on my psychological thriller. This seemed to go really well. I was given the suggestion to change my target audience from adult to young adult and went away to change a few chapters to see if I could adapt it to this style. Resent the chapters, thinking that I was going to get feedback on if it works, or maybe potentially an offer of representation, only to get an email nearly three months later ((Hence the patience!)) yes Brackets, although the world had gone into crisis at this point so in this case anyone can be forgiven for taking longer. But basically, it was a rejection and I didn’t even get the constructive feedback I thought I was going, and that’s where that story ends, because only so much energy and time can be given to negativity and sometimes that’s just the way the cookie crumbles.

So, what do you do? It’s Friday afternoon and you’ve received disappointing news after waiting a long time. Your novel is gathering dust, your characters stamping their feet. I didn’t feel like I could work on that novel until I received the feedback and what I did get, has gotten me no further than I was three months ago. ((It’s a tricky one Peachy – you could make yourself a gin and forget the tonic? Eat a couple of bars of chocolate, ramming them in your mouth whilst singing along to a sad song like in Bridget Jones diary… or you can have a massive tantrum filmed on that new app thing and become an internet sensation!))  I think I will pass on all those Brackets unless you can make that a glass of fizz or Baileys.

Well what did I do? I read the email. Reflected on the comments. Rang my mum because at 44 my mum is still my ‘go to’ person. Messaged and Facetimed some of my wonderful friends. Then I did what I do. I assimilated all the information to hand. I’d been reading that submissions to agents are up and in an already tough market I thought do I really want to spend all that time and energy on a submission, when it would be likely to be lost in void… this is not being defeatist or grumpy because I’ve had a rejection, but I see signs that the market has changed. Debut authors and established authors are having their book launches delayed – some until next year and into 2022. So, what does this mean for new authors trying to find a voice in an already challenging market? I don’t know, I’m not an expert. I can only decide what that means to me.

In the interest of being honest which is what I always try to do. What would I be saying now if the email had been more positive? ((Yippee. Pass me the champagne probably and shot of café patron.)) You’re not wrong there Brackets. All notions of self-publishing would have been put to one side whilst I focused on re-writing my story in a different way, and who is to say that after all this it would have been successful. I’ve heard a lot that writers say be true to your style. So, who knows, that story is for another version of me to live out in an alternative universe ((Ohhh, I love a bit of Sci-fi!!)) Me too Brackets.

I’m not one to give up. I’m made up of at least 95% stubbornness and I’m certainly thankful that I am. I have lots of patience, but do I really want to send off my novel again and leave it sitting in an inbox for three months while I wait for someone to decide on my future. Or adapt to a changing market and stick to self-publishing for a while and start submitting at another point in time. This puts me back in control and my success back into my own hands. With this comes a cost, because paying for editing, proof reading, covers and formatting all comes at a price. I’ve self-published four books now and feel I have the experience and an amazing group of talented people to help me publish books I’m proud of.

Anyway, to my plans and a routine. I sat down one day for a binge watch of Walking Dead, it was either that or Lord of the Rings again. Got my notebook and pens, and as well as writing loads of lists, i also created myself a routine, which included exercise, book festival work, writing, research and social media plans. Immediately I felt calmer and more in control of my life. Three weeks into my routine and it’s working well. Of course, there is a bit of flexibility in there. Emotions are so all over the place, every hour can result in feeling happy, followed by feeling sad and back to happy again… is anyone else the same? I’ve also started having a complete social media break on a Thursday morning ((Come on now Peachy, confess to a sneaky look here and there??)) you give away all my secrets! Yes, I do have the ‘odd’ sneaky look, but overall, I have three hours without interruption and it’s wonderful.

So, to the plans… hopefully towards the end of June I should be able to publish the paperback of my travel book, 187 Kilometres, turn left. I’m waiting for it to be formatted so I can then order my proof copy. I’ve nearly finished writing my Children’s Fantasy novel after having to revisit it when I lost a lot of it – explained in previous blog. ((Dragons!)) Then I will be carrying on with my time travel novel, which is based in Newark and around the Civil War era, which will hopefully be published the end of October. Or maybe I will publish my fantasy novel… ((Dragons!!)) the freedom of being self-published. The one thing I can say is that I’m really enjoying getting back to my characters – writing is such a privilege.

Whatever troubles and setbacks you face, don’t give up. Be patient or find another way to achieve your goal. Every author has a different path to publication. You must do what feels right for you, particularly in this changing world we find ourselves. There is hope, we just need to look for it and believe we can make it.

That’s me signing off until the 1st July. Fingers crossed my travel book will be arriving on a doorstep near you – or flung over a garden fence depending on who delivers it. There might be some special editions available as well…

Take care and stay safe my friends xx

P.S. In the next blog i will talk about the steps to publication. From a spark of an idea – to a real BOOK!!

Finding motivation, challenging times, and working from home

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So, I have literally started this blog about one hundred, and thirty two thousand, eight hundred and forty two thousand million times ((come now, this is never going to be as good as that MP, and it has been done many times, so give it up!))

 I wasn’t quite sure what to talk about this month, but then, you know, it seemed obvious to go with motivation, as let’s face it, it is hard to find any at the moment – I’ve checked behind the sofa, in the emergency drawer, in the cupboard where I chuck stuff when I cannot be bothered to clear up ((what about in your emergency box with the secret stash of chocolate ?)) Brackets, please don’t give up my secrets! I’d written this blog post, I was happy, Brackets had even said a few funny things. I was ready to go, and then… I turned on my PC on Sunday morning and the ‘blue screen of death’ entered my life.

I’m not even going to write the cornflake dark chocolate cluster of things that went wrong because quite honestly, if I submitted that to an agent, they would say they wouldn’t even be able to sell that as a work of fiction – too farfetched would be the rejection, in capital letters, in the subject header – that would have gone into my junk folder.

When I got in touch with the tech company; as thankfully my PC is only 7 months old, so still in warranty, one of the tech options to get in touch with them was ‘Blue screen of DEATH’ ((Does that mean that I nearly died???? Me)) Erm, it was a close call Brackets but luckily for you, you actually live in my twisted mind, so as long as I’m still here, you’re good to go. ((Wait, I live in your mind and not in cyberworld?… I might need counselling to deal with this revelation. I thought I was a free spirit – living in an alternate computer world where I could go anywhere. Where I could be anything, do anything?)) Okay Brackets don’t milk it, I have too much stress going on to deal with your breakdown – I opened a packet of crisps to console myself, the packet was split and they were stale, i could go on… ((Okay, okay Peachy, you win!))

So, back to the subject of motivation. Man alive, it’s hard at the moment. I work freelance so my income pretty much relies on having a working PC. I did actually hide under a blanket the other day as the stress was just too much. Not only the PC causing me problems, but financial problems which means constant phone calls, which inevitably are taking longer because everyone is working from home. Anyone else find that they can deal with the big stresses in life, but when all the small things mount up it just becomes too much, and you feel like the whole world is just picking on you? The tech team did thank me for being so calm when talking to them as they’d received so much abuse. IT problems are so frustrating. But it’s not their fault. ((Good job they didn’t hear you ranting the day before. I checked the swear jar and there’s one hundred, and twenty-two pounds, three hundred, six pence and a couple of old euros)) haha – good one Brackets!

I understand that motivation is very difficult to find at the moment, believe me, I’ve struggled a lot in the last few weeks. But I’ve told myself to Woman up and be grateful for the good things I have in life. If life teaches us anything, it’s that everything passes with time. These are just a few short hours, days, weeks, months and don’t define who we are or what comes next ((Great motivational speech Peachy)) thanks Brackets. ((Wait, the world must have gone mad, we have just been nice to each other!)) In these times more than ever we must look after each other, Brackets. When all else fails, smile…

I’m pretty good at backing up my work – but even so I have lost data, and not to mention having to reload Microsoft, security, and all the websites that I have saved to make life easier. But hey ho, I keep telling myself there are people in worse situations. But then I feel bad that other people lives are worse than mine. Anyway, if you’ve made it this far without consuming alcohol or Valium, then please please please back up your work. DO IT NOW… ((Hold on Peachy… maybe at the end of reading your blog)) Oh yeah, nearly finished…

My blog is about my writing journey and this is all part of it. In my writing news I’m still waiting for some feedback from some submissions. I lost 6,000 words of my Children’s Fantasy novel which was nearly ready to submit ((DRAGONS!!! MAGIC)) so this weekend will be spent rewriting this and back to the editing process before I start submitting.

I also did an Amazon countdown sale for my new travel book, but due to the PC playing up I missed many opportunities, so didn’t get chance to promote it on the Sunday, but again, never mind. I’ve made a few sales over the last week or so and received some fab reviews so that helps to keep the positively pot topped up.

Right, that’s me done, again. Hope you’re all coping in the strange world we find ourselves in. Keep writing if you can, and if you cannot do that, there is always another day. Be kind to yourself and give yourself a break if you don’t manage everything you want to do in day. We can only do our best.

Before I go, what I will say ((come on Peachy, people need to go and save their work)) is that we all need our friends and family or whoever/whatever that support may be at the moment. I’m lucky to have a lot of these wonderful people in my life that bring me down off the ceiling when I’m ranting. There are many places you can get support online, my Twitter pals are fab, join a writing group, engage with people on Instagram, Facebook or a WordPress blog. That connection with the outside world really does help.

Take care everyone, stay safe, and see you next month

Cover reveal… my New Zealand travel book is LIVE!

[image error]Well, finally, after a lot of work… I’m excited to reveal my travel book…
(How amazing is the cover? I love it!)

187 Kilometres, turn left
 
This book is about our bucket list road trip around New Zealand with a stop in Singapore and a week in Sydney. This was a trip I’ve always wanted to make, and since I cannot drive, I dragged my Other Half along as it wouldn’t have been much of a road trip without the car! I decided that I wanted to keep a journal of our amazing journey and this journal, eventually, turned into this book.

When we decided to make this dream a reality, we couldn’t find many travel guides that were just about an everyday person with an affordable budget. There were lots of blogs and YouTube videos but not many actual books. Our budget was £100 spending money per day and then accommodation, flights, insurance, car hire etc on top and overall our budget was 10K.
 
There are so many little things that we wished we had known before we went which would have made our lives easier and avoided some stress, so I’ve added lots of top tips.

Reviews so far include, “I laughed out loud” (my friend) “Bloody Brilliant” (my mum) “I would do that in Singapore – thanks for the tip” (my friend) “You’re so funny, everyone will love it” (I’m sure my friend said that)
I’m sure lots of famous people will also comment once they have read it. If Bill Bryson gets to read this, I hope he sends me a quote – if only to make one of my friends jealous. Well, that’s as long as he says something nice… (love you Bill)
 
You might also notice there is a new tab on my website – this has a selection, a very very small selection of our photos – we took over 4,000! Hopefully they will give you a little extra visual representation of our holiday.
 
The e-book is available today from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2xog5tI

It’s been a very difficult time getting all this together. Motivation during this daily changing world is a real challenge and I planned on doing a cover reveal and then have my book available for pre-order, and do a whole social media campaign – but that is just too much at the moment so I’ve decided to send my little book out into the world and see what happens! Due to the order restrictions on new books I’m unable to make my paperback live at the moment. Once the restrictions have been lifted, I will do a ‘launch’ for the paperback. I’m so sad that I cannot offer the physical book as the cover is divine. My fabulous talented friend, Christine Goldschmidt created my amazing cover and I’m sure you will agree that it is beautiful. I highly recommended Christine Goldschmidt, if you would like any art work creating, you can find her here… www.artandsolescompany.com

I’m sure launching a travel book in the middle of a global pandemic won’t be a problem! If you cannot physically travel, you can mentally travel through my book and then you will be poised ready to book your flights and adventure!
 
Right that’s it from me. Short and sweet this month. Hopefully some exciting news to update you on next month!
 
Stay safe everyone x

A chat with an agent, Twitter hours, travel books and self-publishing

[image error]My new notebook! Love it.

Hello everyone, I cannot believe another month has gone by! 

Last month on the journey to become a published author, I took part in an agent 1-1 which was arranged through two fabulous people, Elane and Sarah who are the brains behind Iaminprint. I’ve spoken about them before as I’ve taken part in their webinars. They have had some amazing webinars which involves them chatting to an author, agent or someone in the book world.  You can get involved and ask questions and meet some lovely people. You also learn so much listening to other writers’ journeys and insights into the industry in general. ((What exactly did your friend say about you the other day? That you assimilate information like a Borg – Star Trek for those not in the know)) I know Brackets, fantastic compliment. ((I’m not quite sure that was a compliment Peachy)) Anyway, you can learn about market trends, information on submissions, cover letters and tips on how to market your book. You can find them on Twitter or go to their website; www.iaminprint.co.uk  I recommended you sign up and get involved.

Another service they offer is a 1-1 with an agent. I paid £60, but the prices do vary. Now, I know that is a lot of money, well it is, and it isn’t. I know there are people that would love to do this and really don’t have the money, but Iaminprint do offer some bursaries. I paid for mine using the money I’d earnt from self-publishing my novellas. This is money well spent reinvested into my writing journey.

As well as the webinars, I’ve taken part in Twitter hours with writing groups – which sadly i don’t always have time for, but really enjoy them. I’ve paid to have a 1-1 session to go through my manuscript – which I did through The Quad in Derby – I’ve spoken about this is a previous blog.  This cost me £20 at the time. Everyone has their own journey, but I found these really useful. I hope they are to you if you decide to try them.

I’m really limited on time, so I will keep this blog short ((Hurrah. I’ve tried to keep quietish until now since you were talking about serious stuff and not just moaning or waffling like normal!)) This is a very serious blog about my writing journey, Brackets and I only moan when appropriate. Nothing I can say about the waffling, I do waffle. I like talking, what can I say!

Following on from my 1-1, I’m now looking at changes I need to make to my novel. I also need to try and plot, and plotting has never been something I’ve ever done. I’m a direct download from brain to page writer, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and it’s all part of the development. I’m also reading some books and doing some more research on book blurbs. If anyone has any hours free, then please send them my way!

This is obviously going to take some hustling because I’m already very busy, but as my friend said, I do assimilate information and the bonus is I’m knackered at bedtime so the illusive sleep of late should be solved! As I’ve said in another blog, I started a new job In January, which I love, but all new jobs are more time consuming because I always want to do my best and that requires dedicating time to that success.  I’m also in the process of getting my New Zealand travel journal ready to self-publish in April. ((Alright give over now Peachy you will be giving people anxiety!)) Sorry if I am, I don’t mean to freak anyone out. I know many people that are even busier than me and remember, I don’t have children, so that gives me quite a few extra hours in a day!

Quick last update on my travel book. I had a great meeting with a friend from my writing group who is editing my travel book. There was not as much ‘pink’ pen as I thought there would be. Phew! If you’re judging me by my blog, there is a disclaimer that I don’t have time to seriously edit this. Which means, these blogs are raw ramblings ((Don’t let me near it with a pot of tippex!)) Anyway, we had a productive chat about all the corrections as I want this to be a learning process as well as the ultimate goal of having a well edited book. I’ve been trying to work out a timeline for publication based on everything else I have to do and think it’s going to go something like this…

coffee

Cover reveal and pre-order on the 1st April, which is the date we returned from our epic 43-day adventure visiting New Zealand, Singapore and Sydney.

coffee

Publication date of hopefully, fingers and legs crossed ((Ha – yeah right!)) of 25th April. I will delay or even publish on the 1at April if it is perfect as I cannot wait to share my adventure.

coffee

That’s it from me and Brackets for another month. See you on the 1st April for an early blog and cover launch. For those eagle eyed amongst you I’m not going to blog on the 1st of the month – well that’s the plan!

coffee

Right off to find someone to steal some time from…

coffee

((You’re not having any of mine Peachy. I’m need my time for cyber networking))

Happy writing. See you on the 1st April for the cover reveal x

Lone working, meetings, rejections, holidays and fitting life in!

[image error]Because sometimes you have to take in the view…
take a deep breath and relax…

Lone working, a meeting of friends, rejections, holidays and fitting life in!

The last month has been a bit of a rollercoaster ((here we go again… wait while I set up an orchestra of tiny violins)) The new year resolutions and best laid plans for making sure I followed my carefully prepared spreadsheet hasn’t gone well ((tell the good folk why?)) As I said in my last blog I’m now working for Newark Book Festival and any new job requires a bit more attention in the early days, and when you love what you do its easy to ignore the carefully prepared spreadsheet and go off grid ((What Peachy actually means is that she ended up having a long weekend in London followed closely by a long weekend in Cornwall)) Okay, okay I was going to confess it was due to being on holiday as well – give a girl a chance.

Anyway, all this resulted in being behind on my own work because of my unplanned trips. I did get a rejection for one of my submissions – which, whilst disappointing, it was a nice email and came back quickly and, in this world, any answer received quickly is a bonus. Submissions are on my ‘new year resolution list’ so I need to get ahead of the game and focus some time on these whilst balancing a job, writing, having holidays, cleaning the skirting boards, drinking coffee, blogging, networking… ((Alright give over – no-one is going to feel sorry for you – That’s life, stop moaning every month and get on with it))

Lone working can be a struggle and takes a bit of getting used to. When you’re self-published you become everything, writer, administrator, marketing department, editor, cover designer, the list goes on and you still have to live a normal life and those skirting boards won’t clean themselves! This in mind, I have a couple of friends that are also consumed by the creative world. I say consumed because if someone asked me if they should start writing, I would have to caution them against doing it unless they can endure the sleepless nights due to ‘inspiration’ hitting. The constant panic that you’re doing something wrong, or people won’t like your work. Taking the decision to write in March 2018 was one of the best and most life changing decisions I’ve made. ((Is that why your consumption of alcohol has increased along with your holidays! Oh, the dramas of being a creative!))

My friends and I met in a secret location… two artists and two writers. It was great fun and by unanimous decision we are going to make it a regular occurrence – well as regular as we can manage. Basically, as well as having a chat and supporting each other we can share skills and ideas, as one of the problems of being self-employed is having the money for things when you start to become successful. Website, marketing, blogs, materials – these all require time and money. Between us, we have many skills that can be shared for free, tips on what artists materials to buy, what to avoid, what gadgets work better to make work more productive, story ideas, marketing website and promotion. If we didn’t have any of these skills to share, it would still be invaluable to get together with like-minded creative people.

Right that’s it from me this month, if you’re submitting work then good luck. If you’re thinking of joining a local group, then go for it. We can all use a little more support. I feel so much better for having a little whinge. ((erm before you go, I would like to point out to the readers that you are in fact on holiday… again!!)) Yes, yes Brackets, but I will actually be working on my travel journal… what better place than on holiday – so really, it’s a working holiday… stop telling everyone. I’ve already got the nickname Judith… ((You have an answer for everything. I’m off to restring my violins))