Ali Harris's Blog, page 3
June 17, 2014
My Publication Day Diary
Publication day is without doubt the LOVELIEST part of the publishing process. It is the culmination of so many months of hard work, when going out and talking to real people takes precedence over sitting in front of a screen and writing about fictional ones.
Here’s how I spent my day:
PAPERBACK ‘n‘ POLISH
I always get my nails done – usually to compliment my book cover. Well, I can’t have chipped nails when holding up a gorgeous copy of my book now can I? Priorities, people!
SHOP!
On the subject of priorities, shopping is definitely up there as one of mine. But on this day it’s a particular, rather personal type of shopping I like to do… It’s a little ritual of mine to head to the nearest WH Smiths/Waterstones I can find in central London and seek out a copy of my latest book so I can buy it and send it on its way in the world (sometimes with mixed results!). Last year I had a bit of a comedy JR Hartley moment in Waterstones Piccadilly (I’m showing my age now – for those under 30s amongst you I’m referring to a very old Yellow Pages advert!) I went up to the counter and excitedly asked the bookseller for a copy of The First Last Kiss by Ali Harris, only to be told they didn’t have any in stock and that the nearest shop that stocked it was Huddersfield! Talk about having my book bubble burst! Luckily, this year my blushes were saved and I found Written in the Stars on the shelves in Waterstones Charing Cross. Look how proud I am (and look how nice my nails look!)
PROSECCO PIT STOP
After all that exhausting pampering and shopping it’s time to meet my husband for a celebratory glass (or two) of something bubbly. It’s a hard life!
TIME FOR SOME ACTUAL WORK (sigh)
It’s time for a visit to my lovely publishers Simon & Schuster to sign some copies of my book and answer some questions for a lovely podcast on the fabulous www.booksandthecity.co.uk. Check out my attractive book signing face!
PARTY TIME
Exhausted after my day I wearily hop/leap into a cab and head to the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, where my book launch party is being held at the glamorous Red Bar. I just have time for a swift change and a final scribble of my speech before the guests arrive. It was so lovely to see so many friendly faces. There were friends & family…
My sister Jo, best friend Ashling and sis-in-law Aime.
The gorgeous SJV (aka @Booksminx) with my lovely friends Dickon and Nick.
Some author chums who came along to support me (and partake in a glass of prosecco or seven!)
Hannah Beckerman, Rebecca Chance and Paige Toon.
The incredible publishing team at S&S…
Lizzy Kremer, Clare Hey and Jo Dickinson, Isabelle Broom from Heat Magazine and Harriet Moore.
…and a rather special book blogger guest of honour!
Me and Bronagh McAteer of Handwrittengirl.com
SPEECH!
I knew I wanted to thank a few people personally and after slightly freaking out at the prospect of giving an actual speech in public, I decided I needed a little gimmick to help me. So earlier in the day I bought some fluorescent stars from Rymans (no expense spared, ahem!) and wrote on each person’s name I wanted to thank and said a few words about them. Here I am with all my special stars!
After that, well, it’s a bit of a blur to be honest. Let’s just say I headed straight back to that Prosecco pit stop and stayed there for several hours. Well, I only have one book a year, right? Although after the lovely day I had ALMOST convinced myself I could try writing two….
….then I sobered up!
Ali x
June 13, 2014
June 4, 2014
Early reviews for Written in the Stars
What a lovely first review on Amazon for Written in the Stars! And Heat magazine have been equally kind - thank you! Ali x
‘Have you ever looked back and wondered . . . “What if”‘?
Today is publication day!!! Thanks for all your lovely messages and early reviews. If you’d like to find out a bit more about Written in the Stars just head to Books and the City to read my latest interview. Ali x
One day to go & another little quote/life motto from Written...
One day to go & another little quote/life motto from Written in the Stars…
June 3, 2014
Written in the Stars quote 2: After years of indecision Bea...
Written in the Stars quote 2: After years of indecision Bea realises she has to trust her instincts again #inthestars
June 2, 2014
The 1st poster quote from Written in the Stars! Where will Bea...
The 1st poster quote from Written in the Stars! Where will Bea Bishop’s two lives lead her? #inthestars
May 30, 2014
Upcoming events
It’s publication month for WRITTEN IN THE STARS and I’m thrilled to announce I have some signings coming up at Waterstone’s Birmingham and Waterstone’s Cambridge with more to follow! I’m so looking forward to meeting lots of people and signing some books so please do come along if you can!
Ali x
