Sylvia May's Blog, page 12

My first book event

 Back in August, when my friend Jill heard that my book was being released, one of the first things she said was, "I want to host a book event for you!" Jill is a combination of Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, and her own special kind of hostess, so I was thrilled and honoured. We pulled out our calendars and set a date.
Last night, October 13th, our planning and preparation culminated in a wonderful evening. The refreshment table overflowed with goodies--white sangria, cider, crudites, cheeses...

Thinking About Writing

I love to write. I just do it and don't often think about why I write. But last week when I was interviewed for the Emerging Novelists website, I was asked some questions that made me think about it.

I realized that writing is my way to process my experiences and thoughts. Through writing I can wrestle with questions and isssues by having my fictional characters struggle through crises. Certainly, I derive pleasure in playing with words, but writing is my way of sorting out life.

In case you...

Writing (Critique) Groups

Writers are solitary people. We sit at our computers (or with pen in hand) to create characters, places and events. We can only do this alone, because in order for our characters to emerge from us we need to have a clear channel from our brain to our hands. I find it so rewarding to be working in a quiet place, getting lost in a scene, playing with words to make them sound just right.

And yet, what has helped me to grow as a writer more than anything else is my participation in critique...

The Thrill of Holding MY BOOK in my Hand

As you may recall from an earlier post, I had arranged to have the print copies of my book sent to my daughter's address in Ontario, since shipping them to Bermuda was costly. Last week we flew to Ontario, and of course it was wonderful to walk through the door of our daughter's house and give her and our son-in-law big hugs.

But then I made a beeline for the box I saw sitting in the kitchen waiting for me. We all gathered round as I slit through the tape and opened the box. What a thrill to s...

About the Book

I'm guest blogging at the Cozy Chicks today. Check it out.
Have you ever had to move away and start over in an unfamiliar place? Leave behind family and friends and everything familiar? If so, then you're sure to relate to the main character of my book, The Unraveling of Abby Settel.

Cozy Chicks: Mid-Life Reinvention

Cozy Chicks: Mid-Life Reinvention: by Sylvia May

Have you ever had to pack up your life and move? Leave everything behind and start over again? In The Unraveling of Abby...

It's Here!!!

I woke up very early this morning. Very early.

Today's the day! My book is out in the world. Today you can buy it from Amazon or directly from the publisher, Turquoise Morning Press. Soon you'll also be able to purchase it from Barnes&Noble, Kobo, or even order it from a bookstore. Be sure to check out my website to find out all about The Unraveling of Abby Settel.

Am I excited? You bet I am.

But, if I'm completely honest, the excitement of the release has been slightly dampened by the fact...

The Day Before Release

Tomorrow is the big day. My book will be released to the world!

It's been quite a week. I've been prepping for a big send-out as soon as the book is "live" -- compiling email lists, setting up author pages, updating my website...

I've received thrilling emails from my publisher, Kim, about the book going to print, about e-book files, preparing for release date. As she put it, we've birthed a book.

Tomorrow you'll be able to order your copy -- as a trade paperback or digitally for a variety of e...

Leading up to Release

Today is August, the month of my book release. In 22 days, my manuscript will be available as a book. It feels a bit surreal to me.
People have been asking me how things are going with the book, and what I've been doing with it prior to its release. In response, I thought I'd list the tasks I've been involved with over the last month or so in preparation for the big day.
*First there were the edits. My editor, Wendy, and I worked through the manuscript a couple of times to...