The ups and downs of a creative life.
It’s raining today in Jersey – how rude! So I thought I would spend the morning catching up on my freelance work and sorting out my book life ((Good luck with that. I have no idea what’s going on with your book life!)) Me neither, which is why writing it down here helps me to focus ((Oh dear. Your poor readers. Switch off now people))
I visited the Harbour Gallery in Jersey and finalised the book launch plans for One Step Ahead which is on Friday 20th June. I will be having an informal book launch in wonderful, creative surroundings. I highly recommended a visit if you come to Jersey, they celebrate all local artists and do lots of fabulous work with schools and young people. I will pop the link below. ((Why are you allowed then? You’re not local!)) Well, I have been visiting Jersey for over 25 years and One Step Ahead is based in Jersey, so that gives me a free pass. One Step Ahead will also be stocked in the Harbour Gallery which is wonderful.
I always like to share the reality of being an author and reviews make such a difference as they help other readers to find my books, the unfathomable algorithm which generally means it shows you things you don’t want, sometimes works. Anyway, every so often I remember to check my reviews as it gives me something to share on my socials and found this beauty for my New Zealand book…
I feel so very mean writing this review, but I have to confession to.make. I have read the author’s book on living on a narrowboat, which, having read a lot of narrowboat books, was so dull I couldn’t finish it. Feeling bad, I then read one of her novels I ordered to write something nice. It was awful, much like a story in a women’s magazine. So then I tried this. If I was going to New Zealand, I think this would be a very good guidebook indeed. I just wish she hadn’t used the word “stunning” on pretty much every page, although I can imagine much of NZ is.
I do think the author has a very engaging way of writing, and I imagine she’s a good and amusing companion. I wish I could go to New Zealand!
((Wow that is absolutely fabulous and no I didn’t write it!)) Now it’s a great review for my NZ book and so far the reader hasn’t left a bad review for the other books which I am very grateful. It is hard enough to push and strive all the time without a bad review knocking you back. I totally understand if people don’t like my books, the earlier you develop a thick skin, ((I’m saying nothing)) the better in this game, but equally, readers have a right to share an honest review. I personally never leave bad reviews for books as i know the hard work which goes into writing one. Anyway, I still received 4 stars so that’s good. ((Actually you can tell it wasn’t me as I wouldn’t say that about you being a good companion)) Also you have to balance out the good reviews received and hope more people like them than not!
On the same day I saw this review I heard from Saltisford Arm – where we have our winter mooring and they’ve sold their stock of Lost the Plot and I received a wonderful review in Waterways Magazine so it all balances out and is the up’s and down’s of this creative life.
I also received the first copies of my Jersey book, One Step Ahead and so had to do the standard unboxing video. Such an exciting feeling as this book has been on quite the journey to reach this stage of publication!
The next six weeks are going to be very busy with the publication of One Step Ahead on 19th June, my book launch in Jersey on the 20th June. Turning 50 ((Still saying nothing)) on the 24th June and then Newark Book Festival 10-13th July and my book event on Sunday 13th July! ((I’m tired just reading this!)) you and me both, but hopefully these events results in a few more sales. One day Rodney! We will also be exploring a new canal and hopefully the vlogs will keep coming over the coming weeks.
If you have read any of my books and enjoyed them ((a focus on enjoyed them!)) it would be wonderful if you could leave a review. Thank you. xx
Amazonlink – Fantasy, travelogues, thrillers, romance and more…
YouTube Channel – Watch our narrowboat adventures here
Bombay Circle Press – My publisher based in Mumbai
Powertheauthor – Buy me a coffee here – saving up to upgrade my website so i can have a virtual bookshop! Until then you can buy from Amazon
Harbour Gallery Jersey
