COUNTDOWN!!

It’s just days now until the paperback version of my debut novel, TO TURN FULL CIRCLE, hits the shops and the general public. The Kindle version has been available for a few weeks and is already picking up some good reviews…..for which thanks to all those who have posted.

But, it’s the paper version that is dear to my heart because, for me, there’s something about the feel and smell of a new book – all those virgin pages to explore – between my fingers. TO TURN FULL CIRCLE has been a long time coming – not so much the gestation period of an elephant but more like a whole herd of the things. But, oh it’s been worth the wait. My book cover is stunning, for which thanks must go to Berni Stevens. That’s not to say it’s taken me a long time to write this book, it hasn’t. It’s the half dozen or so that came before while I honed my craft that took the time – and are sitting in a drawer waiting for their moment in the sun.

I keep getting asked how long it took me to write – it, in this instance, being TO TURN FULL CIRCLE. I honestly can’t say because during the writing of it I’d often get an idea whilst gardening, or watching TV and I’d nip back to my desk and get it all down before I forgot. Or I’d be on a walk or a cycle ride and something relating to the book would pop into my head and then there’d be a mad scramble for a piece of paper and a pen – I’ve been known to jot something down on the back of an old rail ticket – lest it be lost forever. None of it has been a chore, which I often think the person who asks the question really means….like writing is hard work. Well, yes, it often is. But it’s all self-inflicted, so whinge not, Linda. And there are those wonderful moments when I can sit down and whole scenes just pour out of me.

All the above is on a good day and now, having had to edit a book, I am of the opinion a writer needs to edit a book before she/he really knows how to write one. Already I’m taking a different tack with the sequel – it has the working title of NO TURNING BACK.

When I was a child – in a pre-TV age – I used to amuse myself on wet Sunday afternoons by ‘making’ books. I’d take half a dozen sheets of lined paper from a Jotter (remember those anyone??) and fold them in half, then stitch down the join with embroidery thread in chain stitch to make a book. Then I would be begin. Not quite with ‘It was a dark and stormy night …’ but close to it! And then I put away childish things as The Beatles and boyfriends and holidays in sunny places to its place. So I’ve been something of a late bloomer with this book……but don’t we all love that flower that blooms late in the season after the summer abundance and the greenfly? Well, that’s my theory. And I’m sticking to it.

This coming Thursday – 7th June 2012 – the wonderful Torbay Bookshop in Torquay Road, Paignton – owned and run by Matthew and Sarah Clarke – is hosting a launch party for me. 6 – 7.30 p.m. should anyone be nearby and wish to come along. It will be lovely to meet you.

So…the next post will feature photos of my big event…..I do hope you’ll drop by again to see them.

In the meantime, here’s a picture taken from Paignton pier ….stunning, isnt it?