I'm continuing with Aqua heading towards publication. I was hoping to have sold a few more copies of WOTW to finance the operation, but I'm nowhere near breaking even on that novel - yet.

The illustrator I thought I'd found on fivesquid has let me down. He re-contacted after I sent him everything I had, to say he had a better offer of work and was going with that instead. I feel a bit like I've been gazumped. Sadly for him he wasn't aware I fully intended to pay him much more than the pathetic £5 Fivesquid advertise and more like the amount my new illustrator Amelia is going to be paid. Still his loss.

Amelia has come to me via my proof editor Graham and I'm hoping she's do a good job despite this being her second go at novel covers. I checked out her artwork, which is more WOTW, but I'm pleased to say she has agreed to have a go. I like that. The cover, when it's done will be copyright to us not some invisible entity halfway across Europe. I could go into some spiel about my views on the referendum, but for your sakes will desist.

The proofing continues with my interpretation of Graham's comments about more show by moving some of the narration into either dialogue or thought monologue. It does seem to be making the story more immediate, more the characters story and less mine. I just hope I haven't overdone it. Unfortunately this involves another round of proof editing again for Graham.

So cover, hopefully moving. Story itself? We are up to chapter 16 of 21 (I think) 14 - 16 came back a while ago while I was deep in 11 - 13 re-writes, I'm working my way through those now. 17+ will be altered before it goes off to Graham, saving me a few pennies.

This novel is going to cost about third more than WOTW to publish - Just have to work harder I guess or get a second job!

I did another book signing stall at another local fair, but it wasn't worth the money. I made a grand profit of £1.50. Yes I did spend some of the profit on a cup of tea and fried egg roll. Okay and a pair of lovely earrings, but I did expect more.

I'm off to King Ethelbert's school in July for a signing and also Broadstairs Library on July ?2nd where I'm doing a session on 'Writing for Children. Anybody interested just use my contact page for more details.

The proof editing is well under way for Aqua. Formatter and printing company both on board.

I've told my boss my second publication is due out this year and warned her it's not in any way like the other 'nice' one. Her reply was okay, provided my author's page doesn't say what I do and where I work. No way! I'd be far to embarrassed to go back to work afterwards if it did.  No, this time there will be no bio, I wish to remain incognito for the most part. Well, as incognito as you can be trying to make a name for yourself with a terribly sexually violent novel. Maybe I'll get a male body double to be my alter-ego?

I've had yet another re-think on the pen name subject. Gone back to my original name once I realised it wouldn't be on sale in the same parts of a bookshop or library. Likewise kindle etc tends to be under genre too. Mind you I did like C.M.Salt. Had a very manly ring to it I thought.

The cover is blown - so to speak. After securing and paying for the copyrights to an image of a cruise liner I find the main image of a tropical storm which I love, does in fact belong to someone who sold the image to Wisconsin Weather Website USA. Damn and blast, back to square zero on that issue. I have secured one thing though a book cover designer, though he was hoping to use my image. It'll now just have to have knives, guns and nude women all over it instead I guess.

If you know of any women who'd like to life model for the silhouette drop me a line!