ONE DOOR CLOSES...

These last four months have been traumatic for me on a personal level. Now I am at a point where, with much sadness and loss, I am moving on. The only positive point out of my sorrow is that I have been able to concentrate on writing a lot more, and reading. I have read so many books in the last month I have lost count, but equal to the one book a day of my past life.

Meanwhile, Gristle's Revenge moves ever nearer publication. My formatter Geoff, has been amazing as usual, and is assisting me tightening up punctuation. Who knew question marks and exclamations had so much work to do?! Hoping to have that finished today or tomorrow.

Next week, all being well, will see the novel going off to print. First, I'll receive the proofing copy and if that is ok, it'll be print ahoy. My aim is to launch on 1st December. As it's Worlds Aids Day and its a cause close to my heart after a good friend passed away and with me working in the field in the NHS for a number of years, I've decided to donate £1 from every one of my books sold on the day (regardless of which book) to the Terrance Higgins Trust. I'm hoping Waterstones will be able to support that because last time they took 50% of the takings.

I've emailed Waterstones, as directed by the store manager at Waterstones Westwood Cross. Seems they've changed their procedure regards local authors since Witch on the Warpath was published and now the manager doesn't decide whether the book can be launched at their store, but the area buyer.

Sadly, my last novel Aquasapien wasn't so lucky, despite their head office requesting a free copy it never appeared in their stores. Hence the reason, despite getting great feedback from readers and a request for a follow-up novel, that I still have several hundred copies at home.

Fingers crossed that Gristle's Revenge meets their expectations, otherwise I'm not sure where I can launch it or sell it for that matter. If I had a fairy godmother, I'd wish that someone would take pity on a poor author and agree to sell her novels. Failing that, an agent or publisher consider supporting her. I can dream. Thank god for fantasy, sometimes it's all you've got. Gosh that's a good slogan, might put it in my books when I sign them in future.

I know I've asked before, but a writer can never have enough reviews. I know I've sold more than 4 copies, but there are only 4 reviews maximum for each of my pieces on Amazon and Goodreads. May I ask again, if you purchased a copy, if you read it and if you liked it. Could you please consider leaving a review either on Amazon and/or Goodreads. I sold many books in 2018, but so far no reviews.