Spring was dominated by the publication of Secrets in May. Leading up to a book’s launch, the author commits to all manner of publicity and marketing. This can range from writing articles commissioned by mags and papers in return for a plug (of the book, not of the bath…), to interviews across the media (tv, radio and press) to events up and down the country, plus signings in book shops and finally, undertaking daft things to secure any publicity going. In fact, all authors become a little shameless in giving their new books a leg-up! As you may remember from my blog, the leg-up for me came in the form of a ladder propped against a bus. It was fantastic to don a hi-viz jacket and physically fix one of the amazing posters to the side of a London double-decker!
The shenanigans that take place around publication can be as exhausting as they are fun – and the rewards are always well worth it. You must remember, we authors spend most our year in utter silence in the company of people who don’t actually exist – so I for one find it a real thrill to be out and about, meeting the people who really matter (you lot who buy my books, the staff who ensure the shelves are well stocked, the journalists who take shorthand while I gabble nineteen to the dozen, the producers who let me witter on and on, on radio and tv….) (more…)
I KNOW it’s been a long time since I updated my blog and I apologize profusely. I’m going to make it up to you with a lengthy post in the journal section. And when I’m feeling particularly brave, I will try and upload some of the videos I’ve been taking over the last few months.
Anyway, welcome back to all of you – it’s nice to chat after a prolonged silence.
I am extremely excited and honoured to tell you that the magical, awesome Beth Tweddle – Great Britain’s recently crowned World Champion gymnast – is currently reading Secrets. Not just in her spare time, mind. She was reading it in the preparation room just before she took to the floor to win a couple of weeks ago. She recommends reading as a way to focus and prepare and to block out the sound of the crowd. I am thrilled, flattered and humbled, Beth, and I know that all my readers will want to congratulate and thank you for your fantastic achievement (all the more awesome when you consider she is just a month off an op on her ankle). We are very proud of you! Roll on 2012, Ms Tweddle.
I’ve just updated the Journal section for you! All on my ownio! JBC will kill me – it’s long, and I go on and on. And on and on some more… Even the computer thinks I’m an old bore as it’s cut me off, mid-ramble, by automatcially inserting a [read more] button for you to click on. (Note to self: make sure JBC teaches me how to delete that function….my words must be seen IN FULL!!) Anyway, I know you always enjoy hearing my news and you wouldn’t be happy with edited highlights… so make yourself a cuppa, settle down, read and enjoy. And keep in touch! I enjoy your emails and now I can enjoy your comments on the website too!
Follow Me!