No peace for the wicked!

 

Been up since 6:30 this morning editing my next novel, The Witness. My publisher wants to do the artwork for the cover in January and they want the text by the end of Jan or early in February. The book should be ready by end of March, so an Easter book launch party then!

 

I hope that everyone who received a copy of my book, The Belgae Torc for Christmas is enjoying the tale. The next book in the 'Torc Trilogy' is on the way, 50,000 words in first draft, so almost half done. Should be ready for publisher by about September.

 

Busy time of the year!

Christmas is almost here and with so much to do I’m wondering if it is a holiday at all.  Friday 21^st was the day my works dinner had been arranged, it was also the day I traditionally lunch with a number of friends.  In the past these lunches have been extended drinking sessions where we end up well lubricated and in full Christmas spirit, but this year I had to moderate what I ate a drank as I was going out that evening.  The day went off smoothly enough with me spending a satisfactory amount of time and effort on each ‘jolly’.

Christmas Eve should be good this year.  There was a time when a few of us met up for Christmas Eve to have a meal and drink good wine.  We vowed to always meet up at this time of the year and for many years this came to pass, then one of the couples decided to emigrate to Australia and our Christmas jollies came to an end.  The others in our group, losing heart, just seemed to melt away and we never met up again.  This year however, my friends are back from Aus for a holiday and they are coming to our house for a meal and to keep the tradition going, even though seven years have passed since the last Christmas Eve meal.

Still managing to find time to edit The Witness, but hoping to progress with it apace once the next few days are behind us.  I always find the period between Christmas and The New Year a time when I can get down to business.  By then I’ve had enough time off work to be re- united with my creative side and writing or painting seems much easier to do.  I have loads that I want to get done, just hope I’m left to do it.  So, whatever you have planned make it a good one, enjoy yourselves and Happy Christmas.

General update

Have had a busy week this week, sold five more copies of the Belgae Torc and got sales figures for November from publisher. Sold three books on Amazon and one in Canada, also twelve direct sales, so November was a good month. Talked to publisher about setting The Belgae Torc up on Kindle, this will take place in January. Editing The Witness is going well, have almost completed the technical edit, once that is done I’ll go over it again for continuity and to ensure that my characters are strong enough, my readers have to have empathy for the characters or the story will be a failure. I’m quite pleased with the way its turned out, it’s a moving tale which focuses on emotions as well as adventure. I’m hoping to have the artwork for the cover finalised in January with the text going PDF sometime towards the end of January or beginning of February. That timescale fits in with the publishing date of March/April.

Editing The Witness

Last night I started the final edit for my next novel, The Witness. I wrote the disclaimer, the aknowledgements and the dedication, also tweaked up the back of book synopsis. The editing process will probably take 6 - 8 weeks then hopefully the polished manuscript will be ready for the publisher. There are usually changes that need to be made once the manuscript if turned into a PDF file, but by then things get a bit more complicated. Any changes that I want to make after that has to be done by the publisher, I have to send a report instructing them as to what I want done, so it's good practice to have all the changes made before it goes PDF. Loads of work to do then, but In addition to that I have to keep the plot moving for the next book in the Torc trilogy. I really need to give up the day job!

Josie MacDonald

I know I've posted this picture of Josie before but these things seem to get lost in the posts, so to speak, so here she is again. This image is hopefully going to form the book cover of The Witness and in the negative space I want to graft in a picture of the bridge. Josie has just finished her painting and now the murder scene is unfolding before her eyes. This is just the begining of her adventure. I am currently doing the final edit of the manuscript and towards the end of January the publishing process can begin. Hopefully the book will be launched in March or April. I'll keep you posted.

The bridge at Spey Bay

This is the bridge at Spey Bay, Morayshire. Josie MacDonald, the main character in my book, was painting this scene when she witnessed Mr Mac committing murder, this is where the story begins. I was visiting my sister who lived in this area some years ago and when out walking in the bay I came across an artist painting. This was the inspiration for my novel The Witness. If it wasn't for that walk, seeing that artist painting the bridge, then The Witness would never have been written. It's strange how these things happen.

The Gordian Knot

I am thinking about using the cave Alepotrypa or one like it in my novel, The Gordian Knot, book two of the Torc Trilogy. It looks like a place where the druids in my story might live/use for religious ceremonies. The location in southern Greece fits in quite nicely as my book is set in and around Turkey and Istanbul.

The entrance to hell.

Is this a picture of Hades Cavern? Incredible cave which experts believe inspired the Greek legend of Hades. The cave named Alepotrypa, dates back to the Neolithic Age but has remained undiscovered in Southern Greece until the 1950's. Archaeologists have uncovered tools, pottery, obsidian, silver and copper artifacts. Findings suggest cave dwellers might have connected the cave with Hades. The name Alepotrypa means 'foxhole' is nearly the size of four football pitches with its own underwater lake. It remained undiscovered in Diros Bay, Mani, southern Greece, until a man walking his dog found a tiny entrance to the cave. Experts have spent the last few decades excavating the cave and believe that hundreds of people lived here, this makes the cave one of the oldest prehistoric villages in Europe, before the cave entrance collapsed burying everyone alive 5000 years ago.

Writing update

Firstly I would like to welcome new visitors to my blog, notably those from Israel, Turkey, Poland and Korea. I hope you enjoy reading my pages and of course urge you to purchase a copy of my novel, The Belgae Torc! I have just completed the 50,000 word milestone for The Gordian Knot, the second book in The Torc Trilogy. The story is progressing nicely and the characters are developing. I guess it should be completed by the middle of 2013. In the meantime I have to do the final edit for my second novel, The Witness, as I aim to have it ready for publishing early in the spring. My deadline is Easter but with a bit of luck we could move that date forward. Will have to see how I get on.

Out of the Darkness

Another of my paintings. This one is on canvas, size approx 700x600 and using acrylics. I have tried to capture the melancholy nature of her mood. The darkness of the background represents some untold episode of her life and now that is behind her, she is emerging into the light.

More advertising

I have just had my advert published in World Archaeology Magazine, this is to advertise my novel, The Belgae Torc.  Although this magazine is sold worldwide, many of the subscribers live in the UK and other parts of Europe, I'm hoping to interest readers from the USA.  Amazon.com hasn't yet kicked off in America, also sales through Barnes and Noble would be welcome.
I have sold books recently in Canada through Chapters/Indigo, this was good news as now this outlet will recognise my novel.  Novels have sold through Waterstones in the UK but mainly sales come through Amazon.co.uk.  Direct sales continue to grow, I always keep a stock of books and I'm willing to post signed copies out within the UK at no extra cost.

The Belgae Torc book cover image

This is the image of the torc that I used on the cover of my novel The Belgae Torc.  It's the closest picture that I could find based on my description in the book.  I didn't see this torc before I wrote the story, just relied on imagination.  It's pretty close to how I saw it, maybe a bit lighter.  The animal heads in my book are horses and there is a clasp between them, but I won't say too much as readers may want to imagine it as described.
This ancient artefact can be found in the Louvre in Paris.
I particularly like the way the colour on the cover is graded from white to gold and the gold and black lettering looks cool too. 
What do you think?

BBQ in France

I can feel the warmth of the sun and taste the wine, the BBQ smells good and life is easy.  Oh how nice it would be to live like that all of the time!
This picture was taken a couple of summers ago in the Limousin.  Happy memories.

Leaflets and bad weather

Just been out in a howling gale delivering leaflets advertising my novel.  My wife thinks I’m mad but the leg work has to be done.  Writing the novel is the easy bit, letting people know it’s there and getting them to buy it is the hard work. 

Anyway, here is some more of my artwork.  This one is painted using acrylics on a box canvas.  Size: approx 500mm x 500mm.  Its a 'monochrome' using burnt sienna and white.  I wanted to capture the old sepia look as this lady is from the 1920's.

How many legs?

I painted this picture from a photograph.  There is one dancer, the photo was taken using a delayed lense setting or something?  Not really into photography, but I liked the picture.  I found it both interesting and satisfying to paint.  The medium is acrylic on board, size approx 600mm X 450mm

News

Found this the other day and thought it very amusing. I can see some characters here so might have to write a book based on this image!
Update on the sequel to The Belgae Torc; 42000 words in first draft, characters and plot developing.  This novel is just over a third complete and I'm planning the third book in the trilogy as I go by slipping hooks etc into the plot.  I know how book three will start and I also have a dramatic ending planned.  Book two has a working title of The Gordian Knot and book three Cutting the Gordian Knot.  These titles will be backed up by The Torc Trilogy, which will be clearly printed on the cover of each book.
In January I will start the final edit of my second novel The Witness, I'm hoping to have it published by Easter.

This novel is a psychological thriller based in Scotland and London.  Meet Josie MacDonald, my main character.  Painted with acrylics on canvas, this will feature on the cover of the novel.

So as you can see, so much to do with so little time in which to do it!

New Advert

I have just finalised the advert which will go into World Archaeology Magazine next month. This ad is specifically aimed at readers in the USA, but it’s also sold in the UK. It has a readership of 75,000, all of whom love history, so hopefully sales of my novel The Belgae Torc will not only continue on Amazon in the UK but also in America. The Belgae Torc is also available at Barnes and Noble; either order from their web site or go into one of their shops. The sequel continues apace with just over 40,000 words now written. The plot continues to develop in my head and the excitement is building. I’m setting up plots that won’t be revealed until the final book, and I know how it all ends. (If I told you I would have to kill you)!

Small acorns and great oaks.

Commission payment safely in the bank, it won’t go far though but from small acorns do great oaks grow. Well hopefully! Trying to write another chapter of the sequel to The Belgae Torc. Have about 40,000 words that seem to be the right words, have just written 2000 more but they don’t seem to be the right words! Red pen job me thinks. Editing is a wonderful thing, at the stroke of a red pen whole paragraphs can fall by the wayside. Often sections appear written with that same red pen along with directions in the margin indicating to where they should go. What is stronger I ask myself, the sword or the pen? I think better people than I have answered that one. My manuscripts get red penned more than once before I’m satisfied. When I was teaching creative writing I couldn’t stress enough how important editing was, it’s a pain but a necessary one. I must get on as I have another 80,000 words to write.

Commision payment is due!

Got back from Ireland trip yesterday and straight into work today, Booo! Clocks went back over the weekend so now it’s dark when I drive home, that is not good. At least our kitchen is finished, well apart from the decoration but I can get away with not doing that for a while! My book sales are on the up, Amazon sales have increased slightly and hopefully will continue to improve as my adverts came out last weekend in Military History Monthly and Current Archaeology magazines. I have also made some direct sales from leaflets that I send out. Sales in the US have still to begin, no recorded sales on Amazon.com unfortunately. I really think the content of my book would go down well in America. Hopefully when it starts it will take off in a big way. Have written 40,000 words of the sequel, that’s about a third of the second novel and I have ideas for the third book in the trilogy. I know how the story ends ultimately and it’s quite exciting. Can’t say anymore! I have just typed up an invoice for my publisher. It’s that time of the year when they pay up for sales, so my commission payment is due. It’s not much but then its early days.

Advert alert

My adverts have finally appeared in Current Archaeology magazine and Military History monthly. These are two very interesting magazines that are filled with interesting historical articles. Having discovered them I will be sure to purchase them monthly. I have seen an upward turn in Amazon sales in the UK, not sure if this is as a result of my adverts coming out this weekend or not. I’m hoping that many more sales will follow as a result of my investment. I still haven’t sold any books on Amazon.com, I would love to see my book going out in America, I’m sure the story would interest many readers there. Some of the principle characters are after all American. Our kitchen is almost complete, the walls are being tiles as I write this blog. We actually used the kitchen at the weekend, filled the cupboards with supplies from boxes stored in the spare bedroom and some normality has been restored. Still have to clean up the dust that has settled all over the house from the work carried out by the builders though. Tomorrow we are off to Ireland for a wedding. I have to take a supply of books with me so maybe will have a book signing event there. Today I received a box of books that I ordered from the printers, this should be enough to stem the Christmas rush, it would be nice to have to order some more though!

New kitchen up and running (almost)

Hoorah, used new kitchen for the first time today, was able to use the sink to wash up instead of doing the dishes in the bath. We have a hot tap on the side of the sink which dispenses water at 98 degrees C, this effectively does away with a kettle, so no need to boil water anymore. The walls are being tiled today, the floor gets laid tomorrow, but the electrical problem needs further investigation although this doesn’t affect the kitchen. Maybe this evening we will try out the oven, but first we have a stack of manuals to read. Having never had a dishwasher before I have no idea which buttons to press! Maybe some kind of domestic maid would be in order! 

New kitchen

Two weeks ago our kitchen was ripped out ready for a new one. The designer filled us with positive thoughts regarding the smooth transition from an old kitchen to a brand new one, a modern kitchen that will give us much more working space. The fact that there could be problems once the work started didn’t come into our conversation. Firstly the ceiling was warped so an extra cost was quoted for a new one. The mess that ripping out a fifty year old ceiling makes is incredible, there was dust throughout the house, black dust that stinks of old plaster. Anyway, the ceiling looks good now but will need painting. The next thing to go wrong was the plumbing; a man turned up to connect our new oven and discovered a leak. The old cast iron pipes buried under the house has a slight leak so the gas pressure is a bit low. Modern health and safety nonsense says that will not do, so the gas was cut off until the pipe work in the kitchen had been renewed, that meant an emergency phone call to a plumbing company. This resulted in the gas fire in our living room being cut off, so we now have no gas fire. (More expense for the future). After that the electricians came in to carry on with the electrics. At great expense they put in a box of tricks which separates the kitchen from the rest of the house, further modern legislation. They discovered, apparently, a fault in the house wiring, so going around each room they tested the plug sockets in the walls. Some years ago we had extra sockets put in; this was in the days before crazy health and safety legislation anyway, one of the sockets is apparently wrong. The electrician was supposed to contact us last evening to discuss the problem, but he didn’t, so this morning the chap running the job was going to have a stiff word! Having a new kitchen was supposed to be a wonderful thing, we have camped out in our living room for the last two weeks, kettle being boiled on a tray on the floor, washing up done in the bath, the fridge freezer whirring away next to my armchair, and the dining room table piled up with essential stuff. The rest of the kitchen lives in boxes in the spare room. Hopefully this weekend will see an end to the madness and we can use our new kitchen. The only thing that I wasn’t aware of was the decoration, or lack of it. The kitchen fitters have not allowed for decorating in their quote, so I will have to make good all plasterwork and paintwork, oh yes, and I have to paint the ceiling. There have been times during the last two weeks when I haven’t wanted to go home for fear of what I might find. Moving house is supposed to be stressful but this has not been a good time. Hopefully when its all done life will once again be jolly!

Leaflets on holiday

A couple of weeks ago I gave my Mother a box of books that she could sell to her friends at her retirement club.  She was more than happy to do this as her ‘street cred’ improved considerably when she told them that her son was a published author. J

I also gave her a stack of leaflets to give out to those who didn’t want to buy a book immediately but wanted some information. 

She took it upon herself to give these leaflets out to shops whenever she went shopping and much to my Father’s embarrassment, each shop she went into turned into a chat with the assistant and/or manager.  My leaflets are now displayed in retail outlets all over East Kent.

This week they are away in Wales, I guess my leaflets have also gone on holiday!

Purchasing my book from Waterstones

Someone I know went into Waterstones last weekend and ordered a copy of my novel The Belgae Torc.  The shop assistant couldn’t find it on the system; I guess they spelt the title wrong, they found it however, by putting my name into the computer.  At least I know the system works.

The book usually takes about five days when ordering from a bookshop but as more people use this service the shop will hopefully stock it.  This theory should also work with the British Library system, the book has been registered with the libraries but it will take a few enquires before they will stock it.

Local newspaper and a wedding in Ireland

Since my review in the local newspaper I have e-mailed every editor responsible for local papers in my area.  That was a couple of days ago and as it has been the weekend no responses have arrived, so I’m expecting some kind of reaction today or during this week at least!

Amazon sales need a boost as they are a little slow at the moment, but with the advertising I have coming up I’m quite hopeful that sales will improve.  Not much is happening in America on Amazon.com, still waiting for my first sale.  I have an advert promoting my novel in Ingram International, but that is aimed at independent book shops across America.

I sold twelve books last month, with the help of my mother, but that’s another story. Off to a wedding in Ireland in a couple of weeks time and I’ve been asked to take some books with me.  Hopefully will make some sales, have to recover the cost of staying in the very expensive hotel! J

Adverts in magazines

It seems that the adverts I have set up in Current Archaeology Magazine and Military History Monthly will not be out until November issues. 
I have just sent out a copy of my book for review in a magazine aimed at the military.  This magazine is filled with interesting articles of a general nature and is distributed throughout the British army worldwide.  Once my review has been inserted it should reach over 250,000 troops.

Advertising works

I sent some leaflets out the other day in the post. My wife tells me I'm wasting my time and money but I don't think so.  Anyway, someone who received my leaflet telephoned me and bought two books. Advertising works!

Advertising The Belgae Torc

The adverts I have set up in Current Archaeology magazine and Military History Magazine are out now. They are in the October issue which is sold all over the UK, hopefully this should stimulate sales. I have read both magazines and think they are great. I particularly like the Current Archaeology magazine, it’s filled with interesting articles and information about ancient discoveries and the methods used to unearth them. Next month I have an advert going out across America in Ingram International. This is a trade magazine aimed at bookshops and outlets in America. In November I have an advert coming out in World Archaeology Magazine which is sold in America, Canada and far flung places. I particularly want to encourage America to start buying my novel from Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble. My book, The Belgae Torc is available on other on-line bookshops, so please take a look. Check out my feedback on Amazon.co.uk.

Advertising The Belgae Torc in October

Next month I have three adverts coming out in magazines, the first in a trade magazine called Ingram International; this goes out across north America to trade magazines working in the book industry. This I hope will kick start Amazon.com, sales in America have not yet began. I also have quarter page adverts in Current Archaeology Magazine and Military History Magazine. These ads will reach 17000 readers who are interested in history, hopefully they will find my book irresistible and buy a copy. I enjoyed reading both magazines and will definitely buy more copies. This is my first major advertising project so I’m hopeful that sales will go up here on Amazon and in the USA.

Newspaper article

My interview with the local newspaper came out today and makes for interesting reading. The photo is a bit dodgy, but then I don't do well with photographs! :-) I'm pleased with the write-up and hopefully this will generate awareness of my novel in and around where I live.

Winner of my painting at my book launch

Each book sold came with a raffle ticket and this is the happy winner.

 

Cheers everyone!

Book launch - The Belgae Torc

 

Research notes and word documents from the display at my book launch

Novels for sale

 

 

 

Quotes and posters displayed at my book launch







Amazon Feedback

Have now got some great reviews on Amazon.  My novel, The Belgae Torc, is selling steadily as my marketing campaign gains momentum.  Am working on drawing in more sales with advertising and various functions, but its a gradual process.  If you have read my book then please do go onto Amazon and leave feedback, I would much appreciate your views.

Writing, promoting and drinking beer

I met up with a journalist from a local newspaper last Thursday and spent a pleasurable hour talking about myself and my book.  The interview went well and as the sun was shining she took photographs of me outside with the sea in the background.  (fame at last)! I just hope the resulting story turns out as good as our meeting.

Yesterday we went to a Beer Festival in the next town.  Decided to go by train as it was only a short journey away, this was so we could swill as much beer as we wanted and not have to drive home.  Saw loads of bands and of course drank beer, the atmosphere was lively and there were loads of people I know.  It would have been a good opportunity to give out leaflets advertising my book, but my wife said no, not the time or the place!  Never mind, next year will have to get a stall and try to sell some books and drink beer.

Back to work now so not much chance to continue writing my next novel, a sequel to the Belgae Torc.  Will have to get back into writing it in the evenings but I'm not at my best then especially if my working day has gone badly.  I have to remind myself that is how I wrote my other novels, so the way foward is to sell more books and stop doing the day job.  Anyway, have a good day and enjoy the sunshine whilst it lasts!

Promotion opportunities

Tomorrow, Thursday 30th August, two months after the launch of my novel The Belgae Torc, I'm being interviewed by the local newspaper.  The idea is to promote me and my book locally and hopefully generate some sales.  The book is available from Amazon.co.uk also at Amazon.com it can also be purchased from Waterstones and W.H.Smith on line and other on-line bookshops across the world.  I am also working with various magazines and adverts will be appearing over the next few months.  My direct sales have been going well and I have ordered more books from my publisher.

The sequel to The Belgae Torc is developing, with 25,000 words written, that equates to thirteen chapters so far.  The storyline is working nicely and the long term plot is in my head, all I have to do is write it all down!  Easier said than done, time being my enemy, work is getting in the way as usual.
The incentive of course is to sell more books and give up the day job, a long way to go yet though but one lives in hope!  Have fun and enjoy yourselves, read a good book, mine hopefully! :-)

Meet Puzzle and Tuppence

This is Puzzle, she is about ten months old.  She loves playing with this toy on a stick, she is adorable but is absolutely mad!

This is Tuppence, she is about eighteen months old.  She deosn't like playing with the toy on a stick so much, she is also adorable but not mad!

They are sisters who have been with us for two and a half weeks.  They get along with each other well, but they have their moments as all young girls do!  Tuppence is the more reserved cat of the pair where Puzzle is too busy to actually stick to anything for long.  Tuppence is getting fat because she eats most of the food and lazes about where Puzzle is far too busy running around to eat.
They met the vet today for their second injections, they know all about vets as they have both been sorted out and jabbed with needles before, but their new vet is great.  He doesn't know it but I call him 'The Wizard'. :-) 
In about ten days time they will be able to go outside, but at the moment we have to keep them in which means doors and windows shut.  In this heat it's not much fun.  We were hoping that 'The Wizard' would say let them out now as they seem ready to venture outdoors, but because of their vaccination it will be another ten days. 
Both cats have come from the Cats Protection, we have rescued cats before but our last cat, Sally, died about eighteen monts ago, she was thirteen years old.  Maria and I both thought it was now time to start again with some new little friends.

Brighton Rock

Just got back from a weekend in Brighton, went to visit our daughter.  Had a great time eating, drinking and being merry, as you do!  This has been the hottest weekend of the year, so drove there and back with the ragtop down, now as brown as a berry!  The car performed perfectly in the heat taking the country roads steadily with loads of go in reserve for the odd overtaking manouvre.
Brighton was heaving with life of every description, it's a vibrant place with loads of things to see and do.  The little shops in the laines, yes it's spelt that way are fantastic, a visit recommended.  Anyway, back now to the real world and preparing for work tomorrow. 

Gordian Knot

The Gordian Knot is a legend of Phrygian Gordium associated with Alexander the Great.  It is often used as a metaphor for an interactable problem solved by a bold stroke.  'Cutting the Gordian Knot.'
I thought this would make a good title for the sequel to The Belgae Torc.  It seems to sum up the plot, but the more I think about it I should probably use this as the title of the third book in the trilogy.  Cutting the Gordian Knot has a satisfying finality about it which lends itself nicely to the last book in the series, so it's back to the drawing board, I need to find a title for the second book in the trilogy.  Any ideas please leave me a message.

A little bit about my novel.

 The Belgae Torc is divided into two parts, part one is set in the Iron Age and what happens here influences  the rest of the novel.  The historical content is based on fact as far as I could go, I have taken what we know about this period in history and added a few of my own ideas that may be worthy of further discussion.  Part two brings us up to date with my main character Orlagh Gairne, an Irish archaeologist, who remains at the centre of much of the action throughout the novel.  Her name came from a Corrs song where the chorus repeats the words 'all again'.  As I listened to the lyrics I thought what fun it would be to use what I heard as the name for my character, so Orlagh Gairne was born.  I'm not going to go into what happens in the novel, you will have to read it for yourself, but those who have already experienced it are already asking me for the sequel.  I see this project as a trilogy, as do my publishers.  Part one began life as the begining for another novel that I'm working on, or was until I had to have a re-think and start the sequel.  Novel number two in the sequence will probably be called The Gordian Knot, more about that in a future blog.  I have a plot forming with strains that will stand me in good stead for the third book, I also have seven chapters roughed out, so it's going well.  There are some old characters from The Belgae Torc, especially of course the main characters, along with some new ones.  A good start me thinks, all I have to do now is get on with it.  More about this in my next blog, have a good evening where ever you are.

Little distractions

Last weekend we, (my wife and I), decided to adopt two little female cats.  Puzzle is about 9 months old , she is a tortoiseshell, her sister Tuppence is a silver tabby who is about 18 months.  They are adorable and are settling in nicely but being so young, Puzzle especially, they like to play during the evening.  That is when I have to write so there I am sitting at the dining room table playing with Puzzle who is on the floor at my feet looking up expectantly.  Her favourite toy is a stick with a little package tied to one end with string, wriggle it about a bit and she grabs at it!  With my other hand I'm typing up another chapter of my new novel, multi-tasking or what? :-)  Tuppence then jumps up onto the table and proceeds to walk over my key board contributing her bit to my new chapter.  Yesterday evening after their supper they were extraordinarily tired, Tuppence went to her bed and Puzzle collapsed on the stairs, they slept for a couple of hours.  It was so nice to throw open the patio doors, sit outside as the sun went down and write my novel in peace.  So many people who have read The Belgae Torc are asking for the sequel, so I have to get it underway, I have six chapters now drafted out and loads of ideas for the plot, all I have to do is find time to get on with it along with all the other things I have to do with the continuing marketing of The Belgae Torc.  Have a nice weekend everyone where ever you may be!

Feedback

Thank you to all who have been kind enough to read my novel, The Belgae Torc, and provide feedback. It seems that the feedback, which is all positive, is following the same course.  You all want to read the sequel.  The good news is that I have ideas and the plot is developing, I also have the first five chapters in draft, but the bad news is of course that it will take me about 12 months or more to write and edit.  I really do need to give up the day job and concentrate on my writing but until I see significant sales that will remain an impossibility. :-(  It would be nice however if my Amazon sales were to improve and sales in the USA get going, then I might stand a chance, but until then its business as usual.  Carry on reading and feeding back, your interaction is much apreciated, thank you all.

The Belgae Torc

  Just a reminder that this is my novel.  It's available on Amazon, so please check it out.  If you have already read it then please leave feedback as I would love to know what you think about it.

Books going abroad

I have just heard that another of my novels has been sent to Canada, that's two now.  One I left in France with the people we rented the gite from, they were quite excited about the fact that a real live author had stayed in their gite!  Two more have gone to Australia and another to Spain.
I've had requests to send two out to New Zealand but what with the cost of posting I think they should buy from Amazon.com
No books sold yet in the USA and am still waiting for the rest of Europe to start buying.  I also have followers from Russia, no sales there yet either!
Perhaps it's early days and book sales will soon soar, I would like to think so.
Anyone in the UK who have purchaed from Amazon already, please don't forget to leave feedback, I want to see five stars appear on my rating!  That would be nice.  Anyway, enjoy reading my book because I have already started the sequel but that won't be out for about a year.  In the meantime my novel The Witness, previewed in an earlier blog, will probably be out by next Easter.
Have fun and enjoy the sunshine before it's too late!

Back to the real world!

Arrived back in England on Saturday evening after 11 hours of travelling.  We missed a deluge on Friday and another on Saturday morning, my garden was waterlogged and the plants had gone mad, further evidence that the two weeks we were away there was plenty of rain in the south of England.  The weather here now is hot, higher temperatures than we had in France, where's the justice in that? 
Sales of my novel The Belgae Torc are not yet sufficient for me to give up work and write full time, is this just another dream or will it come true?  They say that 5% of writers reap 95% of the spoils and what's left is shared amongst the majority.  Not much chance there then I hear my wife say but then I live in hope, or do I live in a dream world?
Still in holiday mode, I'm dreaming in French and still think the Loire is just a short stroll away.
I did at least draft 10,000 words and make notes about my new novel, a sequel to The Belgae Torc.  It was a great feeling of satisfaction sitting in the sunshine writing again, so much of my time lately has been organising the publication and launch of my novel.  Now at least I've made inroads on a new project and am now having to reasearch again which I love doing, finding out about things and learning stuff that I never would think about normally.  Anyway, as I said earlier, back to the real world but at least there is an element of fantasy in my life, my new novel is coming together.

Writing in France

The weather has taken a turn for the better with no more rain and the temperature has improved significantly, today we enjoyed temperatures of 25 degrees C.  Planning what we do on a daily basis around the weather, if it's hot we stay local and return to the gite early to enjoy the sun and the pool.  We have some longer distances to travel to see far off towns and chateaux but will save those for cooler days.
On the writing front, I have drafted up 10,000 words for the sequal to The Belgae Torc, it's a good feeling getting up close and personal with the characters again.  It's like I'm on holiday with some old friends!  Had some great feedback from those who have read my book, fortunately not many have noticed the errors!  Keep it coming, and don't forget to write it up on Amazon if you can.
Thank you to everyone who reads my blog, it's great to know you are there.

The Belgae Torc

Have just spent a very wet day indoors reading my novel and unfortunately I have found a number of errors.  Mainly words that should have been removed but most alarmingly spelling a name wrong.  It's one of the Celtic names but even so I should have edited more closely.  I did a computer search looking for this name inparticular but I relied too much on technology, what a silly thing to do!  The novel will be updated but the only positive I can draw from this is the books I have sold already will be unique, okay wrongly so but surely that makes them special?!  Try telling that the all the citiques out there.
Sorry to all those who have one of these copies but as I say they are rare and hopefully one day will be worth a fortune!  Live in hope. :-)

In France and writing

Holiday going well with hot weather and an occasional shower.  My French is improving greatly, I don't actually care what I say as long as it sounds good!  No not really but most of the French people I talk to laugh!!!  I have started writing a sequal to my novel The Belgae Torc, I have the first three chapters roughed out and I have a plot developing.  My note book is begining to fill up with scenes and dialogue but it's early days yet.  France is such a great place in which to write, the atmosphere here is pretty laid back and I'm in holiday mode anyway.  I'm relaxed enough to be creative without too many thoughts of work.  It is really quiet in the village where we are staying, the only noise is from the birds singing and the church bell chiming the hour.  The magnificent church is situated just a few yards from our gite but at least the bell stops between 11pm and 7am.  We are just off to try out the local Auberge, support the local community.  It's a lovely evening and I can have a drink and not drive as it's only a five minute stagger away! :-)

Holiday

Off to France tomorrow for a well earned rest.  I am, however, taking loads of notes and writing materials as I have a novel on the go and also a sequal to The Belgae Torc bubbling away under the surface.
I also have permission from my long suffering wife to write whilst in France.
I intend taking my laptop so I can keep in touch with 'stuff', probably won't bother turning it on once I'm there especially when the wine starts to flow!
I hope all of you who bought a copy of The Belgae Torc are well into it by now and are enjoying it immensely, don't forget to leave me feedback on amazon.
Have fun wherever you are.

Book signing

Had a lunchtime book signing and cream cake event at work today, had to bribe them with cakes!  Sold seven books with five more ordered for tomorrow, had some good initial feedback and interesting conversations regarding writing the novel and publishing etc.  Off to France for this Saturday for two weeks so will be working on the next novel.  When I get back will have to begin an intensive marketing startegy.  Not sure how I will fit it all in and write the next book!  No peace for the wicked!!!

My book launch was a success, an enjoyable experience where I sold and signed 40 books.
Much wine was consumed by just over 50 guests and a plesasant evening was had on the balcony of the Horsebridge Arts and Community centre in Whitstable.
It was so good to see family and friends, even a few strangers, friends of friends who all seemed more than willing to read my book. 

I sold my first book last night.  I printed some leaflets informing the people in the street where I live that I have had my first book published and they could get a copy from amazon if they wanted.  I included my mobile phone number and before I had delivered to both sides of the street my phone rang, to my utter amazement it was a customer.  They were so pleased to be able to buy a signed copy from me, they had loads of questions, it was good to think that people might be interested in what I do.  I'm expecting a couple more neighbours to come round to my house later to pick up a copy.   My book looks good on amazon and I can't resist but to have a look every day, how sad is that? :-)

My Amazon accounts went live today so now books can be purchased on-line using both .com and .co.uk, so it's available in the USA and Canada.
Just arranged a book signing at work for next Wednesday, loads of staff not invited to book launch want to get their hands on a copy so I thought cream cakes and book signing was the way to go.  An all staff e-mail went out today reminding them that I was featured in the staff magazine last month so hopefully the temptation of cakes will bring them out.

I feel happier about my books now having asked several friends their opinion. They all agree that I am being picky with my first impressions, they also think that at £9.99 the price is right for a newly released book.  My mother is the first to have read it and even though she may well be a little biased, I'm sure she would have told me if the plot was not good.  She of course loved every word and can't wait for the next one.   The sequel may well be some months away, I have written the first chapter but have no plans to rush on with it.  I'm half way through something else and would rather finish that off first.  That's my current thinking but that might change!
Gearing up now for the book launch on 30th, people have been asking for a copy but I think we should wait until after next weekend before I start selling them off.
Amazon.com is showing details geared for the American market but as yet I can find no trace of it on Amazon.co.uk although my publisher assures me it's in the system.  I guess I will just have to be patient and wait for it to appear.

Got my pile of books delivered from publisher today.  They look great but there is always something you would have liked to have changed.  Now they are in print I can see technical things that I would have done differently, however, apart from that and the inevitable odd typo that I and my publisher would have missed, they look good and I'm excited about the book launch next weekend.  I have a couple of other marketing ploys arranged too, and hope that at £9.99 I can convince people to buy one.  I have confidence in the story and once I've sold a few then no doubt I will feel a little better, probably relieved too!  The book has not yet appeared on Amazon so just send an e-mail off to publisher asking for clarification, hopefully it will be on there soon and people can start ordering and feeding back.

Meet Lizzie, she has been painted using a mono-chrome technique in acrylic.  Paines gray and white are the predominent shades with a little black mixed in.  Lizzie is an old friend having been created in 2008 on a box canvas measuring 500mmX500mm.  One day she might become a character in one of my novels.

My novel has now gone live, whatever that means.  I thought it would appear on Amazon, however, my publisher told me that might take a few days longer!  The print run bagan on Monday 18th and I should have a box of books for my book launch next week.  The venue has been booked and invites sent out, I am working on my speech but my wife has told me to keep it short!  I was looking forward to entertaining my audience with tales of writing and mad characters, but I will have to re-think or I'll be in trouble! :-)
I'm really looking forward to this as the book launch is the begining of my marketing plan and hopefully my guests will buy my book, signed of course, and tell all their friends.  This should generate sales on Amazon.

Good news at last, light at the end of the tunnel and all those other cliches! My novel The Belgae Torc becomes live on 14th and the official book launch has been confirmed 30th June. Frantic arrangements are now underway with invitations being sent out and many other arrangements are now going ahead. It's been a long time in the planning but now all that hard work is about to come to fruition. Will post details of ISBN number soon so you can pick up a copy from Amazon.

The final PDF file arrived today with all the corrections done, have checked and it looks good. Just have to scan the whole thing to be sure its good to go then send acknowledgement back to publisher. My novel can then be finalised for printing then the process can begin. Hope to have a box of books in a couple of weeks and can now confirm venue and date for my book launch.

I have read through the PDF file that my publisher sent me and have found a few things that I want to change, mainly a couple of typo's, missing comma's, a couple of sentances that didn't read right, so after an eight page report, sounds a lot but when dealing with a PDF file that cannot be altered only by the publisher, a comprehensive report was made. It took more time that I anticipated, about 7 hours over two evenings, so at 11:15 pm on Monday I e-mailed the report back. I'm now waiting for final PDF file to come back so I can check that the changes have been made, if I'm happy then I'll give the green light and production can begin. I'm organising my book lauch for 30th June, but this date depends on the manuscript being to my satisfaction and the production process starting after the Bank Holiday. Fingers crossed then that everyting is fine as I want to launch my book and get the publicity thing going.

Finally I have the proof draft of my manuscript back from the publisher, all I have to do is read it again and iron out any last minute creases. I've read the thing dozens of times already and Maria, my wife, kindly suggested that she help but I really have to read it all myself. It would be a good idea for her to glance over it too as I'm bound to miss something or make a stupid mistake trying to change something that doesn't really need changing. I have worked constantly on this project for the last eighteen months and now the final hurdle is in sight I have mixed feelings, but as the weather is really warm I'm going to enjoy sitting in my garden this evening listening to the birds singing, supping on a fine ale and reading a good book. Now thats a good advert for my novel.

My book launch date is looming awfully close and still I have not seen the final draft. My publisher was supposed to send it to me last week but as yet nothing. I can only suppose that they have things under control and dates that have been discussed will remain in place, although I still have to firm up a venue date nothing can be confirmed until I know for sure. Invites have to be sent out and books ordered etc. On a more positive note, I went to Brighton on Friday evening to see my daughter and enjoy some of the delights of the Brighton Fringe Festival. This was partly to celebrate my wife's birthday and to see where our daughter works. Anyway, on waking early Saturday morning with a mild hangover, I had the first chapter of my new novel complete in my head, so grabbing a notebook and pen dashed it off before anyone else woke up. Good news, at least now I have a new project to work on instead of worrying about my upcoming book lunch.

Got the first draft of my novel The Belgae Torc from the publisher today. Not sure about some of his suggestions so will have to telephone him tomorrow. Some of the proposed text is not yet right but the basic ideas are good, with some small adjustments it should turn out alright. Still have a way to go if the publishing date is to be 11th June. Still trying to arrange a book launch, have e-mailed a couple of venues but as yet have had no replies, can't believe that in this economic climate the venues would not have replied immediately. Will have to telephone them I suppose, can't stand incompetence! Still working on invitation designs and supporting information about my novel. I'm searching for ideas and items that might interest my readers at the launch without giving away too much of the plot.

This is one of my paintings, I call it 'African Princess'. Its supposed to represent the innocence of Africa, the colours and the turmoil of the country. It is painted using acrylics on board and is approximately 500mm wide X 700mm high.

Book cover

This is the front cover to my novel The Belgae Torc which will be available from 11th June. The book launch is still at the planning stage but should be organised for the middle of June at a venue in Whitstable. All my family and friends will be invited and further book signings will be organised during the coming months. Watch this blog for further details.

Book Launch

My novel The Belgae Torc should be available from 11th June. The final draft has been delivered to my publisher and the book cover design has been agreed, so now planning a book launch party. As soon as I have a photo of the book I will publish it here so you know what to look for. Exciting times ahead! Didn't appreciate the amount of work that is necessary to get a book into print! It's been a busy few weeks and I can't see it letting up any time soon. So much to do and so little time in which to do it! (Winston Churchill)

Cover for my novel

Got a look at the proposed cover for my novel The Belgae Torc today. There were a couple of things that I want to change but on the whole quite excited about the design. My publisher now putting on the pressure, they want my fully edited manuscript by Thursday, have about 150 pages left to read, not much wrong with it so far so shouldn't be a problem sending it off on Thursday. Better get on with it then!

Update for The Belgae Torc

Missed my publishing deadline! Never mind, have an extention until Thursday. I have to send my edited manuscript along with aknowledgement page, biography and photo, dedication etc. to the publishers by then. At least I've finalised my cover design and back of book synopsis, the publishers have this now so they have something to work on. So much to do! Am trying to get stuff together for my website which is ongoing, this should be ready to view in a couple of days time. The novel will hopefully be ready to go by the end of May, so am planning a book launch for then or early June. I also have a couple of advertising things going on, a piece in a works magazine, biography, description of novel etc, with a works book signing event, and working with the local paper which should provide publicity for the book launch. A busy time but hopefully it will be worth it, I had better get on with the final read of the edited manuscript then!

The Witness, what the novel is about.

The Witness – Josie MacDonald, a landscape artist is visiting her aunt Molly who lives in the peaceful village of Garmouth near Spey Bay in Morayshire. On a painting trip early one morning Josie was witness to an horrific murder. Mr. Mac, the deranged killer is aware that Josie has seen him at work but after a terrifying chase Josie manages to escape. Mr Mac tracks her down to her home in London where his plan takes an unexpected turn. Josie is forced to bear the brunt of psychological torture and anguish as one by one her friends are drawn into the nightmare. Josie has to return to the scene of crime in order to discover the truth. The story reaches its climax when she unearths a serial killer who has been working in the highlands for nearly thirty years. With time running out and a killer on the lose, Josie has to prevent her abducted friends from becoming victims whilst surviving long enough to bring their terrible ordeal to an end.

The Witness

This is one of my paintings, meet Josie MacDonald, the main character in my next novel.
This is how I see Josie, who is incidently an artist in my novel 'The Witness'.
I was inspired to write her story when visiting my sister who used to live near Spey Bay in Morayshire, Scotland. 
Whilst walking along the river in the bay I saw an artist just finishing a watercolour of the old iron bridge which spans the river.  It was then I knew I had a charcter for my novel which at that time was in its embryonic stage.  The manuscript has now been finished for three years and has spent all that time in transit travelling from one literary agents 'slush pile' to another.
I am probably going to publish 'The Witness' towards the end of this year.
Keep a look out here for further information or visit my webite at www.kevinmarsh.co.uk after 12th April as it's still under construction.
Have fun.

The Belgae Torc. What the book is about

The Belgae Torc
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England 50 BC - A Celtic symbol of power and wealth, a Torc wrought from white gold, a trophy for a king.

Luain Mac Lanis, warrior turned metal smith, is commissioned to make a magnificent Torc, but he knows nothing of the curse surrounding the strange metal. The only way to lift the curse is to offer the Torc to the Gods in a sacrificial ceremony.

Two thousand years later the Torc is listed on the inventory of a sunken ship. Dr Orlagh Gairne, a leading archaeologist, is sent to work with Jack Harrington and his crew of salvage experts. It’s Orlagh’s job to identify the Torc and ensure its safe delivery to the National Museum, but the operation is not as straightforward as expected. Aided by his team of mercenaries and an historical expert, Jack unearths a wave of hatred spreading across Europe. With the past weaving tightly with the present, they must infiltrate the terrorist’s lair in order to prevent a worldwide catastrophe.


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The Belgae Torc

My novel 'The Belgae Torc' is almost ready to be sent to the publisher. 111500 words which have been edited to death! I've read the manuscript a dozen times already and an half way through what I hope is the final edit. The publishers should have it the week after Easter. The odd bits and pieces have all been done ie, the back of book, a short biography and picture, (not good)!. The cover photograph has been selected and also the acknowledgements completed.
Over the next few weeks I'll keep you posted to how its going and publish details of my website and release date.
Have fun everyone.