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!