The light at the end of the tunnel…
I’ve been a little bit absent from the blogosphere this week – mainly because I’ve been working on the final edit for No Quarter, the second book in my Ambeth series. This is the part of writing I like the least. (though I still know how fortunate I am to be able to do this at all).
I had some issues with my proof copy, as you know – thankfully the lovely people at Createspace got right on it and it is now resolved, plus they are replacing my faulty proof copy. It hasn’t stopped me from reading through and sacrificing endless quantities of sticky notes as I record small changes and the occasional typo. These corrections have been made, the new file uploaded and, once I get through the fiddle-faddle of formatting for Kindle, I should be ready to publish.
One part of the process I find frustrating is that everything always takes longer than expected. This is why I’ve not yet explored the option of setting up pre-orders for my books. I’ve already had to push my (self-imposed) publication date out several times, due to health, family life, the edit taking longer than expected, and issues with the proof. I would hate to be in a position where I was locked into a date and had to deliver a book that wasn’t finished to my satisfaction
The other thing I don’t like about this part of the process is the doubt. Scurrying up like beetles from under the floorboards, doubts come to plague me as I read through my book for the last time before pressing ‘publish’.
Is the story good enough? Will people like it? Have I covered all the different storylines? Does the language flow? Will anyone read this, ever?
I don’t think I’m alone in this, nor am I alone in thinking I will unleash dragons or some form of unpleasantness onto the internet once I hit that publish button. And yet, I’m still going to do it. And then I’m having a couple of days off. 🙂
‘Look at the tree..’
Oh, and in my post the other day, Autumn Sky, I recounted the tale of a teacher I once had. A few of my commenters suggested I look him up and, guess what, I did! I had thought maybe he would have passed away, as I remember him being about 60 when I was in his class, almost thirty years ago. And yet, a google search of his name and my high school revealed… he is still working there??!!!
And a further link revealed, complete with photo to corroborate, that he was also working there in 1961!!
So we have four options: Either he was younger than I remembered when I took his class (though I distinctly recall him having silver hair and a beard), or he has been working at the same high school for 54 years and refuses to retire, or the website listing him as employed at the school has not been recently updated, or he is a vampire.
What do you think?
Oh and finally, the lovely Geoff LePard is coming for a virtual visit on Monday, with a guest post to promote his new release, My Father and Other Liars – yay!
Helen Glynn Jones 
Vampire; the only answer. And I well understand the frustrations of getting ready to publish. Takes a bloody age, doesn’t it. Looking forward to the visit next week too!
Ha ha – yes, I think I have to agree. Vampire it is! Right, I’m off to wrestle with Kindle formatting – see you next week 🙂
Have fun..
Ha ha! Well if he isn’t a vampire, well worth sending an email!
I can’t yet imagine the stress and pressure right now but I’m sure it’ll all be worth it!
Well *shh* but I just pressed publish! Waiting for it to go live now 🙂 And I love how everyone is opting for vampire 😀
I think he’s a friendly vampire. I also love create space. Yay!
It seems to be the consensus 🙂
I love Ambeth and your E-mail blog. Looking forward to the next Journey!
P.S. I am an older (much) fan than you perhaps want but I do love a good fantasy book with out the adult gore and (ahem) graphic scenes! Thank you!
Thanks Danelle! I’m so pleased you’re enjoying the book and the blog – No Quarter has just been published, so I hope you like that too 🙂 And I write for all readers – fans of all ages are much appreciated xx
I understand everything you’ve mentioned, Helen, particularly the self-doubt! It’s annoying how it niggles and niggles at you, and sometimes swallows you whole. I’m sure your book will be as terrific as the first and I can’t wait to see it ‘live’! Congratulations! x
PS. I presume you can buy your books as paperbacks? I’d love to order an autographed copy of both …
Thanks Louise 🙂 Yes, despite my doubts I have pressed ‘publish’ and No Quarter is now ‘live’ *bites nails* 🙂 And yes, you can get the paperback too – I’d be very happy to send you signed copies of both books! If you can message me with your address, I’ll post them out once my copies arrive xx
It would be so cool if the he was a vampire!
Good luck on publishing your book.
It would, wouldn’t it? A real high school vampire, but it’s a teacher, not a student 🙂 maybe there’s a story in that. And thanks so much for your kind words about my book xx
I find it more likely that the vampire is a teacher not a student. Would make a much better story!
Maybe one of us needs to write it 😉