This is my writing desk, the place where my Roman Britain mystery stories and characters are born. Doesn’t it look tranquil? Actually nothing could be further from the truth. As an example, here’s my rough schedule for summer 2022, when I’m officially not even writing:
Getting The Carnelian Phoenix ready for publication. I delivered the manuscript to my publisher, Sharpe Books, a couple of weeks ago, once I’d finished the final draft with the input of my half dozen beta readers. These are exceptional people, chosen for their love of my genre, capacity to read quickly, and willingness to give me honest feedback. Bless ‘em, they really came through, with enthusiasm. Next was the job of getting the blurb written (this is what you see on the back cover, and in the Amazon listing.) Harder than you might think. My publisher and I are mulling over v4 right now. Next will be the final editorial polish, and then the exciting bits - the cover design, and the endorsements by other terrific authors. I loved the cover for Governor’s Man, so I’m itching to see what we come up with for Carnelian Phoenix.
Devising a promotional plan for the new book. Yes, my publisher does a lot of the heavy lifting, but as all authors know, in today’s market the author doesn’t get to sit back and relax once the book appears. That’s just the beginning… I’ll say more about my plan for Carnelian Phoenix next time. What I can already tell you is I’ll be taking part in the local Colwall Arts Festival again this August, with readings from the new book and signed paperbacks to sell. I just hope the weather is kinder this year. [Cue sounds of torrential rain.]
Meanwhile - we’re off this week on the 21st century equivalent of Quintus’s chestnut horse (our Triumph Tiger motorbike) to research Book 3. This may become The Ivory Bangle, a murder in York connected to serious trouble beyond Hadrian’s Wall. Or I may go back to The Irish Slave, succession struggles in Ireland and a missing prince. We’ll see. Please tell me in the Comments box below which country you’d prefer Quintus and Tiro to visit, if you haven’t already responded to my question on Facebook!
And I’m still working on introducing more readers to my first book, The Governor’s Man. Here’s my latest review, from the lovely team at Discovering Diamonds. I know, preaching to the converted. But you could share these kind words with your friends?
My own reading.
Enough for one summer, I think you’ll agree. I might just take some time off in September… I hope, I wish. But of course, I always find time to read books by fabulous fellow authors. This month I’ve really enjoyed a new murder mystery The Shadows of Men by the very talented Abir Mukherjee. His detecting duo, Captian Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee, are in British India but feel not unlike my pair of sleuths. Different Empire, different part of the world, but with enough similarities to underline the cyclical nature of history. (I hasten to add I had already written The Governor’s Man when I came across the first Sam Wyndham book, A Rising Man.) I’ll leave you to read my review.
Next month, I’ll be a stop on the launch blog tour for Edinburgh Mysteries writer Val Penny’s latest outing, Hunter’s Chase. Plenty to look to forward to with her fast-paced Scottish noir!
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