My plans for May involved my copy edits deadline which was a two week window. My copy edits worked out fairly well, all was kind and gentle, so I completed the task ahead of the game on the 12th. It was necessary to switch a couple of sections and confirm dates so the easiest thing to do is reread the manuscript ensuring everything is as it should be. Now, proofreading doesn't usually happen at this stage, but I thought why not? I've spent the last two days proofreading which confirms that the amendments made are correct and in the long run will ease the final process. It means I've read from a 'dirty' copy as I call it with track mark comments attached but I've managed. I'm current 57% of the way through and hope to complete on Sunday. When proofreading, I read the book aloud so my voice is hoarse and the dog thinks I've lost the plot!

One lovely addition having proofread this copy - I've fallen in love with my Christmas story, again. Which always happens to me at this stage. You can spend so long looking for errors, negative aspects and flaws of the story that when you finally read the complete work after many weeks, you surprise yourself.  

Prior to a book being published it is offered out as an ebook digital known as an 'arc' to respected bloggers and professional reviewers. The publishers organise this task through a trusted company called NetGalley, who vet their blogger/reviewers based on reliability and completing their given task - it isn't based on the star ratings they award previous books. The author and publishers want a true picture in response to potential readers, so it is essential that bloggers read and return true reports.

Here are my reviews coming in from NetGalley. ​

OMG! I'm soooooooooooo excited. I'm going on a writing retreat next month with other authors. Brilliant authors who I deeply admire and love in a fan-girl author-way and who surround me with lots of swirling creative energy. Plus, it is away from my house! I have been at home since 16th March 2020 for 22 hours a day. 

I thought I'd share because those that know me can probably imagine my 'actual' reaction to such news!

Question is which book project do I focus on and finish? Mmmmmm, decisions decisions.

It's midnight and I can't sleep. I've had a great day working on my 'copy edits', but try as I might my brain isn't quietening down despite my best efforts. So, let's have a bit of fun!

In my latest book, FROM SHETLAND, WITH LOVE - Jemima Button announces on page one that she comes from a family of liars!

Below are 15 statements about me: 10 are true but 5 are pure lies ... which is which, true or false?

1. My car was struck by lightning whilst I was driving.
2. My Nan used to live in Dr Crippen's house.
3. I used to own a duck called 'Crispy'.
4. I am a twin.
5. I have a fear of snakes.
6. I used to work for AstraZeneca.
7. I've performed on stage at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
8. My father made candles for a living.
9. I attended a Prince concert.
10. I attended mass before Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square, Vatican city.
11. I'm allergic to lemons.
12. My mother was a dressmaker.
13. I've broken three of my four limbs.
14. I was rescued from a roller coaster at Alton Towers.
15. I was born on April Fool's day.

Answers: can be found by scrolling down past the 'Update for May' blog post. I've been truthful, honest x

Thank you for your interest but the 30 coasters have been claimed by readers.

​Please return soon as I frequently organise give-aways!

​Love Erin x

So sorry, I forgot to update my followers on my progress and goals for April. You'll see why in a second! Anyway, I entered into the spirit of CampNaNo by writing 51,548 brand new sparkly words plus, edited my secret book project of 97,500 words. A rather enjoyable month, I have to say!

So what's in store this month, I hear you ask? Well, my copy edits have arrived back for my Christmas book. This stage is where a copy editor has read through each word and questions the use of each phrase. Seriously, they do. I then have to go through each of their queries questioning myself on what I meant at the time of writing. I have until the 14th May to complete this task. Then comes my second favourite task: proofreading. When I receive a formatted copy of the book and away I go reading and noting any remaining errors. I love this bit as I usually 'fall back in love' with my story.

From the 15th May, I'll return to my other projects adding more polish and scenes to each.

​I have numerous author talks booked for the coming weeks (see 'home' page for details). Due to the current situation the library talks are via Zoom and Teams but that simply makes it more fun as we can invite an audience from across the globe, if they wish to join us! The radio session with Kim Smith and Christie Barlow will be an absolute hoot given that neither one can stop laughing when the tunes are playing. 

But the big event for this month, the one I'm gearing up for is ... publication day on 27th May! I can't wait. It has been fifteen months since my last publication day back in January 2020 when that other world existed. I went out and everything to celebrate. I have no idea what I'll do this time but I can guarantee there'll be bubbles, and plenty of them!

The first book reviewers and bloggers have been invited to read 'FROM SHETLAND, WITH LOVE' and so far they have loved it. It has received five star reviews and such lovely comments I'm quite excited to hear what my readers think. 

There are lots of 'me' in this story though you'll have to figure out which is which and what as you go along. I will say: I did own 'Crispy' duck. I did help name the chickens. But no, I've never seen a bathroom suite quite like the one I write about!

Here you go a little taster for those that have pre-ordered from Amazon.​

1. True
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. False
6. True
7. False
8. True
9. True
10. True
11. False
12. True
13. False
14. True
15. True

As an author there are many elements to the role which you never thought or even imagined you'd have to do. I've just undertaken on such task: asking permission to use a quotation.

It might sound like the easiest request in the world, but it isn't. I'm not going to go into details, but I have been working hard researching a specific quotation which I wish to include in the front of a book. I can't find the quotations details anywhere, so have no other option than to contact the family requesting their kind permission.

I'm an author, I use words everyday and yet, when it came to writing a letter trying to explain the personal whys and wherefores of my request - I couldn't express myself. What is that all about? Anyway, the letter has now been sent so I'm asking that you all send positive vibes around the globe so my wish is granted. I'll be over the moon if it is, in fact I'll probably cry with joy!

I'll let you know how it goes. Finger crossed!

As part of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, I host the Birmingham Chapter’s quarterly meetings. I joined the Chapter many years ago just as the first author was being published and vowed that I would read the debut novel of each author. The reading list below reflects my current status – I’m on the penultimate book with just Claire’s book remaining to complete my current reading task. Well done to each author! There's an Amazon link within each book title.
 
Finger crossed, I’ll be ready and waiting for the next publishing contract to be signed continuing my debut reading task. 
 

Claire Huston - Art and Soul  (currently reading)
 
The debut books read so far:

Kim Nash – Amazing Grace
Josie Bonham - A Good Match For The Major
Tora Williams - Bound To Her Blood Enemy
Marilyn Rodwell - The Wedding Drums
Mick Arnold – The Season Of Love
Julia Ibbotson - A Shape On The Air
Sally Jenkins - Bedsit Three
Christie Barlow - A Year In The Life Of A Playground Mum
Morton Gray - The Girl On The Beach
Lynn Forth – Love In LaLa Land
Bella Osborne - It Started At Sunset Cottage 
Alison May - Sweet Nothings
Janice Preston - Mary and The Marquis