Last night, I gave away two signed paperback books of my latest release 'Sunny Stays at the Shetland Hotel' to readers who are members of the 'Erin Green Readers' group on Facebook. The books will be signed, packaged and posted a.s.a.p. - I'm hoping they arrive before publication date, fingers crossed.  

The reason I started the Facebook group was to bring readers who have enjoyed my books together in one space where they can ask direct questions, comment and simply have a place where they can enjoy knowing the whys and wherefores behind my books, as I write them. I'm pretty honest about my writing, so happily share my journey on a week by week basis. I sometimes ask the group questions eg. can you suggest a full-time career? using several of their suggestions in current projects. It goes without saying that I will always offer 'giveaways' to this specific group before other social media outlet as a 'thank you' for their continued support. 

The book group is for genuine readers and not 'avid competition' folk - as previous prize giveaways have been sold on eBay (seriously, true). My aim is to give genuine bookworms the delight of winning a signed publication! For this reason membership can be refused, sorry if that offends.  

Congratulations to the two winners - I hope you enjoy Pippa, Natalia and Autumn's story!

Being an aspiring author can truly suck at times. Honestly, I remember it well. You're faced with the task of writing without a deadline or promise of publication, surrounded by constant reminders that you could be doing other things and little recognition for the hours you dedicate to your work-in-progress. It's so frustrating; you can't sell a book without writing one yet you have to 'fight' with daily life for the time needed to write a paragraph.

An advantage of your 'apprenticeship', which is how I view my aspiring decades, is the time and opportunity available to learn from other authors and make decisions - which you hope will come to fruition. I vowed I would always celebrate publication days - some authors don't 'it's just another day', they say. I believe each one is a personal celebration which was never guaranteed as mine. Like birthdays, I won't know when the last one has arrived, so I need to enjoy as many as I can!   

Another is book dedications. As a bookworm, I always read the dedication, if there is one. They're not always funny, poignant or reflective, but sometimes heartfelt and insightful. It feels like a cameo appearance to me as if I glimpse the author for a second before I'm lost amidst their words.

I will always have dedications, a vow made many moons ago. Mine are written at the beginning of a project, when the essence of the idea are fresh in my mind and my creative muse is on-fire - some authors leave it until completion as a finishing touch. I've dedicated one to a specific person, but the rest are dedicated to various 'things' in life. Some are witty, others poignant, but all reflect a theme within the book giving my readers a hint of the storyline before reading Chapter one.      

The image above shows the dedication in my latest book: Sunny Stays at the Shetland Hotel.
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I don't agonise over the wording or meaning, but each one offers a glimpse into my world!

It might not seem writing related, but deep down it is. Last night, was my school reunion party for the Class of '87 which I was thrilled to attend. I have an incredibly good memory, so spent a wonderful night recalling names, faces and funny stories about my fellow pupils and our school days.

​Sadly, I didn't have the nicest end to my school days; I bailed out from attending sixth form to avoid a particular group of students. I should have followed my original path and remained to study 'A levels', but hey ho, you live and learn!

It was wonderful catching up with so many of my lovely school pals, laughing and dancing the night away. Despite being a designated driver, on diet coke all night, I was tipsy on the sheer warmth and love that was shown towards me. Plus, taken aback and immensely humbled by the number who had read my published books. Even, the guys! I hadn't expected such lovely comments and support from the school crowd - they really made my night very, very special.

Though, I have woken this morning with an inkling towards writing a reunion book! 

One of the positives born from the covid situation has been Zoom Author Q&As; which allow me to connect with groups regardless of distance. This week, I connected with one delightful group: The Tregolls Lodge book club in Truro. It was a one hour session which felt like ten minutes given the speed with which time past, plus the laugh we had!

Authors are usually sent a few questions before hand to give the group an idea of their make-up. I thought I'd share my answer below:
1. What is the first book that made you cry?
​I can't remember. Tears equal a five star review in my world, so there have been many over the years!

2. What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
Buying window space in book shops, e.g. WHSmiths and clearly stating 'bestseller' when the featured book isn't a best seller but then the public buy it without questioning, thus making it a 'bestseller'. Urghhhhhhh, Richard! But good luck to you - I simply wish it were me!

3. Does writing energise or exhaust you?
Energise. It keeps my blood pumping!

4. Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
Errr, I do. My birth name was originally deemed 'commercially unviable' by a previous editor. 

5. Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?
Probably.

6. What other authors are you friends with & how do they help you to become a better writer? 7. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
There are too many to list. The sweetest, loveliest authors to me have been Bella Osborne, Katie Fforde, Jo Thomas, Alison May, Janet Gover, Christie Barlow, Ros Rendle, Josie Bonham, Victoria Walker, Sally Jenkins and Lynne Selby. All super smashing people who simply have good hearts!  

7. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
​It didn't. I was still juggling the 'day job' alongside 'the dream job' so yeah, I went to work each day and taught Shakespeare, Steinbeck and Dickens!

8. What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
I now live off my wage, so every day in a bonus day. My very first purchase with my royalty cheque was a beautiful piece of art by Darryn Eggleton (see above picture) I still look at it and take pride in the fact that my readers' bought it for me. Thank you, I love it x 

9. As a writer what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/ spirit animal?
My spirit animal has always been a tortoise. I have owned several during my lifetime. My Grandad Peel bought me my first when I was aged five. Apparently, Bill died several times over and was hastily replaced, which I always argued and spotted after each 'fake' hibernation, but yeah, a tortoise. I currently own three girls: Nettles, Acorn and Willow. 

10. What’s the best way to market your books?
There are many - Twitter, Facebook, in person, loyal fans.

11. How do you select the names of your characters?
I love names. Names are incredible important to me - it has to be the right fit for the fight person otherwise, nah! I chose teams from grave headstone, the closing titles of films, school registers, overheard on the street - I make a list of 'lovely' names and them select when I needed. I've been known to change names part was through writing a book because the chosen one lost its value or really wasn't right!

12. Do you read your book reviews and how do you deal with bad or good ones?
​I read every review I can see. On Amazon reviews, I am the 'one person liked this' person beneath the recent ones. I learn from my reviews as they are the voice of my readers. If several readers pick up on the same thing, then I make note of their likes/dislikes and feed that into my next book. I love reviews ... five star or otherwise! I can honestly say my reviews have shaped my future books. I will never write the perfect book, so will always gain one star reviews. Thank you, reviewers!

13. What was your hardest scene to write?
The ones that contain personal information/events that I have experienced in life. They don't make me cry during the writing stage but make me sob during editing. I try to put a piece of me into each book that way the memory will live forever.  

14. Describe a typical day for you?
At my desk for 8am writing. Breakfast at nine. Writing again from ten o'clock. Home alone with my dog, cat and tortoises for the day. I work until at least four. The dog drags me out for exercise. Return home to eat, hobby time and sleep. Repeat.

15. What do you feel are your biggest achievements?
Me! That might sound very arrogant, but it isn't, it is honest! The woman that I am and have become, based on what I have been through, is my greatest achievement!

16. What is in your handbag/satchel?
Satchel.

17. What advice would you give a budding novelist?
Simply write! Write. Write. Write. Stop fooling yourself when you don't write. That fool doesn't pen a single word! (Sorry if that sounds harsh).

18. What are your ambitions in life?
To remain happy.

19. Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Happy and writing.

20. Happiness is?
Inner peace, writing and a fresh cuppa!

21. What three words would you use to describe your latest novel?
Healing. Healthy. Inspiring.

22. Which authors inspire you?
I love my Classics: Austen, Bronte, Dickens, Eliot.
Modern day: Marian Keyes, Bella Osborne, Jill Mansell, Milly Johnson, Christie Barlow

23. Are your books plot driven or character driven?
Character and persona.

24. How much of you is there in your books?
I'm in every line!

25. How important is the setting in the book?
​Very important. A sense of belonging and setting is important to me.

26. Which of your books have you been most proud of?
​All of them; I can't chose between my babies!

27. Do you have a favourite book?
Easy. Pride and Prejudice - Austen. I own ten different copies and bought myself a new version for a big birthday during covid lockdown!

28. How long does it take you to write a book?
Longest time 6 years. Shortest time 108 days!

29. Where do you write?
In my writing room, which is a spare bedroom in the house. I like coffee shops too, or train stations, or belfries, or airports, or park benches - anywhere ... I like anywhere I can write.

30. Which authors dead or alive would you invite to a literary dinner party?
Austen, Brontes, Dickens, plus Elvis Presley and Charlie Chaplin because I adore them too! 

31. Have you been to any literary festivals to listen or to speak?
Yes, both.

32. Who was your favourite author when you were a child/growing up?
C.S.Lewis. I had to put my name on the school library list in order to read 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' and the wait seemed like years, but finally it was my turn. I actually the remember the night, I sat in bed reading about Lucy going through the back of that wardrobe. It was as if Lewis took my hand and walked me through the fur coats, snow, pine needles ... I'm yet to return home! Pure magic!

33. Did you or do you now borrow books from your local library?
I always have a borrowed book from the library. I'm a regular user for ordering books. I'm good at returning, I rarely pay fines! I attend local talks too, which gives the librarians a giggle as I don't think they expect me to take an interest in certain subjects. But I'm quirky like that; I love local history!
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34. Do you prefer paper books or an e-reader?
I'm a book sniffer, so I like paperbacks!

Today, I took a trip down memory lane - not my usual Wednesday afternoon jaunt, but enjoyable just the same. I browsed the archive lists at the bottom of this page and randomly clicked on dates/years to remind myself where I was at and what I was up to at the time!

I don't expect new followers to begin at blog post one and catch-up, so thought I point out four dates which I found interesting on reflection.

April 2017 - my dream came true!

August 2017 - Published author

Oct 2018 - NaNoWriMo - New Beginnings at Rose Cottage

August 2018 - Aspiring author series of blogs

The task has probably highlighted the importance of my blog - my ability to revisit and reread my own journey!

Whilst planning the story line for a book many events and details from my life find their way into the plot, some by chance others are conscious decisions. The process is similar to making a cake, you find a huge mixing bowl add the various ingredients and hope to create a unique bake! 

'Sunny Stays at the Shetland Hotel' (book 3 of the series) was no different. I knew which three characters (Pippa, Natalia and Autumn) I wished to focus upon, so set about creating three unique story lines. Two of the characters had been introduced in book 1 - neither lady had a very positive debut in that story, so I wished to address the balance.

​At the time of planning, I had a Christmas present voucher to walk alpacas, which had been cancelled numerous times due to covid, so I was thrilled when the occasion arrived and I spent the afternoon walking a delightful fella called 'Carpe Diem'. If you know me, you've probably just fell off your chair! Carpe Diem is one of my life mottos which I use in a weekly meme on Wednesdays. I didn't chose that particular alpaca - I had to line up with the other twenty people and wait until a rope lead was handed to me. I danced with joy on hearing his name. You won't be surprised to meet him in Shetland book 3!!!

Other real life occurrences also made the final plot line for book 3. My holiday to Shetland features heavily as does a quite unexpected event. Which turned into a thought provoking incident for me, so I couldn't not include the details. It goes without saying that I have fictionalised many of the real life details and the severity of the incident but still, I've awarded the situation to one poor soul. You'll know exactly what I'm referring to if you read the 'acknowledgements' of my book! 

As many of you know, I launched an Erin Green Readers group on FaceBook several months ago. At present there are 115 wonderful members who have access to my weekly posts. 

As I write, edit and proofread each book, I share snippets of information with the group and they in turn respond to questions that I sometimes pose, if I need specific suggestions. This week, I paused the facility for new members to join as I am holding a prize giveaway as a 'Thank you' and wanted the two winners to be randomly chosen from the current members. 

New memberships will be resume in a few days. Sorry for the inconvenience, but I wanted to be fair as the group have supported me each week from creation to publication of 'Sunny Stays at the Shetland Hotel'.

Morning folks, I'm on a mission this week having been asked the best question in the world by my editor ... what do you want to write next?

You know that I've already started writing a fresh idea, with another hibernating in the background, but now I need to  formally pitch to my editor, the creative team and the publishing group. Ekkkk!

I love pitching ideas, but I don't enjoy writing the synopsis. I remember the first synopsis I ever wrote was four pages long - I went overboard on the detail by three pages! And there lies the problem, getting the whole idea captured in one glorious page!

You'd think I'd be used to this process by now, but no - I've given myself until Friday to draft, polish and send two synopses (that last word sounds so wrong, just Googled the plural, but still doesn't sound right!).   

5th May 2022 Update: Synopsis one has been created, polished and sent to my editor! Synopsis two has been created, polished once and ... I'm doing a little more polishing because well, you know, I just need to!
​6th May 2022 - done and dusted.