During the past few weeks, I've started to do 'live chats with Erin' via Facebook or Instagram - I've shared snippets about my daily writing life, my publication journey, current projects and a few memorable objects from my writing desk!

I wanted to spend some time connecting with my readers allowing them to get to know the real me. The woman behind the books, so to speak! When I was an English teacher, I used to teach my students to study the author before we studied their literature as the connections aid understanding the text. I believe Dickens' life and experiences comes through in 'A Christmas Carol' - which helped my students to gain context and understanding while studying GCSE. Modern authors are no different. 

I'm hoping to continue the 'live chat' interactions in the coming weeks as I start a brand-new book and start visiting a few places for research. I might even start sharing a few snippets from the forth-coming book - an opening scene or two!

If you'd like to follow my live talks - search Facebook for Erin Green Author and Instagram for erin_green_author  

Remember if you have any questions - you can always ask on a 'live chat' I'll answer what I can.

​Over recent years, there’s been a shift in the manner in which social media platforms have allowed us to communicate with our followers. The big sites are altering the ways in which we can connect and reach our followers by controlling the narrative with algorithms and in-built restrictions. I recently organised a Facebook ‘live’ session for my 790 followers yet Facebook bombarded me with private adverts for a £42.00 ‘advert boost’ for the five days leading up to the event. I didn’t engage with their advert offer, but realised that the feedback given in their insights data used to tempt me didn’t actually match the reality – all ‘smoke and mirrors’ used to tempt me to pay for their services. Several followers complained they couldn't access the 'live' session or their feed didn't duly notify them.
 
Another issue that has become apparent over social media, is that my giveaways aren't reaching the genuine book readers. I organise giveaways of signed books each time I have a publication and yet half my readers aren’t able to access the details, see my post, restricted in entering or I’m bombarded with private messages from semi-professional competition addicts who convert prizes into cash. I want my signed book giveaways to be won by readers who follow me for genuine reasons. The solution addressing some aspects is to change the way I handle ‘giveaways’.
 
For the foreseeable future, I’ll be using email entry for signed giveaways. This way I can have direct contact with my followers, without a third-parties interfering with our communication. Followers will receive a newsletter sent periodically each quarter outlining details of up-coming releases, giveaway and exciting news events. 
 
To join my emailing list please visit the ‘Newsletter, giveaways and enquiries’ page and complete as necessary. The next signed book giveaway will be taking place in August for my latest book ‘Retreat to the Lakeside Cottage’ published 15th August.

My final task as publication day nears is to proofread a copy to ensure that I'm happy with the content and spot, if I can, any stray typos. Thankfully, professional proofreaders are also given the task so I know there's a safety net approach.

This stage is one of my favourites, along with the initial draft one writing, as I get to sit back and enjoy the book as a complete work. I start at page one and read aloud to the dog, despite him being deaf, making my way to page ... in this case page 344!

I had the idea for this book 1st December 2022. I started to write draft one as an experimental idea from 23rd February 2023 and it'll be published 15th August 2024. As you can see this particular book has been with me for a fair while now. Admittedly, the plot points and actual content have been with me for much longer, with some scenes being squirrelled away in my head for years! So it goes without saying, to actually sit with a proof copy and read the story to myself feels like a treat. More so when I reflect on the health issues I encountered during those dates, so this book contains a wealth of memories for me relating to those times.

The process of writing, editing, structural edits, copy edits - round after round of additions and tweaks, and this book had an additional set of edits compared to my other novels, over time I always lose a liking for the actual story. Each time I read a manuscript the jokes seem less funny, the characters lose their lustre, the scenes become too familiar to the point that during structural edits I usually dislike my own work immensely. The copy edits help revive a little of my enthusiasm. But it's the final proofread that reignites my spark for a book.

I'm half way through proofreading my copy and the magic has kicked in. I'm falling back in love with my chapter of five authors, smiling at their quirky manners, their in-jokes, their shared knowledge and realising just how much detail I've gathered about the publishing industry and writing process. I'm sure I've written the nearest thing I ever will to a 'how-to-write-a-book' book given the various stages posed by each author. I may have given an insight into the world of author life too as I have touched on various niggles and areas of issue that occur on a daily basis which readers might never have thought about.

All in all, I'm loving my latest book. I remember sitting at home, wrapped in blankets, in my grandmother's armchair recovering from poor health and a major operation while writing this book. There wasn't much I could do during that time other than write, so I did. They say books provide you with a safe space when there is nowhere else to go. Sometimes writing does exactly the same thing! In my case, in the company of five imaginary authors.

UPDATE: My proofreading was completed on Thursday, 29th May. This is the final stage for this book - I kissed it goodbye and sent her into the world!

My story as an author began at the age of five years with my weekly visits to our local library with my dad. After choosing books, we'd nip to the delicatessen afterwards for a cakes and trifle.

If you wish to join me for an 'author talk' on Tuesday, 25th June 2024 from 16:30pm - please cut and paste the link below into your search bar and reserve your seat. Seats are limited, due to the space available for an audience, so please book asap.

​I will be signing books after the event, so bring your copies along!

 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-conversation-with-erin-green-tickets-912188659837

I have organised a second on-line 'author talk' for Wednesday, 29th May 2024 from 7:30pm via Facebook Live for the 'Erin Green Author' page. This is a general Facebook page that enables the general public to follow my book postings, it can be found via a basic search. There are currently 789 followers of which 500 will have access to the live talk at any one time - though I'm not expecting that many, believe me.

The on-line talk will start live at 7:30pm, consisting of a general talk about my publication journey from 'secret scribbler to published author', with a Q&A session afterwards. If there aren't any questions, I have a selection which I'll randomly choose from. The talk will definitely last an hour, tonight's talk to the private readers group lasted ninety minutes.

If you aren't a member of the Facebook community, don't worry - I will be organising a similar on-line event via Zoom in the coming weeks. 

​Link:  www.facebook.com/ErinGreenAuthor Link 

As you know, I belong to numerous writers' groups as a means of mixing and mingling with a variety of other authors, poets and creative types. Last night was the adjudication of our in-house annual short story competition ... and I was awarded a second place. I'm well chuffed! The competition judge was John Burton, an expert on George Eliot, who read and gave feedback on each of the ten entries. I haven't published the whole piece but below is the beginning:

Rita's Cafe

I clear my throat and begin to read aloud to the group. “Rita’s café was warm and cosy. For many it was a kind of haven. A traditional place bedecked in green and white gingham, where the headline of the day was forgotten as you entered and the only news that mattered was a fresh entry on the ‘Specials board’, that and claiming your seat. Claiming your table was important at Rita’s - I hadn’t realised until it closed and was no longer part of my familiar routine.

A never-ending cycle of daily activity witnessed from my spot behind the Formica counter, where my pinny matched the table cloths and my hands were rarely still. 

Two years on, I now miss Stan and Petru who always bagsied the first table by the door and spent hours watching the televised racing through the window of the betting shop opposite. Neither one ever ordered more than a cuppa, but it was on the hour every hour, as regular as the church clock chiming. Their surprise outburst when one or the other won and dashed out to collect their winnings always raised a smile. They always split the bounty or purchased a toasted tea cake in celebration, if their loot stretched as such.

Tuesday’s knitting group filled the air with laughter whilst their needles provided a rhythmical clicking as yarns and patterns covered their laps. Blankets, booties and half-finished sleeves were pieced together week by week, but a completed garment was rarely seen.

The mother and toddler group on Wednesday mornings always gathered around the rear tables, away from the doorway; I wrongly assumed it was to avoid the draft howling in off the market square. They’d use their bulky pushchairs and double buggies to make a fortress around their tables by blocking the aisles, a strategy which kept other customers at bay from cooing germs over their new-borns.

Or the Thursday mothers' group, a splinter group from the original, where baby harnesses and scarf wraps were more the order of the day than a bulky Silver Cross with shiny wheels and a cute rain cover.  

Fridays welcomed Daisy O’Donnell with her tartan shopping trolley, who never finished her plate of buttered toast yet the sugar sachet dispenser was always empty regardless of how full it had been before she sat down at table three.

Saturday mornings brought the family visits, the happy milkshakes and current bun brigade who dropped by after swimming lessons. Providing an endless stream of wide eyes amidst the subtle fragrance of chlorine and freshly washed hair. Followed by the not-so-happy situations, the drop offs and collections which brought a lump to my throat as children excitedly spotted the parent they no longer lived with. Sometimes a harsh exchange, an unfinished argument or a crumpled expression was aired over their off-springs tiny heads before a round of kisses and a promise to ‘be good’ were hastily made. 
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And Sundays, when the ‘closed’ sign remained in full view as the world dashed by and Rita’s café slept awaiting another busy week. Until that final Sunday, after which we never reopened. I miss the haven nestled in the Market Square, Rita’s Café was warm and cosy providing more than hot tea and lively chat in a world of hurried busyness, before Covid changed our week and our own tragic headline eclipsed the specials board.” 
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There’s silence around the library’s meeting table, I sensed there would be ...

I regularly attend local libraries, schools and literary festivals to give an 'author talk' about my publication journey. I realise that not everyone has the chance at attend such a talk during the day, or on a specific day, so I've decided to bring my 'author talk' to you, in the privacy and comfort of your own home! 

'Erin Green Readers' is a private Facebook group that has 149 members - to this group you need to belong in the coming days in order to gain access to my talk on Wednesday, 22nd May at 7:30pm. I intend to chat for about an hour ... though I've been known to yap for much longer at library events. I'm not selling books, I'm not selling anything - simply sharing my story from July 1994 to August 2017! An apprenticeship consisting of 23 years of trying! Thankfully, I made it to the finishing post on 1st August 2017 to become a published author!

There will be chance to ask questions at the end - I have a prepared a question list in case no one has a question! 

If you aren't on Facebook then don't worry - I will be arranging a similar evening via Zoom in the near future - just keep returning to this blog for future dates.

To join me on Wednesday evening - either search for 'Erin Green Readers'* via your Facebook app or press on the link below:

Facebook group: Erin Green Readers *

*This group is for readers - it is not for authors that know me in real-life. Therefore, not everyone that applies to join the reading group will be accepted. Thank you.
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UPDATE: Tonight's chat mentioned:

Secret scribbler                                                       Foundlings
Being a good girl                                                      Loving writing retreats
Fear                                                                           Romantic Novelists' Association
Bronte, Austen, Dickens                                         Bogeyman
Sainsbury's                                                              Mrs Pepperpot
My dog                                                                     Aldi supermarket
Pride and Prejudice                                                Shetland
My bank manager                                                   School pupils
Being bold                                                               Enid Blyton
Katie Fforde                                                            Post-it notes 
Teaching on-line                                                    Author questions
The Moors & Emily Bronte                                    My writing room          
Writer's block                                                         Wine
Graveyards                                                              Open University 
Marian Keyes                                                          Film credits
Debut novel                                                            Great-grandmother Flora
My literary agent                                                   Genetics  
Narnia                                                                     Polesworth library
My dentist                                                              Dreams

Each of my author talks is unique in the way it pans out as I don't learn lines or use script cards - I go with the flow and where the audiences' interest takes me. I never know whether the attendees are avid Erin Green readers, book readers or aspiring authors, so I try to cater for everyone. 

Today's author talk at Mere Green library was no different. I had an audience of 17 guests who were attentive and enthusiastic to hear details of my publication journey from 'secret writer to published author'.

The topics covered were:

Secret writer, July 1994, Noddy Holder, Previous jobs, Kate Fforde, Introverts, Classic books, Ghost writers, Chasing dreams
Girl on a train, Library visits as a child, Shetland, Publishing contracts, Vanity press, A million published words, Post-it notes, Beatrix Potter & watercolours, Writing retreats, Debut novels, Village life, Euston station, Daphne du Maurier, 80/20 concept
Inspiration sources, Parents & background, Brixham, Being brave, A room of one's own, Austen, Bronte and Dickens, What if?

Author Talks: Libraries, book shops, writing groups, reading groups, schools, hobby/interest groups, community groups
and wellness groups. If you're interested in hosting an 'author talk' email: [email protected]

In recent weeks, I've returned to my habit of switching desks and locations in order to work. It's one of the advantages of writing that I can pop myself anywhere be it a library, cafe, train station or a waiting room and still write - you can't say that about all jobs! In recent years, due to 'lockdown' and then poor health, I've got used to being at home and simply working in different rooms to gain the same vibe and a slight change of scenery, but it hasn't been the same.

What I've missed from my regular desk jaunts around town is the background hum of noisy, lively humans, spotting their gestures and interactions, the overheard conversations and pleasantries of baristas/librarians/receptionists while I sit working. I've missed the unexpected conversations from passers-by who are curious about what I'm doing. Their spark of interest, intrigue and follow-on conversations about their favourite books. For some, their realisation that they haven't read a book in a while - which is mentioned a lot! 

I tend to opt for a quiet table on which to write, away from the foot-fall traffic and park for several hours with my laptop, notebooks and a coffee. I quite like the company of a student or two, especially at this time of year, as they've got their nose in a text book and rarely stir more than I do. I like overhearing the discussions of hobby or interest groups who meet at particular locations on certain days - their lively discussions can weave in all directions sparking thoughts and ideas for me.

It might seem a ridiculous way to work but after several hours sitting in my writing room, with the same four walls and decor surrounding me, switching to 'another office' does reawakens the creative spirit. I know from experience, that if I'd stayed where I was at home, I wouldn't have been as productive by starting a new scene or chapter. So, any day that I'm flagging, seem too tired to write, my mind is drifting - I decamp elsewhere and begin again. As a result, I've been known to work at home, in a library and two coffee shops in one day!

I even enjoy seeing the natural rhythm of the space I'm in: the frantic opening routine, the lunch time rush, the mob of teenagers after school and the quiet drift towards closing time - it's comforting that locations each have their unique 'clocks' by which they live and breathe.

I tend to switch and rotate my locations, sometimes posting photographs of where I've been working on social media, though given the world we live in it tends to be at the end of my sessions - as I'm just leaving. Some establishments have spotted my social media posts and used them to encourage others to work/read/study in the space provided. 

Woohoo! Nine of my books are now available on KindleUnlimited! Providing readers with 'unlimited' reading and listening via Kindle devices or free reading apps!
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What are you waiting for readers? Download a book today and dive into my world of love, laughter and happy-ever-afters!

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