another step nearer

Well the first draft chapter has come back from the printers.  Trying to decide between two versions, and realising I can always choose another font if I prefer.  This is what my book might look like - it feels very different reading it in that form, compared with when I print it out at home.  Hoping I can get the photos enhanced - that's the trouble with photos from years ago, scanning in ones which have faded because they've either been exposed to sunlight or in fact weren't that good originally!

This feels like a big week as I'm producing copies for my readers to comment on.  And wondering what their reactions/comments will be of course.

Lots of ideas about my book launch - how to promote it, who to invite and so on.  It feels a long time until November but I know it will come round very quickly.  And the next day we will be off to Center Parcs (hopefully) with one branch of the family - allegedly for some r and r!

date for book launch!

Most days seem to bring something exciting, unnerving, challenging!  As I have been reading, re-reading, editing and thinking through I have been making notes of the people who are either mentioned by name or referred to in the book.  Its getting quite a long list.  I've been able to contact some of them already to make sure they are ok with their inclusion - so far everyone has been very enthusiastic.  Its all very encouraging.

the biggest step forward has been to book Thursday 24th November for my book launch.  Reality is hitting home and my mind is racing with things to do in preparation.  Further details will follow nearer the time......

what's this book about?

A very helpful comment  today - what is this book actually about?!  Just because its been part of my life for the last 5 years doesn't mean everyone knows about it, nor that they are mind-readers.

The focus of my book is about the experience of losing my daughter Abi, who died suddenly when she was almost three years old.  Whilst this happened in 1984, the intensity of that loss took many years to diminish.  Over the last few years I realised that what could be helpful for my family was to know more about what it was like for each of them - grief and bereavement can be a very isolating experience.  The book is a collection of interviews with each of the key members of my family (husband, sons and daughter, grandparents and great-aunt) and includes my reflections and learning too.  Through the process of writing I thought that perhaps our experiences might be able to help others too.  I know that in the aftermath of Abi's death I read as many books and articles as I could find and they were very helpful.

Friends enthusiasm!

Just been away for the weekend with friends - the last time we met them I told them about my ideas for my book.  She was thrilled to hear how far I had got and is looking forward to reading later in the year.  She was very encouraging, and it was great for me to hear how keen she was to read and perhaps recommend my book to others.  My ideas for marketing and getting my book out into the world are developing too, though I think its going to be over the summer when I put more of them into action.  Its good practice for me to create an action plan and stick to it - especially for someone like me who isn't what could be described as a "completer-finisher"

Background

This blog is intended to describe the process of getting my book published and out into the world.  Given that I have been working on it for about five years, I am hoping that the publishing process will be somewhat quicker!  My book is being edited by Heather (who has had her own book self-published last year) - that editing is almost finished and once I have it back and are ok with the changes it is going to go to my readers.  I have three who I am hoping will endorse and provide me with some positive comments!  Plus I am contacting another possible reader who would have a wide following!

I've been in touch with a publishers in York (Quacks) who are going to print my book for me.  There is a great connection for me with them in that they have a Quaker connection, plus the business has been on the site for over 300 years.  The building has a wonderful historical feel to it.  The business itself is small, very friendly and have given me a sense of security and confidence!

I am also looking into the possibility of having a book launch at the same time as the next photographic exhibition at Oasis in Boston Spa.  This is likely to be sometime in October. 

At present I'm busy writing my acknowledgements page and author blurb, as well as finding a decent photo of me to go on the back cover.