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Writing Activity: Received feedback/comments from 1st beta-reader;
passed manuscript to 2nd beta-reader. Noted amendments to be made following feedback Just Read: 'Murder at the University' by Faith Martin Currently Reading: 'The Zoo Gang' by Paul Gallico
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Writing Activity: Printed hard copy of 'Ascent' to proofread before passing
it to my beta-reader for feedback and comment Just Read: 'The Serpent Sword' by Matthew Harffy Currently Reading: 'Nemesis' by Max Hastings Writing Activity: Ran 'Ascent' through SmartEdit software to identify
repeated words and phrases, adverbs etc. Gave my first library talk at Cheadle Library in Staffordshire. Excellent questions from audience, and a number of books (both available volumes) sold. Currently Reading: 'Black Prince' by Michael Jones Writing Activity: Completed another edit of 'Ascent: Unreachable Skies 3'.
Read this one out loud to help catch errors and repetitions Just Read: 'Exemplary Justice' by Allen Andrews Currently Reading: 'Blood Queen' by Joanna Courtney Writing Activity: Marketing and publicity for 'Exile' ongoing.
Another draft of 'Ascent' completed. Put aside for a few days before starting another re-edit. Just Read: 'The Wandering Earth' by Cixin Liu Currently Reading: 'Nelson' by Carola Oman  Book Launch Day!
'Exile: Unreachable Skies II' is out now, and available from:
Writing Activity: Completed another edit/redraft of 'Ascent'
Drafted and sent Press Releases for launch of 'Exile' Agreed launch event with Radio Respect in Bognor Regis Currently Reading: 'Column of Fire' by Ken Follett Writing Activity: Attempting to sort out a launch event for 'Exile'
Checking through hard copy of latest draft of 'Ascent' Currently reading: 'Assault on a Queen' by Jack Finney  The official unveiling of the 'Exile' cover took place today via social media channels, and on Mirror World Publishing's website. Not every publisher offers their authors the opportunity to choose and give feedback on their proposed book covers - and I know from conversations with authors who have had no say that this has sometimes led to anguished pleas to the publisher (invariably disregarded). So I really appreciate that Justine Dowsett, who produces the cover designs at Mirror World, sends through several draft designs and asks for my input. Last year's cover for 'Unreachable Skies' went through a couple of iterations before the stunning final result was produced. This time, Justine nailed it first time: the cover on the book hasn't changed at all from the draft design that was sent to me (along with two others).
So, why did I love this design so much? Firstly, I like the colour palette, with its stormy feel and its suggestion of otherworldliness in those green-tinged waves. That links in with scenes in the book, as well as illustrating the crises and tribulations that my characters go through. In addition, that swirl of colour showing through the storm-clouds has a similar look to the spiral galaxy that lit the cover of Volume 1. A neat reminder of the first cover, without repeating it. Lastly, it's an intriguing and striking illustration which will (hopefully) catch readers' attention. I hope you like it too - and, of course, that you enjoy the book! If you've not yet caught up with 'Unreachable Skies', Zarda the Fate-seer and the Drax, volume 1 is available to buy via the publisher, on Amazon, and at many good bookshops. Writing Activity: Wrote new chapter for 'Ascent', addressing several
'missing' scenes that are referenced later in the book. Completed latest redraft and printed hard-copy to edit. Just Read: 'Curious Sussex' by Mary Delorme Currently Reading: 'Wait for Me' by Deborah Devonshire |
