I’m On A Roll!

by susiesharp

Just dropping in to say my manuscript has had a positive NWS report! Plus, I’ve had a fantastic response from my beta readers. So, I’m a happy bunny.

There’s still a lot of work to do. However, after a lovely mini-break with my gorgeous hubster, I’m back home and raring to go.

And talking of mini-breaks …

We stayed in Woodstock for a couple of days and visited Blenheim Palace. I’ve wanted to see the lavish 17th century stately home for quite a while, and I’m happy to say, it didn’t disappoint.

After that, we popped down to South Wales – Mumbles to be precise – and dropped in on the parents … mine, of course. For those of you not familiar with the Gower Peninsula, it looks a lot like this …

Yes, the sun really was shining in October!

Oh, wait a minute …

I nearly forgot to mention my business cards! Tell me, what do you think?

I’m thrilled with how they’ve turned out. Hope you like the design too.

Well, that’s all for now. Thanks for stopping by,

Susie x

Don’t you just love coincidence?

by susiesharp

Or would you call it serendipity? Fortuity? Whichever term you prefer, I’m grateful for it. And here’s why …

Yesterday, a friend posted on Facebook. She recommended a blog on tips for using social media; exactly what I need right now. The article reinforced my belief that social media is the best way to build a productive network. Happily, I’ve ticked two of the boxes already. I just need to work on a Twitter account. Here’s the link … I recommend a read.

Today, I met a lovely lady. She’s the same age as the heroine in my next novel but, best of all, she’s a gardener. Exactly the job I’d envisaged said heroine doing! How’s that for chance? Fortunately, the lovely lady is holidaying near-by, so I will be able to pick-up a font of information. And, yes, I bet we end up as friends on Facebook!

Before I go, I’d just like to leave you with this …

The view from my laptop, Mama Cat with her two kittens, Tig & Tink, all having a snooze on a sunny Sunday. Think I’ll go join them.

Susie x

Putting Myself Out There …

by susiesharp

What now?

Well, I can’t just twiddle my thumbs waiting for my NWS report, can I? Time to get planning, I think.

Actually, as a newbie writer intent on self-publishing, I’m not ashamed to admit at being more than a little overwhelmed by the whole process. While there’s so much advice available, it’s tricky navigating my own path.

I’ve already prepared a website which will go live very soon. My Instagram page is up and running. Facebook too. So, my author platform is under construction. Apparently, social media is a writer’s biggest asset.

The reality of today’s world of indie publishing is that I need to create a way for my book to stand out from the crowd; the tens of thousands of other books being published. It’s important to find the readers who will create excitement for when the book comes out and, hopefully, build a community that will be with me for years to come. So this is an important step.

I’m also on the look-out for beta readers. Not too sure how to go about this, but I’ve joined a couple of FaceBook groups that can point me in the right direction.

I Won’t Get Far With A Book That Hasn’t Been Edited.

Even though self-publishing is exciting, and I can’t wait to see my first novel up on Amazon, I need to take the time to make sure it’s right first. My NWS critique will be a good starting point, and I know there will be rewriting required. But after that, well, I’m using an editor. I want a book that looks professional, so I’m going to have to hire those professionals to create the book for me.

If you meander around Instagram, or Facebook, drop in and say hi!

Susie x