Last week the advanced copies of my latest book arrived, A Children’s History of Leicester. I wasn’t expecting them. I had Mum on my mind, her extreme agitation and the beginnings of what we suspect could be cancer-related delirium. I had Rod on my mind, his run of infections following all that chemotherapy, and yet another course of antibiotics for him to take. And I had the new cats on my mind. The postman’s visit meant that the front door was open and the cats were still confined to quarters. In fact, the last thing on my mind was a delivery of books which made their arrival all the sweeter.
The cover was shiny, tactile, exciting. I turned the pages and felt that (almost) familiar thrill that I hope will never pall. All my words are there, all that research and writing, selecting and editing, but I had only ever seen them as black on sheets of white A4. Now the colour and illustrations have brought my words to life.
Two have already been placed on The Shelf. It may not be heaving with books quite yet but it’s starting to look almost respectable, don’t you think!
This is certainly a silver lining amongst all the problems you're having. Congratulations Rosalind!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah. It certainly boosted my mood a tad.
ReplyDeleteThe book looks really beautiful. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteGlad the postman brought a little cheer.
Your book looks gorgeous! I am so glad that it arrived and brought a smile. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate at the moment. Thinking of you xx
ReplyDeleteOh, what a beautiful book. Congratulations! My postman only brings bills, though I hope one day... :D
ReplyDeleteWishing that things get easier very soon, Rosalind.
Lovely to hear something has made you smile. Your book looks fabby, I hope you are pleased with it. Lots of success with it. Hugs x
ReplyDeleteThe book looks great! It sounds like you need some good news at the moment.
ReplyDeleteGood luck xx
Congratulations, Rosalind! What a bit of cheer in the midst of all you've been going through. Your bookshelf looks wonderful. :D
ReplyDeleteAmy
How fabulous! These kinds of things are always better for being unexpected.
ReplyDeleteMuch more than respectable! Awesome :) Enjoy patting them :)
ReplyDeleteHi Shirley, thanks for the comment and for the follow.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rebecca and thanks for buying a copy of my Bathtime Rap book. I hope they enjoy it!
Thanks Marissa, I used to think I'd never get published and then three came along at once (exactly like buses!)
ReplyDeleteHi Pauline, yes I am very pleased with it. It's far more tactile than I was expecting (love that word!)
Thanks, Tracy, good news is always welcome but you're right. It's even more welcome right now.
ReplyDeleteHi Amy, thank you for your comments re The Shelf. I always lusted after a special shelf like that after seeing my friend, Pippa Goodhart's full to overflowing!
Hi Nicolette, yes, unexpected good news has a special kind of sweetness, doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jemi, I do keep stoking them. As I said, they're really tactile.
The book looks beautiful Ros, and I'm sure the writing is even better.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had this happy break in the middle of the difficult time you're going through.
Nu what are you waiting for - you have to fill up that shelf with more books :)
A rosebud in your snow. Congratulations. How proud that must make you feel to see your book in print. I can only imagine but I bet it's enough to burst the buttons right off your dress.The cover artwork looks very inviting.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann, and funnily enough I was printing off a new picture book ms as your comment arrived!
ReplyDeleteHi Manzanita. 'A rosebud in the snow' I love that. You have such a wonderful way with words. Thank you.
May I say that I'm proud to be mentioned in reference to your 'I Wrote These' bookshelf? What a range of books, and each of them lovely. Best of all, there's plenty of room for more. I watch with interest and pleasure!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pippa but it'll never be as full as your Shelf! ;-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your successful publication. It looks great on the shelf!
ReplyDeleteI signed up for the A-Z Blogging Challenge (number 472) and saw your name on the list so I just stopped by to check out your blog and say "Hi". I look forward to reading your "alphabet" posts in April.
Hi Gail and thanks for the follow. Looking forward to the A-Z Challenge. It's going to be a very different experience from my usual blogging routine. I'll pop over to visit you right away.
ReplyDeleteThe book looks lovely. That must be such an exhilerating feeling to get a package like that.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I don't know if you saw any of my series about getting press coverage over the past week, but I know you had mentioned writing articles about the hospital for your local paper. Do you think there is any possibility of getting a mention of A to Z in your paper?
If you check my post today I have a link to what one Chicago area blogger did--she wrote up a very nice release that incorporated a mention of her book as well.
Getting some coverage in the UK would be great, especially since we have so many Brits participating.
Good luck and have a great weekend!
Lee
Tossing It Out
Thanks Arlee, it certainly was exhilarating. I'll see what I can do re UK publicity but not sure it's one for our local paper.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to have published your own book! Looks like a job well done!
ReplyDeleteHi Duncan and thanks but I didn't actually publish it myself. Hometown World Publishers commissioned me to write a history of Leicester for children.
ReplyDelete