In Book 2 - Gemmy and Sem travel to Garz Isle for the summer. It's part of the 'young citizens' programme' that is supposed to get city kids out into the more rural territories of Garz. You can imagine that neither are that impressed.
Here's a written impression of the market in the town where they're sent to, Gaz City, the capitol of Garz Isle. It has a lot of character as it's a mish-mash of the humanek and Rhe'zan who originally inhabited the island. It makes me think of my visit to the souq in Marrakesh.
I could write these scene impressions forever but I try to keep them to two pages in my writing journal. They're pretty much scaffolding for the book - ie it's just for me to have in my head as I'm taking the characters through the places.
Enjoy the Gaz City market:
"Everything is a hazy yellow - the colour of sun-blinkered sand. Even the air smells of it - sand and heat and ocean breeze and fish - everywhere you go there is an underlying reek of fish. Some places it's more pervasive than others, but it is always there, like a memory.
"There is a large square. In the centre is a parched grand fountain, the statue atop it of some winged god. Most of the buildings are made of adobe and no more than two stories high save for the impressive state house with its third story, large dome and aviary. Their unpainted pale yellow façades hum in the sunlight. Those that are painted are brightly coloured - sky blue, white, buttercup yellow - like play things - sweet shops and bakeries all inviting the customer with their eye.
"Behind the line of respectable shops there is a market street. It is wide enough for a compliment of four elephants to march down side by side. It is crowded with makeshift shop fronts and market stall all selling unique items.There is a well worn path of packed clay that paves the market with a shallow gutter running it's length. It's collected the spoils and spills from the stalls and has a fetid reek that fades into the back of your consciousness the longer you stay. There's no hint of rain, only the a damp warmth that keeps everything coated in a thin film of moisture. It's hot and unpleasantly cramped despite its width, crowds jostling back and forth. It's the type of place you would fear pickpockets if thievers weren't so severely punished.
"The meaters, fishers, weavers and merchants of every type, reputable or not, create a tapestry of sounds and smells as they boost their wares. They stand on guard, swatting constantly at the flies. There are the tiny nits that are harmless but the larger blue flies hover and bite and must be kept at bay.
"Down an alley there is an overhead causeway that connects two buildings. The intersection of the buildings forms a small square of it's own - the wanders close - where sellers peddle charms of shells and polished stone, glass bottles filled with rotten liquids and animal limbs to hang 'round your neck for love or fertility. There's a powerful smell of something sweet - incense - flower petals mixed with the heavy musk of reed bark used to invite benevolent spirits. There are many closes here on this mile long market that encloses the main square. These are where the physics, mercenaries, toxickers and other non-prescriptive services huddle together, each their own unique bloom of scents adding to the already powerful bouquet of the market."
‽
Buy 'Black Star' on Amazon in the UK and US
Check out Themo on Twitter and Facebook
Monday, 31 March 2014
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
Jungle book
No shock, book 2 is set on the island of Rheza, the wild country. That means, lots of jungle (no swinging on vines with monkeys, I promise) and Gemmy faces an even bigger problem with the landscape: humidity with curly hair!
When I need to get my head around scenery I do an exercise where I write a short story about the surroundings. I pretend I'm a ghost who's just woken up in this unfamiliar place. What do I see, hear, feels, smell (no, I'm not planning on tasting things in a strange landscape)? So, what does this jungle look like:
"Green everywhere. Trees taller than the largest city building. You can't even see the shape and size of the leaves, just a green sky with sun coloured stars. Large sheets of decaying leaves lay about in heaps of damp peat that reeks of rain and nascent soil. The tree roots grow like doorways creating palaces for beasts and spiders and water reserves. Jaggy loops pop up here and there reminding you not to spend too much time looking up.
Below the dense canopy there is space between tree trunks. Coiled vines hang between them like a network of wires, the trees talking to one another telling the news of the day.
Copses of smaller (twice the height of a person) hedge like trees grow thickly, with small dark green leaves and spines. Tiny birds flit between the branches - nest colonies like tower blocks, rival gangs fighting out in the open - carnivorous monkeys pick up the fallen wounded and feast. They howl in triumph as they collect the spoils of avian warfare.
A large plant spire rises in the distance, six metres high. The putrid stench reaches you from 1,000 paces. It is read and violent looking, swarming insects create traffic crawling in and out of the pucker at the top. When it blooms the jungle will be a graveyard. Towards its base the bud fades and sickly yellow-green flaps peel away, the years of the plant counted in discarded blooms - it's ancient. It reaches the ground in an explosion of wild twisting roots and large propeller shaped leaves.
Away, there is the soft cheep of frogs and the squawk and screech of birds invisibly high in the trees. The sound of running water is missed - there are no rivers here. But there are murky bogs that are feeding-grounds for reptiles, insects and small snuffling mammals that dig about for larvae - Pogos. They have small round bodies covered in wirey brown hair with green reticulated stripes. Their short legs barely hold them away from the ground. From their fat, smushed faces slinks a thick prehensile snout that swashes about in the mud, all the while their tiny greenish ears dart about from atop their head probing their surroundings for trouble.
Large plants crowd the jungle floor with leaves large enough for a child to lay on. They sweep the air on long stalks. Thin vines grow symbiotically using the leaves to send out pollen from their large pink flowers. On the petals there are pink frogs the size of a thumbnail. There is a barely visible diamond on their back traced with a thin line of brown. They hop away onto a leaf and their colour gently shifts to green. These are the edible male Warri Cane. On tree trunks sit the larger female counter parts, glowing with pride. Their toxic brown bodies boast a vicious yellow diamond with a blue iris - the eyes of the jungle."
Enjoy!
‽
Buy 'Black Star' on Amazon in the UK and US
Check out Themo on Twitter and Facebook
When I need to get my head around scenery I do an exercise where I write a short story about the surroundings. I pretend I'm a ghost who's just woken up in this unfamiliar place. What do I see, hear, feels, smell (no, I'm not planning on tasting things in a strange landscape)? So, what does this jungle look like:
"Green everywhere. Trees taller than the largest city building. You can't even see the shape and size of the leaves, just a green sky with sun coloured stars. Large sheets of decaying leaves lay about in heaps of damp peat that reeks of rain and nascent soil. The tree roots grow like doorways creating palaces for beasts and spiders and water reserves. Jaggy loops pop up here and there reminding you not to spend too much time looking up.
Below the dense canopy there is space between tree trunks. Coiled vines hang between them like a network of wires, the trees talking to one another telling the news of the day.
Copses of smaller (twice the height of a person) hedge like trees grow thickly, with small dark green leaves and spines. Tiny birds flit between the branches - nest colonies like tower blocks, rival gangs fighting out in the open - carnivorous monkeys pick up the fallen wounded and feast. They howl in triumph as they collect the spoils of avian warfare.
A large plant spire rises in the distance, six metres high. The putrid stench reaches you from 1,000 paces. It is read and violent looking, swarming insects create traffic crawling in and out of the pucker at the top. When it blooms the jungle will be a graveyard. Towards its base the bud fades and sickly yellow-green flaps peel away, the years of the plant counted in discarded blooms - it's ancient. It reaches the ground in an explosion of wild twisting roots and large propeller shaped leaves.
Away, there is the soft cheep of frogs and the squawk and screech of birds invisibly high in the trees. The sound of running water is missed - there are no rivers here. But there are murky bogs that are feeding-grounds for reptiles, insects and small snuffling mammals that dig about for larvae - Pogos. They have small round bodies covered in wirey brown hair with green reticulated stripes. Their short legs barely hold them away from the ground. From their fat, smushed faces slinks a thick prehensile snout that swashes about in the mud, all the while their tiny greenish ears dart about from atop their head probing their surroundings for trouble.
Large plants crowd the jungle floor with leaves large enough for a child to lay on. They sweep the air on long stalks. Thin vines grow symbiotically using the leaves to send out pollen from their large pink flowers. On the petals there are pink frogs the size of a thumbnail. There is a barely visible diamond on their back traced with a thin line of brown. They hop away onto a leaf and their colour gently shifts to green. These are the edible male Warri Cane. On tree trunks sit the larger female counter parts, glowing with pride. Their toxic brown bodies boast a vicious yellow diamond with a blue iris - the eyes of the jungle."
Enjoy!
‽
 |
| A quick sketch of some of the flora and fauna |
Buy 'Black Star' on Amazon in the UK and US
Check out Themo on Twitter and Facebook
Monday, 10 March 2014
Mhetli more
He's back!
Celery head may have flown off into the distance at the end of book one but he doesn't stay gone for ever.
Mhetli comes back with a vendetta in book two. His hair's gotten longer and wilder but I considered giving him a more functional buzz cut. But, really, I can't resist the illustrative possibilities of long locks when he's in full on action mode.
You'll have to stay tuned to find out what his role will be in book two but you can bet there's going to be plenty of scuffling when he's around. Here are some quick sketches of the man himself.
Enjoy!
‽
Buy 'Black Star' on Amazon in the UK and US
Check out Themo on Twitter and Facebook
Celery head may have flown off into the distance at the end of book one but he doesn't stay gone for ever.
Mhetli comes back with a vendetta in book two. His hair's gotten longer and wilder but I considered giving him a more functional buzz cut. But, really, I can't resist the illustrative possibilities of long locks when he's in full on action mode.
You'll have to stay tuned to find out what his role will be in book two but you can bet there's going to be plenty of scuffling when he's around. Here are some quick sketches of the man himself.
Enjoy!
‽
Buy 'Black Star' on Amazon in the UK and US
Check out Themo on Twitter and Facebook
Monday, 16 December 2013
Christmas Letter 2013
When I thought about what I want most for Christmas this year, the only thing I could think of was peace.It's been a year that's gone quickly. I think I've grown out of saying 'glad it's over' because it's not really over, is it? 2013 may be coming to a close but my life goes on. December turns into January the same way that March becomes April. I'll get a new Alphonse Mucka calendar the same way I bought a new pair of shoes in June. And life will go on.
Life goes on.
 |
| drawing on St Cyrus beach - Angus |
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| West Brewery - Glasgow |
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| Ray and Craig for a visit to Edinburgh Zoo |
I went on some dates, made some new mates, bought some new shoes (which was a major thing as one of the reasons I was having back problems was because my shoes fit improperly), got nominated for a magazine award again (we didn't win but it was a great night out!), went on Stonewall Authentic Role Model training (which was amazing for many reasons), did lots of chicken sitting (like dog sitting but with chickens), made lots of journals, visited the Royal Yacht Britannia, grew chillis, and spend a lot of time with my friends who have been so much fun, support and generally all around aces and kept me on the right side of life and laughter.
I had a few visitors from home which was awesome. Lauren Howard and Downstairs Dan came to visit with their respective partners and it's always a boost to see old friends (I just realised I still have Lauren's copy of David Sedaris' Naked which has orange dust in it from her trip to Africa. I must return this). It strikes me how we all remain the same people we were at heart and the only big change is that we seem a bit more comfortable in our own skin. I guess that's maturity!
I was in a show, Sweet Charity, this Autumn and I think that's where things started to pick up. I had fun, lots of fun. I met new people, got some exercise, made new friends and having a reason not to be inside of my head all the time did me a world of good. In the show I played Johann Sebastian "Daddy" Bruebeck (which was played in the film version of Sweet Charity by Sammy Davis Jr). I would love to say I did it as well as SDJ, but I did it better, because I did it the Harry way! Big, over the top and with just a little bit of sex-appeal (who am I kidding? A lot of sex-appeal). In my head I was channelling Dr Teeth from the muppets but probably came across more like my dad than anything else. :-/ The wig alone was phenomenal (thanks Caroline) but the glittery cape was the bees knees. And the whole cast were just awesome to sing and dance and be bumbling jackanapes with. By far my favourite show to have performed in!
Then came... the book! I published my first novel (*ahem* available in print and Kindle on Amazon in the UK and US ), Black Star, in November. It's been amazing and scary and exhausting and amazing. The launch itself was overwhelming in that sort of 'OMG, people are here to support me and I'm all emotional and happy' way. I went with Shug and Andy (who were super stars organising ME on the night) to Mamma's (my favourite pizza restaurant) for dinner which is next door to the Beehive Inn where we had the launch. My mate Eilidh made fantastic cupcakes and we held a silent auction for a hand-bound copy of the book, framed map and drawing! I was so overwhelmed by the love and support of everyone there and those who showed their support by pre-ordering special edition copies of the book. So far from my launch and sales of the book we've helped donate almost 150 books to school reading programmes in Africa through Book Aid International!! All of the other figures like numbers sold fall away when I think about that. Thank you so much to everyone who's bought a copy or made donations. It's unreal to have a book published but it makes it all the better for knowing that it's doing some good! I've already had to start in on Book 2! Watch this space.
Two new wains have popped out of my sisters and into my family. Stefanie had a little girl, Talia, who is the cutest thing you've ever seen. And Love had a little boy, Hunter, who's just a smiley ball of adorable.
Early next year I'll be taking the 'Life in the UK' test in the aim of getting residency in Scotland (I say Scotland because I live in Scotland. That is not a comment on the referendum for Scottish Independence in 2014. Yes, it's a big issue, but you know what, I have to sort myself out and make sure I don't get chucked out of the UK or Scotland first before I consider how to sort the entire freaking country, so bleh!). It's scary and exciting to think I've lived in Scotland over 8 years. If nothing else, I've seen in the last few years that this is just as much my home. I've got as much wonderful family here as I do in the states and that's really seen me through a year that could have gone either way. But I'm happy to say, having come through it, everything is good and happy and I'm looking forward to the days ahead.
I hope you're all happy and healthy and that this holiday sees you right.
All my love,
‽
PS: You can buy 'Black Star' on Amazon in the UK and US
Check out Themo on Twitter and Facebook
I had a few visitors from home which was awesome. Lauren Howard and Downstairs Dan came to visit with their respective partners and it's always a boost to see old friends (I just realised I still have Lauren's copy of David Sedaris' Naked which has orange dust in it from her trip to Africa. I must return this). It strikes me how we all remain the same people we were at heart and the only big change is that we seem a bit more comfortable in our own skin. I guess that's maturity!
I was in a show, Sweet Charity, this Autumn and I think that's where things started to pick up. I had fun, lots of fun. I met new people, got some exercise, made new friends and having a reason not to be inside of my head all the time did me a world of good. In the show I played Johann Sebastian "Daddy" Bruebeck (which was played in the film version of Sweet Charity by Sammy Davis Jr). I would love to say I did it as well as SDJ, but I did it better, because I did it the Harry way! Big, over the top and with just a little bit of sex-appeal (who am I kidding? A lot of sex-appeal). In my head I was channelling Dr Teeth from the muppets but probably came across more like my dad than anything else. :-/ The wig alone was phenomenal (thanks Caroline) but the glittery cape was the bees knees. And the whole cast were just awesome to sing and dance and be bumbling jackanapes with. By far my favourite show to have performed in!
Then came... the book! I published my first novel (*ahem* available in print and Kindle on Amazon in the UK and US ), Black Star, in November. It's been amazing and scary and exhausting and amazing. The launch itself was overwhelming in that sort of 'OMG, people are here to support me and I'm all emotional and happy' way. I went with Shug and Andy (who were super stars organising ME on the night) to Mamma's (my favourite pizza restaurant) for dinner which is next door to the Beehive Inn where we had the launch. My mate Eilidh made fantastic cupcakes and we held a silent auction for a hand-bound copy of the book, framed map and drawing! I was so overwhelmed by the love and support of everyone there and those who showed their support by pre-ordering special edition copies of the book. So far from my launch and sales of the book we've helped donate almost 150 books to school reading programmes in Africa through Book Aid International!! All of the other figures like numbers sold fall away when I think about that. Thank you so much to everyone who's bought a copy or made donations. It's unreal to have a book published but it makes it all the better for knowing that it's doing some good! I've already had to start in on Book 2! Watch this space.Two new wains have popped out of my sisters and into my family. Stefanie had a little girl, Talia, who is the cutest thing you've ever seen. And Love had a little boy, Hunter, who's just a smiley ball of adorable.
Early next year I'll be taking the 'Life in the UK' test in the aim of getting residency in Scotland (I say Scotland because I live in Scotland. That is not a comment on the referendum for Scottish Independence in 2014. Yes, it's a big issue, but you know what, I have to sort myself out and make sure I don't get chucked out of the UK or Scotland first before I consider how to sort the entire freaking country, so bleh!). It's scary and exciting to think I've lived in Scotland over 8 years. If nothing else, I've seen in the last few years that this is just as much my home. I've got as much wonderful family here as I do in the states and that's really seen me through a year that could have gone either way. But I'm happy to say, having come through it, everything is good and happy and I'm looking forward to the days ahead.
I hope you're all happy and healthy and that this holiday sees you right.
All my love,
‽
PS: You can buy 'Black Star' on Amazon in the UK and US
Check out Themo on Twitter and Facebook
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Tatt-t-tatt-tat-too
In preparing to get stuck in to Book 2 I'm reviewing the outline.
I'm super super excited to get to work on it. It's definitely much more action packed from the first book and *spoiler* we see a lot more of Mhetli.
You're going to find out a bit more about who he is and what exactly happened to him in Black Star labs. He's going to spend a good lot of the time scrapping and scraping and we'll get more than a few flashes of his nasty tatts that were embedded under his skin to help him control his powers.
I decided to spend a while exploring exactly what that would look like so here's a sketch of exactly how extensive Mhethli's metal network of subdermal tattoos is.
Enjoy!
‽
Buy the book on Amazon in the UK and US
Check out Themo on Twitter and Facebook
I'm super super excited to get to work on it. It's definitely much more action packed from the first book and *spoiler* we see a lot more of Mhetli.
You're going to find out a bit more about who he is and what exactly happened to him in Black Star labs. He's going to spend a good lot of the time scrapping and scraping and we'll get more than a few flashes of his nasty tatts that were embedded under his skin to help him control his powers.
I decided to spend a while exploring exactly what that would look like so here's a sketch of exactly how extensive Mhethli's metal network of subdermal tattoos is.
Enjoy!
‽
 |
| Mhetli's subdermal tattoos |
Buy the book on Amazon in the UK and US
Check out Themo on Twitter and Facebook
Monday, 11 November 2013
Bumble bee-ginings - my guide to self-publishing
Things are ticking along nicely with the book and the magazine has been short-listed for another award!! I've been a busy bee setting up radio interviews, reviews and attacking the social-media sphere with my work. And, I suppose the biggest draw back of self-publishing is how quickly the admin/PR stuff takes over the creative side of this work. It's totally gratifying - I can see the results already of all the hard work I've put in to promote the book in sales and feedback. But, it does mean that work my creative side suffers as I'm not producing as much 'tangible' work (this is why I'll never be a project manager).But, maybe the work I'm doing is producing tangible results if I just look at it in a different way?
Here are some of the things I've experienced so far in my adventures in self-publishing - ideas that, I hope, will help you see the fruits of your labour a bit more clearly when it starts to feel exhausting. (There's a reason for the bee theme. Keep reading)
Bee clear - set objectives:
I have a set of overall objectives for the next six months. Putting my book out there on my own means I need to decide how I define "success". Getting on the New York Times best-seller list is not a reasonable goal. If it happens, I'll be elated. But realistically, I need to define my success by accomplishments that are within my one-man-band's grasp.
I chose not to go the traditional route of finding an agent and a publisher (that is serious hard work in itself). So, I have to be reasonable in what to expect. Targets like units sold, number of FB and Twitter followers and reviews received are all within my ability to influence. Social networking is king if you don't have a publisher's budget for PR! Don't undersell yourself, but be honest with what you on your own can achieve in a set amount of time.
Also, do some research. There are great books out there on how to do this stuff, so don't reinvent the wheel with the basics.
Bee focused - set milestones:
Setting milestones on the road to my objectives has been helpful. For example I took a 'long-weekend' once I had completed certain tasks. For me, getting the launch done, selling all my advance copies and sending out 50 requests to reviewers was a target. My moment to 'take a breather' was not dependent on the responses I got from those requests but the work I accomplished.
Ultimately, getting a certain number of reviews is one my targets and I can affect the outcome by sending out more and more requests until I get there. But I can't make it happen right at this minute. But, the effort I've put in so far on the road to get there should be honoured. *Well done Themo*
Bee relaxed - take a break:
My long weekend meant getting out of my flat away from my computer which meant I couldn't send out emails, etc. The downside to being self-published is social media has also become my job.
I did Facebook and Tweet while in transit to places but getting out and about with friends meant I wasn't sitting at home at my PC plugging away at PR requests, etc. You can only handle so much. And friends are always happy to put forward ideas, but be realistic about what you can take on and when. Just say 'Thanks, that's really helpful. Now let's talk about something besides work'. Remember, if you burn out, your project burns out. Your mental health and well-being are your greatest asset. Respect that and you'll continue in the game. Don't sell yourself short - this is hard work.
Bee a social butterfly - get out there:
Be creative and talk to people about what you're doing. Half of the ideas I've had for promoting my book were suggested by friends. Even if it's just 'stop into this independent book shop and ask questions' it can only yield good things - experience, connections, leads or just a good chat. But, most importantly, always be genuine.
Bee patient - plan your campaign:
There are lots of good ideas out there. There are lots of different and exciting and inventive ways to get your name out there. But, the whole point of having a time scale is because you can't do everything at once. I keep track of all the brilliant ideas I have or friends' suggestions that I think will really make a difference. But, I've given myself six months to reach my overall objectives. There are certain things that I want to do before the Christmas season like pop into bookshops and get some physical copies on shelves. But there are some ideas like 'having a signing at the story-telling centre' that won't really help me get to where I need to be in the next six months. That will be a great idea once the books are in people's hands. So, take time to plot out (and talk out with a friend) what and when you should try out different marketing techniques.
Bee shrewd - evaluate:
Once you've stuck to at a tactic for a bit go thru and see how well it's working. My book has been out for a week. Right now, every thing I've accomplished is purely word of mouth (Thanks sooooooo much to all of my mates! You've all been super supportive and the best). So, I can't say for certain if my quest for 500 FB likes is the way to go. But, I'm sure by the end of November I'll see what way things are going and consider trying out new ideas. That's where you whip out those ideas your friends have given you and can play about.
Bee on the look out - have fun:
We self-publishers are artists. This PR admin stuff can be a drain, but there are still spots of fun creative work in between. So, you get a bit too caught up in designing the wee logo for the press release you're sending out or choosing colours for a spread sheet. It's what we do. Enjoy it! No, the 'business' side won't last forever. But while you're working away out of your comfort zone take pleasure in the moments of creative comfort.
For example, today in the office, someone needed a picture of a cartoon wasp. We couldn't find the right image on a stock website and it just needed to be quick and dirty so I thought, 'Hang on... I'm an illustrator!' My easy-peasy fill work for Redshirt Dead meant I had a quick technique for getting the buzzer that was needed for the job. A drawing that should have taken me five minutes took about 20 while I got the 'shiny bits' just right in Photoshop. But, I found it so satisfying and it inspired me to write this post!!
Here is my 5 minute wasp - combination hand drawing and digital render.
So, I hope in your self-publishing journey this has been some help. And when in doubt, remember the bee... er... wasp.
Enjoy!
‽
Here are some of the things I've experienced so far in my adventures in self-publishing - ideas that, I hope, will help you see the fruits of your labour a bit more clearly when it starts to feel exhausting. (There's a reason for the bee theme. Keep reading)
Bee clear - set objectives:
I have a set of overall objectives for the next six months. Putting my book out there on my own means I need to decide how I define "success". Getting on the New York Times best-seller list is not a reasonable goal. If it happens, I'll be elated. But realistically, I need to define my success by accomplishments that are within my one-man-band's grasp.
I chose not to go the traditional route of finding an agent and a publisher (that is serious hard work in itself). So, I have to be reasonable in what to expect. Targets like units sold, number of FB and Twitter followers and reviews received are all within my ability to influence. Social networking is king if you don't have a publisher's budget for PR! Don't undersell yourself, but be honest with what you on your own can achieve in a set amount of time.
Also, do some research. There are great books out there on how to do this stuff, so don't reinvent the wheel with the basics.
Bee focused - set milestones:
Setting milestones on the road to my objectives has been helpful. For example I took a 'long-weekend' once I had completed certain tasks. For me, getting the launch done, selling all my advance copies and sending out 50 requests to reviewers was a target. My moment to 'take a breather' was not dependent on the responses I got from those requests but the work I accomplished.
Ultimately, getting a certain number of reviews is one my targets and I can affect the outcome by sending out more and more requests until I get there. But I can't make it happen right at this minute. But, the effort I've put in so far on the road to get there should be honoured. *Well done Themo*
Bee relaxed - take a break:
My long weekend meant getting out of my flat away from my computer which meant I couldn't send out emails, etc. The downside to being self-published is social media has also become my job.
I did Facebook and Tweet while in transit to places but getting out and about with friends meant I wasn't sitting at home at my PC plugging away at PR requests, etc. You can only handle so much. And friends are always happy to put forward ideas, but be realistic about what you can take on and when. Just say 'Thanks, that's really helpful. Now let's talk about something besides work'. Remember, if you burn out, your project burns out. Your mental health and well-being are your greatest asset. Respect that and you'll continue in the game. Don't sell yourself short - this is hard work.
Bee a social butterfly - get out there:
Be creative and talk to people about what you're doing. Half of the ideas I've had for promoting my book were suggested by friends. Even if it's just 'stop into this independent book shop and ask questions' it can only yield good things - experience, connections, leads or just a good chat. But, most importantly, always be genuine.
Bee patient - plan your campaign:
There are lots of good ideas out there. There are lots of different and exciting and inventive ways to get your name out there. But, the whole point of having a time scale is because you can't do everything at once. I keep track of all the brilliant ideas I have or friends' suggestions that I think will really make a difference. But, I've given myself six months to reach my overall objectives. There are certain things that I want to do before the Christmas season like pop into bookshops and get some physical copies on shelves. But there are some ideas like 'having a signing at the story-telling centre' that won't really help me get to where I need to be in the next six months. That will be a great idea once the books are in people's hands. So, take time to plot out (and talk out with a friend) what and when you should try out different marketing techniques.
Bee shrewd - evaluate:
Once you've stuck to at a tactic for a bit go thru and see how well it's working. My book has been out for a week. Right now, every thing I've accomplished is purely word of mouth (Thanks sooooooo much to all of my mates! You've all been super supportive and the best). So, I can't say for certain if my quest for 500 FB likes is the way to go. But, I'm sure by the end of November I'll see what way things are going and consider trying out new ideas. That's where you whip out those ideas your friends have given you and can play about.
Bee on the look out - have fun:
We self-publishers are artists. This PR admin stuff can be a drain, but there are still spots of fun creative work in between. So, you get a bit too caught up in designing the wee logo for the press release you're sending out or choosing colours for a spread sheet. It's what we do. Enjoy it! No, the 'business' side won't last forever. But while you're working away out of your comfort zone take pleasure in the moments of creative comfort.
For example, today in the office, someone needed a picture of a cartoon wasp. We couldn't find the right image on a stock website and it just needed to be quick and dirty so I thought, 'Hang on... I'm an illustrator!' My easy-peasy fill work for Redshirt Dead meant I had a quick technique for getting the buzzer that was needed for the job. A drawing that should have taken me five minutes took about 20 while I got the 'shiny bits' just right in Photoshop. But, I found it so satisfying and it inspired me to write this post!!
Here is my 5 minute wasp - combination hand drawing and digital render.
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| Not a Bee |
Enjoy!
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Friday, 4 October 2013
New Adventures in publishing
Lots going on this month. Very exciting things happening.
Firstly, it's official!!! I'm having a book launch party on 1 November, 8 pm at Beehive Inn in Edinburgh. If you're in the area and free come on down. I'll probably give a wee reading and have some promotional items for the book to give out so make sure you get there. Find out more on my Facebook page.
I'm using the book to help raise money for Book Aid International by donating a percentage of all profits from my first book to this amazing charity. So, check out their website and buy my book when it's out on Amazon Kindle on the 1st November.
Secondly, I started a new project - Redshirt Dead - with my mate Dizzy Cochrane. It's an all expense paid trip to lampooning all things Sci-fi (primarily Star Trek). Check us out on Tumblr, Twitter or Facebook. It's epic y'all.
Thirdly, I'm in a show "Sweet Charity" at Church Hill Theatre. Come see it. It's fab!!
Enjoy!
‽
Firstly, it's official!!! I'm having a book launch party on 1 November, 8 pm at Beehive Inn in Edinburgh. If you're in the area and free come on down. I'll probably give a wee reading and have some promotional items for the book to give out so make sure you get there. Find out more on my Facebook page.
I'm using the book to help raise money for Book Aid International by donating a percentage of all profits from my first book to this amazing charity. So, check out their website and buy my book when it's out on Amazon Kindle on the 1st November.
Secondly, I started a new project - Redshirt Dead - with my mate Dizzy Cochrane. It's an all expense paid trip to lampooning all things Sci-fi (primarily Star Trek). Check us out on Tumblr, Twitter or Facebook. It's epic y'all.
Thirdly, I'm in a show "Sweet Charity" at Church Hill Theatre. Come see it. It's fab!!
Enjoy!
‽
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