JOYS OF WRITING

One of the joys of writing is when you see readers enjoying your books. None more so when its a child who is looking through the story and pictures. Recently I was sent a photo of a young Australian who has just sat down to read the first set of six Little Friends Picture Story Books - Woodland Adventures with his Grandparents.

It doesn't really matter how many sales one makes, although they are always welcome, but a picture equals a thousand words any day and is certainly just as, if not more, pleasurable to see.

I hope they have fun and enjoy reading the stories together. Have already ordered the next set of six from me to be sent once they are in print. Whooppee!!

FINDING TIME TO WORK??

Well I am delighted to say I have received the first draft print copies of the second series of the Little Friends Picture Story Books - Garden Adventures. I have to say they are looking good but as is normal the print is all askew. Hey Ho that's the joy of POD which my publisher says will be sorted PDQ!!!

Anyway after going through them carefully I have done some word amendments and some image amendments and hopefully they now look better and are ready to be printed correctly.

Luckily the front covers have not been changed and unlike my copies of the first set of Woodland Adventures they include a bar code and retail price? Ha ha well, these things do happen sometimes.

I have to say people who have reviewed the books are also delighted with them so I hope once the last lot are complete I can start promoting them with a vengeance.

Having said that I must confess that when I set out to write these stories it was purely for my own pleasure. After all I am supposed to be retired so it was a way to keep the 'little grey cells working.' Although I will confess it has been an enjoyable experience being involved in the fictional writing world. And certainly different to the factual one.

And of course it has introduced me to a variety of different people who have made the last few years very interesting and enjoyable. It's true what they say you do need a hobby and once retired you wonder how you ever found time to work???

XMAS BREAK

Well what a crazy Xmas break I've had. Unfortunately the week before Xmas just as I was looking forward to a relaxing few days away at the Botolph Hotel & Spa on a Musical Break I was struck with a virus. What started out as a mild sore throat has ended up with my now entering my fifth week suffering with a cough and cold. And of course I have passed this along to my husband. You can guess how poorly he's been suffering!!

All this of course put paid to a good Xmas break and a New Year celebration. However, one good thing to come out of it is that I have lost quite a few pounds in weight. Just what I needed ha ha.

The other good thing was that being stuck at home meant I got the opportunity to catch up on some work. Finished the second set of the Little Friends Picture Story Books so they are off to the publisher later this week. And have just completed the third and final set so they will follow to the publisher in due course. The plan is to have all 12 books up and running by the end of April at the latest.

Another gain is I managed to complete the first review of the manscript for one of the young writers I am currently mentoring. It now needs proofreading and a front cover design agreeing upon prior to it going to the publisher. I'm also progressing the other young writers work, a series of poems which will include some lineart relating to the subject of each poem. Again these should be in print within the next couple of months.

That now leaves me free to decide what to do next? I have a number of short stories to finesse and a novel based on a famous opera star to complete. I am also considering reviewing and updating my historical novel and mystery short story book. The latter is due a new cover which is in the process of being completed. Looks like Spring 2018 is going to be an active start to the year.

NB are you a young writer? Would you like to have your written work reviewed then please feel free to contact me at contact@ann-brady.co.uk