Wednesday 23 January 2013

Being a writer

This is Lamouth Creek, which has nothing to do with this post but is part of a walk that dear Viv and I often do, and which I did the other day, in the pouring rain. We know this walk so well that I rarely notice the surroundings, so it was good to go with someone who'd never been before, and really appreciated it. It is one that I've written about for Cornwall Today, and as writing and walking are inextricably linked at the moment, I wanted to talk about the writing side of it today.

Being a published author is a very strange experience. Terrifying and uplifting in equal measures. But it also seems rather unreal. You put all that work into something and then it’s out of your hands. And by the time it’s published, you’ve moved onto another project and it seems almost like the work of someone else.

Last week one of my singing friends told me that Discover Cornwall was in Tesco’s in Truro and as I had to go to Truro anyway, we headed into Tesco’s to have a look. There, to my delight, was a stand immediately as you walk in, with several Cornish books, one of which was mine!

We stood there, grinning broadly, while I jumped up and down a bit, then said, “I should sign them, shouldn’t I?” And hurried off to find the store manager. “Oh, right,” he said with a bemused frown. But we took the six copies of my book and I signed them by the newspapers, then returned them to the stand. Luvitt laughed. “You could have been anyone,” he said. But I pointed out there wouldn’t have been much point signing them in his name.

“You could put a sign saying, “signed by the author,” ” I said to the store manager. He nodded. “Good idea.” You could tell he’d never had an author in Tesco before.

So we left Tesco’s and I went off to sign another 5 copies for a competition for Cornwall Today. All in all, a very gratifying experience and one that I will treasure.

As I said on the way home, this first book seemed like a one off. It has happened by default. I’ve been floundering as a first time author, not knowing how the system works, what is expected of me. But having my publishers say yes they want another book is wonderful and very self affirming.

I feel I can really hold my head up now and say, “I’m a writer. A journalist and an author.” And whatever else may be going on in my life, that is truly magical.


12 comments:

Akelamalu said...

I bet whoever bought those six books were thrilled to bits to see your signature! :)

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Ak! Though I don't suppose one person bought six books!

Unknown said...

What an incredible experience that must be to sign your boos for someone. Exciting!

Flowerpot said...

Debs - think that was misleading. I just signed teh copies in the store. but I have signed copies for people which is lovely, too.

Rena George said...

What a lovely story, Flowerpot. Nothing beats that first time you see your book up on the shelves.
And what a brilliant idea to sign a few copies and suggest the manager advertises the fact. You're obviously up to speed with this promotion malarkey.
Good luck with the new book. x

Flowerpot said...

Rena - thank you! I have to say this promotion malarkey has been a steeplearning curve but I'm getting there! x

Melissa Amateis said...

So happy for you! Enjoy every moment.

Chris Stovell said...

You are definitely a proper writer - your books are in Tesco! Congratulations!

Flowerpot said...

Chris - thanks! I am thrilled....

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Melissa - it does make all that hard work and heartache worthwhile!

ADDY said...

It must be a lovely feeling to see your book on a shelf ready to be sold. I have ideas for books, but they don't get further than the computer. I wouldn't have a clue how to get them published (assuming anyone wanted them in the first place!)

Well done!

Flowerpot said...

Addy - it is an amazing feeling. And getting books published is very tricky! But so worht the angst when you get there....!