The day I had dreamed about finally arrived
when my debut novel Paris Kiss was launched earlier this year.
But like most long-held ambitions the
reality was entirely different from the daydream that had sustained me through writing
a first novel, finding an agent, rewriting, and securing a publisher.
I’ve loved every minute of it – and this is
what I’ve learned from my author debut so far.
•The
book launch goes by in a flash. It was like a
wedding without the white dress. More than 140 people turned up at
Waterstones, Argyle Street, Glasgow, with drinks afterwards at the atmospheric
Sloans Bar. It was a wonderful night but all over too soon.
•Amazon
rankings are maddening and baffling. I rue the day
another author told me about these and I’ve had to wean myself off compulsively
checking the rankings two or three times a day.
•It’s
important to do as many author appearances as possible. My first book festival, Glasgow’s Aye Write!, felt like a
milestone. I’ve been asked to Edinburgh Reads at the Central Library, to
Tidelines, North Ayrshire’s book festival, Glasgow Women’s Library and to book
groups and libraries. It’s a great way to meet readers and spread the word.
•Readings
become less scary and more fun. I was sick with
nerves the first time I read in front of an audience. I’ve since learned to
choose lively scenes with dialogue and to keep it short. A bit of context helps
place the audience in your imaginary world.
•Get
on with book two. It’s a hard to strike a balance between publicising the
first novel and moving on to the second, but it’s important to make time for
new writing.
•With thanks to photographers Brian Stewart and Andrew Watson
•With thanks to photographers Brian Stewart and Andrew Watson
