Quotations 3: Publication

"Publication is not all that it's cracked up to be......but writing is," says Annie Lamott.  

I agree in part.  Writing is lovely.  The physical act of typing is remarkably soothing, and the soft clicks of the keys are like the tinkling links of the chain between the brain and the page. Writing on paper is beautiful too - the scratching of the pen forges an emotional connection to the words, and makes it easier to come up with something original.  Also, I would like to note that it is very therapeutic to scratch out old ideas with great bold strokes and start again.

Now, about publishing.  This is where I part company with Annie Lamott.  I love publishing.  The interaction and collaboration with my editors have really helped me develop my style and improve my content.  It’s easier to see my mistakes now; I can see where I am making the same errors they have corrected before.  Also, I very much enjoy working on the covers and hearing the publishers’ plans for publicity.  It’s still a real thrill when I see my books on Goodreads or Bookbub, and I really enjoy reading reviews…most of the time.

And speaking of publishing…subtle segue here…I just found out that my fourth book, Grave Merriment, will be released in March 2026.  It’s a story set at Queen Elizabeth I’s court during the Twelve Days of  Christmas in 1561/2.  A brute is terrorizing the city of London, and a mischievous rogue is wreaking havoc at the royal court.  Lady Catrin, the queen’s favourite lady-in-waiting, has to find them both before the revels are ruined…but that turns out to be a much more complicated task than she expected.