Friday 2 August 2013

“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”

“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”  Ernest Hemingway

When was the last time I blogged? I really can't remember and now as I sit pouring over the final draft of my second novel, The Bittersweet Vine (all 268 pages) I need a distraction and what better than to blog! 

So basically I have finalised the front cover and the I have just seen the back (It looks good) I have thought about my marketing plan - although no firm plans with that yet. I know, I know I need to get a move on with it. Writing group is on a summer break and I feel worn out. 

After Croatia I said I was going to write less. I don't want to but somewhere I feel I need to make time for me and really it cant be that good for my eyes staring at a computer screen all day at work and then doing the same at home. That coupled with my phone and tablet and the TV I wonder if my eyes really stand a chance. But enough of that. 

The final draft is so far looking good. I am proud of what I have achieved. I keep reminding myself that it is an achievement. A huge one at that. I know it is. I have to enjoy this next step. Holding the first copy in my hands, the launch party etc.  And don't get me wrong of course I will. I am not ungrateful. I just know that I have to remember these moments because they come and go so fast. 

I still remember the first time I saw the front cover of Goa Traffic-What a thrill! But I sometimes have to remind myself of that feeling because you can get so busy working and doing that you forget to enjoy the moment. have a think now of all the things that have made you smile in the last two years! 

Anyway....that aside. You can probably still tell that my grammar is terrible. I am joining the publishing grammar course - But perhaps later in the year. I have realised I am trying to do too much and instead of burning out I am going to take it slow. So whilst Book 3 - Poison in the Water still retains its deadline for November 2013, the grammar course takes a back seat and so does Indian Diaries and Chupplejeep. Marketing The Bittersweet has to be a priority and Poison in the Water too so that I remember that I am a writer! (Not that I could ever forget, but I think the marketing is going to be intense) 

Oh by the way H installed all the gubbins for Google Analytics on my website and I checked it yesterday. Its fab! If you have a website you should definitely put it on your sight. Its a bit of an insight and I am sure it will help me market my books in future. Currently I have just had a quick look but I am sure I can use that information to my advantage! 

I hope you get a chance to look at my new book cover and release dates etc. as well as what I am working on at www.marissadeluna.com  

Also - If you haven't read - The Girl who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson - Read it! It got a five star review from me on www.goodreads.com 

I am about to start reading The Sea Sisters by Lucy Clarke. It has received some fab reviews so lets see!!! (I'm going to get back to giving my two cents on books I am reading as well)

Good luck with your writing people!