After Publication - a month on ..


So a month has passed since Maximilian Ponder emerged blinking into the light of day. I'm learning that being a published author is one part exhilaration to two parts frustration... but on the whole the balance is positive, and I'm enjoying it very much. It's a great feeling to wander past a Waterstones and to see your book in the window. People say amazingly kind things. I've had so many generous messages from friends who have read the book - and I'm just in awe of the people who tell me they've bought copies for all their friends. The launch party at Book Shrop in Whitchurch was lovely (we need many more bookshops like this) - and the crowd that came to see Paul Torday in Hexham but had to put up with me instead were simply wonderful. Thank you too, to everyone (not all of them friends) who posted reviews on Amazon. Seven five star review to date ... I feel spoiled. Please keep them coming.  


Frustration, of course, is all pretty selfish. I haven't had a review yet in any newspaper (apart from the great one that the Press Association did for the local press). What can be keeping them? But part of me whispers, 'be careful what you wish for.' Oh well. 


It has been a busy month - and not just because of the book. We had a great day in Liverpool watching the giants... and we couldn't have been prouder of our daughter Zoe for all the work she put into managing the event. I'm just back from a trip to Istanbul and another to Malta. Sue's chicken business is booming despite all the rain (check out www.colehurstlayinghens.co.uk ), and today is her birthday. I think we shall celebrate with a glass of wine and Britain's Got Talent. 

How many giraffes were on the ark? (and other musings) [22nd April 2024]

So how many giraffes do you think there were on Noah’s ark? (By the way you don’t have to believe in Noah or his ark to answer this. It is a...