Small beginnings are the launching pad to great endings – Joyce Meyer (American author & speaker)
The reviews are in, the blog tour is over and now it’s just a question of two online book launches before Charlie Peach’s Pumpkins and other stories is truly out there in the big, wide world.
I’m really looking forward to these for two main reasons.
Firstly, the reviews I’ve had have been nothing short of spectacular, and I am so very grateful. This wasn’t just a question of asking a few members of the family to say some nice things; that would have been fairly straightforward, if a bit of a cheat. Anyone who produces something, be it art work, ceramics, model aeroplanes, or even a fairly dull report for the boss and your company, who has to then present it to the rest of the world knows the feeling of a knotted stomach beforehand. We’re all flooded with the same questions: what if it’s not good enough? What if no one likes it? What if it’s not as good as the last thing you did? What if I can tell people are vague their comments so as not to hurt my feelings, which is really so much worse than being straight with me? Etc, etc.
It’s counter-cultural for me (and most others) to engage in this part of the marketing we are now required to do, as it sounds way too much like ‘blowing our own trumpet’, as the saying goes; but here goes:
‘Jenny’s stories burst with life and originality… narratives that simply sparkle.’
‘Jenny Sanders is a master at bringing characters and situations to life with imaginative detail. Some of her characters are cosy and approachable, yet delightfully eccentric.’
‘pure fun, completely family friendly, affirming and entertaining… witty writing … marvellously enhanced by Amanda Young’s incredible illustrations.’
‘masterful writing has overtones of Roald Dahl’
‘one of those magical books that will keep adults amused and children enchanted… unforgettable and imaginative’
‘a wonderful collection of stories… great characters’
‘Ideal for reading out loud’; ‘wonderfully entertaining’; ‘a perfect escape from the “flusterment” of modern life.’
‘Having very much enjoyed Jenny Sanders’ last collection of short stories, The Magnificent Moustache and other stories, I expected more wit, sparkle and clever characterisation and I wasn’t disappointed. Any book which contains a story entitled, “The Surprising Power of Cake” is a winner with me.’
All but one of those wonderful comments are from writers who publish in very different genres from my own. One is a school teacher; all of them are parents who care about what their own children read.
My brutally honest Key Stage 2 readers had some encouraging things to say too (phew!):
‘laugh out loud moments and imaginative story lines… a complete page turner’
‘perfect for bedtime reading!’
‘twists around every corner!… I hope you love this book as much as I did!’
‘A completely entrancing set of stories’
‘six funny little stories with big important themes! They celebrate inventiveness and resourcefulness…’
And perhaps the comment that allayed my fears: ‘Jenny Sanders’ second book is even funnier than her first.’ That one gave me a real boost so forgive me for taking a few moments to bask briefly before my nose hits the grindstone again.
The other reason I’m looking forward to the launches is simply that I am hoping I can then take a breath or two. They’ve been lurking in my peripheral vision for such a long time that I just want to crack on and engage with them now – clear the decks as it were, so that I can see what’s next.
Now, of course, even once these launches are over and the order book is looking healthy (I hope!), the challenge is still to get it further out there which, as I explained last time, is a monumental challenge. Unless you have connections in the publishing world or are on first name terms with the book reviewers of the Sunday papers, you are in for an uphill struggle. I am neither, so all help will be gratefully received!
I’m not sure what Joyce Meyer had in mind with her quote. I can trace the beginning of my writing back to my brilliant little infant school which was started by two ladies eager to teach their own children. Their emphasis on reading and writing stood me in good stead for primary school. Where it ends up has yet to be seen, but the journey is exciting and I’m still dancing through the apparent chaos of my nomadic life.
In the meantime, I hope that you now have an easier time creating Christmas lists for your nearest and dearest, none of which will surely feel complete without at least one copy of, Charlie Peach’s Pumpkins and other stories.
**The Facebook live launch will be on Wednesday 29th November from 7-8pm GMT on the Jenny Sanders – writer page [https://www.facebook.com/dancingthroughchaos/]. Feel free to join me for some live reading extracts and the opportunity for Q & A.
**The Zoom launch on Thursday 30th November is by invitation only.
** Charlie Peach’s Pumpkins and other stories: ISBN no: 978-1-915494-90-0 Available to purchase from all good book shops & online: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Charlie-Peachs-Pumpkins-other-stories/dp/1915494907/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=charlie+peach%27s+pumpkins&qid=1701159068&s=books&sr=1-1
{Image by SpaceX-Imagery from Pixabay}
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