Where do I start?

There’s been a lot going on since I last chatted to you. The Messenger is now on preorder but it wasn’t without it’s dramas! What’s the phrase? ‘Measure twice, cut once’. Or measure twice and order your book proof once. This month I’ll tell you about the proof that went wrong, the excitement of preorder going live, nearly finishing all of the Doctor Who back catalogue with my daughter, what we’ve seen in the cinema and of course, what we’ve been reading.

There were tears…

The day came when my KDP proof arrived (Amazon) and it should have been a joyous experience but it was a disappointment. Unfortunately I had failed to notice that the dimensions I’d ordered were more for a hardback, so it ended up looking like an instruction manual. Topped off with the colour being off (think white pants that have gone grey in the wash) and overall it was a damp squib. But there’s little in life that can’t be sorted so, after a little cry, I educated myself on the hex colour for every shade of ivory that exists. Then reordered the proof and crossed my fingers. When the new one came, it was a much more enjoyable experience and it was happy tears all round. I love my book and how the cover has turned out. A great concept originally suggested by Chrissie, one of the designers at Rowanvale. I have a trilogy in mind and the covers will run along this same theme. Overall it was a great reminder that mistakes happen and that’s ok. Plus I now have a complete one off copy of my book, albeit with ‘not for resale’ across it.

Preorder is live

Last week was brilliant as my preorder went live on Amazon for the eBook and paperwork. Although why Amazon don’t load the picture or synopsis up for the paperback before live date I will never know! But then I had some surprising news. My mum noticed I was Waterstones, which I dismissed with my mind elsewhere. Then my friend said the same thing, so I had to check it out. And there it was! I honestly think someone at Waterstones has pressed the wrong button but I am running with it. So there’s two places you can preorder from, take your pick. It is crazy though, it does not feel real that I have a book listed with these well known retailers. Next job is reviews, more of that next time.

We’ve run out of Doctor Who episodes

Much to my delight, my eleven year old daughter is very much into Doctor Who. So we started watching from Christopher Ecclestone, all the way to Ncuti Gatwa’s epic regeneration. To the Whovians out there wondering why I didn’t start with William Hartnell, she was ten at the time and going back to 2005 was quite enough. We have loved it. But now we only have a few of the Matt Smith era left and then we’re finished (we watched them in a typical timey wimey order). I feel a little sad because it’s been such fun and she has genuinely been enjoying it, all the gasps, the laughs, the tears. And I’ve enjoyed the time we’ve had together trying to link the plotline, spotting the clues, wondering why something is or is not a paradox. So what will we do now? Wednesday Series Two is about to begin so we will have a replacement plus she’s showing a keenness for superhero films, which should keep us busy for a while.

Superman and How to Train Your Dragon

If you’re looking for some cinematic entertainment over the holidays you can’t got too wrong with these films.

HTTYD has always been a family favourite and the new film stays true to the original but with real people (sadly no real dragons, that would be epic). Throughly enjoyable and I hope they reboot the whole franchise.

I watched all the Superman films as a kid and this new one is something different. Set long after the world is used to having Superman around, it’s a very modern day take on media manipulation, social media influence but most of all, good versus evil. Nicholas Hoult is one of the most villainy villains I have ever watched. My daughter proclaimed it was the best movie she has seen yet. But I think this had something to do with the introduction of Superdog. Far from being a gimmick, the dog provided some laugh out loud moments for kids and adults alike. It’s a 12A so expect some swearing and the odd person getting killed (unfortunately).

But what about books?

Have no fear, this author also has some bookish content for you.

The Suspect - Rob Rinder

The follow up to The Trial, we are back with Adam Green, barrister in training. This time a beloved daytime presenter is killed on air, but whodunnit? You cannot help but imagine the real celebs behind the character inspirations. Great fun. I already have the third one ready on the shelf, The Protest.

IRL - Jenny Goebel

One for the young adults/pre teens. This is the first book ever my daughter could not put down. Lucy starts at a new school, remote learning, and all thirteen students are very welcoming. Much better than the bullies she has left behind. But when she finally goes to see her school, all she finds is a crumbling, abandoned building and thirteen small headstones. Is someone playing tricks on Lucy or is something more scary going on?

Rules for Perfect Murders - Peter Swanson

This gave me Agatha Christie vibes. This is a book lovers book and although I don’t know all the names mentioned, there are authors and books sprinkled in throughout this story. Being set around a bookshop is total catnip for us book folk. Malcolm wrote a list called ‘Eight Favourite Murders’ for his bookshop blog. ABC Murders, Strangers on a Train. But now it seems someone is working their way through his list in real time.

That’s all for now. Catch you later.