The issue all authors have is reaching their audience. I believe every book has an audience and it is the authors job to find the audience for their book(s). There’s a lot written about using social media to help an author find their book’s audience, but I have come to feel that this is really only good for family and friends.
My latest two books haven’t done well sales wise, despite being great books, each in the own way.
Human beings are social animals and since even before the beginning of language, we developed and engaged in communities.
I, like you all are part of many communities. Including (but by no means limited to): my immediate family, my locality, nursing, gay, authors/writers and pagan/spirituality.
I love being part of every community that I am part of, but like any community I don’t always agree with or like all members.
On exceptionally rare occasions, I get into conflict with a community member. Sometimes it’s like we can’t see what brings us together as community members. Like we are too focused by difference, rather than the similarities.
It is always sad when this happens and even sadder when we can’t agree to disagree. What is difficult for me to accept, is that sometimes there is no resolution to these disagreements.
I have apologised for any offense caused. I have empathised, trying to understand another’s point of view.
I have explained my perspective and thinking. I have explained my feelings. I have sought resolution.
But unfortunately there was no resolution wanted on the other side. Perhaps with time, there may be resolution. Perhaps there may not be. But at least I’ve tried.
Reading Time: 5minutesIn January my mum, brother, brother’s fiancee, nephew and I watched Peter Pan’s Musical Adventure in Blackpool. I went to Leeds to spend time with Robert and Neha. Robert & Neha are two of my most dear friends and favourite humans. Here are some photos:
Blackpool Tower
Mum feeding the 2p machines and feeding her habit at the same time.
When my mum was a little girl, she lived in London with her mum and dad (my grandma and granddad). Every Sunday, while her mum was making the Sunday dinner, her dad would take her to watch the changing of the Guard and then into St. James Park to feed the ducks.
In June I was fortunate to unexpectedly see A-Ha with my good friend Jayne. Endless things broke including my boiler, car, new laptop and washer dryer.
July saw Jayne and I visit Chester Zoo. Here are some photos:
Butterfly (2).
A close up of the baby elephant.
My new lover! He’s the strong, wooden, silent type.
This gorgeous beauty came to say hello and flirted with me (by winking with her big eye and long eyelashes) when I said ‘Hello Gorgeous.’ to her as she passed by.
September was particularly busy. A good friend, her son, two of his friends and I got close to wild animals at Blackpool Zoo. Here are some photos:
This photo of a penguin is most probably the best photo I’ve ever taken. The penguin was swimming at great speed, although you wouldn’t have guested. I looked at this photo when I got home and it looks like it was taken by a professional. A total fluke.
Another of the beautiful tiger. Blackpool Zoo have two tigers from what we saw. The tiger is more than slightly moist because of the rain.
This is how close we got to a Lion. Able to look in its eye and see the intelligence, along with the hunter instinct. He appeared to be eyeing us up as a snack. Blackpool Zoo had two male Lions living in the enclosure together from what I saw. They seemed pretty well bonded and one went and groomed the other while we watched.
Quickly becoming my favourite animal, the giraffes. What I love about giraffes is that every time I’ve politely called over to one (in different Zoos I might add), they come over. They look at me with their big black eyes and some times, if I’m really lucky, they let me take a photo before they walk off.
Still in September I was unexpectedly (and lucky enough to be offered) a spare ticket to see the spectacular Shania Twain.
In October I self-published a poem Sometimes High, Sometimes Low:
Click for Full Size Image.
My mum, Kelly, my mum’s friend, her daughter and myself saw Matilda.
In November I went to a wonderful wedding and I watched Fantastic Beats: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
In December I had a great Christmas, shared with loved ones.
Overall 2018 was a busy year filled with the unexpected. Hopefully 2019 will be less busy, but with many good times, shared with friends and family. I’d also like lots more creative output from myself.
Reading Time: 4minutesA lot happened in November. Some of it was good and some of it was bad. Here were the key events:
4th November 17 – I went Smoke-Free, Day 1.
Smoke-Free Logo
5th November 17 – I was given the cold shoulder by Dylan. He just walked away from attention to sit with his back towards me. I called him by his name and was ignored.
Blanked by Dylan.
6th November 17 – My week made with the arrival of my pre-orders from Amazon.
11th November 17 – I tried on silly Christmas hats!
Silly Christmas Hats!
12th November 17 – My lovely Grandma passed away. I am sure she is missed dearly by all who knew her. I am also very lucky to have some wonderful memories with her.
My Lovely Grandma.
14th November 17 – I went to the GP about an abscess in my groin. I was given oral antibiotics and told if it gets any bigger I must go to A&E to see a Surgeon.
15th November 17 – The abscess had doubled in size. So went to A&E, was given a dose of IV antibiotics and eventually saw a Surgeon. They decided to operate first thing the following morning.
I had been Nil By Mouth since arriving in A&E at around 1PM and had not eaten since breakfast. They let me go home well after 9pm to eat, rest and with instructions to fast from 3am and be back at the hospital for 8am.
Oh pink…just my colour.
16th November 17 – The day of the surgery. All of the NHS staff were kind, compassionate and understanding. But communication could have been better.
I arrived on the ward at 07:50am and was instructed by a Nurse on the night shift to wait in the waiting room, while the early staff had handover. The night shift Nurse didn’t tell the day staff that I had arrived and meant I ended up waiting over an hour. Apparently staff had been looking for me everywhere.
After the surgery, I didn’t know whether my open wound had been packed or not, because it wasn’t documented in my notes.
It has been uncomfortable, a bit tender and at times painful. I have thanked my family and Steve who have been amazing in supporting me pre and post surgery.
The surgery and waiting for the open to heal has been very frustrating for me.
Everything has had to be put on hold. I’ve had to rest and haven’t been able to do very much apart from watching Netflix, reading and napping. A huge positive is that I have remained Smoke-Free throughout.
17th November 17 – I became super excited after watching a video clip that revealed the title of the new Fantastic Beasts (Harry Potter) film: The Crimes of Grindelwald on Twitter @BeastsMovieUK. The film will be released on 16.11.18.
22nd November 17 – The day of Grandma’s funeral, which was really a celebration of her life. The service was touching and well attended. Grandma’s family and friends came together afterwards to share memories and the many things they will miss about her.
25th November 17 – Day 21 of being Smoke-Free.
Smoke-Free Logo
29th November 17 – Last day working at my old job. I will miss the people and liked the work, but am excited to start my new job.
