Re-establishing blog

Just checking that technical details function as I have not written on blog for so long.

Royal Wedding

I did not intend my blog to comment on 'big' news events but, with the objectivity that time concedes, the royal wedding invites comment as a snapshot of where our society finds itself right now, at least in terms of its media representation. In terms of the event itself, the lasting impression is one of a job well done with dignity and ceremony but with a touch of informality and simplicity to balance the expected pomp. The Middleton family are to be congratulated on their poise and savoir faire and the couple themselves on helping to orchestrate a meaningful service of marriage of relevance to themselves as individuals and as representatives of the royal family. This came over clearly in the prayer that they had composed and was reinforced by the excellent address by the Bishop of London. The choice of music also enhanced the aims of the service. Media coverage disappointed, however. Visually the presentation was magnificent but the commenatary, for me, fell short of the images by its focus on matters peripheral (dress and kiss!!!). The pivotal aspects of the service were not analised and opportunities for other relevant discussions passed over. What about Letizia, wife of crown prince Felipe of Spain, herself a commoner who has successfully married into royalty? Could this not have opened up discussion? Have we really become a society fixated only on the superficial and 'celebrity' aspects of life?

Waterstone's revisited by Christine Mustchin

The Book signing at Waterstone's Portsmouth last Saturday had stiff competition - fantastic weather and a football match. I really was not at all sure how things would go but I sold all but 2 of the copies of From Nemesis Island. All the staff were very encouraging so thanks to them for that. As usual there was a friendly atmosphere and, despite it being a quiet day from the point of view of number of footfalls, I met a great variety of people and enjoyed talking to them about their book preferences and views on reading. Some were browsing to get ideas for library borrowing and some for their e-readers. I was happy to give out flyers to them. They say word of mouth is important in publicising your book though no one actually seems to know what makes this a success for an author. No more signings lined up yet but I might see if I can get one more in the future. Christine Mustchin

Waterstone revisited by Christine Mustchin

Back to book signings as I still have stock to sell. Actually I am getting to like the signings and the last one at Waterstone's Eastbourne was a very positive experience. The staff went out of their way to publicise the event including a board outside the shop with chalk drawing of the cover of From Nemesis Island. They were really helpful and friendly - something that I have encountered in all the Waterstone's shops in which I have done signings. This time, though, they were taking photos - made me feel quite special. I was pleased that I managed to sell all the copies that they'd ordered. It was, as usual 5 hours + on my feet talking to people but everyone I spoke to seemed genuinely interested, even if they didn't buy the book. This Saturday it's Portsmouth - a much bigger store and with fantastic weather we're having right now and it being Easter Saturday, who knows how many people will be out shopping. As my father would say 'We'll see.'
Christine Mustchin

WordFest Crawley and Christine Mustchin

Looking back at last two posts I am reminded that I planned to list what I had learnt from my experience of self-publishing and in particular self-publishing fiction. 1 The advice you read in books and journals is largely right - pay heed. 2 Don't expect to make money - you are more likely to make a loss given the retail discounting that you will inevitably encounter. 3 Don't expect to be 'discovered'. It rarely happens. 4 Research how you want to self-publish and choose your mentors/assistants wisely - beware vanity publishers . 5 Don't expect everyone to like what you have written or give you good reviews (if you can get them). 6 Enjoy the positives - you had control of everything about publishing your book so any compliments are all the more valuable (even if you did get help/support along the way). 7 Learn to enjoy your book signing. My first Waterstone's signing was a steep learning curve but I was given valuable advice about how to engage with potential customers and have subsequently valued my other several signings. 8 Keep faith with yourself - much harder when you do not have an agent but essential. 9 Keep planning for the future and always, always be professional. Christine Mustchin based on her experience of self-publishing From Nemesis Island.

WordFest Crawley and Christine Mustchin

The panel discussion on self publishing at the Crawley WordFest was an interesting experience and well attended. There were four of us, all with different experiences of self publishing. One was a graphic artist with long experience of the publishing trade and so fully able to utilise his knowledge when he decided to self publish his own self illustrated fiction. He was in it to make money and had indeed done so very successfully. A second panel member was a business man who had self produced three non-fiction books and drawn on various contacts to ensure optimum print ready works. He confirmed what we all held to be true that there are three phases to being an author - writing the work, publishing it and then marketing it. The third panel member described her success in previously publishing a work on dolls' houses. Her current project is to market her novels published with assistance from a profesional company. As the final member of the panel I was keen to point out the different models of self-publishing - 1. do absolutely everything yourself (IT skills essential) 2. get help for certain aspects of the process eg editing, cover design 3. hand it over to a reputable to a reputable self publishing firm. I made sure to emphasise the need to distinguish between so-called vanity publishers and bona fide self publishing firms. Both will require you to foot the bill but with the latter you have total control and retain all rights, plus ownership of all the copies of the books produced. The evening was well chaired by a member of Crawley Library and there were a good number of questions and discussion. Thanks to Jo from Waterstone's for her input into the evening and to Jamie from Waterstone's for conceiving and implementing the whole project . A first that will surely be repeated. Christine Mustchin

WordFest Crawley and Christine Mustchin

Imagine my surprise when I saw my blog listed in the details of the WordFest Crawley. Imagine my embarrassment when I realised it was 6 months since I had made an entry on my blog! I was surprised when Jamie of Waterstone's Crawley phoned and asked me to take part in a panel discussion on Self-publishing. Not an invitation to refuse so here I am about to take my first steps into the world of literary festivals. Jamie is so enthusiastic and helpful that I anticpate it being a good step. I have been going over my filed details on self-publishing - interesting to revisit it all 8 months after the publication of From Nemesis Island last August. I remain convinced that chosing Matador was the right thing for me. I also saw just how much I have learnt over this past year. What have I learnt? Well, I think I'll keep that for the next blog - and I promise it will not take 6 months before I write it. Christine Mustchin