This week has been full of writing, football and decisions; Wycombe Wanderers lost in the play-off final, Liverpool FC won another trophy in the most boring way possible, and I’ve made the decision that I’ll never pursue a publishing deal again. I have seen the light – self-publishing is the only way I can ensure due care is taken when editing and promoting my work, so I’ve drawn a line under ever working with a publisher again.
My old publisher issued another royalty check this week, which triggered more consternation amongst its authors. And looking at the version of The Shelter they published, I can’t believe they let so many formatting and editing issues slip. The re-edit/ clean-up job is taking up all of my time and there seems to be no end it, but I’m glad to be free.
The Shelter’s re-launch will be a low-key affair, and I’ve paired down Mika Ito’s promo strategy to something more manageable. I’ve also pushed the MI launch back from August to September. The last thing I want to do is rush the bugger over the line. I’m also looking for beta readers, are you interested? Get in touch.
In other news, the Mika Ito cover reveal happened (you can find it on last weeks blog post – you are subscribed aren’t you?) and I discovered Chuck Palahniuk’s substack, which I recommend you sign up to, if you’re an aspiring writer. I haven’t read anything else of late, I can’t find a book that inspires me enough to make the time for it. Who’s the next must-read author? I’m sick of reading commercial fiction written by authors who’ve been kicking around for 20-30 years already. Where’s the new blood in the big leagues?
So that’s it. We’re up to date on the important things, so I’ll wrap this up because a new week beckons and I need to get some more of this editing done.
PF & Alfie
Thirsty
A bass guitar noodles through the loudspeakers as Tuesday Tony sets up a sound desk on the Thirsty Scholar’s stage. Only there is no bass guitar, or noodles in the air, just a memory of mine playing back in high-def and mixing with the present. The old photograph is still on the back wall, the…
Launch Day
It’s been 18 months in the making, but the day has finally come. Today, I’m launching Mika Ito. It’s now available on amazon in kindle, paperback and hardcover formats. Find it here. It’s the story of Dylan Solly, a British journalist trapped in Japan on the day of the Fukushima disaster. When Dylan collapses, local…
The Parakeets of Kensington Gardens
The Queen’s coffin began it’s journey to Edinburgh today, and massive earthquakes have hit Papua New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. It’s also the anniversary of 9/11. It certainly seems like a day to reflect. Me and Helen were walking our dogs when the Queen died. Helen checked her phone when we got home and…
Peter Foley Official 