Reading

I'm recommending "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It's a short story.
Feeling panicky today. All sorts of reasons ranging between family issues to what's it all about?!

The Espresso Book Machine

I listened to You and Yours on Radio 4 today after a tip off that The Espresso Book Machine was being discussed. I mentioned briefly that I'd seen it in action at The London Book Fair. What came across on the Radio 4 programme, when they tested the machine about acquiring the same book on the internet, that they were looking at speed and cost. Actually I think that the purpose of having these book printing machines in book shops is that you can purchase a book that day in the place you are standing. It is a pristine paperback. You might not be bothered about it being pristine, either. The point is, you can buy a book that isn't on the shelf in front of you, that may be out of print, that you cannot find (though probably can on the internet) but you, making your choice, can ask for a book and it is printed up as you wait. Five, ten minutes, twenty at most, does that really matter? It is the fact that you can have the book.
And you can order as many copies as you want!
www.ondemandbooks.com Have a look. The test store is at Blackwells in Charing Cross, London. Come on guys - try it out in the regions - that's my only quibble. Oh and price. It seemed expensive at £17 something for a paperback, but it may have been because of the specific book. If that is the cost of any paperback to be published via this method, then it might not be as successful as they hope. Worth looking into.
And now it is the weekend. And I need ink for my printer. That's a pain, but has to be done. The digital age is great in many ways, but it still needs to be fed.
The debate on machines like the Espresso Book Machine will be interesting.

London Book Fair 2

It was a hot, blue-skyed day in London. The white georgian buildings were impressive and the pubs overhanging with flowers from baskets and window boxes were pretty and inviting. But we walked past!! We were headed for Earl's Court and the London Book Fair. It was very welcoming, easy and friendly at the door. Then the exhibition hall was almost overfacing, wondering where to start.
The website had said that there were some agents with stands, but I couldn't see any. It turned out they were all in rooms upstairs, only approachable by well-booked ahead meetings.
And the main instruction from publishers was, get an agent!
I have had three agents in the past. I won't go into details here, but they range from criminal to 'in the wrong job!'
It was useful to be told this, as I've learned that although some publishers don't stipulate that they only look at work through an agent, in practice, this is often the case and unsolicited work probably isn't read. So, although knowing this, it was useful to be told directly, face to face. So. Although published, get an agent.
Next, I had some very useful talks with people I hadn't thought of talking to. For example, a very thoughtful chap at Gardners Book Distributers. He talked about their monthly brochure and was approachable and helpful. Very impressed.
And the Booksellers' Association.
And a Canadian publisher who said contemporary literature (and not literary) was all they'd consider from this neck of the woods.
And what else?
The publishers' association were also useful, asked sceptical questions, but as there were three of them at the time, the whole spectrum was covered and they gave interesting advice.
And this amazing machine that is being piloted in a north London bookstore that will print a copy of a book when a customer can't find it on the shelf and asks for it. There and then!
So, if anyone is thinking of going next year and is published by a small, independent publisher, maybe seek these people out. Marketing also came out as a must. Book appointments with agents by February and relish feeling connected to the industry as opposed to writing in solitude.
I am making notes: 1) Find an agent. 2) Sort and get on with marketing. 3) Write what people want.
All seem obvious I know, but not as easy as one thinks. In some ways it seems as though an individual's selling power is more important than the product. But, I'm sure that's not true.
So. Tonight? Going to a music concert of stars of the future. Correction. They are stars now. Amazing young people. I am going to sit back in awe, enjoy every performance whether it is vocal, on the flute, double bass, euphonium, maraccas. This is at Xaverian College in Manchester. The Head of Music there is a passionate leader and it shows in the students' abilities. Inspiring.

Off to market/write letters/ write - ah yes. First pages of the screenplay for Meeting Coty.

Must explain about north-eastern Brazilian rhythms too as I'm a dancer with the Manchester based, maracatu rhythm playing band, Juba do Leao. There isn't another band like them.

London Book Fair

I'm not doing a great deal of writing at the moment. I'm editing the first chapter of Leaving Coty, jotting down threads to progress through and also the other things that I didn't initially feel were the job of a writer, but have finally admitted that they are. So. I'm going to the London Book Fair next Wednesday and am looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to it being busy with movement and people and action. Maybe a reaction to having a contrast with the 'business' of my dusky pink room at the back of the house where the computer lives. I don't think so. I've always liked the bustle of things going on. So. I'm sorting out who I'd like to see, samples of this and that.. what to wear..

And then there is Chorlton Arts Festival coming up in May and I'm giving a talk and a reading, so I'm re-reading Meeting Coty to pick out sample chapters and editing the first chapter of Leaving Coty so it's up to standard to read out and jotting down what I will talk about and ordering flyers and postcards and books for the Festival Launch..and what to wear...

Oh and last night I went to the opening of Martin Nash's latest Art Show. Some beautiful pieces. I love the way he blends the paint giving a 3-D effect. They could be life long friends. And he's very good at naming his pieces too. Made me smile. It reminded me how inspirational art can be. It is on at the Lowry Hotel, Manchester, for a few days I think.

And now? Now I'm going to plan this flyer.

Leaving Coty

Leaving Coty:
Writing the blurb for the back cover is taking some time. I'm trying to keep it in the same style as the back cover of Meeting Coty.


"Her younger sister loved by instinct, not design.
Her elder sister travelled through Spain reorganising monasteries.

Her mother sang of freedom amongst the vines of Jerez de la Frontera...
While the man she had resisted contemplated marriage in London.

Her employer created the most successful perfume empire of his generation.
He required nerves of steel from his workforce, but above all, demanded loyalty.

And Tessa?
Tessa catalogued his perfumes, submerged herself in his life story,
Wrote letters tinged with regret...
And
Dreamed of leaving Coty.