When all the preparation has concluded – the mental preparation that is – for what is the biggest moment in any writer’s life, that moment can be a little of an anti-climax. I speak of the day an author is published for the first time, and for all intents, it should be a life defining day, a spectacular day in effect, like when an album or movie is released, right?
Well, actually, it’s not like that at all. Indeed, I spent the morning of last Friday trying to find out who was actually stocking The Secret War. Being a hard-back book, coverage is not extensive and a little patchy but then I guess it’s only realistic as bookshops are still immersed in the New Year sales; so copies of The Secret War are in stock rooms waiting for shelf space to become available.
For a writer, it’s frustrating, but I have to be realistic about it – and patient. I’m learning that the publishing business is a slow affair, that success takes time and books are never fleeting. Just look at the bestsellers of recent years – often they’ve been sitting on shelves for months before a crowning review occurs and the whole thing takes off.
So, at first I was disappointed, but after coming to terms with the fact I am not instantly a bestseller writer (grins) I settled with the news The Secret War is cropping up in quite a few bookshops across the country. There have been spottings in Aberdeen, Chester, Southampton and Bournemouth. Dave in London sent me a photo of five copies of The Secret War in Borders, Oxford Street. So yeah, you can buy The Secret War on the high street, but like me, patience is involved. You can always order it online as well, which people have been doing so with Amazon and Goldsboro books.
And what did I do with the rest of the day? Well, I had lunch in town with my wife, sorted out the details of the book launch for the following week, and had a fantastic evening in Cipolla in Broomhill, Sheffield – a wonderful Italian restaurant which put up with a raucous party consisting of myself, Sarah and a few friends and family:
Everyone got a t-shirt – perhaps they’ll become collectors items in the years to come!!! It was a great end to what could have been a strangely subdued day – and I have the following people to thank: Dave Budd, Will Atkins, Sophie Portas, the gang at The Secret War party on Friday night, and of course my wife, Sarah, who has been amazing and organised a spectacular end to the day.
Yes, at times The Secret War day was anti-climatic, but then writers aren’t film or rock stars… are we? And I'm certain there will be plenty of times to get excited in the weeks ahead...!
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