For the last three weeks, I’ve been hard at work, editing Joseph Bridgeman and the Silver Hunter. It’s been a slog, but I am really happy with how the book is shaping up. It went out to beta readers and also my editor yesterday. Once I incorporate their feedback, it will go for proofreading and finally out into the world. It’s interesting, I’ve already learned so much from this new process of sharing my work early.
It is scary (feedback on rough drafts can hurt), but in my experience, that’s when you learn the most.
Now, it feels like a Downstream Book, now it feels like Joe.
The current launch date is mid-September.
I cannot wait to share it with you. I’m thinking next month I will share a sample chapter or two…
What I’m reading
We Are Legion (We Are Bob) (Bobiverse Book 1)
Well-written Sci-fi and genuinely funny in places. The hero dies at the beginning (not really a spoiler, it’s in the blurb!) and his head is cryogenically frozen. He wakes up in the future, the property of a political faction and is subsequently sent off into space. It’s as mad as it sounds and the author really has flow in his writing. Loving it so far… Jumping between the audio and Kindle version – I love modern technology.
Talking of Audiobooks…
I am very excited to announce the launch of ‘The Unexpected Gift of Joseph Bridgeman’ Audiobook!
David Thorpe has done an amazing job of bringing Joe to life. Great energy. Now, it just needs to find it’s listeners. I know a bit about marketing e-books but marketing an audiobook is different (hard). I’m crossing everything that Podium manages it and finds an audience out there in audio-land.
I’ve signed a deal with Podium to produce all the Downstream Diaries books as I release them. Book 1 available now and book 2 will follow early next year I hope.
Non-Fiction
With the impending launch of a new book, I’m also knee-deep in non-fiction, switching hats between author and head of marketing. It’s tough to keep up with all the changes and the biggest challenge for any author these days is visibility. I enjoy it though and it’s a real buzz to find an angle that helps with sales.
Films
COCO: It’s important for me to continue to fill the mental inkwell with good content. Often, if I’m feeling tired or stale it’s because I haven’t been reading enough, watching enough or generally just putting good quality fiction into my brain. Imagination in = imagination out. Simple really.
And so, watching Coco was a layered experience.
Pixar is an inspiration in so many ways, but perhaps for me, the biggest lesson is how they deliver a story that is bang on formula, yet still feels fresh. As a punter, I got swept along, enjoyed every minute and would highly recommend it. As an author, I enjoyed delving into the tight framework and formula-rich storytelling. Occasionally, I watch the credits roll on a film, marvelling at how many brains were involved, how much sweat, tears and energy went into producing something that in the end just feels right. Solid storytelling, good pacing and hard work.
A fun game in the Jones household is pausing our films at the mid-point and guessing the final act.
Oh yes, living with me is just endless fun 🙂
Cool thing this month
My Portable Espresso maker! The key is decent coffee (obv) and the right amount of pressure. This bad boy can do 116 psi! You don’t need electricity or batteries. Just add hot water, pump it (like a bike tyre) and enjoy beautiful espresso. It’s all part of my plan to become good-coffee-self-sufficient, wherever I am in the world.
It’s made by wacaco. Check them out if you’re interested. I’m not a reseller and this not an affiliate link. I just think it’s cool 😉
Alfie Update
He’s taken to howling at night again. Separation anxiety apparently. So, I purchased a puppy toy with a fake heartbeat (worked for 3 days, then Alfie threw it out). Oh, and a new, luxury snuggle bed, which is like a fluffy postage bag. It sort of works but isn’t quite right… (like me, after four hours sleep a night.) Thanks, Alf.
And his face swelled up. So, it was off to the vets on the hottest weekend of the year. Insect bite apparently. At least the anaesthetic enabled a good nights sleep. (He had the anaesthetic, not me… sadly)
Italian Greyhounds are the gift that keeps on giving.
Nick
PS. Thank you all for your lovely emails of encouragement recently. I’m sorry I can’t always reply. I do read them though and they help spur me along, especially on the days when the mountain feels just a little steeper than usual.
