Ok, ok. I admit it. I am not good at this blogging thing. I let life get in the way. I am a third year student with two small children, and I get busy. Then when I get time to do this whole blogging thing, I am too tired and want to crash in front of the tv. Even reading, something I immensely love with a passion, seems too much of an effort these days.
Even as we speak, I should be researching case studies and dissecting the British jury system in regards to media law and the freedom of the press. But alas, I am sat here, shivering due the weather, with my hot water bottle on my knee and drinking hot chocolate, because my brain cannot function in such low temperatures. Nor from the amount of wind rushing past my window. That and life has me pretty depressed today, and giving up seems the only option I should take.
So anyway, the last time I got around to writing, way back in November (shoot me now), the online book launch for A Cuppa and an Armchair was due. It has long since been and gone, but I would like to think it was successful. Looking back there are some details that could have been more clearly thought out - like setting the time in GMT and not thinking that the American authors wouldn't be busy during the British evening, would have been helpful. As would finding someone to take over, so that Ellie and I could sleep, would have been good too. As it happens, I managed to stay awake until 2.30am - which meant that all American participants got to have a good sleep. I myself, got rudely awoken by a small child jumping on me and shouting "Mummy, Mummy, it;s morning time!"
But the launch was fun. We had questions asked of the authors, we had caption competitions, we had questions asked of Ziz, Equipe's co-ordinator, and we all had some fun. I think it was successful. I don't know how others saw it. But I enjoyed myself throughout, and I think it led to sales.
The book is selling - both paperback and ebook format. This could be better, and I admit to being a bit slow on the uptake of getting the press release out. Another job for me today, is to email that to Ellie. But the fact is, it IS selling. It IS making money for Equipe. And it IS something that all contributors can say, "Hey, I helped make that happen". And I love them all for it.
So it now comes to the turn of the Children's books that we are doing. And the speediness of these needs to be Speedy Gonzales. Easter is earlier, it's April 8. I want a real launch this time, even though it would mean some authors couldn't be there in person - I am thinking online hook up to the party for them - which would have to be at the end of March. But we can't agree on the ages of each of the stories. Has anyone heard of The Itchy Elephant? I have been told to read this, as it is the same age range as some of our stories, that I aged as pre-schoolers, but Ellie says is for 1 year +. We have some work to do.
But on a great note, or at least I think it is great, I just wish I had a bit more contribution. I have set up an actual website for the book, and it's ancestors. I am likely to set up a separate website for the children's books, watch this space. I would be grateful if you could all take a look at it by clicking here.
And, as I am clearly not busy enough, I have set up my own business. I have registered with HM Revenues a& Customs, and I will be talking to Matt at Zone Glyndwr about business plans, accounts, funding and anything else that he can possibly think of. Oh, and I already have interest in people wanting me to publish them. I just hope my best friend can get his ass in gear, as I really want him to be the first.
It looks like 2012 is going to be a tough, stressful, and yet completely awesome year. Happy New Year to all, and best wishes for the year ahead.