Oh my! I usually don't start a countdown until after my birthday, I don't even start buying presents until after it either. But my priorities have changed this year.
We want a Christmas release. That gives us 7 weeks. Even less if we go to print before Christmas. This is getting exciting, tough and just a wee bit panic-filled.
We have met as a panel. and come to our decision on stories. Some lucky authors are having the bonus of entries in the main book and a mini-book of children's stories. Though this mini-book will have an Easter release date, due to us needing some illustrations.
We are doing feedback for stories that didn't make the cut, which is quite fun, although extremely taxing, to do. It is weird actually giving an author feedback - never had to do that before. But good practice for when I get my career.
So we are in the process of getting proof readers and asking for illustrations/photographers to do with the stories. As well as getting the authors to write a two sentence bio on themselves. Whilst my job is to get a 500 word (minimum) bio on Equipe and a 500 word bio on myself and Ellie. As well as still chasing funding, and setting up the account for all the money to directly to the charity.
And then I still have university to deal with. Media Law is the bane of my life. But at least I know I will pass it. Mostly likely with higher than a 40% too. I get to go to Magistrates Court tomorrow, and then off to Crown Court on Tuesday. I am getting excited to see what happens. And I will watch "The Jury" on ITV this week, so that I can learn a bit more about the process, to tackle this Contempt of Law in regards to the media 5000 word monstrosity.
And I am taking a short course in App Building, through ZONE Glyndwr, that is very interesting. I have done one class so far, and there is 5 more to go. I am going to use this new found talent towards my Media Project and Portfolio assignment, which this wonderful book is helping form part of (or most of if I can't get a work placement with a publishing company).
For more information on the progress of the book, then please visit the A Cuppa and an Armchair page, and Ellie's latest blog has a great deal of info too. She has been blogging longer than me, so she seems to have more of an idea what to put in them.
Anyway, I have children asking for dinner, so I must dash for now. I will write another post soon. The closer it gets, the closer my sanity becomes insanity. Definitely on the funding front. But it is a learning curve, and helps on the mini-book front, and as I want more books in the following years, it will give me a better standing for the future.
Anyway, dinner calls....