A productive week!

Firstly, this is the first time I've written a blog, and it's about me, which sounds a little narcissistic, but trust me when I say that all of this new found 'celebrity' hasn't gone to my head; yet.

I started this week in work, but had booked four days off. This was to use up holiday, and it felt like a nice time to take a short break, but I also had the intention of working on publicising my book. Since it was published in November last year, I've taken my time it's fair to say about getting it, and myself, better known, although to be fair we did have Christmas, and I work, so there's that.

I'd like to say again, that the support I've had from friends and family has been great, and I want to say thank you to everyone so far who has either bought the book, liked a post I've put on FB or Instagram, or generally passed on a kind word of encouragement. I really appreciate it all.

So, what have I been doing since November? Well, I can assure you that I haven't just been sat waiting for the hordes of adoring fans to defy lockdown rules and convene at my door, for the chance of a digital signature on their Kindle devices. Alas, until that day inevitably arrives (honest, it hasn't gone to my head at all), I have concerned myself with dipping my toe into the wide world of social media networking, which was previously unknown to me. There are a multitude of groups online supporting writers, some big, some small, some containing dubious potential scammers, but the vast, vast majority of members are supportive and willing to provide encouragement, ideas or comments. It's been an eye-opener, and has provided the potential for me not only to reach wider audiences, but also to make new friends. I'd like to mention two American authors here, Kandice Deluccy, who is working on her first novel, and Amber Garibay, whose book 'How to Make Ten-Million Dollars with a Rubber Chicken' I highly recommend. Both have been so kind, and lovely, and provided inspiration for developing my own online profile further.

Which brings me to this week, and as the title suggests, it has been a productive week. On Tuesday, I created my author page on Facebook, which included a recording of me talking about the book, and a 'trailer', superbly voiced by the silver tongued stylings of my Dad, Alf Smith. Yesterday (Wednesday) I converted my manuscript into a paperback format, opening it up to a potentially bigger audience (available now, priced £6.99). And today, I have worked on this website, and blog, which offers another way for people to find out about the book, as well as an opportunity to engage with me, should they wish to. That goes both ways actually; obviously, huge numbers of sales would be fantastic, and people queuing down the street for an autograph would be, well terrifying actually, but...I'm trying to learn, and develop as a writer, so feedback is king. I've had fantastic reviews so far, but I'd love the chance to read more, and discuss the characters, the story, the style etc. It's all a learning curve at this point, but like Pinocchio, I've got my book, a, err nice shiny apple (I-pad), and the ping of social media notifications chirping in my ear to help me on my way.

Will I become a real writer? Only time will tell. As it stands, the book has sold 16 copies; I have over 20 'followers' on my author page; I have a ton of support; I have ideas; and I have a realistic optimism about what I could achieve with this. It's been a good week.

Thank you everyone.

Alex