GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...
Dear friends,
At the moment, my life is defined by interrupted sleep, nervous energy, dauntedness, angst - of last-minute adjustments, attention to detail, deadlines and days that simply disappear into oblivion!
At the moment, my life is defined by interrupted sleep, nervous energy, dauntedness, angst - of last-minute adjustments, attention to detail, deadlines and days that simply disappear into oblivion!
What a mixture of emotions as I anxiously wait for the publication of my book...
MAXDOG.
As each little hiccup comes to the surface, I jump onto it. I want to the rollout to be perfect. And its tiring!
My sweet pooches linger around my feet while I spend many hours at my computer. My poor family too have also been devoid of my attention in the past couple of months. But the girls have their own focus - final exams! Our household is hardly hanging together.
I have so many emails and queries about MAXDOG which I need to respond to, as well as the last minute small adjustments to the layout. We should be going to print next week. A few minor adjustments have delayed the printing by a few days. Everyone tells me that this is 'par-for-the-course' - nothing unusual when publishing a book! Hopefully, by early next week, I will hold the first treasured book in my hand - the one which I will have to finally 'SIGN OFF'. This process feels similar to giving birth to a child.
Once I have signed my baby off, we go to print. 500 copies of MAXDOG will be printed during the initial print run - in Cape Town. Some of the books will be sent directly to various book stores around the country, some will be handed to PORCUPINE PRESS, some will be given to my publicist HELCO PROMOTIONS, and some will be sent to me for my personal sales.
There are so many questions which keep me awake at night:
Will I receive the books in time for my first public commitment?
How will MAXDOG be received by the general public?
Have I done justice to this incredible story?
Will my blogger-friends be happy with the outcome?
Will I be able to garner sufficient publicity to make up my outlay?
So much about the journey ahead is unknown and I am not one for unpredictability.
While my mind plays 'merry-go-round', life around me chugs along. Our city is awash with purple blossoms at the moment - the Jacaranda trees are in full bloom and it is an incredible sight!
This week, Lorraine and I went to check-out "Love Books" - a quaint little bookstore in the heart of Mellville. (An old, but upmarket suburb in Johannesburg) There is a possibility of MAXDOG being 'launched' at this venue and I was curious to see what it looked like. We decided to make a morning of it.
"Love Books"
... has been in business for about 3 years now and has a buzzing atmosphere. Although it is somewhat on the outskirts of Melville, it is attractive and inviting. It's unpretentious exterior is not an indication of its inside appeal. It fits perfectly with my editor's comment:
"MAXDOG is HAND-KNITTED"
I love it! But it remains to be seen if we can secure a 'date' for the launch of MAXDOG. It's a busy time of the year and nothing is guaranteed. So, I wait...
My first official public committment for MAXDOG will be on the
25th November (In 2 weeks time!)
at our local shopping mall's 'Carols-by-Candlelight' function.
Randridge Mall
...has really given MAXDOG a solid 'thumbs-up' and they are very excited about having me there. I am looking forward to be able to offer the books 'Hot-off-the-press' to my immediate community. I have lived in this community for over 30 years and I want to give them the first opportunity to buy my books.
The occasion is being designed as a community event and they are hoping to promote a sense of intimacy and warmth. The event is being supported by our local community police forum who will have their 'band' in attendance for the singing. MAXDOG has been given pride of place near the stage and will be promoted by the Master-of-Ceremonies. As a reciprocal gesture, I have offered a copy of MAXDOG for a 'fun prize draw' on the evening. :)
To my South African friends...please diarise that date!
I'd LOVE to see you there!!!
You will stand a chance of winning a free copy of MAXDOG!!!
But remember, everyone is invited to MAXDOG's OFFICIAL LAUNCH too...
(At a later date...to be advised ! :) )
In truth however, it is still touch-and-go as to whether we'll have the books fully in print by the time of the Carols-by-candlelight, so I am somewhat nervous. I have been assured however that we'll have at least 100 copies by the evening. The rest of the print-run may have to follow in the next week or two, but my community will be able to purchase some of the books available. Whew! Who would have thought that there would be so much angst surrounding a book launch?
For those of my readers who are asking about my three, faithful canine companions:
TOBY, TAMMY and KING TOFFEE
They are all doing well. The 'Sweet Hooligan' remains true to character. He nudges me to play fetch with him during the day and generally pesters me for my attention (We'll HAVE to get back to training when things settle down!). Both Tammy and Toffee are getting on in years (14 and 11 respectively) and spend a lot of their day sleeping - only to be pawed at, intermittently, by the youthful TOBY. He uses every opportunity he can get to live up to his image.
"Old age? What's that? Let's play!!!"
Sending lotsaluv to you all, as well as my best wishes for a happy weekend!
MAXDOG.
As each little hiccup comes to the surface, I jump onto it. I want to the rollout to be perfect. And its tiring!
Once I have signed my baby off, we go to print. 500 copies of MAXDOG will be printed during the initial print run - in Cape Town. Some of the books will be sent directly to various book stores around the country, some will be handed to PORCUPINE PRESS, some will be given to my publicist HELCO PROMOTIONS, and some will be sent to me for my personal sales.
There are so many questions which keep me awake at night:
Will I receive the books in time for my first public commitment?
How will MAXDOG be received by the general public?
Have I done justice to this incredible story?
Will my blogger-friends be happy with the outcome?
Will I be able to garner sufficient publicity to make up my outlay?
So much about the journey ahead is unknown and I am not one for unpredictability.
While my mind plays 'merry-go-round', life around me chugs along. Our city is awash with purple blossoms at the moment - the Jacaranda trees are in full bloom and it is an incredible sight!
People seek out the highest vantage points of the city to get a glimpse of the annual spectacle. It really is beautiful!
"Love Books"
... has been in business for about 3 years now and has a buzzing atmosphere. Although it is somewhat on the outskirts of Melville, it is attractive and inviting. It's unpretentious exterior is not an indication of its inside appeal. It fits perfectly with my editor's comment:
"MAXDOG is HAND-KNITTED"
I love it! But it remains to be seen if we can secure a 'date' for the launch of MAXDOG. It's a busy time of the year and nothing is guaranteed. So, I wait...
My first official public committment for MAXDOG will be on the
25th November (In 2 weeks time!)
at our local shopping mall's 'Carols-by-Candlelight' function.
Randridge Mall
...has really given MAXDOG a solid 'thumbs-up' and they are very excited about having me there. I am looking forward to be able to offer the books 'Hot-off-the-press' to my immediate community. I have lived in this community for over 30 years and I want to give them the first opportunity to buy my books.
The occasion is being designed as a community event and they are hoping to promote a sense of intimacy and warmth. The event is being supported by our local community police forum who will have their 'band' in attendance for the singing. MAXDOG has been given pride of place near the stage and will be promoted by the Master-of-Ceremonies. As a reciprocal gesture, I have offered a copy of MAXDOG for a 'fun prize draw' on the evening. :)
To my South African friends...please diarise that date!
I'd LOVE to see you there!!!
You will stand a chance of winning a free copy of MAXDOG!!!
But remember, everyone is invited to MAXDOG's OFFICIAL LAUNCH too...
(At a later date...to be advised ! :) )
In truth however, it is still touch-and-go as to whether we'll have the books fully in print by the time of the Carols-by-candlelight, so I am somewhat nervous. I have been assured however that we'll have at least 100 copies by the evening. The rest of the print-run may have to follow in the next week or two, but my community will be able to purchase some of the books available. Whew! Who would have thought that there would be so much angst surrounding a book launch?
For those of my readers who are asking about my three, faithful canine companions:
TOBY, TAMMY and KING TOFFEE
Toby's take on life:
Sending lotsaluv to you all, as well as my best wishes for a happy weekend!
"Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good!"
17 comments:
Best of luck with all the book launch activity Caryl!
Last night our Aberdeen Amnesty International Group held a launch event for a poetry collection we've just published (new poems written by local writers on the broad theme of human rights). We booked a venue with a 60 seat capacity and 80 people turned up and our first print run (admittedly only 100 copies) sold out! It's so exciting to be talking about a second print run. I'm sure all your tremendous efforts with 'MaxDog' will pay off too.
Oh and those jacaranda trees are so beautiful.
Cheers,
Gail.
We know it will be a huge success!
Sam
Paws Crossed fur your book being a HOOOOGE success.
Hi Maxmom - I'm sure that everything will turn out just right. The lead-up to launch will likely be exhausting, frantic and it might be a little crazy but would you have it any other way.
It will be fine. We have faith and know it will go well.. Hugs GJ xx
I am sure that the launch will go off without a hitch, or there will only be the small things that only you will remember! It's an exciting time, enjoy it for all it's worth!
Give ALL of your cares to God with prayers and thanksgiving AND HE WILL Guard you heart AND mind.
It's going to be great. You have done your best and that is all you can do.
Hi Maxmom, the bookstore looks very inviting. Everything will go wonderfully well and you laugh about all your worries in a few weeks. We have streets with Jacarandas here in Adelaide too and they are beautiful at this time of year. Take care. No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory)
I love the bookstore!
I'm praying that everything goes well - and the best of luck to you!
Brandon's Raiser
hey Maxmom,
We are rooting for you! And paws and fingers crossed that everything runs smoothly for you these next two weeks! The bookstore is very cute and inviting. A nice place for a book signing. And the mall event sounds like a lot of fun! Good luck with everything! I am sure Maxdog is looking down, wagging his tail, and making sure everything works out! :->
The Jacaranda trees are absolutely stunning! So beautiful! I would love to walk down that street.
And furry happy to hear your three pups are doing well and surviving the excitement and rush going on.
Suka
Those purple trees are totally amazing! Good luck with the big book launch!
Slobbers,
Mango
all our paws are crossed for you
Benny & Lily
Caryl, the trees are just stunning and so beautiful--I can only imagine what the air must smell like!!
I know that all will go well with your book, I just feel it!! You've listened to your heart and have been led by it to write MaxDog, so I know that all the pieces will come together and the book will be a success! I really feel that your book will be well received and all those who open their hearts will find inspiration in your beautiful story.
Just don't forget in the rush of the details to savor each moment!! :-)
Congratulations. It is finally here. You have worked so hard and soon all your stress and nervous moments will be in the past and you will be successfully published.
Like Kim said, be sure to enjoy yourself.
bert and my vickie
Caryl, you have no idea how dearly I wish I could be there with you to hold your hand and to celebrate this great event. Please know that I will be there with you in spirit...
Good luck with the book launch!
Those Jacaranda trees are magnificent. My dad used to talk about the jacarandas when he lived in East London and later in Malawi, he said there was nothing like them - it seems he was right. :)
H and Flo
Hi Caryl
We're sure that all will go well with the launching of MaxDog's book.
The Jacaranda trees are simply gorgeous - I can't imagine how much more beautiful they look in real life. You are fortunate to live in such a beautiful country.
Woofs
Nadine & golden Neeli
Post a Comment