I love writing. I love creating stories, building characters, and exploring big ideas that could make a difference. My first series focused on homeless children in India, and now I’m shining a positive light on dementia through The Ember Enigma series.
But as much as I enjoy writing, marketing is a different story. The idea of promoting my books and (urgh) myself is a million miles out of my comfort zone. I don't like social media - I don't understand it and it doesn't understand me. Facebook has actually chucked me out for finding a dodgy Instagram account in my name. It doesn't exist!
I do like talking about my books, but who wants to hear about them? Does anyone really want to hear about my slightly obsessive writing schedule, where my ideas come from or the fact that my favourite writing position is squished into the corner or our settee, my legs on two cushions and my laptop propped up on two more with a hot drink and a candle? I thought not.
I'd be happy to tell you about my characters. Beryl comes out with the most outrageous and embarrassing comments, Mr Molchalin can't decide whether he's good or bad, and dear old Frank is unwittingly guarding a monster of a secret, but has no idea the Russians are after it. Or Billy, who is so desperate to rescue his Dad, he's willing to break all moral codes.
I'd love to tell you that my new book, If I Got Fifty Quid I Could Rescue My Dad is now available on Amazon. It's the sequel to It's Raining in Moscow and I Forgot my Umbrella (or The Mole of Moscow, as it was called for a few months). I should be trying to persuade you to buy it for Christmas, but I can't do it. Instead, I'll just tell you about the slightly bizarre title which popped out of the page one day. It's something Billy says in chapter twenty-three: I’m so close, Katie, can’t you see? If I got fifty quid… I could rescue my dad! That line inspired the title and sums up Billy’s determination perfectly.
Speaking of determination, my daughter Katie (strange co-incidence) is a very strict editor and kept me on track. When she told me, "Mum, Billy wouldn’t shoot Tatiana," she was absolutely right. Billy doesn’t need guns to win his battles - he’s driven, funny and empathetic, and those qualities are what make him such a great character. Thanks to Katie's advice, I rewrote the last ten chapters, and the story is much better for it.
I'll tell you what else is better - lasagne for lunch on Christmas day. My Christmases are no longer spent in the kitchen with lists, timers and an overstuffed fridge. Our Christmas is stockings, church and three rounds of charades before the rest of the country has finished the washing up!
I'll end here by wishing you all a very happy Christmas. Thank you so much for reading my books and for the wonderful reviews you've written - it's the reviews that really make the difference.
With best wishes,
Caroline
PS. I should be telling you about the third book in the series, which is well underway, but I don't like marketing so I won't!
PPS. If you're thinking about buying my new book, click here.
#amwriting #booklovers #dementiaawareness #booksforchristmas #socialmediastruggles #BookRecommendations #Christmas2024 #HolidayReads
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