Well, November is certainly up there with the craziest months of the year. I have no idea how I’ve even got the energy to tackle putting this into a post, but here we go… November saw the launch of Kindling Volume II, developments on the novel front, new freelance clients, multiple friends coming back from overseas, and so much more…
My Book:
Red Hands
It seems Red Hands has finally found a home. After all this time, things are finally falling into place. I won’t say more until everything has been finalised and made official, but yes – it’s looking like this manuscript of mine will be published next year. More to come on that later.
So much book news this month…
Don’t ask me how I’ve slept or seen other human beings this month, but that 15,000 words I mentioned last month has increased to 55,000. That means I’ve written 40,000 words during November.
The jump in word count is definitely down to participating in this year’s NaNoWriMo with Claire, Bernadette and Kyra. I’d never officially participated before, so I wasn’t really sure what all the hype was about… But now I get it.
Our team work in checking in with each other and our progress was downright inspiring. It saw all of us pass the halfway mark on time, which was a massive achievement considering how much we all had on during November.
55,000 words in and I’m still really excited about where this book is heading. I won’t finish it before November is up, but I’m so keen to finish and then start refining for some beta readers!
Editor’s Life:
Usually this is where I do a little summary before diving into the specifics, but there’s just too much to cover, so let’s get to it:
Writer’s Edit
This actually feels like so long ago now, but earlier this month I did an interview with American magazine, Publishing Perspectives. Their title for the interview ‘Australian Lit Mag “Writer’s Edit” Launches Books, Builds Careers‘ made me so so happy. It’s exactly what Writer’s Edit is doing, but it was amazing to have someone objective recognise that.
I also did a little radio interview with Rosemary Puddy from Northern Beaches Bookclub. It was a great experience to do something a little different, and hopefully Writer’s Edit will find some new readers through this new platform. Rosemary and I agreed that in 2016, we’ll do a regular feature, which is super exciting!
The most exciting thing to happen in the Writer’s Edit world for me this month, was actually being shortlisted for Express Media’s ‘Outstanding Achievement by a Young Person in the Literary Arts‘ award. What an honour to have my work recognised in such a way! Thanks to Claire, Kyra and Dave for nominating me!
Kindling Volume II Launch
Yes, somehow myself and the Writer’s Edit team managed to pull off another incredibly successful launch party for our second book Kindling Volume II.
Our gorgeous Kindling sales table, featuring Kindling Volume II and Volume I…
On the 18th of November, at the Madison Hotel, Vine Bar in Surry Hills, about 70 people showed up to celebrate with our authors and editors. For me, as usual, the night was a bit of a blur – I met loads of lovely new people and tried to make sure I met all our authors who had traveled from far and wide to join the party.
Kindling cupcakes! Is there anything better? Nope.
We had authors and readers fly in from Perth, South Australia and Melbourne, which was incredibly humbling and very much appreciated.
The lovely and talented Kristin Prescott read from her piece ‘The Quest for the Magic Book’, and I did my speech without falling over or spilling my drink.
Kristin and myself at the launch…
Overall, it was another fantastic night. Thank you to Bronwyn and Dave who looked after the book sales all evening. Thank you to Tara Bennett for driving me and the stock around, and helping me set up. Thank you to Yasmin and Vanessa for doing the amazing photography on the night, and to everyone who came and supported us!
Three of my favourite women: Claire, Bernadette and Kyra. #womeninpublishing
Changes and Freelancing
It’s definitely been the month for changes. As of this week, I no longer work for the AU review. The company is going through a lot of changes, and as I’m about to leave for the UK, the timing was right for a new adventure.
I’ve also taken on a brand new freelance client – a sustainable fashion brand yet to be launched. I’ve been doing press releases, EDM copy, the brand story and product descriptions for the lovely team. I’ve really been enjoying the work!
What I’ve Read:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
November has been my worst reading month by far, but considering how much I’ve written, I’m going to let myself off the hook this time. The problem I’m finding is that I keep getting addicted to series, and then I discover that the next book isn’t out for another year – it’s so frustrating!
* * *
Well, I’m off to the UK in three days. That’s right, THREE DAYS. I’m going to turn my email auto-response on for the first time in two years (since I started Writer’s Edit), and I’m just a little bit excited.
Until next time,
– Helen