So it’s three weeks until the Kindling II launch, four weeks until I fly off to the UK and then not long at all after that – it’ll be Christmas! Is it just me, or has 2015 been the fastest year ever? As we reach the end of October, I feel like I’ve got a lot to tell you, but knowing what’s on the horizon for November, I’m definitely going to try and keep this brief (famous last words).
My Book:
Red Hands
You must be sick of reading about this book by now, but so goes the book publishing process…
So Red Hands is currently with two publishers. Only a few days ago I had a great phone chat with the publisher who’s been around since the beginning and things are looking quite promising there. She seems quite sure she’ll want to take it on next year, so we’ll see!
New Book
So remember that idea I mentioned a while ago that I was mulling over? Well it turns out that it’s stuck! I’m currently 15,000 words into a new novel and I can’t tell you how much fun I’m having.
After working on Red Hands for so long, I’d forgotten what it was just like to write and be at that stage of writing where it’s for no one but you. On several occasions now, I’ve found myself hammering away at the keyboard and grinning like a maniac. It’s wonderful!
I won’t go into too much detail, but I can tell you that this book is in a completely different genre to Red Hands and if all goes well, it’ll be a trilogy. I have grand plans for it!
Editor’s Life:
So this month has been crazy busy for me. I’ve taken on a lot more freelance work in addition to Writer’s Edit, Kindling and the AU review. I’ve started editing for the University of New South Wales, which is great, and just this morning a new client reached out to me about helping create the brand story for an online fashion store. Am I biting off more than I can chew? I’ll keep you posted on that.
Writer’s Edit
Writer’s Edit is in the process of really re-thinking its strategy for growth and revenue streams, which is super exciting! There’s a lot going on behind-the-scenes at the moment that I can’t say too much about, but we’re definitely on the track to success.
I also have to take a moment to shout out to the amazing team. Kyra, Claire and Bernadette – I have no idea what I’d do without you! I’m regularly left in awe of your dedication, your generosity with your time and your support of our publication.
Kindling Volume II
I can’t believe we’re only three weeks away from the launch. The books are packed, and the carry bags, the prize packs and fairy lights are ready to go. The invites have been sent, and the RSVPs are slowing trickling in…
The last Kindling launch was such a nerve-wracking, blur of an experience for me, right up until after I’d done my speech and indulged in a few glasses of celebratory champagne.
This time round feels different. We’ve pulled this off once before, surely we can do it again?
I’ve still got thank you cards to to write, stickers to print and end-of-night transportation to organise, not to mention write my speech… But I’m excited. I’m looking forward to sharing another evening with our wonderful community, and to celebrating all we’ve achieved this year.
What I’ve read:
- Captive Prince by C.S. Pascat
- Prince’s Gambit by C.S. Pascat
- The Assassin’s Blade (The Throne of Glass Novellas) by Sarah J. Maas
* * *
November is going to be one massive month… I’m about to start NaNoWriMo, there’s the launch of Kindling II, two friends from overseas are coming home for a visit, and then I’m off to the UK with Dave on December 1st… Like I said, there’s a lot coming up.
Until next time,
– Helen
Note Image Credit: Bernadette Mung