What a busy past 2 weeks. There seems to have been no let up both with writing and non literary events.

Firstly, I seem to be participating more and more with charities. I certainly didn't know that when I 'retired' from my 'proper' job. However, it has been very rewarding, great fun and we've raised loads of cash for great causes; namely 2 childrens' homes in Cyprus and Sri Lanka.

One of the ways I have participated is to donate half of my book royalties, during a book signing. Now, a few of you may say: so what? Well it is a big deal if it gives you another reason for being there in the first place. A publicity tour can be ghastly and can leave an author feeling very vulnerable. Imagine, whatever you are trying to sell is being paraded in front of the publics' gaze, much like a Spartan baby exposed to the cruelties of Mount Tygetus. Selling things is part of the modern world, if you have a product, you have to sell it. But, this is no fun if it does not come naturally to you. So, added value like donating to a charity at the same time is a great way of overcoming this. I've discussed this with other authors and the majority feel the same way.

Over the past few weeks I've been hosting my giveaway of copies of The Crossing on Goodreads. It's led to me making lots of new friends, of whom come from all walks of life - a diverse public indeed. Many send me emails on my website www.faithmortimerauthor.com and I enjoy replying about me and my books. Keep them coming please!

A final hurrah today! This must be a red letter day as I have nearly finished the final chapter of my latest novel The Assassins' Village. There are lots of twists in the final pages. The key is how long do I draw it all out without losing readers attention.

A bit like a blog really I suppose...

Keep on reading.

Regards

Faith

Yesterday was a busy day. Every year at Happy Valley,  Episcopi in Cyprus, the joint UK armed forces hold a huge fair. It is primarily aimed at the families and friends of the serving forces in Cyprus and of course it attracts a large proportion of other visitors that are made up of expatriots, tourists and local Cypriots. All day there is a steady throng of people that are happy to bask in the glorious sunshine and partake of the fun and sights on offer.
I have always advocated that to meet the public and being with them is a great way to get oneself noticed and of course recognised. I love writing and could spend most of the week happily tucked hidden away busy with the next new novel. But, at the end of the day, most of us authors want our works to be read by a body of people. The bigger the group, the more the merrier, it goes without saying that we all want to be successful. We are after all human.

It was interesting to chat with people that I have never met and to find out about their reading likes and dislikes. Some people are easy and ready to talk with and others are more reticent and shy. What is it that folk find so hard, in that they often have to pluck up courage in order to come over and talk to a 'real live published author'? We are no different from the next person. I find the human reaction fascinating and sometimes downright strange, but it all makes it worthwhile when at the end of the day you can sit down with a glass of wine and know that sometimes you do get it right!

Which brings me on to another mystery. When I take the time to listen to readers and what they like in a book it is so often very different from what the bookshops offer as " bestsellers". Why, is this so? Without sounding as if I have sucked the proverbial sour grapes are the public right and the book sellers wrong? If so, how come and how does, the 'International best seller' appear on all nearly all new boooks that are marketed by these big companies?

So, if yesterday was a great day and rounded off the week nicely, the evening was even better. After a quick supper we dropped in to our local bar; named 'The Magic Teapot". It is a very friendly place and run by 2 Brits, Roy and Geraldine. They have to be some of the nicest people I have met and this is reflected in the success of their bar. Last night we were treated to about 3 hours of great guitar playing - all for free. AND to make it even better for me, Geraldine is now unashamedly and officially one of my biggest fans and sells more copies of my books then anyone else ; she is going to give Amazon a run for their money!

Everyone, have a great weekend and enjoy some quality time with a good book.
Regards
Faith