E-book diary (7)

My biggest hassle, currently, is working my way around the ISBN registration with Nielsens. My story is this. I bought ten ISBN numbers with the idea that the Oxford Writers Group (OxPens) could use the numbers for all their various productions, including our very successful anthologies. It then came to light that as I was, technically, 'the publisher' all distribution etc had to come via me, which I couldn't cope with. Thus the group used WritersPrintshop and used one of their ISBN's. The blurb said Published by OxPens in conjuction with WritersPrintshop. Simple and straighforward, but now I am 'solo' and using my own numbers 'Max' has to be registered on-line through WebPub, Nielsens on-line data storage service. This involves User names and Passwords. Fine I can log on but a) I can't work out how to get them to accept my book details and b) they have asked for my BicCode. . . What on earth is that? Sigh. When I've worked out what to do I will post my findings

E-Diary (6)

I have mentioned editing in the past and it's come up again. In addition to the e-book I have decided to commission 200 paperbacks as an alternative option, and hopefully for libraries. (More of that later) However, on writing the back cover blurb I suddenly decided that I needed to change the name of a character. Not difficult on spellchecker but I had to ask Justin to change the 'master copy'. I also discovered that I had made three mistakes in using the plural version of the family name. I could have let it go, but I couldn't so I had to approach Justin again. So annoyed at myself.

E-Book diary (5)

Justin has told me that the e-book formatting formula will only allow one font to be used. I don't know what it is as I haven't asked, but I will. This is appropriate to me because I always write the main story story in the present with Verdana, and use Times New Roman for the 'in the past' sections. However, as the 'past' sections are clearly labelled with the date (i.e 1990)there will not be a problem. Italicized sections and size changes of the font are fine.

E-book diary (4)

The completed manuscript of Max has gone off to Justin, who will be formatting it for ebook status. I emailed him an ordinary Word Document and he is able to work with this.

It's worth mentioning here that I sent it to him with every spacing between chapters and 'new' sections scrutinised for uniformity. Ditto for intalicised sections and font sizes. It is amazing how many errors I found and it took me all day to get it right. Having said that it will be so annoying if I find any errors in the text that I've missed - but even with professional editing this can happen - one seriously bad editor changed my 'chaise longue' to chaise lounger!!

E-book diary (3a)

I meant to say that if you don't have your own ISBN numbers, and you want to publish an e-book, Smashwords is the place to go to

E-Book diary (3)

I am not ashamed to admit I am terrified of computer technology. Sometimes you are trying to do something and it all mucks up, only to be given gobble-de-gook instructions as to what to do with your software. Two latest tricks have been 'update Microsoft Window 7 to Windows 9'. If anyone has done this they will find that their lovely familiar set-up is completely ruined, and in my case I had to call in technical help to restore 7 (which I love).

This week I have been fighting my way through registering 'Max MacCauley' with one of my own ISBN number with Nielsen's. I am aware that this isn't essential for Amazon/Kindle, but it is for me. I am publishing it as an Oxpens Publishing book, which is the name first used by the Oxford Writers Group (OWG)with their hugely succesful Oxford anthologies. The numbers were purchased by myself, with the idea that we could use them for the group, and any other member who wished to bring out a publication. The stumbling block was that I would have become 'The Publisher' and thus incur a huge amount of distribution work.

When you are publishing an e-book, it seems you have to register with WebPub, part of Nielsen's that allows you to put up your own details, and lots more info about your work. I think I have sussed what it's all about, with superb personal help from 'the man at Nielsen's' but it's a minor minefield that you have to negotiate.

Secondly I bought a non-royalty book cover picture from an American firm called www.bigstock.com. I love it - very colourful and eye-catching, and reminds me of the very memorable 'One Day' cover. The vector size, needed by Nathan, my wonderful graphic designer, was only £9.99. Brilliant I thought. But then it seems I have to buy it again for the 'e-mail publicity brochure' and yet again for the 'paper brochure'. Actally not too painful as another cover pic I wanted from elsewhere was £150. However, I have discovered that if I ever want to use it for a POD paperback I would have to pay a fee for every copy . . . impossible. Therefore, if I want to produce paper backs I have to go for the print-run method.

Otherwise, all going well. Mx is completed and sent off for formatting.

E-Book (2)

This week I have been editing, and editing and editing. This is because I am preparing 'Max MacCauley' for a review, and of course, it must be presented in the best way possible. One of the things I emphasised in my text book, A Seriously Useful Author's Guide, was that although it looked perfect on-screen, the printed out version told another story. I printed out on Friday, thinking there was very little to do, and got a huge shock. It was rubbish!! So I have become boggle-eyed reading and re-reading.

One of the dithers I have is whether or not to use the 'Oxford' comma. Modern thinking says not, but it's still 'my way' to use it. However, not using it on screen works well, but it doesn't look right (to me) on paper.

I think I had better leave it, send it to my reviewer, and go over it again before I send it to the technician who will do the formatting for the e-book.

The E-Book Diary (1)

The Manuscript

When you are contemplating putting your novel on Amazon Kindle as an e-book there are a great many stages that have to be completed. I will be writing up each stage as it happens to me personally, as no two people's experiences are the same. And also I am still unsure of exactly how the system works! There is a great deal of information supplied by Amazon and this can be found under 'Self-Publish With Us'. However, unless you are computer literate it can be confusing. This is why I am having technical help when I get to the formatting stage - there is no way that I could work my way through it on my own.

As an author the first and most important stage is the text. The main criticisms thrown at the e-book is the standard of editing can sometimes be very poor. The reputation of your book does not only lie with your excellent storyline and stunning prose - if you are 'new' to the publication game make sure that it's in perfect literary order.

So, for now I am reading through, editing, reading through, and editing, to try and make sure that all errors are corrected and my text is the best I can make it. Once this has been achieved I will be sending it to a fellow author for a cold read through. More to come.

News

After a period of 'not very much news to report' it's now 'all happening'! My third novel will be published initially as a Kindle/e-book and I'm really pleased that it will soon be 'out there' and available to be read. The title has been changed (again) and the final title will be -

Max McCauley: All He Ever Wanted Was A Quiet Life

Although the e-book is now an accepted platform for novels, and the process is widely thought of as a 'five-minute job', this is far from the truth. The process, if done professionally and thoroughly, is far from that. Therefore I will be posting a diary of the whole process, from computer manuscript to a downloadable e-book, to include all the steps along the way (and there are many) that have to done - and done properly.

So please join me in my journey. Watch this space

Author Talk

On Friday 10th June at 2.00pm, as part of Wantage Summer Festival, I will be giving a talk at the Vale and Downland Museum in Wantage. The title is 'Creating Memorable Fiction - The Art of the Storyteller'. Tickets are free and bookable by ringing the museum on 01235 771447. Seating is limited and I'm told seats are nearly sold out.

The Crowded Bed has been chosen by the Museum book group as their read for June so I will also be answering any questions or discussing the book in general.

Copies of The Crowded Bed and A Man Like Any Other will be available - and even signed if you would like me to!

Meet Abingdon Writers

Here is some news about an event that will take place at 10.30 on Tuesday, 17th May, at Abingdon Library. No booking required - just turn up for coffee and biscuits.

Meet Abingdon Writers
Abingdon's own lively creative writing group was created by a group of isolated writers who were seeking support, help and social contact with like minded people.

Come and hear them discuss their work, their motivation, what made them want to be writers and how their journey towards publication works.

Once again!! Please go away

Once again I have have been having to put up with telephone calls from a 'stalker'. i.e several daily phone calls from someone who clearly doesn't choose to speak for several seconds and then then hangs up. If YOU are my phone pest then can I remind you that I have a friend (ex-police with many contacts) who has ways of finding out who you are. So, once again, go away before you are caught and charged with harrassment

Library Talk

I will be giving a talk at Abingdon Library on Tuesday 15th February to co-incide with Valentine's Day. Start time 10.30 am, for coffee and biscuits, and all you have to do is turn up. No booking necessary.

The title will be 'Love In The Third Age' and examines 'enduring' love, and new found love in the later years.

The resources used will be the legend of Borcis and Philemon, Ethel and Ernest by Raymond Briggs, The Browns from Cider With Rosie, and A Short History of Tractors In The Ukraine.'

Happy Christmas

To those of you who loyally visit the site, and there still seem to be quite a few, I wish you a Very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. My apologies for not updating the site more often but I really have very litle news to report. Novel four, with the working title, 'Set In Oxford' is going well, and I've been helped a great deal with structure by Abingdon Writers, especially Duncan.

I have no news to pass on from the publishers who are still looking at 'The Mistress' but I live in hope of an update in the fullness of time.

Next year I will be taking part in some events at Abingdon Library, which will be posted when they are organised.

If anyone is in a position to oppose the current vicious library cuts proposed for Oxfordshire please can you do all you can, or make some suggestions that will help the many thousands of library users who will no longer be able to access a library at all, due to travel costs and/or mobility problems.

With best wishes

Mary

Latest News

With the weather moving down to autumn I am now hard at work writing my fourth novel. The working title is 'Garvie Warlock - An Oxford Man'.

News

It's been a long time since I have posted any news on my BlogSpot. This has been because I have had a phase of health problems. Simple treatment, although slow, is leading to a full recovery, and I am feeling fitter than I have done for some time.

My good news is that I have completed novel three and I have a new literary agent, Kate Nash, of The Kate Nash Literary Agency. Currently Kate is in the process of offering my book to several leading publishers, so I am hoping, in the fullness of time, to receive some good news.

Writers In Oxford

Together with fellow Oxford writer Julie Summers I will be doing a talk on October 22nd, for Writers In Oxford, entitled Book Promotion and Self-Publishing.

No news yet on my latest novel, In The Company of Wolves, currently with an agent.

The Oxford Writers Group are preparing a third volume of 'Oxford' short stories, to be published in the spring.

Currently I am having a short rest from writing, Having published three books in two years I rather need it, but will be back to writing, with enthusiasm, very shortly.

Wychwood Library

Last night I had a really enjoyable evening with the members of The Wychwood Library Reading Group, who had read The Crowded Bed. It was great night, and I would like to make a special thank you for the wonderful welcome, and the really beautiful bouquet of flowers.

It was very interesting for me to discuss The Crowded Bed again, as it has now been out for nearly three years , and has rather been sidelined by A Man Like Any Other. I even had to read it again myself to familiarise myself with the characters and the plot!

My next event is The Anchor Book Club, on Monday 14th September when I will also discuss The Crowded Bed.

Summer Recess

It may seem that I have had a summer recess, but I have been working very hard to complete my third novel, In The Company Of Wolves. The manuscript has now been sent away to a literary agent and I await a report. I am currently writing a short story for inclusion in the Oxford Writers Group's third anthology, due to be published in the spring of 2010. The group is now pictured above, celebrating the launch of our first production, The Sixpenny Debt and Other Oxford Stories.

In September I have two 'gigs'. I will be attending Wychwood library on 7th September to discuss A Man Like Any Other, and will be meeting up with The Anchor Reading Group on September 14th to discuss The Crowded Bed.

Over the summer I have also had some articles published and I now include one that was written for The Heritage Coast Gazette (East Anglia)


'For the last twenty years my husband and I have kept a summer holiday caravan on the Suffolk Coast, firstly at Shotley and now at Marsh Farm near Saxmundham. Whilst all our friends and relations were jetting off to exotic, world-wide locations we were never tempted to go anywhere else, finding the peace and beauty of the area a sanctuary from our working lives in the busy city of Oxford. We even come up out-of-season to stay at Wheelwright’s Cottage in Dallinghoo.

When planning my second novel, A Man Like Any Other – The Priest’s Tale, I needed to create an isolated Cistercian Abbey, where its senior incumbent, Father Ewan, could lead a privileged lifestyle, and enjoy a secret long-term love affair with Marina, an older woman. Thus ‘Waldringhythe Abbey’ found itself placed between Waldringfield and Hemley, overlooking the beauty of the Deben estuary.

Now, at the age of forty, and suffering from Marina’s bereavement, he seeks the peace and tranquillity of the area to begin his grieving.

‘His daily two-mile discipline along the Deben estuary bank was a strict, sacrosanct routine . . . His feet followed their usual beaten path towards the marshes, but the thrash of his strides gave no relief. At the turn-back point he stopped to rest, sitting on a dry tussock of grass to overlook the lower reaches of the wide waterway. With the tide drawn out it was a flat stretch of wet, muddy sand, showing the criss-cross imprints of a seabird’s wavering walk . . .

However, having chosen my location, the prose that describes the approach road to the Abbey, and its landscaping, is drawn from an amalgam of places, including Walberswick and Ramsholt. In addition I drew on my own driving experiences whilst exploring the estuary area, south of Woodbridge.

Creating an authentic 12th century Abbey was quite a challenge, but (with an author’s license of fiction) I modelled its basic architecture on both the ruined and existing stone church of St Andrew in Walberswick.

In this extract, Sally Fuller, in the wake of a failed marriage, is escaping to the Abbey in the hope of re-building her life.

‘Sally’s map-reading skills were being seriously challenged by the maze of gorse-filled lanes, unique to the Suffolk heritage coastland . . . She joined a single width lane, edged with high trees, and peppered with sandy passing places. At ground level pheasants jaywalked unperturbed, and above her head, wavering, whippy branches of bright spring green were interspersed by sharp, glittering sun.

Without warning the lane suddenly ended, to reveal a wide sweep of low farmland, and on the edge of the distant horizon she could see the glinting water of the Deben estuary . . . Sally caught her first glimpses of 12th-Century perimeter walls . . .

. . .The gentle pastoral landscape of East Anglia gave up no natural hewn stone, and thus the Cistercians, seeking to estrange themselves from the Benedictines, had built the core of their sanctuary using the only materials available to them: an endless supply of palm-size elliptical stones endemic to the sweeping coastline, some five miles down-river . . . Sally could picture bowed and silent ascetics, patiently assembling layer after layer, hand over hand, toiling for perhaps the whole of their short lives.

Towards the end of the novel, Father Ewan, in re-counting his on-going struggles with life, once again seeks the solitude of the estuary.

‘Ewan was now at Waldringfield, a small waterfront village some two miles up the coast. Seated at a bench, in the garden of The May Bush public house, he overlooked a small harbour where tethered yachts bobbed and a shrill wind rang their chandlery like discordant bells. Behind him a steady stream of Sunday patrons trooped past, crowding inside to enjoy the fine food and cosy warmth. Feeling an intense need for solitude he was grateful to find that the chill of the outdoors attracted no one but himself . . .

I hope that in A Man Like Any Other I have paid homage to your beautiful area. It really is a ‘heaven on earth’ and now we are retired intend to spend as much time as possible ‘on holiday’. I am thus happy to talk to any group, bookshop, or interested party. Please contact me on marycavanagh@btinternet.com

Mary Cavanagh is the author of two novels, The Crowded Bed (Transita 2007) and A Man Like Any Other – The Priest’s Tale (Matador September 2008). Her most recent publication is A Seriously Useful Author’s Guide to Marketing and Publicising Books (Troubador 2009)


Reviews of A Man Like Any Other –The Priest’s Tale:

Mary creates credible, human characters that excite, anger, frustrate, and generally mess up their lives – as we all do – whilst evoking our sympathy, and affection for their human frailties. A superb choice for any Book Group.
Sharon Stanley - Library Reader – Ipswich, Suffolk

Trust me - once you start, you will not want to put this book down!
Sharon Goforth - Ex-Libris Independent Reviewer, Ohio, USA http://exlibris.typepad.com/

I had to stay awake till the wee small hours to devour the book in one sitting; I loved it and unreservedly recommend it.
Amanda Stock - Oxford Daily Information

A Masterpiece of Genius. As soon as I started reading this novel I could think of little else until I reached the end.
Kate Wiltshire – Author

My Dogs (for one week only)

It was nice to hear from Gregor in Poland who has read and enjoyed my books. Thank you very much for the nice comments you made, and I hope that you will introduce my work to some more Polish readers. I have put up a picture of my dogs for you to see, although it's very difficult getting them to pose! Louis is the golden one, Lovejoy, the black and tan.