So, friends, we’re reaching the business end of this
adventure. Every Breath is about to go out into the world. I am about to go on a blog tour. I am learning the truth of that happy
aphorism ‘if you want something done, give it to a busy person’ – these last
few weeks have been insane.
I have been editing book 2 (Every Word), plus organising launches, answering blog questions,
arranging fun stuff like badges and t-shirts, and visiting schools. I’ve also started a new job, been horribly
ill, dealt with family being ill, started writing a grant application (which is
due in the week before the launch – WHY does everything happen at once? Bad timing, guys, bad timing!) and did all
the usual parenting/household stuff.
I’ve been trying to write book 3, but needless to say not a
lot of writing has been done. My head is
full to bursting – stuff I need to do, stuff I’d like to do, things I’d like to write if I only had more time.
But hey, look outside!
Spring is slowly unfolding: the buds are out on the fruit trees, the
weather has been craptacular but generally not as cold as it was four weeks
ago, the fairy wrens and the currawongs are all going silly. The daffodil bulbs that have not been eaten
by the echidnas are starting to flower. Our
chooks are beginning to give us eggs again.
At night we hear the occasional gun pop, as local farmers keep the foxes
off the spring lambs.
The season is changing, and something new is about to
happen.
The air is starting to smell different. I haven’t needed my electric blanket in my
writing cave recently. Maybe by the time
the launch parties roll around I’ll be able to wear a dress, something that
doesn’t involve four or five thermal layers.
I am so sick of leggings, I really cannot tell you. I’m ready for a big exhale.
In spite of the busy-ness, it’s very exciting, this whole
book launch thing. Just in time for
spring:) I received my author copies – aren’t they
gorgeous?
In other news, my friend Ali Daws wrote a lovely blog post
about finding inspiration, and slogging on through the tough writing
times. He featured my little
outhouse-study as an example of how you can keep going through adversity, and I
have to admit that conditions have been pretty adverse of late – temperatures
dropped to negative a few mornings, and trying to write with popsicle fingers
kind of sucks.
But if you really love something, you kind of power on in
spite of the obstacles. Which makes you
either a bit nutty, or really really determined, I guess. And then before you know it, you turn around
and…something has happened, something has emerged from it all. Something that makes you feel really happy,
something satisfying and new.
All right, enough philosophical rambling. Here’s the update!
* School visits
I went to Castlemaine Secondary College and met a bunch of
fantastic students from Rachael Webb’s classes.
I met Madison, who won the CSC Every Breath book review comp, and her
sister Sydney – these are the girls who are going to read the book and write a review,
which will soon feature on this blog and Castlemaine newspapers.
On Monday 19 August, I’m going to be at Kyneton Secondary
College, meeting people from the book club, and awarding the winner of the
Every Breath short story comp. I used to
teach at Kyneton, so it will be a lovely trip back to my old stomping grounds!
* Blog tour
This is SO COOL – I get to visit other people’s blogs! And some of them have already put up lovely
welcoming banners – check it out!
Vegan YA Nerds - look at the vid! omg!
I’m also going to be dropping in at a bunch of other places,
so when I have names and dates confirmed I’ll let you know. And I’ll be doing a Goodreads giveaway soon
too. Until then, keep an eye out.
* Launches
This week I send out a bunch of invites to the two launch
celebrations – if I didn’t send you one personally, I’m sorry, I honestly am
trying to make sure I remember everybody!
Feel free to come along to either of the launches – if you’ve stopped by
FB and seen the Official Launch invite, just click ‘yes’ and bobble along, or
send me a note via email.(elliemarney[at]gmail[dot]com)
Remember, there are two parties.
Every Breath Official
Book Launch
A big send-off by Carmel Shute, from Sisters In Crime, at
Readings Carlton on Thursday 12 September at 6.30pm. Reading, signing, drinkies, balloons, and
maybe a nice cake.
Every Breath
Castlemaine Big Bash
A celebratory launch party, where I get to drink too much
champagne. Kicking off at 6pm in the
Castlemaine Library foyer on Friday 20 September. Music, food, giveaways, books by Stoneman’s
Bookroom, signings, posters, lots of people talking loudly over each other…a
right honourable Castlemaine bash!
I’m looking forward to both events, and especially looking
forward to seeing mates from Melbourne who I rarely get to visit. My husband is sad, because 20 September is
the Friday night of the AFL Preliminary Final.
Never mind, honey!
Next post, I’ll have another special YA Crime guest. Until then, have a lovely week, and hope your
spring has sprung.
Xx
Ellie
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