writerlywitterings

Resolution

Posted by writerlywitterer on 05/01/2015 · 12 Comments 

And a very warm Happy New Year to you all!

This year is the twentieth anniversary of the publication of my first book, THE LAST TEMPLAR.

The last few years have been hard, as readers of my blog will have noticed. I’ve droned on pretty often about the trials and troubles of being a mid-list author in the last year or so.

And so, because this is the time of year to do such things, I’ve made a new resolution or two.

Diversification is the way. Instead of worrying about the money I get in from writing, I will be seeking out new opportunities. It has already started.

First, I will be pushing my speaking work. Last year I had my first ever lecture at a university, which went down surprisingly well and brought many new friends (thanks, Connie). Later in the year I was the International Guest of Honour at the Crime Writers of Canada annual meeting in Toronto, and had to give an after-dinner speech that went fabulously well (thanks Cheryl). I enjoy after-dinner speeches, and seem to manage to do them rather well, so that is a line I intend to push.

I am also going to seek out different gigs. One idea that appeals to me is more talks to business, more talks in prisons (I’m setting up a couple now) as well as working on a couple of “An Evening With” events. I’ve been thinking about this for a while, along with my Medieval Murdering friend Ian Morson. Hopefully more on that soon.

Secondly, as I’ve mentioned elsewhere, I am keen to try to try alternatives to traditional publishing. I’m looking at working more with Kickstarter and similar projects to get books off the ground. I have too many ideas always floating around in my head, but publishers want authors either to remain boxed in on specific series, or want only one book a year. I have too many projects for that, and so I need an alternative route to mega sales!

Finally, I am working hard with a wonderful film and TV agent. Yes, there is a possibility that the series could end up on a screen near you.

So, thanks to all my readers for your interest, cheerful and motivational comments, as well as your support over the last twenty years.

Twenty years ago, I became a published author. The market has changed, but people still want books, and I am determined to continue to bring them to the audience that enjoys them.

So, in terms of news, here’s one snippet for you: I will write more Templar series and am planning a new Baldwin/Puttock story. It will be later in the year, because I have POITIERS to write, and a book based on a real event down here in Devon, first, but then I’ll be cracking on with 33. Hopefully you’ll see news of that in June/July.

And now, it’s time for me to disappear. However, before I go, do please check out my pages on the internet. For example, I have a new collection which includes three of the middle books in the series, and the mass-market paperback of FIELDS OF GLORY is out now. Then again there is my YouTube channel with comments on my books, on my writing, and how to help others with their writing. Oh, and this blog, of course.

So that’s it. More writing, more speaking, more work. Which is good. I think if I were to stop, I’d drown, like a shark!

All best wishes and may I wish all of you a very happy and prosperous New Year!