Baby Steps

I have news!  It's not terribly huge or anything but it is kind of exciting...

First of all, the print proof is here....

Can't begin to explain how exciting it is to have an actual printed copy in my hands - even though I should really be championing the digital age seeing as that's what brought me this far.  But somehow it just makes it all seem that little bit more real when you can hold it in your hands and flick through the pages.  Also I can finally tell everyone how long it is in pages rather than word count - 180.  Short and sweet and to the point, but a great read all the same (so I'm told!)

There are a couple of small things I've decided need changing so I am now waiting for the revised proof and then it'll be time for my first print run.  Those copies will be sent out to indie bookstores and reviewers with a few held back of course for my biggest fans - my family.  Best get practising that E J Mack autograph!

In other news, I've seen an increase in sales and sample downloads, which is excellent, and I also have a couple of leads on potential author readings which is exciting, if a little nerve-wracking.  Offers to review are slowly materialising, though they won't be posted for a month or so yet, so all in all things are looking up.

In the meantime I'm making space for my screenwriting again, which makes me very happy.  The first draft of my new script is finished and it's definitely got legs so we'll see where that takes me.

As I said in the title, they may be baby steps but at least they're moving forward.

Don't forget '25 Random Facts' is available as an e-book on Amazon and Smashwords.  A sample can be read at my website, http://www.ejmack.co.uk , and I'd love for you to join me on my facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ejmack.fb , or twitter http://www.twitter.com/@EJ_Mack

Frog In A Well

That's me.  "Two steps forward, one step back"...

As the traditional working week comes to close I have at least managed to slowly wean myself off the Mac.  Well at least a little bit.  I even managed to watch a movie last night ('Biutiful' with Javier Bardem which I recommend though don't expect more than an ounce of joy from it).   I seem to be constantly glued to the computer these days and in danger of even being called a workaholic - but you know what, that feels great because it's the first time in my life I found something that I really can't put down.  Would be nice if I could somehow earn a decent wage from it but I'm a patient woman and these things take time...

So this week my two steps forward were getting a couple of pieces online (links below) and having a number of reviews confirmed, although their online date is yet to be advised.  Steps back?  Only a couple of reviewers declining the offer, so no biggie I guess.  The most difficult points are the days when it all goes quiet and I run out of ideas and start to wonder what I've got myself into.  But today it's Friday and I'm feeling positive so the general mindset is 'at least I've got it out there, there's no need for instant gratification'. Just a shame I'm so impatient.

Next step will be when the print proof finally arrives; then I can branch out with my promotional ideas.  As amazing at the digital age is, there are still some places where you need something tangible to hold in your hands.

Right, that's it.  Enough about memememe.  Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.  I've got my screenwriter's hat on at the moment and am off to a movie preview and director's Q&A tomorrow.  Whatever you're up to I hope you enjoy :D

E J

check out this week's links:

http://kindle-author.blogspot.com/2011/06/kindle-author-interview-ej-mack.html

http://curiositykilledthebookworm.blogspot.com/2011/06/25-random-facts.html

Slog Blog

So I've written it, blogged it and published it.  That should be enough shouldn't it?  Apparently not.  Having chosen the DIY route for publishing '25 Random Facts' I am now faced with the daunting task of finding an audience.  No small feat, believe you me.


In my naive head I had thought that the publishing bit would signal the end of the work for me and I'd be free to develop my other ideas, scripts or maybe even edit the next book which is waiting in the wings.  Instead I am faced with a daily slog of trawling the internet for ways to promote and publicise my baby.  But publicise it I will.  As I have already said to some friends, I shall fight the good fight and just hope I don't drive too many people mad along the way.


I have made my first approaches to book bloggers and await responses.  I am hopeful already of a review and an excerpt being posted but I was never one to count my eggs.  So in the meantime I will just have to try and exhaust every avenue I come across.  Which leads me to this blog.  I keep reading that people like to follow other people's experiences, especially when it comes to the creative arts so let's see where it goes.  No doubt there will be tantrums, frustrations and general self-loathing from time to time but hopefully this will be tempered by excessive highs when people say nice things.  Lord only knows to what dizzy heights a decent review will take me.  Whatever happens, I just hope it's a rollercoaster ride rather than a washed out damp squib.  


So to get the ball rolling here are a few of the lovely things people have been saying so far on Amazon and Goodreads....
"a wonderful read and a great story"
"I found this book to be an excellent read from a fresh new author and would highly reccommend it!"

"I can't recommend this highly enough"

"Betrayal, lies, secrets, love and blackmail all wrapped up in a nifty little thriller

a real page-turner that kept me gripped right up to end"

"impossible to let it go"

"A must"

"it's a fabulous book!"

"a terrific rush to the finale."

Aren't people wonderful?

'25 Random Facts' is available from Amazon and Smashwords.  

Please come and find me on my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ejmack.fb

and at Goodreads.

http://www.ejmack.co.uk