When the writer plans - life disbands!

First of all - The Destructors is on its way.  Heading back to the printers this week, is the final copy.
I am so happy with the magnificent work that Balboa Press have once more achieved with my humble words.  They have changed my manuscript into a book.

So here is a sneak peek at the cover of Book Two.

And it should be available soon, really soon - I hope. It will once more be available from Balboa Press, Amazon and of course personal signed copies are always available from me personally.


My journey however, is once more filled with twists and turns.  I continue to love my writing and intend this November to write Book 4 in the series, by participating in the NaNoWriMo challenge - 50 000 words in 30 days.

But..... I have had a few health hiccups.  My (supposed) remission of June 2013 - came to an abrupt halt last week, with the diagnosis and removal of a metastatic colon cancer tumour on my right ovary. After surgery, it has been discovered that my previous six months of chemotherapy has not worked and I am heading back to the oncologist for further discussions.  The cancer is obviously still alive and kicking at a microscopic/cellular level and without a site to smite - it is time to bring out the chemo guns again.

My next six months are going to be health focussed.  With the support of my doctors and my family I will manage. My university studies will be placed on hold, but between chemo rounds - I intend to edit book 3 and hopefully finish book 4. 

I love writing, it is my passion and my joy and with this in mind - I am focussing on healing and writing. 

Writing and the hiccups of life.

I am stunned to see that it is July 2013 since I last posted anything on my Chronicles Blog - sincere apologies.

Life has once more stepped into the way of the Writer's Blog.  The best news however, is that it hasn't stepped too far into the path of the Writer.

Book Two - The Destructors - is at Balboa Press.  It has been edited and reworked and is currently in the Cover & Polish stage - ready for printing.  The art department is working on the cover and the great news is that they have taken my suggestions and are working with them to create another great cover for my book.

I am hoping to have news before the end of October on a publication date - so set aside a couple of dollars for a great Christmas read.

Written in 2010 - The Destructors has undergone major changes and review and reflects (in my humble opinion) a stronger style of writing.  I am very proud of the final copy and I am really hoping that everyone else agrees. 

So what else have I been doing?

Well, after my months of chemotherapy - all finished and all clear. I immediately plunged into editing book two.  I also signed up for another couple of courses in my BA degree - one on Jane Austen and the other (a Creative Writing course) on Screenwriting.  This has been a fascinating experience, as it is a completely different style to the poetry and novel writing of my previous experience.  I have loved both courses and am currently swamped with final assignments.

Family life is chaotic, with Elizabeth in her final week of her Honours thesis, Sarah changing school mid-term and Matthew taking a year out from college.  So family is keeping me busy. 

Thanks for staying patient and hopefully over the next few weeks I will once more find a few minutes to update Chronicles. 

Talented family helps with re-write.

One of the suggestions that Balboa Press made was that the synopsis of Book One - at the beginning of Book Two could be expanded a little.

I spent around 3 hours working on it yesterday afternoon and finally came up with something that I thought might be effective.  Elizabeth was quite impressed and made a few suggestions. Then I ran it by Matthew and he hated it.

But... he was so constructive with his criticism and then sat down with me and spent an hour working on a new, punchier, stronger version.

According to him... I was making the mistake of 'narrating' the story, rather than providing a synopsis. I was so impressed. My son is a gifted IT programmer, but he has shown great writing skills - thanks Matthew.

First review & editorial comment

It was an exciting day, as I received my initial review back from Balboa Press editorial department. An overview of the book has come back with some really glowing lines such as:

"Adair seems to have found the 'sweet spot'for fiction; a series that appeals both to young adults and mainstream adult readers." and "with likeable protagonists, ominous villains, and a healthy dose of creativity in the storytelling."

These amongst some other very complimentary comments have really inspired me.

With the publication of my first novel - The Creators, it was suggested that I utilise the content editing package offered by Balboa to spruce up the novel, but book two has been stronger and better written and this time it has been suggested that only 'line editing' is required.  As they say practice, does make perfect - or as near as possible.

So, with the re-writing of book three and the re-editing of book two, life is really busy and such a joy and blessing. A couple of days serious work, will have the manuscript back to the editors for a line-edit and then hopefully onto the publication stage really soon.

Still hoping for an early September release date ... so keep an eye on Facebook and this Blog for more information.

Book 2 - The Destructors

The Destructors is now at the publishers.

Last night after another 6 hour day working on editing and re-writing, I finally sent it off to Balboa Press. 

It is always a daunting moment, as you are very aware that there is probably something you could do to make it just that little bit better.

I am however, very happy with the manuscript and hope that I have found and fixed at least 99% of the mistakes. 

Now it has about a 7-10 day turn around for the first approval.  Balboa, checks it for copyright and 'morality' issues.  I deliberately, chose Balboa Press to self-publish my novels, as I love the ethics and beliefs of Hay House.  I want my books to sit amongst those that uplift, rather than destroy the Spirit and I know that the connection between my work and their ethics are a good match.

So what to do now?

I am in the addicted to writing/editing phase, so have decided to work on book 3 - The Trinity.  Hopefully, that way I will be ready to publish it, near the end of the year, or perhaps early 2014. 

Editor-in-Chief

Elizabeth, my daughter, has been really sick with a cold for the past week. I have been really patient, hoping she would soon be well enough to  begin editing 'The Destructors' and today although still sniffling - she is sitting in the lounge with a pen and the manuscript.  Great excitement.  I haven't heard any sighs or grumps yet, so hopefully all is well. 

This is the joy of having a daughter with a degree in English Literature.  Note the smiley face on the front page.  I think she is happy to have Book Two.

 



Draft Blurb for Book Two

Am currently preparing my manuscript for Balboa Press and as part of the submission process I have to create a 'blurb' for the back cover.  This is what I am currently working on.



Draw the words and all will be revealed . . .
Believe in the image and all will be Created . . .
Destroy the image and all will be controlled . . .

 The Destructors 

To be accepted - that was all that mattered.

Este's childhood friendship with Sarah is threatened when she is sent to her Aunt and Uncle's home, in Canlyn, for the summer holidays. There she learns that her talents hold a far stronger power than she could ever have imagined. She enters a world where anything you desire is at your finger-tips. But . . . everything has a price. What is the price that Este has to pay?

Join Este and Sarah as they discover the price of power, popularity and acceptance.

With Sarah's position at the Guild school secure; Este faces the challenges placed before her and takes her place as the Major Destructor - the balance to the Girl-child of the Guild prophecy. Will she fulfill the destiny mapped out for her by her Master? Or will powers outside of her control force her to make choices that challenge, not only her friendship with Sarah, but also the authority of the Master.

With this new novel, in the Chronicles of the Guild series; Este and Sarah will discover that there is always a choice, and what you decide will map out your future.

Back at Last

Sincere apologies to any fans of my Blog - Chronicles of the Guild.  I have been extremely neglectful and stopped writing for the last six months on this site.

Excuses: Well I have a few:

1. I was diagnosed with cancer - colon cancer to be exact and had to have surgery to remove a Grade 3 tumour - yes it had spread to the lymph nodes.
2. I had to undergo chemotherapy for six months
3. During my chemo - I concentrated on my health and healing and gave up on almost all writing, except my chemo-journey journal; a few poems, Facebook and my personal blog Vesta. So I guess I didn't really give up on writing, just working on my novels.

But . . . now I am back. 

I am thrilled to announce that at the end of May, when my chemotherapy was completed, I began re-writing and editing Book 2 - The Destructors.  Conserving energy, I re-wrote and edited the whole book, nearly 60 000 words and just over a week ago, completed the first full edit.

This week I have had an amazing time:  My PET & CT scans have shown that I am totally cancer-free, my blood tests have told me that my cancer markers are going down even further - another sign to great health ahead and  today (just a couple of hours ago) I signed a contract with Balboa Press to publish Book Two. 

So with some seriously hard work and effort, I am hoping to have the manuscript into the first round of production in the next two weeks and hopefully have publication by the end of August.

So keep reading and follow on Facebook - Beverly's writings - where I will keep you all up to date with the news.
https://www.facebook.com/BeverlyAdairWritings

Book Sales

 

 

Books have been flowing out the door via post and also personal delivery. It is such an amazing feeling to have people excited and happy to receive their copies. Receiving Facebook messages of JOY from friends as they open their mail and get my book - is incredible.

Now for an update:

This November - I will be participating in NaNoWriMo again - 50 000 words in just 30 days.  What will I be writing?

Book 4 in the series.

Now I know that all of you are just beginning the journey with Book One - The Creators - but there is more.

Book 2 - is already in the rewrite and editing stage - It is called - The Destructors and follows Este's story as well as keeping up with Sarah and her friends.  Planning for publication May/June 2013.

Book 3 is also written and on the shelf - waiting its turn - hopefully publication late 2013.

Book 4 - however is hidden from all - it is simmering quietly in my head, waiting to be released on November 1st.  It is an amazing process - I start with nothing and just by writing 1700 words per day - at the end I have a novel or at least a rough draft. 

So for fans of the series - this is my plan. for the next 30 days - wish me luck.

Book sales have begun

It has been an exciting week - I finally received my first shipment of books - 100 in total.

A published author

 Spending a week at the delivery centre - delayed my books a little - somehow my address had morphed from Karalee to Bald Hills - and it was the dilligent work of DHL deliveries that ensured that they reached me.
It was almost better than Christmas to unpack 100 books written by me.  My name is on the cover and when I am long gone from this place - there will still be a story with my name on it.

It has been wonderful to receive orders from people, but this week as I began posting and delivering copies of my books, it finally hit home that I have written something that people are willing to pay for and to read.

So if you are one of those who would like to order a copy directly from me, rather than from Balboa Press or Amazon, I will be happy to sign it for you and post it direct.

Cost and postage within Australia will be $25.00 which is less than ordering direct from either Amazon or Balboa.  If you are an E-book reader, remember it is available through Balboa as an E-book. 

So feel free to let me know if you want your own copy.  Can't wait to share the joy

The Creators - Autographing my very first book

My book was officially published on September 5th, 2012 and Mum was the very first person to order one from Amazon, even though at the time it was still only available for pre-order.  I was so excited when she told me she had done this.

Well, who could top this?  I guess my Matthew did.  I have been in hospital recently having shoulder surgery and then a couple of days later, being readmitted for ongoing colon issues.  This resulted in me getting some rather scary news that I have a cancerous tumour in my colon, which will require surgery on October 8th. With all this going on, Matthew appeared on one of his visits and from behind his back produced the very first copy of my book that I had seen. Even my own proof copy from Balboa Press had not arrived.  He had ordered it from Balboa direct and paid extra to have it express posted.

Totally thrilled and delighted with it and with him I spent the evening grinning from ear to ear.

On being released from hospital, I had a chance to sit down with Matthew and sign his copy for him.  Thank you Matthew for this amazing gift. I love you so much.

Watching Mom sign his book

 

Autographing my very first copy of my novel for Matthew

 

 Matthew and I will the very first copy of The Creators that I held.

My beautiful son.  His sisters' did state that they thought he had gone a bit overboard in trying to earn brownie points in getting the book so quickly and early.

No time to rest for a writer

Welcome to another day.  I have discovered that even with shoulder surgery (Wednesday 19th Sept) and a colonoscopy and hospitalisation (Friday 18th - today) - there is still time to be a writer.

Last week I underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery to repair a busal tear and other ligament problems in my left shoulder; as well as having cortisone injections into both carpal tunnel ligaments in my wrists.   Action plan was for a few days rest and then back to writing next week.

Unfortunately, Friday saw me re-admitted to hospital for further tests for ongoing colotis, which had left me dehydrated again!  So by Sunday I was very, very bored and asked for my laptop to be brought into hospital. The joy of modern medicine and modern technology has meant that I have been able to rest my arm on a pillow and sit typing a fresh 2000 words of my non-fiction book. 

I even inspired myself.

Now news regarding 'The Creators' - orders are being shipped from Balboa Press bookstore (my son's copy was delivered express) - he is so proud of his Mom that he ordered it as soon as it became available and is therefore the first in the family to get a copy. The book is also available from Amazon.

Today my bookmarks, postcards and business cards promoting 'The Creators' arrived - they are beautiful. I had the joy of signing my very first autograph in my hospital bed.  One of the nurses has ordered my book from Amazong and I gave her a bookmark, which we asked me to sign. 

So as the title of the post said :  No time to rest - time to write, write, write.

The Prophecy - Balboa Press

Balboa Press has released a 'free preview' from the inside of my book.  As it is written in a 'poem' form in the novel - it has unfortunately been printeded without the punctuation. So for all my fans, here is your own sneak-peak of the prophecy.

In the beginnning, good and evil battled
Humanity - the pieces on the scales
Time will tell who will win
Now is the time to begin

Time and need will produce one of noble birth
One born far away from angels
One whose belief held her gifts
One whose family loved her but never understood her
One whose friends envied and tormented her

The girl-child must grown into a woman
She must be protected to grow into her powers
The girl-child can balance the scales
She can triumph over the Destructor

She will carry within her the gift to end all conflict
She will carry within her the gift to end all rifts
She will be the one who will make for humanity the lasting peace
She will create again the balance . . . . . . .

. . . . . .Beware

To tip the scales, evil will nurture one
One who will become the destructor
The destructor will be undiscovered
The destructor will be alone
The destructor will embrace the evil
The destructor must destroy the girl
The destructor will have the power
To destroy humanity . . . . . . .

Find the hexagon and train them
Build the pentagon to stand strong
Keep the septagon safe
Build a pyramid that will stand
stand the conflict of time

Protect the Noble One and Protect the Protectors

Writing Thought of the Day

Sharing the JOY of writing with others, inspires not only them, but also oneself.

I have always loved writing, but it was only when I started my Creative Writing courses at University that I found the magic of writing in a community.  My greatest question was "How was I going to write on demand?"  I have always written best when 'inspired' rather than pressured.

Yet, each week I was inspired and challenged, and both of these things allowed and encouraged me to write.

So what holds you back from writing? Is it time, commitment, courage, fear? 

My major breakthrough came when I did NaNoWriMo, (refer to previous blog post) and wrote a 50 000 word novel in 30 days.

I overcame this challenge by breaking it down into 1667 words per day; or 209 words per hour over 8 hours; or just 4 words a minute for 8 hours. Now we work at work for 8 hours a day - so why not be a writer for 8 hours a day.  It became easy and fun.

My advice is the following:  If you think you have a book to write, put it down on paper becuase:

The book is already written you just need to share it with the world.

Amazon has it for Pre-order!

Today was an amazing day - my brother let me know via Facebook that my book was listed for Pre-order.

I could hardly breathe as I clicked the link and found my name as the author - Me - a real, published author.

 

While we chatted I had another special moment, Ian and his beautiful wife Wendy had sent me a parcel which I opened. It was a gift to congratulate me for writing, editing, publishing a book.

 

Thank you to you both for this wonderful gift.

 

So as we all await the print versions and the cover art to be released, I will share with you all the excitement and JOY that I felt today as this moment occurred in my life and let you all know that if you have that book inside of you - it is worth writing it and publishing it. The feeling is amazing.

 

Thank you for your patience - here is a little taste of 'The Creators'

Prologue

Have we found a Major Creator?

Can you see her sitting so quietly at the front of the classroom, so self-contained despite the hurt that is radiating from her? Her hair is red-gold strands of fire, tied back so fiercely as if preventing them from sparking and causing an eruption around her. Her skin is pale with the blossom of summer freckles. Her eyes are blue with pupils so large they absorb the whole world around her. Glasses are perched on the end of her nose, designed to allow her to see the normal world—the world that blocks her view into the Ether . . . the Ether that contains her gifts.

Her thoughts are so crystal clear . . . if only people would listen:

I wish I was normal: tall, tanned, with dark hair. I wish I was popular like Este. She used to be my friend, and now she doesn’t even glance at me. Mum and Dad tell me I am special, that I am an amazing musician. But I don’t want to be a musician. They tell me I can draw; I don’t want to draw. I just want to be normal. The only thing that allows me to escape is my writing.

Adults are drawn to this young woman. She holds a magic within her—the magic of childhood dreams her elders once held but lost so long ago. Her peers don’t understand her, and this reality isolates her from them. Most would have succumbed by now, but she has held strong.

How will she react to selection? We must ensure that we protect this one; I think she may be exceptional.

Marketing Dilemmas!

As a writer, and now a Published Author (doing the happy dance); I am finding myself in the new position of having to market my book.

BUT HOW?

To self-promote is not an easy task for any of us, but if I am not prepared to do it, then who will?

So these are the things I have done so far.

• I have started this Blog
• I have 'attempted' Twitter, but this is a challenge
• I have self-promoted my book at a Writer's Workshop - this one was quite successful and I had fun.
• I have shared my progress with friends on Facebook
• I have been reading marketing strategies and discussing 'costly' marketing packages with my pubishing company

But now what . . .

My book is at the printers, so I feel as though I am in a holding pattern above ground, waiting to land, and running out of fuel.  Excited and impatient.

Some of the ideas that I have:

• To visit all local bookstores and promote it directly to the staff
• To visit our local library and see if they are interested in me doing a reading/promotion/book signing
• To visit local schools and offer a copy for their library - with the information on how to order the book if people want their own copy
• I thought about approaching our local newspaper to try and arrange an interview about being a local self-published author
• To attend fairs/shows and have a signing booth
• Give talks on being a self-published author

So here are my marketing ideas. 

I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas; to get 'The Creators' out into the market place.  It is a book that I am very proud of and I know that the story of Sarah and the Guild will inspire you all.

So what is 'The Creators' all about . . .

This is the official Blurb - for 'The Creator's

 

We Create what we Write  . . . The Future is what is Written . . .

An outcast at school, Sarah’s selection by the mysterious Creators’ Guild, catapults her into an exciting new world.  Despite her apprehensions, Sarah has an immediate affinity with Melissa, her Selector. With the slimmest hope that her life will flourish, Sarah leaves her family to pursue her studies and future. Along the way, Sarah makes new friends and discovers the hidden power within herself, her fellow students and the Guild.

Guild School proves more exciting than any of them imagined, but it also has its hidden dangers. Dangers from outside sources that wish to prevent Sarah reaching her full potential or perhaps recruit her to a more sinister path. Sarah’s journey is filled with hope and inspiration for all those who feel different.

I am a Published Author

 2012 - Writer's Workshop - Sydney Australia. - A published Author of the novel - 'The Creators"

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Hay House "Writer's Workshop" and as I had received my final proof on Wednesday - I took my bound copy down with me.  It was so much fun to have my photo taken in front of the Balboa Stand and also to hand out 45 business card for 'The Creators'

Thank you to my beautiful son Matthew and my amazing brother Ian for your last minute efforts to create me a business card. It was a good thing I did, as I handed out 45 cards and received three pre-paid orders for my book.

'The Creators' is now at the printers and will be available soon.

Days now not weeks, months or years

An exciting update from Balboa Press. 

 

Once we perform one last Quality Assurance Check on both the cover and interior files (this usually takes about one day), the approved manuscript will be sent to our content evaluation team for the final evaluation of your manuscript (this will take 2-3 days).  As soon as your manuscript passes review, the printing files will be sent to the printer for activation. This process takes approximately 5-7 business days to complete. Once this process is complete, your book will be available in the marketplace for purchase. 

It has been a pleasure working with you and congratulations on becoming a published author!