Saturday, September 01, 2007

Birding and books galore

Had a wonderful time last night with Robin & Gavin, Liz & John - it was great, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. And I even managed to sell Liz another couple of copies of Pink Champagne and Apple Juice which she wanted as presents - thanks, Liz! Lord H and I even did the washing-up and put the flat to rights before collapsing into bed - so we could wake in the morning and know where we were. And who we were indeed. Otherwise we just can't cope, you know ...

Today, we've spent a glorious day at Pulborough Brooks relaxing, lunching, wandering around and looking at birds. Which included herons, a kestrel, a greater spotted woodpecker and a young greenfinch. Bliss. Sounds so simple but honestly it's the most relaxing thing ever.

Am even more in a good mood today as PD Publishing have emailed me to say they've sent me my complete contract and advance cheque. Via John of course. Which is marvellous news, even though the cheque is only about £100 (once translated to English money) - but hell it's the first one I've ever had so I'm proud of it! So, in real terms, Maloney's Law has earned me more money than A Dangerous Man, even before its publication date, so Paul (Maloney) will be very chuffed. Not sure what Michael thinks though ...

Talking of which, I had a lovely review from Juliet O'Callaghan from the Writewords site who has just finished ADM and says:

"Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading A Dangerous Man - finished this morning. I thought your characters were beautifully drawn and the parallels between art and writing really resonated with me. It is a powerful and at times disturbing story, which will remain with me for a long time. I was petrified after telling you on Writewords that I was reading it that I would end up not liking it and have to avoid you forever more. But that is certainly not the case. I love your voice, and the descriptions of London are beautifully drawn. Well done on a great novel, I will recommend it to my friends."

Thanks, Juliet! Much appreciated (though I'm used to people not liking ADM, so no need to worry about avoidance ...) - and ooh please do tell all your friends. Heck, I need all the sales I can get. It would be jolly (goodness me, how English I am! Tally ho!) to earn enough money to get at least one royalty cheque for it - as Flame Books don't pay until you've gained £100 in royalties, and I'm not there yet. Whoever said you could earn money in this game was obviously jesting, tee hee!...

Anyway, this has been a really nice day and I'm enjoying it while I can - heck you know what I'm like, so I'll hang onto the moments like this while they last. Tonight, it's leftover supper from last night - so a Lord H melange is in the offing. Oh, and there's leftover wine too, hurrah!

Today's nice things:

1. Birdwatching
2. Getting news of my contract (and cheque!)
3. Juliet's review

Anne Brooke
Anne's website

7 comments:

Annie Wicking said...

Lucky lady, a contract & a check!

Wow, so hard work does pay. I shall keep at it and not let rejection get in my way ;-)

Best wishes

Annie

Lover of Books, Films and Good Coffee Shops Everywhere! said...

Glad you had such a lovely day Anne. I followed your link to Pulborough Brooks and it looks great, I'm sure we will go sometime (particularly as it passes my litmus test of having a tea shop & 'facilities'.) some of the forthcoming events sound good too - there's a birdwatching day (for adults only in November) that sounds good.

Anne Brooke said...

Thanks, Annie & Loman - and yes yes yes keep going!!! It took me 4 years to get someone to take "A Dangerous Man" and every single publisher in the UK had by then rejected it - Flame were the only one left!

Ooh, and yes, Sue, PB is great. We're going on a birdwatching day on 17th November - don't know if it's just for adults though. And the tea shop is great!! (As are the loos!!!) Wild if you can come!!

:))

A
xxx

Peter said...

17 November sounds good to us - see you then..

Anne Brooke said...

Ace! Don't forget to book!

:))

A
xxx

Jackie Luben said...

Congrats on the advance, Anne. Even better than royalties, for it represents someone's faith in you.

Jackie

Anne Brooke said...

Thanks, Jackie! And I hadn't thought of it like that ...

:))

A
xxx