Finally, Devil in the Clouds is live!

It's done, it's finally done! Devil in the Clouds is available on Amazon. It was an exciting weekend to get this up and running. It is off to a good start too! So, go join the queue for a great summer read.

Speaking of summer, temperatures are heating up here on the east coast of Ireland. Just in time too, as Vantastival is in less than two weeks. You can read about our experiences of last year here. Can't wait to shake out the tent and don the flowers in the hair. I'll be sure to write all about it here. I plan to see more music this year. Last year, Beth got her way more times than was necessary. I have her warned that she'll be going to more bands. I have a provisional list of who I want to see. They are:

Friday

Corner Boy

Elephant

Evil Presidentes

Saturday

The Flaws

Fierce Mild

Words That Burn

Sunday

Delorentos

Black Svan

Wood Burning Savages

Obviously, I want to see a lot more, but, with Beth, I have to divide my time between what's fun for her and what suits me. Vantastival is so handy as we live very close by. Only ten or fifteen minutes drive. So, we will camp out Friday and Saturday night. Then, I'll drop Beth with my Mum for a sleepover on the Sunday and come back out to Delorentos. Everybody is happy! Can't wait!

Free today!!

Tell everyone!! The Secret Beneath Bleeker Avenue is free today on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

Today is my Birthday

I turned 31 today and I don't feel any different. I know it is just another day but for the last few years my birthdays have been 'special' ones. 

When I turned 28 I was pregnant with Beth. It was nice thinking that the following year it wouldn't be just me anymore. I was almost eight months at that stage and was very uncomfortable. Beth's head was right under my ribs and constantly kicking me. I was celebrating with my friends but did not stay out long.

Turning 29 was great because it was the last one of my 20's. I went for a meal with my friends and then on to a pub. I think I was home by midnight! 

Of course, last year was a big one. Moving into my 30's was a pivotal part of my life. I was no longer overweight and I had a renewed sense of who I was and where I wanted to go. I was content with my life and where it was heading.

In the last year, I have written several short stories, articles and a novel. Currently, I have two books in progress. I am doing what I have always dreamed of doing, writing. Last week, my first novel The Secret Beneath Bleeker Avenue went on sale on Amazon. This is an exciting time in my life.

Maybe today doesn't feel as special as the last few years because it's just another number. I suppose my next 'big one' will be my 40th. Maybe it is because I'm realising every day is special. Maybe I'm just getting to a point in my life when birthdays just don't mean as much as they used to.

Whatever it is, it doesn't matter. My 30's are going to be great. The whole decade will be special. These are the years that will matter.

My  birthday BBQ was a little too much excitement for Beth

Irish BBQ's are not easy!

Free ebook

The Secret Beneath Bleeker Avenue is free today for your Kindle!

Why Did I Self-Publish?

As some of you may know already I decided on Monday to self-publish my book The Secret Beneath Bleeker Avenue. There are many reasons why I decided to do it myself.

Firstly, I'm a very impatient person. Ask anyone who knows me personally and they will agree. If I go into a shop and there is a queue of more than three people I'm most likely to turn on my heel and walk back out. I don't like waiting for anything. Therefore, after only beginning to query agents and publishers on the 21st June, I'm already losing my patience with the lack of replies. Any authors out there will know it will take some people a long time to get back to me but, to be very honest, I can't wait. I know I need to relax a little more and if this was the only reason for self-publishing I probably would have waited it out.

Secondly, there is a lot of information out there on self-publishing. If it is done right a self-published author can make a living. It's not rocket science (well, maybe getting an ITIN is, but more on that another time) and, I believe, with a great deal of research, an author can self-publish and avoid the pitfalls of others.

Thirdly, I am in control. I control everything to do with my book, how it is published, how much royalties I will get, etc. This is a very important aspect for me.

Finally, I just had to get that lovely cover out there!

In other news, I turn 31 next week. I'm having people over for a BBQ this weekend (hopefully the weather is good) and can't wait to celebrate another year. Stay tuned for more on the party and what I've done since I turned the 'dreaded' 3-0!