Tuesday 25 September 2012

I Am A Guinea Pig, Mac Is A Pup, Bonnie Is A Cat, And The Lister D Is A Stationary Engine.

The manuscript for my book is with Stuart my creative writing tutor from many years ago. Isn't it funny how things work out? If memory serves I believe I was thinking about this book then. Certainly the title Elbows Off The Table was thought of around that time.

Stuart is checking it for typos etc and then we will agree on a final draft. Incidentally typos is a word we authors use for mistakes. Just thought I would let you know that. What with me being an author you know.

The reason I say that we will agree on a final draft, is because Stuart has agreed to help me as my mentor/agent as I go through the publishing process. This is incredible good fortune on my part. Not only does it tell me I have written a book he believes in, but do you know how much all this proof reading, editing etc costs? He is doing it for free. Apart from the occasional pint of beer, or bottle of wine.

Effectively I am a guinea pig for a mentoring service he has been thinking about starting, helping budding authors into print. Sounds like a great idea. I am a trial run for him. I just happen to have written this book at the right time. Of course if it becomes a best seller he will earn his reward then. Listen to me. If?

While he is dealing with that side of things, we have decided that the book should have some illustrations. I shall now start on that process. Exciting times ahead. Blimey it is going to be some book!

You can learn more about my agent/mentor Stuart Morris here www.unlockthewriter.co.uk have a look at some of his achievements, and see why I consider myself so fortunate to have such a talented writer helping me.

Something else happened today that made me happy. I got the Lister D stationary engine working at last. Oh yes, and Mac the little dog has gone back to his owner, although that made me a little bit sad as well. Sadie the German Shepherd is pleased though, and Bonnie the ginger cat is absolutely ecstatic that he has gone.

Finally about Mac, his owner who discovered she is allergic to the little chap, has found him a new home with some of her relatives, who know and love him. He will be fine. And she will be able to keep in touch.





14 comments:

  1. Sounds as though the book was meant to be ...all the pieces of the jigsaw are coming together.
    Best of luck, my friend,John the author.
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Interesting man, your mentor...and very glad Mac will be happy.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That's great that you have someone so knowledgeable helping you out. Glad it's being checked for typos. I've read several books recently that were filled with them and it drives me nuts.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your day has been a successful one. Now that your engine is running what will you do with It?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kudos! On the Lister too! I know nothing of Diesel. Was she Ethel Barrymore's sister? Or was that Ethyl? I've only worked on gas engines. Good luck with your projects, John!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great news all round. I followed the link to your friends site and it sounds like you have a good bloke on your team. I hope all goes well and I am looking forward to reading it.

    It sounds like the animals are glad to be back to normality and good news about Macs future home.

    I have been wondering what happened to Lister D. Do you have plans to use it or will you display it? Set it up to pump water, with the amount of rain thats come down recently you could put it to work.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm so happy that things are progressing smoothly for you. And to be able to do your own illustrations is fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  8. John, I am not surprised that this pro is editing your book for a percentage. You are that good"."
    I still expect a signed copy.please.:)

    ReplyDelete
  9. The rest I can understand BUT whats a Lister D stationary engine used for?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Congratulations on these endeavors! Are you going to self publish?

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm pleased about the illustrations. Will expect a signed copy when you're famous.... grins.

    ReplyDelete
  12. All sounds happy ever after at your place today.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Good news all around today for you, Sadie and Bonnie. Do keep us all posted, as we know you will on the book's progress, John.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I sure wish you well on your book! It's probably good that you wrote it fast- kept your focus.

    ReplyDelete