Book Week Scotland, Writerly Things, and Book Signings


I beg your indulgence this week as I give you an update on what is happening in this writer's life. In all fairness, it is not just self indulgence but an effort to help you, whether author reader, to find new promotional ideas or find new books to read. It’s not often I write a post such as this and the reason I am doing so is, it’s been a frightfully exciting week. This week will also continue to be exciting. 

Firstly, I released the seventh book in my DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries series. Now, releasing a new book is always a momentous occasion but this one is even more momentous as it has been delayed by two years. Readers worldwide are rejoicing as they've been waiting for this book to arrive. I am also rejoicing as I didn’t think it was ever going to get published.  My first tip to you is, never give up. You will get there in the end and the feeling of joy will be indescribable. Tied in with this, I also got my Covid booster on the same day. These are somewhat tied together, as, like many others, my creative brain froze during the past 18 months. If you would like to know more about the book, here's the link

On the same day, just to prove good things do really come in threes, I received a phone call from the Society of Authors letting me know I had been successful in my grant application for a research trip to Antigua. This is for a series of historical novels I am writing based on the life of an early nineteenth century Naval Surgeon, who went to the West Indies. I will be researching Naval and military history of the, then, West Indies.  My take away here is, grants are available to help you - apply as you never know what might happen. To say I’m delighted would be an understatement. If you would like to know more about the application process you can listen to my podcast

I want to change tack slightly here and talk about multi-author book signings and book festivals. This week is Book Week Scotland and Scotland is buzzing with book events. It’s crazy, exhilarating, and so much fun. This week I have four events coming up, all multi-author. These are below if you fancy meeting several authors on the one day, a few of whom write for this blog, and buying signed copies for yourself or as Christmas gifts.

Costa Coffee,  Murraygate, Dundee, Wednesday 17th November 10am-4pm
The Bookhouse, Broughty Ferry, Thursday 18th November, 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm
Barnabas Bookshop , The Friary, Tulideph Road, Dundee,  Friday 19th November, 10am-12pm, 1pm-4pm
Brechin Book Festival, Northern Hotel, Brechin, 19th-21st November, all day.

The book festival has author talks, writers workshops, book signings and events such as a storyteller, afternoon tea with the authors, and an all age character quiz, with world famous actors. Well, they are In their own brains anyway. It’s a bunch of writers making fools of themselves but will be lots of fun despite this. You can find out more on their website My takeaway from this one is, if you have a similar event in Scotland, reach out and see what you can do. You never know where it will take you. 

I hope you have found my little bit of self indulgence useful. I will leave you to reach for the stars and let your creativity soar.  

About the Author

Wendy H. Jones is an award-winning, international best-selling author who writes adult crime books, young adult mysteries, children's picture books and non-fiction books for writers. She is also a writing and marketing coach, runs the Writing Matters Online School and is the CEO of Authorpreneur Accelerator Academy, The president of the Scottish Association of Writers and hosts The Writing and Marketing Show podcast. She is currently writing a series of historical fiction novels based around the life of a 19th Century Surgeon in the Royal Navy. 






Comments

Peter Leyland said…
Nice uplifting post Wendy on this grey November morning. Thank you and now to work.
Umberto Tosi said…
Congratulations on the new DI Shona McKenzie Mystery and on winning the grant from Society of Authors. I look forward to reading your latest opus. Thanks for the inspiration and all this useful information.
Reb MacRath said…
Thanks for the informative, and helpful, update on the progress of Hurricane Wendy. You're such an inspiration!
Ruth Leigh said…
I am one of the lucky authors staying at Jones Towers. Clootie dumplings (it's a Scottish dish, folks), a Chinese takeaway, plenty of wine and a flashing disco lamp in the lounge. Does it get any better than this? Going to book signings and author events all week has been the most fun and we're all looking forward to the weekend. Finally seeing the creative hub from which Wendy produces her many fabulous works has been a treat!

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