Another Small Step on The Learning Curve...

[endlessrarities]

Yesterday evening, I had the very great pleasure of giving a lecture at the Beith Cultural and Historical Society centred on the historical events that inspired 'Fire and Sword'.  A modest audience of 11 people turned up for the occasion - though I was fortunate enough to count the Honorary President of the Dorothy Dunnett Society amongst their

Comments

[technophobe1975]

I am so pleased that it went well (and if that is your book on Amazon, then you have at least three very satisfied readers!)

[endlessrarities]

There were another three in the US, though one was pulled, because she's an author with my publishing house. Her review is still up there on Goodreads, however...

Yeah, I'm really pleased with the way it's being received. Obviously, it won't be to everyone's tastes, because there are as many varieties of reader as there are varieties of tastes. It's connecting with the right one that takes time, effort, and a great deal of patience. But hey, it's not exactly an unwelcome task!

[veronica_milvus]

Ah, but you are not unknown to me. I'm about halfway though it.

[endlessrarities]

Ulp! Hearing this always makes me feel like an anxious parent sitting watching their child perform in a music festival. I can't do anything to help them on their way, and I know they're quite big enough to look after themselves, but oh, the crossed fingers & toes!

Hey, I hope your writing's progressing well. I'll catch up with you soon & see how the house hunting's doing.

[bunn]

I do think that there is a scale to these things. At the moment, as an author, you are a one-product shop. If that one product does not appeal immediately, you have no other products. So the fact that on the whole, people are interested in hearing about your one thing seems like it should be a Good Sign - specially when the one thing is a bit obscure compared to idk, Tudors In Big Dresses.

Also I want to read the next one. :-D I mean, I have other books on my 'to read' list, but the first one was good enough that you will be promoted to close to the front of the shelf when it finally gets there...

[endlessrarities]

Thanks for that - it's made my day

[bunn]

I've always felt DD seemed a little dry, somehow, but maybe I was just missing the allusions... I quite liked King Hereafter, but I read it and another book (much more lowbrow!) focussing on Macbeth as Thorfinn of Orkney, at around the same time, and I have to admit, I enjoyed the lowbrow version rather more. Maybe I have vulgar tastes :-D

I do hope the Hon. Pres. enjoys the book!

[readthisandweep]

...for someone to invest their precious time into reading an unknown book by an unknown author ... [is] one of the most precious gifts a writer can ever be granted.

100% this! If it was about the money, only JKR would be doing it. ;)

[endlessrarities]

And she'd have chucked it, long ago. And sloped off into retirement. I thought it was really quite poor taste for that frustrated thriller writer to ask JKR to chuck it and leave room for everyone else on the shelves - I'm sure the JKR - much like the rest of us- would rather gnaw her own hand off than stop writing!!

[readthisandweep]

If the fall-out was anything to go by, I think that young woman must have regretted her outburst! I am no JKR fan but shouting at her about having loads of money & fame so she "should" stop writing was ridiculous.

[endlessrarities]

As the one-and-only Douglas Adams had Zaphod Beeblebrox say, "Ten out of ten for style, but minus several million for good thinking." I'm sure she meant to be cool and contentious, but it misfired somewhat, I fear! Makes one question the old maxim, "There's no such thing as bad publicity!"