Hi everyone,
I hope you’re enjoying what’s left of summer and looking forward to autumn!
I’ll get right to it…
What have I been up to?
I’m just wrapping up the first draft of Fyn Carter 2 (that’s not the actual title – I’ll be sharing that in the coming months). This is a relief! It’s been fun to write it, my writing mascots have been full of encouragement (as seen above and a bit further down), and I hope you’ll enjoy it when it arrives next year. Editing stages are scheduled, so I’m officially working to deadlines (or trying to – eek!).
I’ve also had some great catch ups with friends in the writing community and done a couple of craft and gift markets. I had a really exciting chat at the last market I attended. It may or may not lead to something, but it’s just nice to engage with readers, creatives etc.
I don’t have any events planned for September, but there are many more coming throughout the rest of the year. Details can be found on my events page. Also – see the pic below for some eco-friendly badges I’ve designed. I’ll be taking them along with me.
Expanded Distribution – update!
I’m delighted that ‘Fyn Carter and the Agents of Eromlos’ is now available to order via multiple bookshops including Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, Foyles, and Browns Books (with more options coming). I’m aware that some of the websites don’t currently show full metadata, but I think this is just a case of waiting for the right info to filter through. It’s still faster to order on Amazon but good to have options!
As well as being able to buy the book online (and I believe schools can get discount via Browns Books), expanded distribution means it should now also be possible to request it via physical bookshops (including independent ones). Please do recommend Fyn Carter to your local schools, libraries, and bookshops if possible. Thanks!
Speaking of schools and libraries…
Over on Instagram, I’m running a free giveaway. It runs until 23:59 on Monday 9th September and is to give 20 Fyn Carter bundles to school libraries and public libraries in the UK. A bundle includes a book, bookmarks, stickers, and a poster. Details of how to nominate a library can be found on one of my Instagram pinned posts! My Instagram can be found here.
Closing words
In my last blog, I said I was aiming to do five hours of writing activities a day, for a minimum of five days a week. So far, I’m exceeding that which is great, but it’s still very heavy on admin. I’m trialling different working styles to see what works best for me. At present, this includes life stuff in the mornings and writing-related activities in the afternoons/evenings. Where possible, I write before admin so the admin doesn’t block the creativity.
I saw a post on social media recently which was about future you being thankful for the discipline of present you, i.e. if you can keep going on days when it’s easy to stop/get distracted, you’re following your dreams and future you will be grateful. I like this way of thinking. Even a few words a day add up. Little by little and all that!
As always, thank you for reading, and thank you for your support. It makes more difference than you know.
Ian x
Ps – as promised above, here’s the other writing mascot at work…
Ian Hunter Creates 