A writing affirmation popping up on my screensaver from time to time lately is:
“My writing brings happiness to others”
Amongst other self-penned reminders like “Everything I write makes me a better writer” are others focussed on my novel, The Last Great Day.
Occasionally I will return from making a cup of tea or changing a nappy (or changing a nappy while making a cup of tea—it’s all about time management) and see something like:
“The Last Great Day is an inspirational story”
or
“My focus in 2011 is on promoting The Last Great Day“.
The point of these particular bits of silent self-talk-it-up is to help me remember that although I am writing other stories now the one I spent three years perfecting is available for others to buy, read and—hopefully—enjoy.
Having put my heart, soul and back into making The Last Great Day ‘sing’, it is important for me to let people everywhere know The Last Great Day exists.
Luckily for me I’ve been invited to officially launch The Last Great Day at Melbourne Writers Festival (on Saturday 3rd September) this year. I’m really looking forward to it but am also grateful for other opportunities I’ve already had to share my story.
Since self-publishing on 21st April this year I have been fortunate to have been invited to the Emerging Writers Festival; Readings in Carlton have taken on The Last Great Day, and I also got to do a book signing at my local Dymocks.
At my first writing festival and my first retail outlets I’ve been able to share—and sell—my story. I’ve also met people who’ve already read my novel. It’s been fantastic getting enthusiastic and positive responses and seeing in the eyes of my ‘ever expanding readership’ how my words have found an appreciative and growing audience.
There’s been photo opportunities too. The one I’ve put up with this blog shows a small step towards achieving one of my other affirmations which is:
“The Last Great Day is on top of best seller lists everywhere”
And it’s true.
At least for one day, in a single bookstore in East Doncaster, The Last Great Day outsold all other books. As of August 2011, The Last Great Day is officially (not just in my imagination) a “Best Seller”.
Now, for my next bookstore storming…
Oscar Hokeah
/ August 4, 2011Congrats!
B.G. Mitchell
/ August 4, 2011Thanks Oscar!
TansyBradshaw
/ August 4, 2011Congrats Ben, let me know what time the launch is.
B.G. Mitchell
/ August 4, 2011Thanks Tansy.
And yes I will—it is 4 pm (on Saturday 3rd September at The Cube in ACMI). BTW I like your avatar gal with the bow in her hair. VCool as they said in the nineties…
TansyBradshaw
/ August 4, 2011details of launch here: http://www.mwf.com.au/2011/?name=event-info&event=169
B.G. Mitchell
/ August 4, 2011…or then you could just go and do that.
Thank you.
:)
Amber Beilharz
/ August 5, 2011I am so looking forward to coming to the MWF launch of your book, Ben. I remember you talking about it on the bus ride from Box Hill to Warrandyte. No doubt it will be a lovely day. x
B.G. Mitchell
/ August 5, 2011It will be very cool to see you, Amber. I remember the bus ride(s) well. The Last Great Day has taken me on a bit of a journey already. Now I get to share the ride from here!
Dorothy @ Singular Insanity
/ August 5, 2011Congratulations! Just having a book published would be a buzz, but having all these other opportunities must feel great! Onwards and upwards!
B.G. Mitchell
/ August 5, 2011Thanks Dorothy.
It feels good to have my novel in my hands but just as good—maybe even better—to see it in others’. They say you should write for yourself, and while I believe that is a good motivation, I think it is so what you have to share is authentic.
And, as you say, onwards and upwards!