Relief Day

What began in 1998 with a hand-me-down 486 computer, reached another milestone today with the release of my third novel, Ashmore Grief. The book may have been released today but there is no release for me, and neither is there any relief.

The lead up to a book release is an anxious time. More than at any other stage during the process, from genesis of the idea to draft through to publication, the two weeks leading up to release day and the three or four weeks after, are the hardest. I fret. Will it sell? Will readers like it? How do I get more readers? Impatience for success boils within me. Will this be my breakthrough novel? Will I finally burst out of the forest of obscurity into the sun drenched clearing of recognition? I obsess. What else can I do to get noticed? Why don't people respond to e-mails or return my calls? Why did the local book store which hosted me for two previous book signings, have to close down a week before the release of Ashmore Grief? What else can I do to get noticed? Did I mention I get obsessive?

Soon, these intense and distracting feelings will pass but not longer after that I will begin the process all over again. I have been asked why I set myself up for such disappointment and frustration. Some people wonder why I bother, why I put myself through torment. If you are asking that question, I don't think you will understand the answer. On the other hand, some of you will know exactly what I am talking about it, and appreciate precisely how I feel.

Ashmore grief is an entertaining novel: dramatic and confronting, with a sprinkling of wry humour, and an important message to convey. I will be donating 50% of my royalties to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Your purchase will support two good causes. Thank you for reading.

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre is Australia’s leading asylum seeker organisation. We are a multi-award winning, independent and non-federal government funded human rights organisation. We work at the coalface assisting some of the most disadvantaged people in our community.
http://www.asrc.org.au/