What a flippin’ palaver it’s been. But at last the text file has been fixed to my satisfaction and Tess of Portelet Manor is due to be delivered, in paperback form, by the end of the month. Distribution to local shops sorted as well.
You can see a little synopsis if you click on the tab above.
That will be three novels self-published about which I am pretty happy. They are all in paperback though and, without mega sales, it is costing me more than I like to keep working in this way. The next step therefore is to get all three converted to ebook format and thrown up on Amazon/Kindle. It’s really the only realistic route for indie authors these days.
And any future work will be more than likely only be produced in e-format too. Maybe I’ll look at POD, I’ll see.
I’ve made a start on novel #4. This is waaayy different. It’s going to be a portrayal of human trafficking/sex slavery set in Nepal and India. I’m having a go at writing this through the young female slave’s eyes, in the first person – a bit of a challenge! But what I also want to do is look at the economics, the money trail, the conditions, corruption, lack of effective legislation and/or prosecution that allows this trade to flourish. Not one for the mass market I think but it’s a project I feel moved to have a go at. Wish me luck.
More news on Tess shortly 🙂
Terry McCarthy said:
Mass market or not, I’d be interested to read #4.
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Roy McCarthy said:
Hey, one’s a start 🙂 Yes this one is something I want to try, see if it works. And if it does it might be of some small use.
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Britt Skrabanek said:
Yay, Roy! OK, definitely let us overseas fans know when you get that Kindle version up and running so we can enjoy.
The fourth book sounds amazing. This is a subject I’m very interested to know more about.
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Roy McCarthy said:
Ah thank you Britt, I surely will. Just got to research the ‘how to’ and it’ll be done and I’ll let people know.
I’ve just read Sex Trafficking – Inside the Business of Modern Slavery. Hard reading but very informative.
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Britt Skrabanek said:
Awesome! E-book formatting is so much fun (*tone dripping with sarcasm).
I just tossed that book onto my Goodreads list. I’ll have to check it out.
Congrats again on Tess! Time for a big ass beer.
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Roy McCarthy said:
Ha ha! I might get a price from someone who’s not a technical idiot to do it. A couple of beers this evening, I don’t need an excuse. Have a good work week Britt.
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Britt Skrabanek said:
It’s not a bad tactic to get some outside help, I must say. I figured it out, but almost completely lost my mind the first go. And, then I thought I had it down for the second, but ended up losing my mind yet again.
There’s nothing worse than putting all that heart and soul into your work and dealing with technical BS.
Cheers, my friend! Have a superb week!
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letizia said:
That’s great news! As Britt said, let us know when you’re able to get the e-version up for those of us who live abroad as I would love to read it!
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Letizia. It will be nice to have a few people read it beyond its tiny island market 🙂
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electronicbaglady said:
congratulations 0 hope it goes well!
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you EBL 🙂
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diannegray said:
Best of luck, Roy. That 4th book sounds amazing. It can be very difficult writing in first person, but well worth it in the end 😀
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thanks Dianne. Amazing in concept, let’s see if I can pull it off. Best wishes.
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Janna G. Noelle said:
That’s an ambitious of you, planning to write your next book from the first person POV of a young girl. I look forward to hearing about how it’s going for you. 🙂
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Roy McCarthy said:
Strangely I feel as if I can only get into this character and her life by imagining myself in her shoes – as best I can. It might all fall apart at the seams but we’ll see. Thank you for your encouragement Janna.
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Jane Fritz said:
Wow, congrats on completing THREE NOVELS! Take a moment to stop and appreciate the enormity of that accomplishment. Regarding your new topic, wow again. That will be a tough topic to immerse yourself in, especially from a girl’s POV. Be careful not to end up down an emotional black hole that you have trouble climbing out of! I’m sure I’m not your only reader who would be interested to read any posts your write about your experiences with self-publishing. Advice. Warnings. Etc. Once again, congrats, Roy.
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Jane. It’s nice to be building a little portfolio. As to the new project well yes it’s certainly a challenge – being non-female and not having travelled anywhere (certainly not India/Nepal). I’ll be choosing my editor carefully, someone who can keep me straight.
Thanks for your support Jane.
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Laura Hogan said:
Congratulations on finishing Tess. It’s really inspiring to read that before your third book is even printed you’re onto the next! 🙂
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Laura. It actually seems an age since I finished Tess with all the fiddling about which – as all my writer/blogger/friends say – is the worst bit.
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A.M.B. said:
That’s exciting! Good luck! I agree with you that e-publishing is the only realistic route for indie authors, and I believe it’s getting to be that way for traditionally published authors, too. Paper books will always be around to some degree, but most people will consume literature in e-book form. Almost all the books I read are e-books.
Book 4 sounds interesting. Good luck with the research and the writing.
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Roy McCarthy said:
Yes, it’s a no-brainer. Now I’ve got (1) my vanity novel and (2) a couple of local interest books printed it’s really the only way to access a large market. I’m both excited and worried about this next project but I’ve got a female editor on board that knows the Indian sub-continent. Hopefully that will allow me to just write without making major errors out of ignorance. Thank you for your support 🙂
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