1st of November,
and spring is finally here! The sun is shining, and I’m filled with positive
thoughts for the coming year ahead.
The Frankfurt
Book Fair has been a real feather in our caps, for all New Zealand authors,
whether you had a book on the stands at the fair, or not.
It has really put us as writers on the
world stage, and I feel sure that the spin offs, for everyone, including all
our readers, now and in the future, is going to be immense.
My large print
books are now available, and I’m delighted at the response and how well
received they have been. After all the hard work, it gives you such a fillip of
pleasure, when you first hold the new book hot off the press.
Next week our
writing group is doing the first of our library tours to Orewa. This will be
followed up by more visits, so that we as authors can meet our readers, and
discuss our different writing styles and genres with them. Will let you know
how well it goes.
The enthusiasm
with which the libraries and librarians have embraced the idea is heart-warming
to say the least, and like other book groups, and service clubs, we are all
only too happy to assist and promote our work.
Biggest problem
at the moment is finding the time to write!
Here is a
snippet from the new novel I am writing at the moment. Working title, ‘Beware
of The Dragon,’ set in China in Peking about the Boxer rebellion against the
foreign Legations in 1900 and the enduring siege.
The memory of
that ride as they jolted over the uneven pavement would remain with Eleanor for
the rest of her life.
The rickshaw
coolies shouting out to clear the way, among the seething mass of humanity,
which eventually because of sheer numbers finally forced them to almost a walk.
The strange oriental buildings, some with red pennants and coloured streamers
blowing in the wind, and others with hanging signs representing their trade or
business, were almost overwhelming in their complexity and variation.
They turned a
corner into one of the main thoroughfares of the Tartar city and Eleanor watched
in amazement Mongols in shaggy coats riding on small ponies, old
men on donkeys, and closed curtained sedan chairs, and palanquins, perhaps
containing some noble Chinese lady with bound feet
Surrounding them
peasants shouldering long bamboo poles with caged birds, and baskets containing
other animals or bales of goods, pushed their way through the crowds of people
as they went about their business.
Mangy dogs slunk
out of the way, as a camel driver with three ships of the desert sauntered by,
mesmerising Eleanor with their peculiar rocking motion as they passed a local
herdsman, skilfully mustering a flock of sheep along the road to the slaughter
house, and a wealthy Mandarin surrounded by his entourage of guards on
horseback raced by.
More next time!
Evan G Andrew
This Spring has certainly brought forth many new books from our Mairangi Mob. A lot of winter work goes into growing these books and yours, Evan looks tantalizing. We're a bit like the daffadils, aren't we? We bury ourselves at our computers and research as daffadil bulbs grow silently in the dark. Then comes Spring and we show our books while they show their heads. I'll look forward to your next blog.
ReplyDeleteA tantalizing taste of your next book, Evan. We know from past novels that your research is impeccable so this new book is going to be eagerly awaited. Perhaps its time for you to give us a glimpse into your research methods. I, for one, would love to know how the heck you do it!
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