Dare to walk in my world?

Okay, not the snappiest title, but it is the strapline I have used for my book series from the outset. It also rings true as an unknown author. Will we be able to attract readers to our work? Do we go down the route of what is selling now, or do we dare to branch out and fulfil that dream?

Book Stuff

That was going to be one of the new sections in my blog. Begin at the beginning: what is my series all about? I have always been fascinated by legends, and with my parents living in Wales at the time, even more about Welsh legends. But if legends have a basis in truth, then could that truth still be relevant?

[image error]Cwn Annwn Tattoo

(copyright Laura Smithers)

Therein lay the first of my stories: the legend of the Cwn Annwn. Understanding your legend was key, because it made the story possible. I have studied history, with mythology being a keen interest.

Could the Cwn Annwn still walk among us, I asked myself? I could but imagine the history they had witnessed.

When you take that into account, the story potential is endless. I have a notebook full of ideas for potential stories.

On that score, I am working on two books for this year. “Yr Ddraig Goch” is the follow-up to “Fane”, telling the story of what happens after Fane broke his pack away from the Sumerian Demon Queen, Lamashtu. The second book is “Cysgodion”. Those who have read the existing books, will know that there is an anomaly in the story of the character, Casimir Gosselin. “Cysgodion” will tell his story.

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Writing Stuff

Let’s keep this simple. I am English. I went to a convent school, and was taught old-fashioned English Grammar. A recent review I had on one book suggested that after a good round of edits, the book might be worth 5*. It transpired that the reader’s perspective was skewed by … American-English grammar.

My advice is to decide which is more important: your target market or your integrity as an author? I can’t make myself write in so-called American-English and I am not going to try.

Cooking Stuff

I am willing to be led here. I am fortunate in that I work in a bookshop where we specialise in cookery, history and wellbeing books. Keto, Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, vegan, vegetarian, Slimming World and health-oriented cooking: we have had them all.

I could share favourite recipes or discuss the pros and cons of different books, or even review a book. I have Type 2 diabetes and tend to eat lower carb, but I don’t eliminate them completely. So, make some suggestions in the comments.

Mental Health

The Black Dog. I have seen so many people comment that 2019 has been a bad year for them. A 13-month break in blogging, and virtually no output from a writing perspective. A gaslighting manager and training manager. The former retired earlier in the year. The latter is now a store manager with little chance to cause me a problem.

More importantly, during Mental Health Awareness week, my present employers launched resources to help people deal with mental health problems, absolutely invaluable when, in my local area, it can take 12 weeks to receive an appointment with the CBT counselling team.

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The biggest step one can take is to ACKNOWLEDGE that you need help. There is no shame. Never say that you are weak. You have been strong for so long, and now it is time to sit down.

Until next time, my friends. I bid thee farewell on this last day of 2019. A glass of mead awaits me.

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