A new beginning.

Posted on by tric

I’ve been blogging two years now and have enjoyed every post I’ve ever written. In the past few months I’ve realised the direction I wish to go, which is not to be a commercially successful blogger,(as if it ever was)  but to write, and this weekend, Valentines Day to be precise, my first ever short story was published.

It is part of an anthology of love stories. Yes you read that right, ‘Love stories’. Not exactly a genre you might associate me with. When I got the invitation to write a story for it I admit my first thought was “Romance, I don’t think so”. However writing is all about challenging yourself, and exploring new thoughts and ideas so I began to think ‘maybe’.  I didn’t have a lot of time as the finish date was within days of my invitation, but I’m good under pressure and an idea blossomed.cover for tweets

I remembered an elderly gentleman I had nursed many years ago (who I wrote about here in “The lie that haunts me”) . He was a ‘true Dub’, a rich and rare character. I renamed him and remembered the love I had witnessed as a young nurse, between him and his wife. Before I knew it my story was told. I called it ‘Goodnight Jimmy’, and having written it I realised there were many different types of ‘Love’, which my narrow mindedness needed to appreciate.

So for those of you who may be interested it is available for kindle download here, “The Little book of Love”.  It is a book of short stories, so an easy read which will set you back all of £1.48. If you do decide to download it I’d be thrilled and if you left a review I might burst, or at least raise a glass of wine to you later!

It has really been an eye opener to see how difficult it is to put together a book like this. Writing is such a small part of it, followed by the cover design, edits, and other technical things I know nothing about. Finally there is the promotion. I must admit this part I find so very difficult. Even writing this post is not something I find easy. I dislike asking people to look at what I have done and to actually suggest they buy something, well that’s in another league of mortifying altogether. However a lot of people put huge effort into this book and my story is part of what they are promoting, so it is only right to support their efforts and do my bit.

Now I must go away and get my hair done, as I’m sure an agent will be on the phone shortly looking for more of my work!

****Just an add on, as far as I know this is the link for all of you in the US who are going to race out and buy it! ‘The Little Book of Love’.

 

52 thoughts on “A new beginning.”

  1. Congratulations on your book release. I got an error message when I attempted to order through the link in your post. I went directly to Amazon.com and ordered with no problem, but I wanted to let you know there was a problem. I look forward to reading your love story.

    Reply

  3. Wow thank you so much for going to such an effort. I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate it. I checked the links there again and they appear to be working. Was it the US one that didn’t work? Thanks again, if ever you’re here in Ireland I owe you a drink of a coffee! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Ah thanks. It has ignited a flame alright and with the course a good dollop of confidence, but the promotion, I find that so hard. I think I might just stick to competitions for awhile. I still feel I’ve a huge amount to learn but I’m beginning to really enjoy the learning, or to borrow a cliche ‘the journey’.

      Reply

      1. Read it, tric. Loved it. Loved the language (bagsin beds, fighting gravity) and the colloquial tongue. I’ve always enjoyed your yarns from your nursing days precisely because of the story-telling bent to them. Onwards and keyboardwards.

        Reply

        1. Thanks a million for the feedback. It means a lot. I’ve read loads about writers finding their voice I think I’m beginning to find mine.

  6. i was Delighted to see you had submitted a story to the group and I wasn’t disppointed,its such a great story!Here’s to the first of many more fine publications from you Tric!

    Reply

    1. You too Aedín, I thought it was very you. I’d only two days but it’s a start. You are now published many times, I’m only an amateur! 🙂

      Reply

  7. ‘a drink of coffee’ ?

    stuff that !

    If ever I’m in your neck of the woods, I expect a glass or two of wine now that I’ve parted wi’ some o’ my hard-earned sillar to buy yon wee book ! 😉

    Great story, tric, and well-crafted too, with those closing words at the end !

    Reply

    1. Aw Duncan you are fab, buying a book of love stories! You are so good. If ever you were over here what a night we would have. I’d have thought you might appreciate a drop of whiskey by choice, as surely I’d rise to that for you. It’s the least I could do. Thanks again.

      Reply

  8. Congratulations Tric 😀
    Try to see your writing as art and you get another perspective for telling about your book.
    I promote my jewelry in same way, they are my art. Wish you will sell a lot and get great reviews 😀

    Reply

    1. Ah no. I’m working on it. You are in the US aren’t you? It is our US link and works for me so I’m puzzled. Regardless thank you for trying, I really appreciate it. If I come up with a solution I’ll let you know.

      Reply

    1. You know I think you may be right. Thanks so much. I hope it’s okay to blow your cover and say I loved your story too, especially the ending. After I read it I looked at mine and thought.. I’m not so sure anymore. Well done. Sadly I’ve told my family but I’m not sure they have a kindle among them and technology seems to be defeating them. #verysupportive

      Reply

  11. Well done Tric!!!I think I’ll have to download myself a copy, as so many familiar faces belonging to lovely writers have contributed to this book. I hope you’re thrilled with yourself and the promotion part becomes easier for you. 😃

    Reply

    1. Thanks Olivia, I’m delighted to be honest. I think you would enjoy the book, it’s an easy read and something for everyone, as you say from some who are familiar to you.

      Reply

  16. Congratulations Tric!!!!! Okay, neither the link in the blog post or the one in the comment is working. I went right to Amazon to order and it is “pending”. So I will let you know if it comes through. I’m excited because I remember the story you wrote and looking forward to more! You’ll have to drink a glass of wine for me! I’ll drink a coffee!!!! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Thanks a mil Coleen. Would you, if you have time post the Amazon link that worked for you. It must be an Irish link that I’m using and as it’s late it’s decided to go enjoy itself instead! (Well that’s the only explanation I can understand). 🙂

      Reply

  22. Kudos to you for listening to your instinct and getting published, girl. I’m looking forward to seeing you swoop onto a podium to collect your literary prize dressed in sequined dress and teetering high heels some day. I’m proud of you 😀 I will order and read it – once I’ve finished the fellow blogger- written book that I’m reading already. Busy, busy, busy.

    Reply

    1. Thank MM. I am trying to get the nerve to put my stories out there more often. Watch this space, but maybe be patient.
      I’m just after buying another bloggers book also. This is such a supportive community.

      Reply

    1. It’s nice to imagine it’s a beginning but it’s up to myself to put the effort in now, and be braver. Thanks for your encouragement, always.

      Reply

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