Monday, 20 July 2015

Keeping it (un)real


About time I did another update on here! There has been some progress on the book front since I last posted. You can now see a 'Coming Soon' blurb for Follow Me on my publisher's website: http://www.stridentpublishing.co.uk/coming-soon/ This makes it all feel very real!!

I'm writing under my full name, Victoria, as I don't want there to be any mix ups with the erotic writer Nikki Gemmell. Plus, people always spell Vikki wrong. And it's also kind of nice using my full name for a change.

As the publication date draws ever nearer, there has been a mix of putting on my 'edits' and sensible 'business' hats- thinking about promotional things, filling out applications to become part of an author database (which I'll post about when my profile goes live).
And then the fun parts, where I get to immerse myself in more creativity - putting together  my author website, Pinterest board and Instagram page. (If you click on those titles it will take you to my pages).

I'm a very visual writer and I've had fun searching for photos on Pinterest, (and also taking my own photos and putting together collages), to pin to my board and Instagram pages. This gives you a glimpse into how I visualise parts of 'the Barn' to look (the underground hangout place in my book) and other aspects of my story.

The challenge at the moment is switching between my day-job brain, up-and-coming publication excitement, and maintaining a focus on newer pieces of writing. I was thinking the other weekend that it's important to leave some time aside to just daydream- let your mind go on a wander whilst you listen to some music, draw something, read something, have some inspiring conversation, visit new places...

Sometimes if I have a quiet moment at the weekend I like to visit a café and a friend mentioned spotting a place called Mad Hatter's. When you look at the title of my blog it isn't hard to guess that this might be a café I'd want to visit... It was a great little place to take some time out and drink hot chocolate (which was VERY good!). I loved their Alice In Wonderland tea pots. The next time I'm in I'll have to get some photos. This is their facebook page here

Happy daydreaming!












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8 comments:

  1. Rosemary Gemmell20 July 2015 at 06:30

    Love seeing al the visuals for your book, Vikki, and I can imagine the excitement building nearer publication time again! Love the sound of that tearoom!

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    1. Vikki21 July 2015 at 14:09

      Thanks, Mum! I think you would like the tea room - didn't sample any of the food (mind you the hot chocolate did have crushed biscuits in it!) so we should go sometime for lunch

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  2. joanne fox20 July 2015 at 06:39

    Wonderful, Vikki. It must all thrilling to see your hard work coming together. Your novel sounds a very intriguing read. Good luck with everything. x

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    1. Vikki21 July 2015 at 14:11

      Thanks very much Joanne! It does feel very good to see everything coming together now :) x

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  3. Joanna20 July 2015 at 23:48

    Fantastic post, Vikki. I have really enjoyed looking at your website and Pinterest board, and the Coming Soon information on your publisher's website shows this will be a really gripping book. This is such an exciting time for you and so well-deserved.
    You're so right about needing to take time out just to think or daydream, and let yourself do whatever inspires you - even if it's nothing at all. I have been doing more of that lately and it's surprising how new ideas keep emerging from that breathing space.
    You have an especially busy life at the moment, so I hope you visit that gorgeous tearoom as often as you can!
    Wishing you great success, Vikki, and looking forward very much to the publication of your novel. (And your full author name is lovely.) xxx

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    1. Vikki21 July 2015 at 14:13

      Thanks a lot for your lovely comment, Joanna! It's so important to take time out - I really need my time out to let my mind wander and keep creative. I find listening to music helps too. And cakes at nice tea rooms also doesn't hurt:) Good luck with all your book stuff too x

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  4. Unknown31 July 2015 at 06:24

    So exciting about the novel and I like to think there is always time for a day-dream amidst the craziness too! Love your pinterest board and can't wait to visit the Mad Hatter's cafe :) xx

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    1. Vikki2 August 2015 at 11:46

      Thanks, Rebecca. Definitely essential to have some day-dream time! Next time you're in Paisley we definitely need to have a wee trip to Mad Hatter's. x

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