Christine Mustchin - post launch book promotion

Have been busy today emailing short news articles to Sussex Life and The Argus (local newspaper). I'm not optimistic that they will be published but you've got to try. I have entered a short piece about the launch on my author page on the Troubador website and sent off further details and photos for possible use on their website. The staff at Matador/Troubador have been great, not only in getting From Nemesis Island published but also in helping with the difficult task of marketing and promoting the book.

I promised some detail about the launch today so here goes.

I was pleased to hold it in Maritime House where I wrote the novel and I felt it was also appropriate because of the setting overlooking a port (one of the major locations in From Nemesis Island is a port in the Adriatic.) I wore a sailor style outfit to carry on this idea and forced my ever patient husband and daughter to do the same. Made the photos more interesting I thought, especially as we went out to the picnic area overlooking the harbour once the formalities inside were over.

The launch gave me a chance to thank people who had helped me achieve the publication of the book including staff at Maritime house, everyone at Matador publishers and, again, husband Peter and daughter Steph. Being able to say a few words about the book was important to me and I explained that it was written as a thriller with the aim of keeping the reader turning the pages. Some of the themes may be unfamiliar, and some well beyond what we will ever experience. There is, therefore, some explicit language and imagery but nothing was written without a basis in fact. The imagination merely places it in the context of the book's narrative. I hope those who read it will enjoy it, and if it provides something to think about as well, then that's great. Christine Mustchin

Christine Mustchin - launch at last

Finally made it. For a launch that was scheduled from 1230-1400 it may seem curious that only now have I time to make a note on my blog. I shall write in more detail tomorrow but wanted to record today that all went well. A handful of expected people could not make it at the last minute, but one or two others turned up instead. It was not a large gathering but a pleasant one and several family and friends stayed into the afternoon which was spent at the local cafe-bar near our home. A few even made it back to our place for tea and lots of discussion about books and marketing. I will reflect on the event later. This evening I have been trying to send an email to the news desk of the local paper. My mail server would not do the honours so I will try again tomorrow. If it does not go soon it will not be news. Christine Mustchin

Christine Mustchin - and then there were none

No more count down days left. Tomorrow the launch day arrives. Everything seems in place but would not have been without stalwart help of Peter. He will get a special mention in my speech. I have just finished it and decided to do my usual and write it out in full. I can adlib if needs be but I think 4 minutes is more than enough.

Got Peter to take some photos overlooking the harbour and even press ganged Kim, the receptionist, into posing too - just in case there is no time tomorrow. Unfortunately weather was blustery so hair was blown all over the place. Got some funny looks too from people taking ciggie breaks from their offices. Full report tomorrow of course ( or Saturday if the celebrations go on into the evening.) Christine Mustchin

Christine Mustchin - Google gets it

Google has recognised my blog! It came up on page three of a google search of my name. Seems putting my name in the text and title of my book From Nemesis Island in the label has worked. I know that linking the blog to a well known web site also helps. I wonder if my letter to The Observer will count. I put the blog name at the end. The letter did not mention my book or the launch but I felt I had to respond to a feature article on FGM. It's something I've been concerned about since working as a medical student in obstetrics. Readers of From Nemesis Island will see what I mean.

Meantime the launch arrangments continue with a supermarket trip and preparation of posters to put up in Maritime House Business Centre on the day. I'm so pleased to be using the Centre as I wrote the book in an office there and I like the maritime connection as the builidng overlooks Shoreham Port. There is another link as well since my book has one of its central locations in a port. Christine Mustchin

I'm getting anxious about arrangments now, particularly about how to take photos of the harbour area that include the launch. I've written another brief article about the launch for Matador and will need these photos to illustrate the text.

Christine Mustchin - what to do next

I seem to have spent so much time in front of a computer screen today with little to show for the book launch. No more acceptances and no idea of how many people attending from Maritime House where I have my office. If too many colleagues decide to attend it will be cosy indeed. Encouraged by the venue, though, which has been tidied and cleared of clutter - I think it will work ok. The reception staff are being just so helpful.

Wrote two articles about the launch today. I'm not sure if they will be accepted but, when I have a photo to send off, I can but try. Christine Mustchin.

Christine Mustchin - friends and family

I had a wonderful Saturday evening discussion with my father about the book. It reminded me of the serious themes embedded in the page turning thriller style of narrative - there for the taking or not as the reader pleases.

More discussion about the book with friends the next day. Enjoying their hospitality in a Dorset village I was given a chance to explain a bit about how the book came to be written and published. I am so lucky to have friends and family who are so interested and supportive. The book launch is not only a celebration but a chance to say thank you to them.

Returned home today with Sunday newspaper article about one of the book's themes. I am considering whether this could lead into an approach re a review of the book. Meantime the Self-publishing magazine has agreed to accept it for reveiw. Christine Mustchin.

Christine Mustchin - nautical food

Awake at 5am thinking of culinary aspects of the book launch. With a nautical theme I ought to have nautical food - sounds like something from Lewis Carroll. I'll deal with that next week. Instead today went and got more bubbly - very important as I am still getting acceptances and the numbers of attendees is growing.

The other thing bubbling in the back of my mind is how to get people to read this blog. Don't think I have a clear enough theme in the text. I could try putting my name in all the entries - might sound a bit strange. Something else for next week then. Christine Mustchin