Excitement Building for New Title Due Out.

I have been putting the finishing touches to my next offering, dear Readers. This time I am going to the Wild West for my story. I loved having to research that time, the 1800's, in American History and I must say, I learned a lot.

Posing in front of some of Michael's land. 

When I was asked to write some novellas in the Western genre, I hesitated. Yet after reading up on the era, I was totally engrossed and accepted the challenge.
The kind offer came from the boss of www.writersofthewest.com and I signed my contract with them last year. It was great fun having to have my profile photo taken for their site, they required it to be western in style, obviously!

Arriving for the Shoot!

Never to shy away from a challenge, I phoned my brother for permission to use his haybarn and his licensed guns. Next I asked my brother-in-law to take some photos, he is a great photographer. With all the gear in hand we headed off to the farm and to say we laughed is an understatement. The two men, were splitting themselves as I tried to balance against the bales of hay, giving me orders not to smile as I had a gun in my hand and I was supposed to be shooting at outlaws! Honestly!

My new friend.

It was like being in a movie. When I did come off the hay, I had a calf try to eat my jeans and it kept nuzzling my legs.
It was wonderful fun. So to celebrate my next title, due shortly, I though by giving you a little background, it might set the scene and wet your whistle.
All photos in this post courtesy of Joe Mulvihill, setting, my brother Michael's farm, in Limerick.

Oh the title of my first novella in the western genre? The Runaway

A Few Minutes of Your Time, That's All.

I have been writing for many years and must admit, I did not give great thought to the importance of reviews before. It is mainly short stories I had published and admittedly, it's not often you receive a review for a single story.
However, I have read other people's reviews and even bought books on the strength of their words. Yet, when it came to writing one, I often hesitated, as I felt, who wants to read what I have to say? How silly is that for a writer, I hear you holler!

But now that I have my debut novel, My Husband's Sin out there, my collection of short stories, A Baker's Dozen and my new novella The Runaway due for launching shortly, the reality of how important those reviews are for writers, hit home for me.
It is a nerve-wrecking but thoroughly exciting time to have a novel published. Knowing I have bared my soul by putting my work out there, which can be scary, deep down I want to know what people think of it. So, this is where a review fulfills its duty.

When I received my 1st review, I jumped up and down, so happy to think that a reader took the time to write about my novel. It was this that I appreciated, that a reader gave me a few minutes of their personal time. They reached out. If this is what my readers can do for me, then, I, in return can do it for others.

I have received 5 star reviews right down to 1 star. I read them and noted what it is the reader liked or didn't like. Admittedly, my joy at the 3, 4 and 5 stars was ripped from me at receiving the 1 star, but so be it. We each have our own likes and dislikes and if my novel was not for them, than I shrug my shoulders and remember there are many out there who do like my books.

By posting a review, just a few short words will do if you do not feel like writing a longer piece, helps other readers to find a book they may like and it helps writers know what their readers want.

So remember to review! Authors really do appreciate it.