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Hello All,
 

In just over one month, The Sisters' Song will be released! 


I can't believe launch day is nearly here. Until a few days ago, it still seemed far away, then suddenly it's almost here! It's been a very exciting time, just like awaiting the birth of a child. (Please don't tell my children I've likened their births to the launch of my book!) 

I can now own up to feeling a little anxious a couple of months ago when the early copies of my book were first sent out to readers and reviewers. A touch of panic struck the attic, and I held my breath waiting for feedback and some indication as to how my words and story were being received. It's a little daunting after so many years of working on a project. I knew I liked my book, but I like lots of things that other people don't like, and vice versa, so I had no idea what readers would think.

As an author, you write a book, something you'd like to read, something that moves you, that's about things that are important to you and speaks for you. Then you send your book out into the world and wait, with fingers crossed and bated breath, hoping that it will speak to others, too. 

I'm beginning to relax a little now, though, as a couple of early reviews have come in and they're very positive. Here's a sample:

'Absolutely exquisite! ... this is a must read. Historical fiction showcased at its very best.' (Theresa Smith, Goodreads)
'Authentic, engaging and melodious. The Sister's Song celebrates the best and worst of family relationships. Loved it!' (Marie McLean, Goodreads)


In addition to that, librarians over Australia have voted it one of the 10 best reads for December and January in Librarian's Choice

I have a more good news up my sleeve, but I'll save that until closer to the launch. Right now, I'm savouring every moment of this period and don't want to waste a second as I'll never release my first book again! 

Roll on January 1, 2018, so The Sisters' Song can go out into the world!

THE SISTERS' SONG

BOOK LAUNCH

If you live in Perth, come and celebrate the release of The Sisters’ Song with me!
 
The wonderful author, Natasha Lester, will be launching my book, and there'll be food and drinks, as well as a couple of speeches (I promise to keep them short!). Also, in keeping with the title of the book, there will be some music and song. 

Date: 2 February, 2018
Time: 6:30pm
Where: The Pelican Centre, Cnr Shenton Road and Derby Street, Swanbourne, Perth
More Details: Free event but due to the size of the venue, numbers will be limited, so please RSVP by replying to this email or via my website to ensure your spot.
AUTHOR EVENTS
 
My 2018 calendar is starting to fill and I've begun listing author bookings under the Events heading on my website. Check there regularly if you'd like to see where I'll be speaking. (I'll also share these events on Facebook and Twitter closer to the dates.)

I'm available to give author talks at your library, bookshop, writing group or book club. You can either contact me by replying to this newsletter or via my website.
PRE-ORDER
THE SISTERS' SONG

Pre-ordering a copy of The Sisters' Song means that as soon as release day arrives, it will be packaged and posted so you get it as quickly as possible. If you pre-order the e-book form, it will appear in your kindle automatically on 1 January.
 
Pre-ordering also helps authors by telling bookstores that people want this book, which makes them stock more copies, which means more people see it and buy it. 

So, if you know you want to read The Sisters' Song, here's where you can pre-order it:

 
GOODREADS GIVEAWAY

Allen and Unwin have made 20 more copies of The Sisters' Song available to win over at Goodreads. The giveaway runs until 20 December, so if you'd like to receive a copy before everyone else, click here to be in the running.

HOW TO WRITE A BOOK


I've been busy preparing essays and guest blog posts for the release of The Sisters' Song, so I've done very little writing for my blog. I did write one post, a story about seeking feedback on your writing. Getting feedback is one of the hardest things about this writing gig, but it's something we all need to be able to cope with, as all writers need it, no matter what stage of their career they're at. 

Allison Tait, the author of the Ateban Cipher series, wrote a guest post about writing your second book. I'm really struggling with mine—firstly, to find the time, secondly, to find the mental space, and, thirdly, to get motivated to write the damn thing. Allison's post has some fantastic and practical tips so, if you're like me and struggling to sink your teeth into your second project, this post might help.

WRITERS IN THE ATTIC


I've had four wonderful writers visit the attic since my last newsletter. Sasha Wasley wrote one of the most popular posts ever in this series: We Need to Talk About Writer Jealousy. We all feel it and there's no shame in admitting it. In this post, Sasha talks about ways to rise above it.

Theresa Smith, in The Bend in My Writing Road, talks about the different forms writing can take and how taking on the mantle of Historical Fiction Editor for the Australian Women Writers' Challenge, and reviewing books instead of writing her own, is fulfilling for her at the moment.  

Kali Napier's debut novel, The Secrets at Ocean's Edge, is coming out in February next year, and she wrote a beautiful essay, Getting Personal, about how she became a writer and how much we reveal about ourselves in our fiction. 

I completely related to Shahina Braganza's post, Converting Chaos Into Order, in which she wrote how writing helps decompress her brain and sorts all the things that threaten to explode out of it. She also takes us through her childhood in India and Zambia, and her early writing ventures.  

I have two more guests to come in 2017. Stephanie Parkyn is up next with her essay, 'On Building Heart – and finding writing wisdom in unlikely places'. Steph lives in Tasmania and her book, Into the World, has recently been released with Allen and Unwin.

My last guest for the year is the inimitable Milly Schmidt, and I'm looking forward to sharing her essay about stapling your rejections to your chest and continuing to wade into battle.

I'll finish the year with a post from me as I've not written for this series yet. I have no idea what I'll write about—the freedom of the blank page can be quite daunting! So, if you have any suggestions or something you'd like me to write about, please let me know.

Because of my book's January release, I'm not sure when I'll start the 'Writers in the Attic' series up again. I'll endeavour to get it going in some shape or form as early as possible in the New Year, and I'll give everyone plenty of notice. So keep an eye out ...
DOCTORS WHO WRITE FACEBOOK GROUP

If you're a doctor, former doctor or doctor-to-be who writes or dabbles in writing in any way shape or form, please join our Facebook group, Doctors Who Write. It's a very informal group where we talk writerly stuff, and we'd love to have you.

DOWNUNDER NaNoWriMo


I actually write best when I can totally immerse myself in my story and its world. When it comes to writing, I'm not a multi-tasker—I love being utterly consumed by my WIP. 

A few years ago, I read this article in The Guardian and discovered it's something I share with Kazuo Ishiguro, who went on a crash writing intensive over a four week period so he could write The Remains of the Day.

So, bar something drastic happening, I'm planning on doing a similar thing in May 2018. May is really the November of the southern hemisphere, so it seems like a good a time to do a Downunder NaNoWriMo. 

If you want to join me, keep May 2018 clear in your diary. That's plenty of notice and, please, hold me to my promise, too!
QUOTE

If Sondheim says that diving in at the deep end and running before we can walk to face the lion in the den (I love a good mixed metaphor) is a good thing, it must be true!

GIVEAWAY WINNER

The lucky winner of the month's subscriber prize of an 'Excellent Women' notebook, a V&A bookmark and a 'bookshelf' tea towel is #133, Jennifer—I don't have a surname, but I do have an email, so I'll be in touch soon, Jennifer, for your address.
 
A reminder to anyone who's not on my mailing list that you can sign up here. Not only will you then receive this wonderful newsletter straight to your inbox, but you'll also be in the running for giveaways like this one! 
That's it for my November news. By the time my next newsletter comes out, my book will be ready to burst from its box and onto the shelf. Please keep an eye out for it as I'd love to see a few 'shelfies'!

Also, keep an eye on my website, Facebook page and Twitter feed for upcoming engagements, interviews and guest blogs, as well as any hot news about my book.

With all the excitement of my book's release, I'd better say Merry Christmas to you all now in case I forget about Christmas this year! 

See you just before the New Year!
 
Louise x
Copyright © 2017 Louise Allan, All rights reserved.


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