It's been a funny few weeks. Funny odd, not funny ha-ha.
As the world seems to have turned upside down and uncertainty spreads like a virus throughout our land, I sometimes wonder if my little novel has any real place in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps it's just that awful self doubt that creeps into a writer's mind from time to time. Those old voices telling you that you're nothing special, that no-one is interested in your scribblings, that you're not as good as you think you are.
I listened to those voices for years. Too many years.
I don't hear them as often now. And I know they've only resurfaced because for the past few weeks I've been unwell - a flu that refuses to let go. Feeling sorry for myself is one of the pitiful side effects. Then I remind myself that I have supporters, people who believe in me - and the world rights itself, and my novel finds its place.
Nothing however, not even the flu, has prevented me from forging ahead. Perhaps I should give myself credit for the fact that despite feeling low the final proof of the novel is complete, at last. I'll be reading through it one final time within the next week or so just to be absolutely sure it is exactly how I want it to be. The front cover proof is complete too - just a little bit of tweaking to do. I am also organising my marketing campaign, which is a huge amount of work in itself, but I feel I am almost there now. The end is finally in sight.
Or is this just the beginning? Time will tell. It always does.
As for that 'big announcement', well, due to forces beyond my control that will have to wait. I don't mean to tease, but, there it is. The publication date for A Murder Of Crows has been delayed until late January. I can tell you that there is a very, very good reason for this and it will be worth the wait.
In the meantime here is the current version of the front cover - as my patrons you are the first in the world to see it. And for those of you who pledged at the level where you will receive a print of the cover I hope you will agree that it is very striking.
A great deal of work went into getting the atmosphere just right. See how the crow's eye looks like a blood red moon, with a scythe of light across it? That's no coincidence. It ties in very nicely with the imagery running throughout the book.
I will not be sharing this post on social media for once, so this blog is for your eyes only, dear patrons, and I hope you resist the temptation to share the cover image until it is properly unveiled next year.
So, until then, when I will have some very exciting news for you (I promise!) thank you once again for your kind support - and your patience.
Have a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Yours truly and sincerely,
Ian.