The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Writer #16

A beginning and the end

So, as promised, a brief report on the local launch of Grosse Fugue at Waterstones Hampstead last Thursday.

Of course, I have nothing to judge it against and am wary of the plaudits of a sympathetic audience. But, suffice to say, the general verdict was very positive. My publishers were happy with the smoothness of the operation and both they and Waterstones were pleased with the number of copies sold and the genial atmosphere.  My speech seemed to go down well and, believe it or not, there’s now a video of it up on YouTube. Those of a nervous disposition are advised to give it a miss.

The bookshop is a tremendous space, on two levels (it used to be a Woolworths aeons ago). We had the upper floor, surrounded by books and much goodwill.  The posters in the window and around the shop and the invitations all added to the branding and sense of occasion. APP decided astutely against any reading (just as well considering that, in addition to having a face for radio I also have a voice for mime) so I was introduced by the Publishing Director and then gave a brief speech about what I was trying to achieve with the book and a few more personal observations.

That was followed by a gratifyingly long queue of people wanting me to sign their book. This was really strange as it cast me in a role for which no preparation was possible. My handwriting is dodgy at the best of times so I’m expecting a number of them to pop down to their local Boots to find out what I actually wrote. It was an exciting day, full of trepidation and excitement, uncertainty and hope.

So here I am, sixteen weeks after this blog series began, a published author with a great-looking book and a photo of me at its launch. The fate of Grosse Fugue is now in others’ hands, a truly strange feeling.

It seems the right time to conclude the weekly Loneliness of the Long-Distance Writer posts. With Bloomsbury’s indulgence I shall, perhaps, pop back from time to time and update you with news and developments, if that would be welcome.

It only remains to thank Writers & Artists for its hospitality and for allowing me to share my thoughts and experiences with you. Primarily, of course, I’m most grateful to everyone who has read this blog and, in particular, to all those who took the trouble to comment. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to write this series.

In parting, I’d like to revisit the second blog where I expressed the hope that, above all, the blogs would ensure that visitors realised they were not alone. Writing is a lonely business. It is easy to become disillusioned and full of doubt. But we do it because we cannot not. The voice within demands its freedom and we can do little but succumb.

I wish all my fellow writers a safe and successful journey towards that hallowed land where others hear the songs that play inside our head.

Ian Phillips is a freelance writer for businesses whose first novel, Grosse Fugue, is being published by Alliance Publishing Press. Further information is now available at www.alliancepublishingpress.com. The website dedicated to the novel is at www.grossefugue.com and  Ian’s tweeting developments @Ian_at_theWord.