Launch Day Has Arrived. Here’s What Nobody Tells You
Today is the day – Where Stories Lie Buried, my memoir, is officially launched, but let me give you a peek into the life of an author leading up to this time.
There is nothing quite like opening the box of books from the printer and holding one in your hand. The sense of achievement, the relief the hard work of writing is over (until the next time), and the feelings of joy and self-worth fills the moment.
In this modern day and age, you take photos and video that moment and post it on social media. You want to share your triumph with the world. You wait for the Ticks and Likes and Comments, the congratulations and GIFs, and, hopefully, some rewards.
What you don’t share is the disappointment when you unpack the box and find the books damaged by poor packing – the ones you can do nothing with. Nor do you share the frustration of talking in a chat box trying to get replacements and suggesting that better packaging would solve the problem for both parties.
More books are ordered – expedited at extra cost, to arrive quickly in time for the Official Launch at the library, or that talk you’ve been invited to give at that social club or organisation, hoping the damage won’t happen again. All of that stays in the background. That’s the business side of the process, the unglamorous and mundane part of being an author.
Where Stories Lie Buried shares all those moments: the struggles to put words together meaningfully; the pressure to promote and advertise to receive a modicum of return; the love-hate relationship with social media in a technological world you are striving to keep up with.
For genealogists, I’ve outlined my pathway, my methodology, my successes and failures – and a list of helpful research resources. I’m hoping some of it will resonate.
For writers, I’ve explained the arc of learning to write academic essays and thesis and then shifting to novel writing. I’ve highlighted the pitfalls of the language and suggested how to engage a reader. I’ve provided pages of handy hints and tips, and note pages I think you’ll find useful.
For readers, I’ve told my story spanning fifty plus years. There’s been some interesting moments.
I’ve written about the business of being an author, the craft of becoming an author, the thrill of finding a long lost relative and reliving their lifestyle through my novels.
I’m hoping Where Stories Lie Buried – A Memoir of a Genealogist Turned Author offers something to everyone.
From today the book is available from Amazon (digital and print), Paper Plus Browns Bay, or direct from me.
I’d be delighted if you would join me at the first official launch – Friday 25th September 2026. Orewa Library, at 10am. Morning tea provided.
