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I was in the Manning Valley reading through the first proofs of ‘Monsoon’, my new book (set in Vietnam, due out in November), when I was called to the publisher’s in Sydney for a marketing meeting. It was interesting, and heartening, to see how the graph heads upwards for my books. The Valley has already sold more than The Reef in trade paperback and the smaller A format combined. The small edition – A Format - of The Valley will be out in September. It’s going to be a big book Xmas so we have to be strategic in how we market the new one. Wisely, the publisher has held back some of the budget in case the election hits at peak book buying time, because then they tell me, no one buys anything for two weeks. So we’ll have to spend extra if needed to remind readers life goes on even if the government changes!
After the marketing presentation I was taken to a swish lunch at The Quay overlooking the overseas terminal with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the background. I had pearl meat – a treat I discovered in Broome. It was a lunch where we discussed future books, making me more “international”, and what I might do with the next book. I have to start researching and travelling through September. I’m looking forward to a break, discussing the next four books was a bit overwhelming.
I managed to catch up with old Byron pal Gary Elton who is now building magnificent homes in Thailand in beautiful Koi Samui. He still would like to have a home back in Byron.
The most difficult part of the day – and evening – came with switching from a mobile phone to a Blackberry so I can receive emails, text messages as well as phone calls while travelling in the USA. The young IT man was patient but I’m still not totally au fait with it – the buttons are so small! Saturday was the forty first anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan – we were in Vietnam this time last year – and I have written about it in “Monsoon.” When I decided to set a book there some people were dubious about its appeal. Now the publisher tells me it is the “place du jour” so very timely. I hope so!
Cheers.
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