For those of you who have followed the ups and downs of our story over the past four years, you can now buy the book – and follow the continuing saga on our new blog site at https://myparallellives.com
When we first started documenting our experiences of living with the family between France and New Zealand, it was intended as little more than a travel diary for ourselves, family and friends. But, it turned out lots more people were interested in our experience.
Writing a book was not on the agenda, but has been both a labour of love and a massive learning curve. Self publishing has been a significant investment but has taught me everything I need to know about everything from structural editing to ISBNs, e-book conversions and everything in between. If I ever have it in me to write a second book the process will undoubtedly be smoother.
It turns out writing a book is mostly not about the writing! Having spent two months drafting, I then spent twice that in initial editing and peer review, before the professional editor took over for another 6 weeks of structural and copy editing. At the same time, I’ve had to make decisions about design, layout, photo selection, commissioning of illustrations and cover artwork. I’m delighted that food writer and fellow Francophile Allyson Gofton offered to pen the Foreword, and that the book has the seal of ‘approval’ from the Director of the Alliance Francaise Wellington. I’m now in a perfect storm of marketing, launch arrangements, publicity and media planning, sales and distribution.
The good news is, I have approved the print proof, and the first print run of 300 books should arrive on the doorstep any day now. I’m on tenterhooks.
I’m thrilled to be releasing the book at a local writers’ festival in Quillan, the town where the book is set, on 14 August. I’ll be launching in Wellington, New Zealand on 5 September and the book will then be available online and in selected bookshops.
In the meantime, you can back the book through my Kickstarter campaign – either by ordering a signed first edition copy, or supporting the publication in a range of other ways. Feel free to share.
Parallel Lives – Four Seasons in the French Pyrenees. Coming soon to a coffee table near you.
