Entry #39

Tuesday, 12 September 2023

11am

It’s the last day of our holiday and I’m actually sad to be leaving. Harry says he’s ready but, now that it comes down to it, I could happily manage a few more days. Maybe it’s because I didn’t get that beach walk I so wanted to round off the holiday. But I can’t complain – that only happened because we went visiting some friends for a swim in their pool and an aperitivo and had such a lovely time that we stayed for longer than expected. I will complain, however, if I get stung by the huge wasp that’s just flown into the house. Our German neighbours told us they’re actually hornets and if one of them stings you it can be really dangerous – apparently seven stings can kill a horse. Thankfully, the wasp flies outside again.

I may have dodged a sting but I still have several mosquito bites. After managing to avoid being savaged for most of the holiday, last night I was defeated and today have a line of bites down one leg, another around the opposite ankle, and even a couple on my fingers, which is a first. So I am looking forward to getting home and getting away from the mosquitoes. And I’m looking forward to getting stuck into work - not just writing the new book but preparing for the release of One Love. Yesterday, the new marketing manager assigned by my publisher emailed to ask if I was interested in being set up as an e-commerce creator on TikTok shop and I didn’t understand any of it but was over the moon that finally someone in marketing is doing something and taking some initiative – and responded with a resounding YES.

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I also received a text message from one of the bosses of Manchester Pride, who I approached as not only am I an ambassador for the charity so already have a good relationship with the team but the present-tense timeline of One Love is set over the long weekend of Manchester Pride – so what better choice for a marketing partnership or collab? We sent over some proofs – advance reading copies – and have been waiting to hear what they think. But this senior figure just messaged to say, ‘I’ve finished the book and I just love it. It sent me on a real journey and I want to thank you for all of your work. I’ve truly never experienced anything like the feelings I had from reading this story and I can’t wait for you to get it out there!!’ First of all, it’s always lovely to get such positive feedback on a new book, one that’s still only been read by very few people. But also, I need to hear it for this book as I think it’s my best yet, it’s absolutely my queerest yet, but I’ve had to fight so hard to get it out there – and continue to have to fight. Anyway, it’s looking good as this senior figure has agreed to my suggestion of setting up a meeting with both marketing teams to see what we can cook up. The little wave of momentum prompted me to email my editor, saying, ‘I do think that going back to basics with this book is the right move – targeting readers who are from the north west and/or gay men/queer people. I think the straight women don’t want a version of the gay experience that they think has been written for them, they want the genuine article. So if we can get the hardback launch right I’m confident they’ll want to join the party!’ To which my editor responded very quickly that she agreed.

Finally, I’ve been looking over the research notes I’ve taken for the new book that’s going to be set in Italy and have realised there are lots. A few days ago, I wrote that I was confident the novel had taken shape in my head and was ready to come bursting out and onto the page. Now I’m slightly worried that I’ve collected too much information and won’t be able to see the wood for the trees – or won’t be able to hone in on what’s important emotionally. I think I need to get home, sift through my last batch of notes and then get started on that first draft!

I realise that just writing this has blasted away my sadness. And now – like Harry – I’m looking forward to getting home. Nothing fires me up or gets me excited quite like a new creative project. Before that, though, there’s the small matter of packing our things and packing up the house – stripping the beds, taking out the rubbish, and switching off the gas and electricity. Oh and taking some pics for Instagram! If this place is going to be the setting for my next book, I need to start splashing it all over my socials!

The Castle of Stories is out now, published by Pansy.