Book Launch

Well, it's certainly been a crazy few weeks! I don't think I'll ever be able to explain the sheer joy and sense of achievement I felt at holding the very first copy of 'Close to the Soul' in my hands. It really was a magical moment for me.

Since then, it's been all systems go and my book is now available on numerous websites in hardback, paperback and kindle.

The initial response has been fantastic and I can't thank everybody enough for their love, support and encouragemnt (as well as their very kind words). So many people have asked for a signed copy so I've spent some time writing personal messages and shipping out books across the world. The lady at the post office gave me a curious look when she saw the stack of identical packages I placed on the counter, and when I told her what was in them she even asked where she could buy one! It was a great moment.

Chapters One and Two are available to read here (see the links at the top of the page). I really hope you enjoy them. I've also added links to Amazon should you wish to continue reading and find out exactly what Jim plans to do now he has Eva's resume in his pocket. You won't regret it!

Counting Down the Days

What a week it's been.

"You need to do some marketing!" everyone said. "You need to let everyone know that your book is about to be published! Get to it!"
So I set up a facebook page, set up a twitter account and set up this blog. And I followed and friended and commented and tweeted and updated my status and...

Wow. 

I know how important marketing is if I want the book to be successful, but I've come to realise that this 'hard work' is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I'm torn between going at it like a bull at a gate and backing off a little so I don't bore people to tears with my revelation that Chaper 1 is available to read.

(Have you read it yet? The link's at the top of the page!)

There's just a week and a half to go now and I can't wait; but I want to be ready. I want to know that I've done all I could possibly have done to make this launch a success. So, it's onwards and upwards.

If you're reading this, a comment - however short - would be very much appreciated. It'll be nice to know that someone, somewhere is reading my words!

Book Cover

I couldn't be happier with the final book cover design. To see it all come together - the image, the blurb and the strapline - makes it all seem so real now. I'm counting down the days until publication and I can't wait!

Let the Excitement Begin!

I'd just like to welcome you all to my blog (I'm hoping that at least a few people will be reading this), and tell you how excited I am that my first novel 'Close to the Soul' is about to be published within the next few days. I really can't wait...in fact I'm almost on the floor, let alone on the edge of my seat.

This book...this story...has been in my heart and soul for so long now. I've had enough writer's block, sleepless nights and self doubt to last me a lifetime and I've been living and dreaming the world of my protagonist for so long now that I'm not entirely sure if I'm him or he is me.
 
But now it's over. It's done. The book is ready for sale and I'm as nervous as hell.

I'm going to post the first chapter here, hopefully make some friends who can perhaps help me along the way and see what happens.

It's been one hell of a journey so far....but I know this is just the start.

Welcome to my blog,

Signing off to bite my fingernails,

F. Nizam