The Last Plantagenet? by guest author Jennifer C. Wilson
It is a great pleasure to welcome my friend, Jennifer C. Wilson to my blog today, to talk about her most recent publication, the novella, The Last Plantagenet?. It is available to purchase from Amazon.
Hi Val, and thanks so much for inviting me along to your blog today.
I cannot believe it’s been a whole month since The Last Plantagenet? was published. It’s absolutely flown by!
TLP (easier to type!) first came to light as a concept years ago, as an idea for a new Mills and Boon imprint, but I soon realised that wasn’t going to happen, and so in January this year, I decided to push ahead, and try it as an experiment in self-publishing. Since starting the North Tyneside Writers’ Circle, I’ve wanted to do different bits and bobs, writing-wise, just in case anyone asks about it, and I knew I had enough people I could ask for help, if needed, so it seemed a good idea!
Weirdly, other than tackling Amazon’s tax system (thank you Liz Hurst!), the process itself was actually quite good fun! Picking out cover art ideas, talking to Soqoqo Design about how the finished work should look, and going through the edits from Elementary V. Watson – it was so much fun, I’m tempted to do it again as soon as I can.
It was also, oddly, a slightly calmer process than for either of the Kindred Spirits novels. I think, because I couldn’t let anyone down… If, heaven forbid, I’d only sold one copy and that had been torn to shreds by a reviewer, I would have been distraught, yes, but only for myself, if that makes sense?
So, we’re now a month in, and what’s the latest? Well, I’ve had seven (at the time of writing) lovely reviews, including my favourite quote of every review of my work ever: “Whimsical, but historically sharp”. I think I’ll have that put on a t-shirt. And the Amazon rankings haven’t been too bad either; at one point, I made it to the Top Ten position in two of my sub-categories. That was such a thrill! Even more thrilling, even though I know nothing for certain, the rankings of the two Kindreds also seem to have jumped up a bit since the launch on 2nd October.
Putting all of this together, and it’s proved that: 1) I can do this; 2) I’ve enjoyed doing this; and 3) it’s been a not-so-unsuccessful process.
It’s also been an educational one; with every book now, I’m learning more, and feeling more confident going about the preparation, the launch, the whole process. Being responsible for the whole thing this time around has, I think, made me feel as though if I get the chance to do all of this again, I’ll manage it more smoothly again.
I suppose the main thing for it now then, is to keep writing, and get the WIP knocked into shape. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do it all again soon!
About Jennifer
Jennifer is a marine biologist by training, who spent much of her childhood stalking Mary, Queen of Scots (initially accidentally, but then with intention). She completed her BSc and MSc at the University of Hull, and has worked as a marine environmental consulting since graduating. Enrolling on an adult education workshop on her return to the north-east reignited Jennifer’s pastime of creative writing, and she has been filling notebooks ever since. In 2014, Jennifer won the Story Tyne short story competition, and also continues to develop her poetic voice, reading at a number of events, and with several pieces available online. She is also part of The Next Page, running workshops and other literary events in North Tyneside.
Jennifer’s debut novel, Kindred Spirits: Tower of London, was released by Crooked Cat Books in October 2015, with Kindred Spirits: Royal Mile following in June 2017. She can be found online at her website, on Twitter and Facebook, as well as at The Next Page’s website. Her timeslip historical romance, The Last Plantagenet? Is available for download from Amazon.
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