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To launch or not to launch

7/4/2016

I never thought it worth bothering with a book launch--that always seemed to me to be for famous authors, Ian McEwan or William Boyd, not Joan Fallon. But when my latest book, Palette of Secrets, was published, the publisher suggested having a launch. Now, living in Spain, as I do, there are not many English language bookshops--the usual place to launch a book--so, after a lot of thought, I decided to hold it in a local restaurant, close to the sea, and with plenty of space. It worked out better than I could have expected. A good crowd of people came along, some old friends and some, hopefully, new friends, some who had read my books and others who were interested in reading them, but all people who enjoyed a good book. The local press turned up and took some photographs. The food, a selection of excellent tapas--tortilla with broad beans, spring rolls, salmon mousse and much more--was delicious and, as it was lunchtime, people felt free to have a glass of wine or two to accompany it. It was relaxed and informal. I made a short introduction half way through and then a good friend read an extract from my book. It was a family effort - my daughter took photographs and my husband was in charge of selling books. I just had a good time!
So now I just want to say thank you to everyone who came along for making it such a success.

Palette of Secrets is available in paperback and as an ebook from Amazon and direct from S&H Publishing.

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NOW ALL THAT REMAINS IS TO SELL SOME BOOKS

3/4/2016

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My latest novel is finished, edited, proofread, and edited again and proofread again, and again until I feel I know the words by heart. The cover is completed, the ARC reviews are done, the publisher is happy and now all that remains is the big day - TODAY it goes live. It is also my husband's birthday, so we are doubly celebrating. And next week we will have an official launch.
The story, of an ageing artist, takes a good look at what it feels like to grow old, when your body no longer does what you want it to but your mind says that nothing has changed. The heroine, Nancy Miller is successful but reclusive and it turns out that there is a reason for her reclusiveness. There are things in her past that she wants to keep hidden. When she finds herself agreeing to write her memoirs, with the aid of a young woman called Ana, she realises that there is a danger that her secrets will be revealed and that could mean disaster for her and her reputation. Worse still what will her family will think about her past actions?
When I write, especially when I am creating my characters, I can visualise them. I often start with someone I know, or have seen frequently and use them as a base or template for my character. I can hear how they speak, their tone of voice, maybe the way they walk or the things that they might say. By the end of the process that character has metamorphosed into someone unique, my own creation. That is what happened with Nancy. I would recognise her if I met her in the street. Sharp-tongued, funny, sometimes completely lucid, others forgetful, she is someone struggling to come to terms with her advancing years. I'm sure Maggie Smith could play her role excellently.

Available in paperback and as an ebook from Amazon and S&H Publishing

Poignant and perceptive
A ghost writer oversteps her brief and a successful artist’s carefully constructed world unravels. This is a poignant, sometimes disturbing and sad read brought to life by the very real portrayal of an elderly woman re-living the past, and failing to see why she should be looking forward to what is left of her life. Readers who enjoy Fallon’s gently paced, perceptive prose will find much to think about in this novel. (JG Harlond THE CHOSEN MAN)

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To launch or not to launch

NOW ALL THAT REMAINS IS TO SELL SOME BOOKS

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