A busy week for Wordwatchers
February 1, 2012
This week Wordwatchers went to the pub, the Lock, Stock and Barrel to be precise, to meet up with a clutch of potential new members.
We met up with Chris, a journalist who has written and self-published a children’s book. Also, John, who left us in awe at his dedication (and expenditure) of getting a professional looking novel to market (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chasing-Innocence-ebook/dp/B006Z0KYEQ) without going the traditional route of finding a mainstream publisher. Finally, Sarah, who amazingly has two book projects on the go at the same time (http://sarahpjwhite.com/) and is no stranger to self-publishing, something that Wordwatchers keeps circling around as an alternative idea to begging/pleading/getting lucky with an agent/editor/publisher.
We also decided to “squeeze up” at the next meeting rather than face the slightly uncomfortable proposition that Wordwatchers was too big to support such a number (or at least only a few of us have enough chairs/sitting room space to host the meetings). If the popularity of the group continues to grow, we may have to face this demon again.
It’s also a busy week in particular for Charlotte whose first published novel The Apothecary’s Daughter which has been out in Hardback and Kindle for some time, finally comes out in Paperback tomorrow (2nd). Although a quick check on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apothecarys-Daughter-Charlotte-Betts/dp/0749954493/) indicates that they’ve jumped the gun by a few hours and that it’s already available for purchase.
If you’d like a signed copy of the novel and would like to meet Charlotte in person then you will find her a Waterstones in Newbury on Saturday 11th February between 11am and 3pm. The rest of Wordwatchers will be dipping in and out for moral support.
John Potter's sensational fast-paced thriller, available now. 
John Potter explores the interesting balance between solitude and collaboration. 
Charlotte Betts' wonderful historical novel, available now. 
now, Wordwatchers' own Charlotte has been featured in Writing Magazine.
It was lovely to meet you all – can’t wait for the March meeting – and I’m sure you will be having to face popularity issues again in the very near future! Congratulations to both Chris and Charlotte for their publishing accomplishments.