I’m not exactly the stereotypical reclusive author – after all, my day job (anti-money laundering consultant) often involves standing up in front of audiences of hundreds to spread the AML message). And I LOVE talking to people. But I am English, and in our DNA – along with the love of crumpets and an ability to make a decent conversation out of any type of weather at all – is a certain modesty, and in particular a horror of blowing one’s own trumpet. So when an Englishwoman (oh, let’s say me) decides to write a series of books (let’s take “Fatal Forgery” and “The Man in the Canary Waistcoat” as random examples) and then publish them without the back-up of a traditional publishing house and their marketing department, we get a basic, almost visceral, conflict.
I am very proud of both “FF” and “Canary”. And I know from their reviews that they are good books that people enjoy reading. They look amazing, thanks to the sterling work of the cover designer. So what’s not to sell? And yet I find it remarkably difficult to shoehorn into conversations, “Oh, and did you know that I have written two novels? Here they are *delves into capacious handbag* – please do buy them.” I just can’t do it. So this coming few days is a real test for me.
Tomorrow I am going to London for the day (great excitement – I shall doubtless have M&S iced buns on the train), mainly to attend an evening Christmas drinks party at Hammicks in Fleet Street. (This is the delightful legal bookshop that is not only stocking my books, but also featuring “Canary” in its Christmas promotion and window.) The place will be stuffed with potential buyers – legally-minded book-lovers – and I will have to overcome my reserve so that I can point out my books, and the short distance between them and the till. I have decided to wear a bright pink dress so that I will be visible among the legal black, so there’s no hiding.
And on Saturday I am spending the day on the “Books, Beautiful Books!” stall at the Mill Road Winter Fair here in Cambridge. I’ve told you about it before, and plans proceed apace. We’ll be just over the road from the police station, so perhaps a book involving the early history of policing will hit the spot. Ever the optimist, I have stocked up on £1 coins and £5 notes so that I can give change, and am offering a cover price discount to draw in the crowds. Perhaps I should take inspiration from the market-sellers who do this for a living – “I’m not asking for £10, I’m not even asking for £8…!”
Susan Grossey 
Susan, Good Luck with it all. I didn’t realise you are Cambridge based…we are just up the road in the Fens 🙂 I would have loved to come on Saturday, to give you some support, but I’ll be doing my very first book signing at the bookshop. in my old home town Epping. I also have a nerve wracking experience Friday, as will be on Chelmsford Community radio. From one indie author to another The VERY BEST OF LUCK, have just got a copy of Canary, really looking forward to reading it, love you work x
Dear Janis
A book-signing – how exciting! I wish you a comfy chair, a good pen and a long queue of readers! As for the radio, I am sure you will be fine – it’s just like chatting to a friend, I find. I’ve never been on telly, but that must be much worse, with the camera pointing at you…
And thank you for your very lovely words about “Canary” – I really hope you enjoy it.
As you say, from one indie to another, the VERY BEST OF LUCK!
Best wishes from Susan