Countdown to Riff-Raffles: The Final Countdown!
The countdown to publication of Riff-Raffles is now almost over! My publisher has advised that the book will be out within the next two weeks or so — certainly before end May. I am mightily relieved as my fingers have been gnawed down to my knuckles already!
So it is now almost the day of reckoning. The lions are prowling the amphitheatre, restless, and hungry for my flesh. The gladiators stand with their musclebound bodies armed with swords, spears, tripods, shields and nets whilst I am exposed with only my pen as my defence. Whilst the pen may be considered by some to be mightier than the sword, at this precise moment, I would rather have something a little more comforting; a Kalashnikov would do just nicely!
My friends have told me that there is nothing to worry about — that simply having a book published is in itself an achievement. They say it does not matter whether people buy the book or whether those that do love it or loathe it, achieving publication is, in itself, enough. What do they know? Of course it bloody well matters! Do they think that I set out to spend several months writing, proof reading, editing and seeking a publisher just to see my name written on the cover of a book with no regard for how it is received?
Actually even just seeing my name on the cover nearly did not happen. I was sent the cover design by the publishers the other day. It is in cartoon form as had been discussed and looked good although something just did not seem to be quite right. I studied the front cover for several minutes, looked at the spine, viewed the back cover and, eventually, realised my name was nowhere to be seen. Fortunately I had this opportunity to proof the design prior to everything being sent to the printers and the oversight has now, so I am told, been addressed.
I am not seeking any great acclaim; I am not expecting to replace J.K. Rowling at the top of the best seller list and have no dreams of needing to rent a tuxedo to collect a prize and the next Booker awards. All I really want is to know that my book is enjoyed for what it is, that it makes that choose to read it laugh a few times and when they finish, have the feeling that it was worth their investment. Now that is not a lot to ask is it?
I will therefore likely do a lot of pacing up and down over the next two weeks. I will find it hard to concentrate on anything else and fail miserably in trying to put the impending publication to the back of my mind. Events are now outside of my control and nothing I say or do can change the verdicts soon to be delivered. I would plead for mercy but such please are likely to go unheard.
I will have to accept whatever fate may befall me. I can now only stand and await the Emperors verdict, staring at his thumb to see in which direction it will be pointed!
