I’m just checking the page proofs for the print versions of the first 4 books in the Golden Redepenning series. I’m using a New Zealand printer for a physical book launch in the first book shop in New Zealand to carry my print books, Almo’s Books, in Carterton.

I’m organising long distance, since I didn’t get everything done before I received the three grandchildren I’m looking after while their mother has a much overdue and well-deserved holiday. I had them at my place last weekend, and now I’m at theirs for a week.

Aren’t the colours great? I wanted each of the books to be different, but clearly related. The spines need a bit of adjustment, but the printer emailed me the measurements, and I fixed them before I left Featherston.

I could maybe have used reversed text for my author piece on Realm, but otherwise, I’m pretty happy.

Now to check the contents.

Sometime in the next two days I need to print the posters I made before I left, and email them to the 5 local libraries and the various community centres with a request to put them up on noticeboards.

I’ve made a Facebook event, and I need to share it around. I’d like to get my invitations handed out on the train where I wrote at least half of each novel, but I’ll have to figure out how to do that long distance.

And then I need to update the sales one-pager for each book and send it to bookshops, and make sure that my updates at the National Library and Nielson Book Editor have taken effect.

And write a speech.

All this while prioritising the grandchildren and the day job. Sigh.

Meanwhile, I’m close to finishing The Gingerbread Caper, and the house is back on the market with a new agent — I still have the windows and oven to clean and one large garden to weed, but we’re at least ready for the photos, if not for the open homes.

Lists. I need lists

If you’re in the Wellington area on 24 September, please join me for a convivial evening at Almo’s Books. 6pm to 7.30 pm. I’d love to see you.