The smell of new books

There's nothing like that wonderful smell of fresh new paper. That sense of being the first reader ever to open this particular new book. The way the spine gives, just a little, however carefully you handle it. The smoothness of the cover under your fingers. And, I've discovered - it's even better when the book is one you wrote yourself.

The postman woke me at 7:30 this morning with a parcel - and yes! it contained twelve paperback copies of 'Coping with Chloe', beautifully produced, no typos that I can see, an enticing blurb, and all in the most gorgeous blue, white and and gold covers.

Yes, I know, I'm biased. But I really do think that my publishers, Phoenix Yard Books, have done an excellent job, as have the copy-editor, the printers, the cover designer and everyone else involved. It's been a pleasure to work with Emma Langley and her team at the Yard, and I can't wait to meet more of them at the launch party in April.

Thanks too to all my writing friends, including the Earlyworks and Writers Talkback people, who have kept me afloat through the various disappointments and disasters in my writing life so far.

It's tempting to take the day off and spend it fondling and sniffing my new books, but no. Time to press on with the latest, which is looking as though it may have to be an e-book, for various reasons I will explain next time...