Birth of an Author

Hi everyone

More than three years ago I wrote a manuscript that was a personal challenge...just to prove to myself that I could. Some close friends read it with mixed comments as you would imagine and a dear friend of mine, Emma kindly did an edit on it; and that was it. I sent a copy to President Ikeda of SGI (Soka Gakki International) lay Buddhist organisation as a thank you for all the encouragement he gives me, then placed it on a shelf, until April of this year.

I was introduced to Suzy Turner an author that now has six published books. She commented that I probably had enough material in my manuscript for two books and that she would kindly take me through the paces to become published; The flame was ignited, I have added an extra 25,000 words to make two books possible and have a fantastic editor in Ange Bell.

My name bit of an issue, it just didn't have enough ring to it, too attract readers (apparently) and what do I know, I'm new at this stuff.  So we decided to use my middle name Eleanor and soften my surname to Smythe ( or posh it up a bit). So now I have a double life, Author Eleanor Smythe or not so posh Christine Smith, I wish Eleanor would get her finger out and do all the house hold chores.

The first of the two books is now complete, all but some editing checks. The aim is to put the books out simultaneously so that interested readers don't have to wait too long for the second; i hate it when your left wondering. Book three is building momentum and just waiting for me to work a little harder.

I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I do I will post the front covers and keep you posted with regards to publishing dates. Bye for now xxx