It was during this time that the idea of writing a book emerged as an intriguing endeavour, even though it had never crossed my mind before. I began to ponder on the theme and purpose of this potential literary journey. To help me navigate this uncharted territory, I turned to the internet for guidance and stumbled upon a message from The Writer targeting first-time book authors. It read: 

"As an older writer, you have a wealth of wisdom and memories to share with the world, but sometimes fear can get in the way of putting yourself on the page. Others find it hard to select a starting point or can't decide on the theme to settle on. You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what's burning inside you."

With those words, I found my inspiration and chose the theme of ordinary life as a platform for greater things. Our daily existence, encompassing work, family, and social life, serves as a compelling backdrop for the development of a Christian life.

The Journey Begins

Little did I know what was in store for me as I embarked on this endeavour. Writing a book and getting it published was a far more intricate process than I initially imagined. My interactions with publishers, who you might think would be enthusiastic about my work due to their specialisations, proved to be disappointing. Some simply weren't interested, while others didn't even bother to respond to my submissions.

I received various forms of advice, such as "It's not clear what you want to say" and "You have to figure it out before you go any further." Some suggested I consult books on writing at the library to align my work with established authors' recommendations. But, honestly, I didn't have the time or desire to become a professional writer. My sole intention was to share what I had learned with the hope that it would be of use to readers.

The Bumps in the Road

On one occasion, I believed I had found the perfect publisher. After engaging with one of their editors in a friendly manner for some time, it was revealed, with the help of a lawyer and an accountant, that it was, in fact, a scam. Fortunately, I didn't lose any money, but it was yet another setback.

A Fortunate Discovery 

Finally, my book found its way into the hands of Gold Wind Limited Publishers in the UK, which I discovered online. This turned out to be a stroke of luck. Their evaluation and feedback reassured me that I had achieved my goal with the book. Their comments included phrases like:

"The opening section offers insightful glimpses into the subject and prepares the reader for the content ahead. You paint a vivid picture, leaving no doubt that readers are in for an enlightening and well-organised read. The explanation of the book's content and context convinces anyone who picks it up that they are about to embark on an instructive reading experience.

While your content is practical and purposeful, the quality of your writing adds that extra touch. Your style flows naturally, and your top-notch narrative technique absorbs the reader, keeping their attention throughout."

This praise came as a pleasant surprise after the challenges I had faced earlier. I couldn't help but recall the invaluable assistance I received from Anne, who helped me refine my English and content, as well as those individuals who preferred not to be mentioned but played significant roles in my journey, such as Marie, Maire, Amelia, and Anne Caroline.

Conclusion

In the end, this journey into writing and publishing a book proved to be a rewarding and enjoyable adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone inclined to embark on a similar path.

To find out more about my book, please click here.