A chill day

A much more relaxed day, even though I was on Miami beach at 5 a.m. (A mistake – thought it was 6 a.m.) I was amazed by how many people was there at that time, way before the sun came up. By eight o’clock I’d done two hours workout, showered, dressed and was ready to eat breakfast.
Confirmed my flight to the Montserrat festival, 8-15 November. My eyes watered at the price as I gave my credit card details. I googled me and found quite a few references to my appearance at the festival, made me smile.
Sat on the beach and laughed out loud at Robert Rankin’s Dog Called Demolition as I watched the sun set. One day I’ll be able to write like that. Also practiced with the video camera. Tried to upload my efforts but apparently the files are too big. Will do better next time. Maybe a picture will suffice.
 
Tomorrow I’m going to talk to bookshops about taking my book.
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Lagging

Hard to believe I’ve only been here here two days. I feel really pleased with what I’ve acheived in that time. I completed the Starbroek News extensive list of questions, sent them a couple of photos and asked if they can hold the article till I’m there. Mainly because I haven’t sorted out local outlets for the book in Guyana. That’s been my biggest challenge since I got here. Getting the book into shops requires telephone and physical legwork. And the cut the shops take is phenomenal, 75% in the worst case so far. But what to do – book need exposure – that shop will certainly be a loss leader, but I’m prepared to go with it becuase they are quite a big chain here.
And I have to do it all again in Guyana. That’s a job for tomorrow.

Today I confirmed my radio interviews, Monday on Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) and Tuesday on Mix 96. Gives me enough time to physically get the books into the shops.

Tried to book my flight to Montserrat and had to sit down when I heard the price. Almost as much as the flight from Manchester to here. But it has to be done, so I’ll get on and do it tomorrow.

Had lots more planned but today the jet lag hit. By 2 p.m. I had to head for a sleep, think I need at least another 10 hours to get back to high functioning.

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The first leg of the journey

Arrived in Barbados after an enjoyable but slightly naughty flight. Sometimes I just let the child in me go wild. I pray always that God will make me a better person. Customs took a long time because, having declared that I had books as samples, and for possible sale, I was hit with a heavy duty. I could have lied (as in, simply not declared the books) but I’m trying to do business honestly. Everyone keeps telling me that you can’t succeed in business if you’re honest.

Barbados always feel like coming home. 30 degrees, and I got a text from home that the central heating isn’t working. How soon it feels like a million miles away.

I received a set of questions from the Starbroek News today for the article they’re going to run on Dare to Love. They’re making me think, especially questions like ‘how much of your personal circumstances are in the book?’ Hmmmm.

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Dare to Love on Amazon

My novel, Dare to Love, went onto Amazon today. What a journey!! Its not available for sale till January (official publication date) but can be pre-ordered at a reduced price. Available as ebook, however, at only 60% of hard copy price.

I’m so excited I could burst. I’ve got interviews with radio and TV lined up in Barbados, and Starbroek News in Guyana got back to me today and want to feature the book!! YEY. All this in addtion to the Alliogauna Literary Festival in Montserrat. God’s working overtime on my case. I appreciate it.

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Going to South America

Been telling everyone I’m going to the Caribbean, to Barbados, Montserrat and Guyana. Of course, as most of you already know, Guyana is in South America. DOH!! Will be my first time in South America. Also just discovered we will be there during their elections campaigning. Should be interesting.

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Yeah! CD Done

Big tick in big box. My CD – Raw Vol 1&2 finally finished. Delivered today. Looks and sounds great! If only the novel had gone as smoothly, but as a good friend reminded me – everything in its own time. Today I’m happy with the CD.

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Notting Hill Carnival

The most peaceful in years, despite the fears.

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Newsnight on riots

I’m watching Newsnight and am appalled by the sheer lack of understanding by politicians of the problems that lead to the riots; or maybe they do understand and are just too cowardly to admit it. Too afraid to agree with the young man who pointed out that Britain is a society built on greed, that Britain was built on precisly the kind of actions the young people are engaged in, namely going in and looting from other countries. What are we doing in Iraq? Maybe at least some of these young people watch the news, and understand that there is a view that we went into Iraq on false information, and have stayed because of oil.

What happens when prople feel they have nothing to lose? For some of them, not all, they will act irresponsibly. I have great sympathy for the people who’ve lost their homes and livelihood. If it’s not to happen again we need to really start understanding that this society created these young people. We can’t expect them to change until we do. It takes a whole village to raise a child – actually with the advent of the media, it takes a whole country. We are all responsible for what is happening.

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The Red Lion

Last night I had the most randon and wonderful night. I had a Groupon voucher for the Red Lion in Hockley which ran out on the 13th. A they would not extend it I asked a friend of mine to go along with me. (Reason I asked for extension is that I normally have bellydance on Wed nights). They said no so I asked my friend to go with me. Spoke to my son (middle musician) at about one o’clock and he said he was doing an open mic gig at a pub called ‘Red Lion’ same night. To cut a long story short we met up. I had my meal, he did a brilliant job on the saxaphone and had everyone spell bound. Great food by the way at the Red Lion, Warstone Lane, Hockley, Birmingham 18. Also met Gerry who was manager of Steel Pulse way back. Mention it because my son Ash is nephew of Basil Gabbidon ex Steel Pulse base guitarist. It was a great night. Thanks guys for brightening up a pretty unintresting Wednesday. Looking forward to next month’s event.

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Final sum for Walkathon

Seems like ages since the walk and so much has happened since, a couple of performances (Bellydance and Poetry) and a trip to Canada. It took a while to collect it all in but the final sum was £663.60 (including giftaid).

I am bowled over by everyone’s generosity. A MASSIVE thank you to you all. Please see my website for all the names who made this possible.

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