There’s been a bit of stuff going on around here lately, which is making my long held vision of becoming a fulltime writer hover on the horizon. This is NOT because I have suddenly hit the New York bestseller lists and the money is pouring in, although as I write, Kindle Direct Publishing for Absolute Beginners has an orange ‘bestseller’ flag in Amazon’s Electronic Publishing category – which may have disappeared by the time you read this.
119419479 © Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com
My current situation has arisen because of redundancy from my part-time job in IT and being at very high risk of losing my library position as well (due to council cuts). On top of this, the gearbox in my old car is making clunky noises and will cost more than the car is worth to replace. So, there’s been a lot to think about and not a lot of writing or blogging has been happening.
However, I have not been totally idle. I’ve been preparing an author talk based around the inspiration for Little Museum of Hope. The first outing for the talk is Friday 9th February at Mere Green library in Sutton Coldfield – I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it will be well received!
And on the evening of Friday 23rd February I will be taking part in a Women’s Fiction panel at the Museum of Cannock Chase, organised by the lovely Kim Nash. It’s the first time I’ve been involved in a panel event so it will be an interesting experience.
Moving away from my life, I’ve spotted an unusual ‘competition’ for historical fiction writers from Sapere Books. On their website are a selection of outlines for historical fiction series. Choose one of the briefs and write a synopsis and the first three chapters of the first book in the series. As the prize will be a contract for a five-book series, ideas and outlines for the next four books in the series are also welcomed. The competition appears to be open to all writers, published or unpublished but do check all the details. The closing date is 31st May 2024.
Finally, if you enjoy reviewing WWII sagas, take a look at Helen Yendall’s latest book on Netgalley. I think it might tempt you!
Sally Jenkins 
#1 by gailaldwin on February 6, 2024 - 7:46 am
Glad you’re still able to keep up promotion of your books – and hope the work situation is resolved!
#2 by Sally Jenkins on February 6, 2024 - 1:26 pm
Thanks 😊
#3 by Sharon Boothroyd on February 6, 2024 - 12:24 pm
I’m sorry to hear about your redundancy, Sally. I hope you manage to hang on to your library job. Most paid writers don’t manage to make a good, full- time living from their endeavours. It’s only the best- selling novelists, or staff on mags or newspapers that clinch financial security. Good luck in all you do.
#4 by Sally Jenkins on February 6, 2024 - 1:27 pm
Thanks Sharon 😊
#5 by Julia Thorley on February 6, 2024 - 2:03 pm
I’ve just interviewed crime thriller author N V Peacock for online news outlet NN Journal, and she told me she has never regretted giving up the day job, even though it was a scary leap of faith. In other news, Mr Thorley and I have just gone down to one car; it’s fine – all I’ll say is that logistics is now a feature in our lives!
#6 by Sally Jenkins on February 6, 2024 - 3:28 pm
Thanks, Julia!
Can’t go down to one car yet because my husband needs one every day for work. But I’m sure it will all work out 👍
#7 by susanjanejones on February 10, 2024 - 11:21 am
Hi, Sally. It’s tricky isn’t it? I have done part time jobs for a while now as I need time to write, though looking after mom and dad became full time, over recent years, as well. Now it’s my time to get on with it, so getting to grips with it!
Good luck with your plans.
#8 by Sally Jenkins on February 10, 2024 - 2:45 pm
Life does have a habit of getting in the way 😌, doesn’t it? All the best to you too, Susan.
#9 by The Book Marketing Nook on February 22, 2024 - 10:54 pm
Good luck, Sally. I hope that your author talks go well and that your job and car concerns are resolved soon. 🙂
#10 by Sally Jenkins on February 28, 2024 - 4:38 pm
Thank you!