Publication of a new book is a fraught affair! There is great relief, yes, and also a very genuine sense of achievement. Writing books does not become easier even when it is a life’s work. So holding onto that sense of, “It’s done,” is really important. But, at this early stage, your book is also so newly “out there”, not coming fully to life until readers pick it up, choose it, and use it. Then it becomes the intimate conversation it was always meant to be: from my life and heart, to yours.

Your responses are precious. Obviously buying the book is helpful – but I also encourage you to order it in to your local library so that others will come across it, perhaps people who cannot buy books and might have anxiety that they would be very glad to tame.

Readers and writers are a community – a community that cares.  Your reviews on public sites, your comments to friends: it all builds community. It all builds care.

I am also grateful to my publishers: Allen and Unwin in Australia and New Zealand, and in 2024, the book will be published by St Martin’s Press, NYC, for the North American market.