February 16, 2021

Publishing news: my third poetry collection is coming soon from Cyberwit Publishing!

Cover reveal! Finally I can share my big news. My third poetry collection, The Redundancy of Tautology, is forthcoming from Cyberwit Publishing. This is exciting news as it marks the publication of my first full book of poetry: A Model Archaeologist (Eyewear Publishing, 2015) and Chemotherapy for the Soul (Fowlpox Press, 2017) were both chapbooks.

I’m definitely thrilled. Hope you can share my exciting news. I’ll post links to buy a Paperback copy once it’s published. For now, if you want a taster of some poems in the collection, here are links to read them, for FREE, in the magazines where they were first published:

“The Redundancy of Tautology” first published in Dead Snakes Magazine, 2016.

“New-sense” first published in The Open Mouse, 2014.

“A faraday cage will keep you safe, Thou dost protest too much, Life is a-changing, Long haul, Show not tell, Ripe fruit” first published in Mudjob Magazine, 2013

“Landmass” first published in Jellyfish Whispers, 2013.

“English Litter-ature” first published in Boyslut Magazine, 2013.

And now I’m off to do a happy dance. Whoop, whoop! 💃

Posted by on February 16, 2021 in Books and tagged , , , .

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February 14, 2021

Happy Valentine’s Day 2021!

We’re celebrating Valentine’s Day the Japanese way, as we always do, which is for girls to give chocolates to guys – and await their turn on March 14th, or White Day. Here’s a chocolate cake that I made for the special guys in my life. As you can see, I’ll never be a professional cake decorator, but it’s the thought that counts! This one is made with almond flour, a perfect low-carb, high-protein treat.

Thank you to my new subscribers who have opted to receive email updates for my Newsletter. Your readership is very important to me and I hope you can stay tuned as I have some exciting publishing news coming soon…

Thanks also to my wonderful readers who have bought copies of my poetry or debut novel as part of the Valentine’s Day promotion I’m running. Remember, there is still 24 hours left to grab a book at an awesome discount – and on top of that, you’ll get free shipping with code Y5NLNJ. Such a steal!

Happy Valentine’s Day, hope it’s a good one for you! ❤️

Posted by on February 14, 2021 in Publishing and tagged , , , , , .

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February 5, 2021

Doing novel edits for a publisher

In my earlier posts on 8 December and 27 January, I mentioned that my novel (WIP 3) is under consideration by a US publisher. After my work is done each day, I’ve been taking a couple of hours in the late afternoon and early evening to read through my final draft, which I printed on Lulu last year, in preparation to make suggested edits that the publisher recommended.

Editing a novel for a publisher. I’ve got my work cut out for me!

Having a fresh set of eyes to look over my work is a good thing. I was so absorbed in the final draft and then the process of sending it out to publishers that I overlooked some issues with the characterisation and point of view that, thankfully, are minor and fixable. The point of view issues were intentional to show an unreliable narrator, but the publisher felt they could be too confusing for readers. I’m willing to straighten these out since it doesn’t take anything away from the story in the process. In addition to that, the opening chapter needs tweaking a little and a scene towards the end of the novel needs cut; on the reread, it wasn’t a good scene and doesn’t fit the protagonist’s character arc.

What could possibly be a distraction from my work? The Chalk Man! This book has been on my reading list for a while and arrived today in the post. To edit, or to read? Ah, the dilemma! One way or another, lots of tea is in order!

Posted by on February 5, 2021 in Novels, Writing and tagged , , .

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February 3, 2021

Happy World Read Aloud Day 2021

Happy World Read Aloud Day 2021! To celebrate, why not listen to a poem from my debut poetry collection and an excerpt from my debut novel. After all, sharing is caring! 😉

Since we’re still in lockdown here in Northern Ireland, I haven’t been able to do any live book events as I had planned, therefore I still have a few paperback copies of my novel for sale. I’m running a Valentine’s Day promotion on both A Model Archaeologist and Gods of Avalon Road until February 14th with free shipping using code Y5NLNJ.

Enjoy! 😊

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January 31, 2021

Valentine’s Day Promotion – Meandi Books on sale!

Valentine’s Day is almost here ❤️ To celebrate, both my debut poetry collection, A Model Archaeologist and debut novel, Gods of Avalon Road are on a discount offer at my online shop, Meandi Books, as a February promotion just to spread a little love! Both have archaeology-themes so would make a perfect purchase-couple if bought together, though equally will give you a good read as solo and proud! On sale until February 15th, and you’ll get a dedicated poem written, just for you with any purchase. 😉

Posted by on January 31, 2021 in Books and tagged , , , , .

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January 27, 2021

Exciting publishing news – manuscript update

Remember back in my post on 8 December I mentioned getting a full manuscript request from a publisher? (Here if you want to read it). Well, good news has arisen via a follow-up email. The US publisher sent me two pages of detailed feedback: a page describing parts of the story that the reviewer enjoyed as well as a page of points to improve. The acquisitions editor asked that I make some suggested revisions and resubmit the novel to the team.

Exciting or what? I’m definitely thrilled that there is strong interest in my book and that this seems to be more of a bite than a nibble. Here’s hoping my next post on this topic will be even better news. Stay tuned!

Posted by on January 27, 2021 in Novels, Writing and tagged , , , .

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January 22, 2021

Being an author with a small press publisher

I’ve decided to write a post to share my experience of being an author with a small press publisher, mainly since in the past month I’ve been PM’d for advice: first from a former colleague and teacher at a secondary school where I worked, asking about how to get published on behalf of a student, and more recently by a writer who has been offered his first contract seeking advice.

To date, I’ve had three books published with small press publishers: my debut poetry collection, A Model Archaeologist with London-based Eyewear Publisher in 2015; my second poetry collection, Chemotherapy for the Soul with Canadian publisher Fowlpox Press in 2017 and my debut novel, Gods of Avalon Road with UK based Blossom Spring Publishing in 2019.

Why did I choose small press publishers rather than large publishing houses?

Large publishers generally don’t allow unsolicited submissions; they only accept manuscripts submitted by agents. Since I don’t have an agent (hopefully some day) I felt it would be better use of my time to search for small publishers accepting in my relevant genre.

How did I find relevant small press publishers?

Primarily by searching for what I wanted. A good starting point is ‘publishers accepting unsolicited poetry/fantasy/literary (etc) manuscripts’ and going from there.

What helps to get a publisher’s attention?

Writing a punchy cover letter is key, since often this is as far as a publisher will get when reading your work. Rejections are just one of those things in the life of a writer; whilst never welcome, you get used to them eventually. For novels, having a sample of three chapters with your contact details included at the start, and a header with your name, email and page number helps too. You should also prepare a one page synopsis of your novel including all twists and turns and the ending.

Continue reading →

Posted by on January 22, 2021 in Novels, Poetry, Publishing, Resources, Writing and tagged , , , .

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December 31, 2020

Happy Old Year’s Night! A round-up of all things 2020

2021 will soon be dawning upon us here in the UK. To our friends in Japan who are already celebrating the new year, あけまして おめでとう ございます。

2020 wasn’t entirely a write-off for me. Global pandemic aside, I’m grateful to have more time spent with my family while in lockdown earlier this year, and to have had a chance to focus on achieving some goals. With that in mind, here’s my round-up of 2020:

  1. I lost 3 stone/42lbs/18kgs through following a strict keto diet along with intermittent fasting. I achieved my weight loss goal in 5 months between April and September 2020. More photos at https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/leilaniestewartweightloss/

2. I finished novel WIP#3, a literary novel/ social realism story set in Japan over the summer in July this year. It’s currently under consideration by a publisher after they requested a full MS. More on that later!

3. I’m making good progress with novel WIP#4 (psychological horror/ supernatural thriller). Currently up to 22,745 words.

4. My debut novel,  Gods of Avalon Road celebrated its first anniversary on 23rd November. I’ve outlined an idea for a sequel.

Here’s hoping 2021 will produce many good things, even if only a covid-19 vaccine for the masses!

🥳🎉

Posted by on December 31, 2020 in Biography, Writing and tagged , , , .

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December 25, 2020

Happy Holidays 2020

Have a Merry Christmas, Blessed Yuletide, Happy Hanukkah, Awesome Kwanzaa, fantastic Saturnalia.

Hope you all have a good one, wherever in the world you are, and whether you are celebrating – or not🎄🎅🌍

Posted by on December 25, 2020 in Biography and tagged , , , , , , , .

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December 20, 2020

Happy Winter Solstice 2020!

Happy Winter Solstice! Gods of Avalon Road is now on a Christmas discount at £5.50 on Amazon UK – why not grab a copy and make a happy author this yuletide?

Although Gods of Avalon Road is set at Beltaine (Mayday) the ancient Celtic Britons in the novel celebrate Samhain (Halloween) and Yuletide too.

Posted by on December 20, 2020 in Novels and tagged , , .

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