I guess that lots of other published novelists would agree with my sentiment: the main delight of having a book published is not the financial reward (just as well in my case, as this was miniscule). What delights me is the knowledge that several thousand people have read and enjoyed my first published novel, The Dangerous Sports Euthanasia Society.

I had a fantastic time at the launch of my book, and relished every single minute of that evening in October 05. It took me a few days to drift back down to earth – but even at the time, I was aware that this was a one-off experience, and wasn’t going to set the pattern of my life from then on.

I’ve been thrilled to come across recent evidence that my dear ‘baby’ is still out there, making its way in the world, and still being appreciated.

The most recent was a wonderful review from Rhapsody in Books (a fabulous site for thoughtful and inspiring reviews of a huge range of books). You can imagine how I felt when I got home from an exhausting day at work to find this glowing report:

Like many other authors, I check my book’s progress on Amazon and was delighted to find this review posted in April this year. (Thank you Mungo – whoever you are!)

Couldn’t put it down, 21 April 2009
By Mungo (Surrey) *****

Absolutely brilliant. I really could not put it down. Totally rivetting and a lovely read. One reviewer complained about the co-incidences. I can tell you that they do happen in real life. Christine’s characters & co-incidences are totally believeable. For me the story was a lovely reminder of what can happen and how life can unfold in remarkable ways — IF you have time to let it happen.

And a big thank you, also to Sue K who posted this one, only a week ago.

A gas, 2 Sep 2009
By Sue K (Sutton Coldfield) - ****1/2

I took Dangerous Sports on holiday. It came back to UK with me well thumbed and embelished with splodges of wine and suncream after 3 in our party read it in the space of a few days. We all found it an excellent read. It was fun to follow the adventures and transformation of Agnes from a depressed, rather repressed, trapped 75 year old to a very whacky, vibrant, physically, emotionally and socially adventurous woman, capable of so much. The plot motors along at a good lick, fuelled by a fair number of implausible cooincidences, but somehow that doesn’t seem to matter. I recognised many aspects (not all them of them so attractive!) of myself in most of the characters Agnes encounters en route. I live in Sutton Coldfield so also enjoyed the recognition of familiar places …in fact I am sure I live right next door to Dianne Lockett, Lucy’s mother!

It’s insecurity, not vanity, that’s the source of my extreme excitement when I come across this, and similar, reviews. I’m sure I’m not the only published author who still needs reassurance that their books are being read and enjoyed.

Another source of vital encouragement for me has been (and still is) the wonderful organisation: Bookcrossers – but I don’t want to squeeze them into third place, so I’ll post more about them very soon.

1. Writing a book the Terry Pratchett way. | ChristineColeman.net Says:
   June 30th, 2010 at 7:51 pm

   [...] review of my first published novel, The Dangerous Sports Euthanasia Society. As you can see here it’s the responses of ‘my’ readers that helps to keep me going when the going gets tough. [...]

2. Word-of-mouth at Castle Vale Library | ChristineColeman.net Says:
   September 19th, 2010 at 9:20 am

   [...] a novel, or finding the words to express my thoughts and feelings in a poem. This has been one of the unexpected benefits of finding a publisher for The Dangerous Sports Euthanasia Society nearly five years ago (October [...]