A PLETHORA OF PANTS: TO BLOG OR NOT TO BLOG

As I was fishing underwear from my washing machine the other morning, I experienced a mild case of panic. Like Lewis Carroll's White Rabbit I found myself muttering, "I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date!" In the run up to my book being published next month I seem to be saying that a lot lately. The thing is, I've imposed all sort of deadlines on myself: get this done, get that done; start this, finish that. So many demands on my time and so few hours in which to accomplish all I've set myself to do.

 

Phew! It's exhausting, especially when some of those tasks are mundane things like doing the laundry. Now that kind of stuff really tires me out - because I'll let you into a secret, a domestic goddess I am not. I am, however, a writer, and a writer needs a blog. Or so I've been told by several of my fellow scribblers over the years. Often. And yet I've resisted. The thing is, although I can happily work away at 90,000 word novel - through several drafts - the thought of maintaining a blog freaks me out. I mean - what do I have to write about, and, assuming I can find something to say, who'd want to read it? But to turn a phrase, 'faint novelist never won fair reader'. And so, as I untangled a heap of damp boxers and knickers, I decided to quieten my inner critic (not to mention that darned White Rabbit!), and get that blog on the go. 

 

 

 

 And here it is - my very first blog post. Hurrah! Unfurl the flags - I've finally taken the bloggerly plunge! 

 

 

 

About time too, I hear my friends say. I imagine they might even break out the fizz. Ah get over yourself, says you; you're only doing what thousands, if not millons, of people have done before you - and they're probably doing it much better than you ever will.  I have two answers to that. One is you don't know my friends - any excuse for a glass or two of the bubbly stuff, eh Sarah B? And two is that although my blog writing might be never measure up to anyone else's - might even be pants - at least I've made a start.

 

And that, dear reader, in my book, is worthy of a wee celebration. So, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to open a bottle of Scotland's finest...sparkling water! Cheerio until next time.

Comments: 9 (Discussion closed)
  • #1

    Sarah Broadley (Wednesday, 19 March 2014 23:55)

    Fantastic start to your blog! I wish Minty and all the novels following every success in the world!

    See you soon from one Mrs B to another :-)

  • #2

    christinabanach (Thursday, 20 March 2014 22:16)

    Sarah, thank you for those lovely words. I'm glad you 'persuaded' me to kick-start my blog. See you tomorrow.

  • #3

    Luca Pesaro (Friday, 21 March 2014 09:13)

    Attagirl, great start! And believe me, you'll enjoy it more than you expect...

  • #4

    Kate Foster (Friday, 21 March 2014 14:14)

    You're not alone, Christina! Great blog. Great start.

  • #5

    christinabanach (Friday, 21 March 2014 18:47)

    Thanks for the encouragement, Luca. You too, Kate. Glad to know I'm not alone. :-)

  • #6

    Maureen Lynas (Sunday, 23 March 2014 11:25)

    First steps are always the scariest, Christina. Can't wait to read Minty again. I'm desperate to see the new version.

  • #7

    christinabanach (Sunday, 23 March 2014 21:29)

    Thanks Maureen. It's only a few weeks until Minty is published. Not long to wait now. ;-) I hope you like the final version.

  • #8

    Debra Bertulis (Monday, 31 March 2014 21:35)

    Christina, what an entertaining blog. And I couldn't feel more delighted for you the countdown has begun. I remember when you heard you'd got an agent and that Minty was on the Wanted List; a moment you shared with us on Twitter, inspiring us all. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

  • #9

    christinabanach (Monday, 31 March 2014 22:39)

    You're very kind, Debra. Thank you. That means a great deal.

Welcome to my website!

Hi! I'm Christina Banach, author of Minty. Thanks for dropping by my website. Please take a look around. Here you'll find news and information about me and my books. If you have any questions do get in touch through my contact page. Thank you for visiting and happy reading! 

 

AUTHOR IN RESIDENCE

I was the 2017-2018 Scottish Book Trust Author in Residence at Knightsridge Primary School, Livingston. Many thanks to the SBT for for affording me the opportunity to share my love of writing and reading with such an inspiring school.

 

REVIEW FROM THE BOOK TRUST

"This is a thought provoking debut novel about love, loss and the importance of family…A compelling and ultimately heart-warming story."

 

Please click on the link below to read the whole critique: 

http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books/view/34314


REVIEW FROM THE SCOTTISH BOOK TRUST

"Through Minty's eyes we see how family and friends are affected by bereavement. It deals with loss, love, friendship and over all, hope, resilience and strength of character. It's a haunting, eerie and beautiful read that will resonate with you for days after you read it. "


TEEN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH

I'm very grateful to the Scottish Book Trust for featuring Minty as their Teen's Book of the Month. 

 http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/blog/2014/parents/11/teens-book-of-the-month-minty 

 

OTHER REVIEWS

Below are extracts of some other reviews (to read more please check out my News and Reviews page):

 

"What an amazing story! I could not put this book down!"

 

"This is one of those gems that works for young adults and also the not so young...I read it in a single sitting - something I do not ordinarily do - except for a brief pause to compose myself before the final chapter, such was the intensity of emotion the book engenders. You must read this book..."

 

"Christina's stunning style of writing succeeded in bringing tears of joy and sadness to my eyes. For a first book being this good, it makes me wonder what is yet to come."

 

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

I was thrilled to be part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2015 SCBWI panel event - How To Survive Being Published. It was a real privilege to have been invited. Thank you! 

 

Plot & Structure Event

Thank you to everyone who came to my plot and structure workshop in Edinburgh. I hope you had as much fun as I did. Thanks to Sheila Averbuch for this great write up of the day. 

 

PINTEREST 

I've created a mood board for MINTY over on Pinterest. Click here to take a look:

www.pinterest.com/cbanachauthor

 

 

 

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