blog hop

Important info on Amazon.co.uk

I have finally discovered why orders for my book that people have sent to Amazon have not been filled, when they have 50 copies in their warehouse. Aparently, a prospective purchaser must go to the Life Less Lost page then click on the tiny link that says 2 used & new. At the top of the page that comes up you should see 'seller kbwalkerwrites' has new copies available for free next day delivery. Please don't ask me why they have created such a confusing system or why they won't fill orders made on the original page.

Amazon.co.uk verses Amazon.com

More problems with Amazon.co.uk. My brother-in-law, Arthur, ordered a book two weeks ago and nothing happened. In despair, he's cancelled his order and I'm going to send him one instead. another friend also told me she ordered a copy weeks ago and I've heard nothing from Amazon so assume it's gone astray, as well. I wonder how many other orders have vanished?

Amazon.com on the other hand have managed to sell 11 books in less than a week without a problem, so far. I've had two newspaper articles, a radio interview and have sent dozens of letters to friends and family in the UK but Amazon.co.uk have only sold two books in over two months. They are making a very difficult job much, much harder.

Available in the US at last!

Createspace has come through a week quicker than expected and two books have already been sold. I look forward to hearing what Americans think of my story.

Rev Kerry's Kind Words

This book is an excellent choice for anyone struggling with a serious illness, whether as a patient, carer or relative. Kim Walker tells the story of her son's cancer wisely and bravely. She describes how her Christian faith sustained her, whilst being honest about the big questions faith doesn't allow one to evade. We hear of those who died as well as those who recovered, the frustrations of hospital neglect and misdiagnosis, the times when family bonds shuddered under the strain. In this book cancer is not the enemy to be beaten but a reality to be lived with. Kim Walker does not speak of her son's eventual remission glibly or simplistically, but writes frankly of the difficulties of amputation, of emotional recovery, of the post-remission depression that followed his brave acceptance of his illness. It is a truthful account of devastation, hope and frustration. The days when things seem right and then go wrong again, the mornings when a parking difficulty or an unhelpful clinician can make the difference betweeh hope and despair. And, above all, it is a story of faith in a dark time, a reminder of how Christianity cannot take away suffering or pain but at the hardest times of one's life may make it easier to bear.

It's all happening

Wow! A moment to catch my breath.

Last Tuesday, I nervously waited outside a building that looked nothing like a church but once inside had all the true warmth and love of church at it's best. Grace Community Church had invited me to speak on the recommendation of Rolf at Huddersfield Christian Bookshop. Not only had he found me the gig, but he turned up to listen, too! The prayer cover I'd asked for from my church prayer team really worked wonders. The talk went well, many books were purchased and I came away full of joy.

Saturday found me at the big event in Burnley, speaking alongside Adrian and Bridget Plass! That was an action-packed day that started when I set off at 8:15 am and finished when I flopped onto my settee back home at 10:30 pm. Met lots of lovely people and sold 17 books ~ yippee!

On Monday, I gave a two hour workshop and talk to Lindsay's writing class. We gathered in Barry's lovely home and the time vanished. It is a small but eager group and it was a pleasure to be part of it for the afternoon. They each bought a book.

With two library talks coming up in the next two weeks, I find I'm running low on books again. Should I do another print run even though there are almost a hundred books stored with Amazon waiting for the wider world to take notice.?

I spoke too soon

This is typical of the roller coaster ride that is self-publishing. Both branches of Amazon seem to have come through, at last. I say 'seem' because so far I only have the possibility of progress. Createspace finally came back to me and it looks like a minor error in communication may be holding things up. I've made alterations and am now holding my breath. Raj from Amazon.co.uk phoned me back, at last, and explained Amazon's stupid system of saying things are out of stock but in fact listing them as available under the 'new and used' link(????). Richard has contacted Nielsons to see if they can get the price changed on the US version to take away the confusion there. So watch this space...