I know what you're thinking...or actually, I don't.
Lovely sticks.
Some might call me crazy. I say I'm the right type of eccentric to write a twisty plot that will keep you on your toes.
This is a classic picture from within the book itself. Can you spot The Clearing?
The answer to the question above should be no because it's not there. It's here.
My book having a good old read.
This is just like the rocky path that tripped up...[spoiler].
Here's my book doing an impression...of a book. It's pretty close, right?
It's easy to picture that anyone who reads your work will only see the negatives. They have every right to, after all, and I'm a big critic myself. I find things to improve in most books, even when I give them five star reviews. This is why solidifying one of my novels into print was a big step for me, and because of Sod's Law, it coincided with one of the hardest times of my life to date.
When my book published, I struggled to market it. Besides being crippled with morning sickness, followed by a decent into depression and anxiety (coupled with friends not really liking my book - only softened slightly by the fact they don't like YA/reading), I didn't have the energy - emotionally or physically - to give my book the launch it deserved.
It deserved better.
Because no matter what, I put a lot of work into The Clearing. Over several years and iterations, too. I'm proud of the twists, and I enjoy hearing the reader's surprise as the ending turns the story back on its head. I love the strong growth arc of the main character, and the joke about the cat. There's a lot going for it.
I'm also very grateful for the Editor's Pick ribbon at Evernight Teen Press, the lowkey YA Dystopian independent award, and five star review by Reader's Choice. The reviews have been more than kind so far.
Still, my book isn't getting out and about much, so I decided to take it for a woodland walk in the Forest of Dean. After all, it's a forest book at heart.
Where's my book?
There it is! (Yes, I do have a toddler right now.)
I currently have several projects in the works, and honestly, I just wish I could write full time and get a few more books into the world - and show them a good time.
If you'd like to support me, I'd be super grateful if you bought a copy of the book, tweeted this article, or even requested it from your local library - anything to share it, socially or physically. As always, thank you for reading.
Here's a link to Amazon: Amazon.co.uk/Clearing-Samantha-Cook-ebook/dp/B095BR721J/
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