I found one of the most difficult parts of writing and publishing a book (and there are many!) was creating the information ‘about the author’. For some, this must just roll off their tongue – or pen – but for the less-assuming authors, and those without a huge pedigree of writing and back catalogue, it is tricky. Why on earth would you be interested in me?
Inside the book I wrote some basic details about my life history (where I was brought up and lived; my official career and my family status) and on the back cover I wrote a slightly more tongue-in-cheek summary. Thinking that people might be more inclined to buy the book if they know a little about me, I wrote:
In her spare time she enjoys playing the cello, watching cricket, preaching and winning at board games, but not all at once.
This is true. I also do lots of other things. I am mum taxi. I am knitting a cardigan (but have been for two years and still haven’t finished the back). I play the piano (better than the cello). I enjoy baking and have spent this week making choc chip cookies and tiffin for tomorrow. (And soup – but I’m not sure if that classes as baking.) I love reading and books (in case you hadn’t guessed). I like The Big Bang Theory and have loved watching Friends again recently – and for the umpteenth time – with my son.
But I limited myself to one sentence and four activities. Tomorrow, I could attempt all four, though I am saved the cricket as Yorkshire aren’t playing. Instead I am attempting to juggle orchestra practice, a day’s teaching on prayer (not strictly preaching, but would help nevertheless!) and a marathon eight hours of board gaming for International Table Top Day. This is juggling where balls will fall, I’m afraid.
But thankfully, given my excessive number of extra-curricular activities, even when that happens, I will be able to munch my way through 48 choc chip cookies .
Every cloud… as they say…