Having completed three edits on Sadie’s Wars, I am waiting for my beta readers to give their reactions to the story. It’s always a nail-biting time. Will they like it? Is the main character’s motivation ringing true? Is there enough light and shade? I am conscious that in some of my books there is too much shade, but I as I write social realism that can be difficult. The book goes to the editor in three weeks, so next week I am going to take a short break before two final weeks work based on beta-readers reactions. Next thing to do is work with my cover designer. This is a mock-up.
It’s time to take stock. I have written three books about the same family following their story from convict, to gold digger, to entrepreneurial success and finally the effect that war can have both economically and personally. I have learnt so much as I travelled the journey with them. Apart from an abiding love of Australia, with all its faults, hardships and optimism, I have learnt to love the family. It’s my family by marriage but what I have discovered is that it is a family which survives against the odds. In book three of the series, the family is torn apart and we are only now beginning to find each other again, almost a hundred years later. What a blessing that is. If I am proud of one thing, it is bringing the story and family back to the people who own it.
The cousins I have met, show the same qualities I recognise in my husband’s family. Loyalty, kindness and determination. What better attributes can you have?
One of my beta readers suggested a blank page at each section where the action changes between England and Australia. I then thought, why not also put in a sketch of the forthcoming scene in too. What do you think?
Rosemary Noble - author page 
looking forward to it Rosemary.
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I’m nearly there, Rosemary and I feel this is your best yet. I’m totally involved with Sadie. She is a great character. You will be bereft when you draw your Australian sagas to a close. I bet you’ll find some other Australian project to pursue. As to your question about sketches denoting the switches in location and period, I am all for it. But maybe a small icon-type sketch. As you know, I have included photos in both my historical novels. Some readers like them, but not all. I hope to get the mss to you within the next three days.
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Yes, an icon. I will try and work on that. Looking forward to your thoughts.
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p.s. I like the image of Sadie. Perfect. Maybe less writing on the cover, however. You need one catchy phrase from somebody who has read the book and reviewed it.
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Only the image is what I want for the cover. The writing is not meant for it. I didn’t make that clear, sorry.
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