It's the little things!

I've sold a copy of one of my books!

You're probably thinking that's not big news and if so you're right. Of course I've sold books before but those were all through Amazon. Earlier this year I decided to become a bit more serious and professional about this whole being a writer thing. That's very much a work in progress, but I have published a few of my books through Ingram Spark and it's one of those which has sold.

Ingram Spark don't sell direct to the public, but to book distributers, who in turn supply libraries and bookshops. The libraries and shops can order in copies to go on their shelves, or for customers who request them. It's this later scenario which is most likely in this case.

There are advantages in publishing through Amazon (and I can do a post on that if people are interested) but there are drawbacks too. One is that some individuals don't want to buy through Amazon. Another is that shops and libraries are all reluctant to do so, as they don't get the discounts they do from book distributers. Shops need to make a profit and they can't if they're paying the full cover price. Libraries are spending public money and need to make it go as far as possible. I've been fortunate and a few of my books are already in a few UK libraries, but from now on it's much more likely that libraries will get them in if readers ask for them. Bookshops almost certainly will if customers order them.

If you'd like to read A Year Of Ideas: 365 sets of writing prompts and exercises you can still buy a

paperback or ebook from Amazon or read it free with kindle unlimited. If you'd rather support your local bookshop they should now be able to easily order it for you. If you'd prefer to get a library copy, it's worth asking if they can get it in for you. Some libraries have a facility where you can 'suggest a purchase' online, or you can ask at the desk. There's no guarantee they'll get it, but the chances are now much higher than if it were only available through Amazon.

The same also applies to my novels Paint Me A Picture, A Year And A Day and Leave Nothing But Footprints. I'll be adding more titles soon. Please let me know if you persuade your library to stock any of my books – I'd love to know where they are, especially once we can travel again and I might pass by.

In case you're not sure if you'd like to read the little purple book, here's the blurb –

A YEAR OF IDEAS: 365 sets of writing prompts and exercises

All writers need ideas. We need topics and themes, prompts to get started and a little encouragement to keep going. New writers may be wondering where to begin, daunted by a blank page and want help to transform thoughts into fiction. Even the most experienced have dry periods when ideas don't flow, or times when they appreciate a push to try something different.

Patsy Collins' methods are proven to work. She's employed them at workshops where she's never failed to get her attendees, from brand new and nervous to burnt out, not just writing but producing interesting scenes, snippets and stories.

Each of the daily sets of prompts in this book have been used in some way by Patsy, to create her own

work. She needs a lot of ideas as she's completed six novels, co-written From Story Idea to Reader (an accessible guide to writing fiction) and produced twenty collections of themed short stories, averaging two dozen per book. Hundreds of her short stories have been published – mainly in women's magazines. She blogs, writes articles, wins competitions and is always working on something new.

Whether you're a new writer, or a more experienced one temporarily out of ideas, have hours to fill or just five free minutes, you'll find something in this book to help get you writing – every day of the year.

(I'll be back with more free to enter writing competitions soon.)