Being new to the art of publicising a book I am taking it a step at a time. Firstly it was by word of mouth and next came the publicity newsletter which went out the other day to nigh on 500 people from all walks of life. One of the issues I constantly have to overcome in myself is, I am sure, common to all creatives: Will “they” like it? Is the subject matter too specialised for some? The answer, of course, is either yes or no in both instances. I can liken it to my performing days. In more traditional operas and operettas we played to audiences who applauded enthusiastically (mostly) whatever it was, because they recognised tunes and traditional musical forms. Of course there were the individual curtain calls where you wondered if the applause would go up or down when you took your bow. Then there were the experimental pieces that were met often with far less enthusiasm, with somewhat perplexed applause. When you put your all into something, there is a natural desire, once you’ve shared your work, to want it to be liked. On the other hand a feeling of detachment quickly follows where you disentangle yourself from its feverish grip and begin to wonder why it caused you so much grief. Hmmm. that sounds like a relationship of sorts, which it is: with you and yourself. It is how it is, whatever the creative form. So now, I watch as a part of my self goes forth into the world and I wonder….