a single step - georgia rose

Out with the old…

On the 22nd August 2012 I penned typed the first words of what was toΒ become A Single Step, the first book of The Grayson Trilogy. I was heady with excitement that this was, at long last, going to be it, finally the time had come when I would actually write a book, I remember it vividly. The story had come to me while I was on holiday, like a whole complete thingΒ in my head, and delirious, mostly with sleep deprivation,Β it wasΒ the mostΒ terrific time but boy was I naΓ―ve over what was to come.

I wrote frantically, filling every minute I had available, waking at 4am when scenes had vividly come to life in my dreams, desperate to get the words out before they disappeared forever, driven out of my head byΒ theΒ deluge of work I was under at the time.

I lost 20 lbs over the three months it took to write the first draft (but fear not dear reader for I have managed to put that, and so much more, back on – noΒ danger of me fading away here…no siree!)

Music has played a huge part in my writing and there are many pieces that will forever be associated with various scenes. Though I haven’t ever said much about these because I don’t want to influence any reader with my tastes.Β This isΒ the sameΒ reason why I don’t put faces to my characters – either on covers or by telling who would play the parts should it ever be made into a film (hahaha!). I believe that is something for the reader’s imagination, everyone builds their own image and brings their own experiences to the read.

But I know the music that accompanies my characters, as clearly as I know the estate, I know what song sums up theΒ soul of the Melton Estate, I know whatΒ is danced to, what is made love to, the tracks that for me frame this story.

And generally I keep this to myself, however, today I will give you this sensational track, sung live by the fabulously emotional Mary J Blige on Later with Jools Holland right back in 2002. When Emma drives to the Melton Estate she flicks on the radio, and this comes on. For me it says it all…

Scroll forward many, many months and I eventually published A Single Step in January 2014 and since then I have been delighted with how well it has been received. It has exceeded all my expectations although coming from a place where I didn’t believe anyone would ever buy it I guess that’s not too difficult but I have been constantly delighted to find that people have bought it, read it andΒ then gone on to write terrific reviews.

I have also found that the independent publishing world is so much more than I could ever have imagined…filled as it is with unexpected friendshipsΒ and an unrivalled generosity fromΒ the fabulous online community that I can’t thank enough for all the support that has beenΒ given to me.

So… why a 2nd Edition?

Well…I have learnt a lot…and I have listened to what my readers say, so building up to the launch of the 3rd book in this trilogy, Thicker than Water (yes it really is nearly here πŸ™‚ ) I decided to do a revision of A Single Step – clearly getting one book out was not enough for meΒ (and don’t even talk to me about what I’m doing to Before the Dawn!) and aΒ few days ago I was cursing myself for ever starting on this venture but nowΒ  here I am and I know it was the right decision.

I received a comment that I should revamp the cover and so I have, and I hope you like it. I have found covers the hardest part of this whole process. What is it that draws you to a book? I don’t know, it’s not something that I can articulateΒ only something I feel when I choose a book. So this time I’ve relied on the wonderful designers at SilverWood Books.

IΒ am awareΒ this story is a slow burn, I wouldn’t have it any other way but I have changed the first chapter in an attempt to make it a little more immediate (and no I haven’t added a gratuitous car chase or sex scene!) I’ve also cut out another section (my heart bled to do it) so some 3.5K words have gone. I’m hoping that what’s left is a sleeker version of the original but with no loss ofΒ the essence that some have loved so much.

Anyway,Β three years on and the 22nd August 2015*, seemed like the perfect day to reveal the new coverΒ and theΒ 2nd edition of A Single StepΒ and here it is…

A Single Step 300ppi

…and in with the new!

So meet Emma Grayson, heroine of The Grayson Trilogy, a series of mysterious and romantic adventure stories.

β€˜The gun continued to be levelled at me. β€œAnswer it…but don’t tell him I’m here or he’ll get to listen to you die.” That concentrated my mind considerably, and as I reached for my phone I came up with a plan…’

Emma Grayson was left devastated when her life was torn apart by tragedy and betrayal. Now someone believes it’s time for her to start again and puts an advert for a job through her door which leads her to the Melton Estate. Despite her desire for a solitary existence she finds herself discovering a life she could never have imagined, challenging her independence, her fears and her resistance to love.

This 2nd edition will be available for 99p/99c for now…and at least until Thicker that Water is out…so if you fancy finding out more here are the links…

Amazon

Smashwords

Kobo

If any of you out there bought the original and want to see the updated version give me a shout and I shall wing a copy over to you.

* I know it’s a day late but best laid plans and all that – Amazon took their own sweet time to update the files. On last checking the ‘Look Inside’ feature had still not been done.

And finally…

There was a beautiful newsletter sent out by Carrie LahainΒ last week, this quote was in it…perfect…

β€œEvery heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back.” Plato

Spread the love
16 Responses to Cover Reveal for the 2nd Edition of A Single Step
  1. Congratulations. Has to be a big relief for you. It’s hard to take words out. It’s really brutal but I am sure this will be even better. Excited for your upcoming release!

  2. Well done Georgia. It sounds like you have been working really hard. πŸ™‚

    • Thanks Diane, I’m pretty exhausted actually so yes I have and I still have the changes for Before the Dawn to do before I finally get to Thicker than Water. I’ll be in touch actually – need to know when your next release is πŸ™‚

  3. Congratulations G, your hard work has paid off – the new edition looks great. I love the thought of you imagining the music to along with the scenes in your books. It’s so funny how differently we all experience our ideas πŸ˜€

    • I know, it’s weird isn’t it? Particularly because I’m not musically minded usually but I now have a disc I’ve made up for the car and whenever I drive anywhere I’m reminded of various scenes. It was particularly strong in the first 2, less so in TtW but as I release each I shall share a track! Thanks for the comment E!

  4. Love the new cover, I see tears and pain and love, plus a crack in the picture from the betrayal, with the title hinting that someone is getting over a tragedy. Good luck with the re-launch.

  5. I love the new cover! Best of luck with your relaunch.

  6. I love the new cover. That is really brave of you, Georgia. I’ve just bought it, and will have a look at the changes asap. Remember, a work of art is never finished, only abandoned. It’s attributed to several artists from Leonardo to Forster, in any case it’s true. The only question is when to abandon?

    • Oh thank you Luccia and thanks for buying it – that’s very good of you considering you’ve already read the original!! I am definitely abandoning this series after the third one is out – they have to be dragged from my arms but it’s time to move on to something new πŸ™‚

  7. My goodness, it looks like you are delightfully busy these days. How lovely! Congratulations and best wishes on the upcoming September release. Cheers!

  8. […] I discussed in my post revealing the glorious new cover for A Single Step (click here to check that out) there are tracks which are forever linked with various scenes in my writing and […]

  9. […] discussed in my previous posts for A Single Step here and Before the Dawn here various bits of music have become associated with writing these books […]


[top]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *