Bitter Pill's Anniversary

Happy 1st Birthday Bitter Pill

 

Today is the first anniversary of Bitter Pill’s publication. I am truly amazed at how fast this year has flown by, and it seems fitting to write a post about the journey of Bitter Pill so far.

On August 28th, 2024, Troubador released my novel, and I felt my anxiety skyrocketing as ‘what if’ questions flooded my brain:

What if no one buys it?
What if it’s an embarrassing flop?
What if there are no sales on Amazon?
What if the publisher gets all the books returned?
What if I get horrendous reviews if it sells?
What if someone scrutinises my grammar?
What if I get slated for writing about a controversial topic?
What if I am kidding myself?

And the ‘what if’s’ went on and on and on!

Then, I was thrilled to read this email. I could finally hold my book in my hands:

 

 

So, this is what has happened since the publication of Bitter Pill:

 

• It has sold over 200 copies so far and is still selling
• I have received amazing reviews and requests for a sequel
• Amazon has sold both paperback and eBook versions
• I had an invitation to talk about my book on a live broadcast on BBC Cornwall Radio 
• The Cotswold media published articles about Bitter Pill  https://ajlinney.co.uk/blog/post/rwjvdvd0wdv54me0/bitter-pill-featured-in-cotswolds-media-and-talk-health-magazine/
• Talk Radio Europe interviewed me, reaching 50 + countries.
• A book club in Henley-in-Arden selected my novel for their book of the month read https://ajlinney.co.uk/blog/post/bk4davyp9joqmrmg/bitter-pill-selected-for-a-book-club-read/
• Talk Health Magazine offered my novel as a competition prize.
• I received an invitation to speak about my author journey on a literary panel at a festival that hosted the local town crier  https://ajlinney.co.uk/blog/post/04pzlojqzj2qbxqa/meet-the-author-at-the-rescorla-festival-celebrating-cornish-culture-in-the-heart-of-cornwall 

 

• Bitter Pill has ignited local interest and led me to being introduced as ‘Our Author celebrity!’
• I have had a spotlight session with Q&As from other writers wanting to get their books published, about my publishing and marketing journey
• I was happy to be reunited with my proud school friends at my book launch

 

 

 

So, who is reading Bitter Pill?

 

Concerning purchases and the places people have read it:

 

Bitter Pill has reached readers in America, Australia, Barbados, the Netherlands, Spain, Cyprus, Croatia, Montenegro, Zanzibar, Morocco, Tenerife, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England and more! People have read and enjoyed it on cruise ships traveling the world, on airplanes, on ferries, in cars and on trains. It has been a popular holiday read, and that’s only where I know it has travelled so far!

 

 

Bitter Pill has sat in many hands and has reached many hearts, and for that, I am so proud and truly grateful to my readers. 

I am so happy to have pushed myself out of my comfort zone to put Bitter Pill out there. This story has been swimming around in my brain for over 11 years, and out of all my novels in progress (there are at least 5) it is the story I felt I must share.

On this twelve-month journey I have learned how to produce content for my website, write blog posts to share news, navigate social media as a marketing platform (though I’m not a lover of this part!) and evolve into a proper author! 

I think for someone in their sixties, that’s not bad going. It’s never too late to write a novel! Some may think, well you are retired, but that is far from the truth. In fact, I have a busy life and, like most people; I must carve out time to write. Sheer determination, juggling time, family, and work commitments, as well as countless sleepless nights, have got me to this point.

I am currently redrafting my second novel, Identity, which I am hoping to complete soon. I’m also sharing some basic information about homeopathy on my blog in a new separate section https://ajlinney.co.uk/blog/category/homeopathy/ as Bitter Pill has raised questions and interest from both readers and radio show hosts.

After an exhausting year, I hope Bitter Pill continues to be read and enjoyed by many more, and despite my doubts, I am thrilled with its progress. The total number of actual readers is more than the sales figures, as people have gifted their books for others to read. I know one of these copies circulated on a cruise ship. Even my GP bought my book, and it impressed her. A high accolade indeed!
So, my message here is: fear is the first failure, so don’t hold back! I have a sense of pride that Bitter Pill has evoked emotions and questions in many readers.
I am proud of my courage in allowing my characters to get into the minds of others because I love them, and I know others do now, too. I have messages, emails, letters and five-star reviews telling me so. Here are just a few reviews of the many I’ve had:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m looking forward to what the next year might bring, but for now, I’m busy with my second novel Identity and will bring more news on my progress in a later post!

If you haven’t read Bitter Pill yet, you can go here: https://ajlinney.co.uk/bitter-pill/

For more news about my blog, go here: https://ajlinney.co.uk/blog/category/homeopathy/