This is my fourth New Year at Bluebell Cottage. I spent the previous three champing at the bit to get on with major structural changes to the nursery, the gardens or both before the spring opening. But this year I decided that we would make our major changes in the autumn and keep the weeks after New Year clear to improve what we already have. So the much needed revamp of the canal border and the redesign of the grasses garden will have to wait, again.
But I hate not having a new project on the go. If I haven’t got one, my brain keeps me awake at night until it thinks one up. And the one it has come up with this time is the completion of a book that has been brewing for a while. ‘A Year at Bluebell Cottage’ will trace the shape of the year at the nursery, give a behind the scenes perspective on our work here, talk about plants and propagation and tell the story of how we came to be here.
I can’t say it will be any good, I don’t even know if it will get published. But I do need to write it. I’m telling you about it here to make it harder for me not to do it. Encouraging comments and general bullying are very welcome. And if you happen to know a friendly publisher or agent who might be willing to read a synopsis and a couple of chapters do let me know.
11 Responses to “New Year, new plans”
You could always use the blog posts as the basis for the book (like Bill Bryson – Notes from a Small Island and Notes from A Big Country)
Along the same vein, I thought your blog writing will not jeopardise your book writing but serve to help it along. Kind of like notes for your book. And all your previous blogs will provide excelent material. Can't wait to read it.
One day I'm going to publish my blog posts just for me and the family – I think Bobs Books or another similar easily turns a blog into a book.
What a fantastic resolution. Best of luck. If I could place an order now I would – I'm sure it will be a great read.
Thanks for the comments – yes, previous years blog posts and my photo archive are the research material. I just need to make them all more interesting and weave the history into it. Easier said than done…
I'd love to read that book, it sounds right up my street, so I really hope it happens! I know what you mean about the post snow landscape, it suddenly looks rather dreary and battered. And soggy…
What an excellend Idea Sue…I love your style of writing and still keep up with your blog…I get quite cross when you don't post for weeks !!!! Well thats 4 books sold already…carry on the good work….
Your collective encouragement – plus the lack of days left before the garden and nursery need my undivided attention – are bearing fruit. 15,000 words done – so 1/5 of the way there. Thanks…..
Wow – is it really four years …?
A huge good luck with the book. Oddly enough this evening, an hour before coming in, I too had an idea for a new book. A coincidence – but nothing to do with gardening I'm afraid, so I can't pass on agents/publishers who might be useful. However, I know a few people who might be able to. If you'd like me to contact them for you, send me an e-mail. You can get the address by clicking on my name, going to my blog and then clicking on my profile – you'll find my emal there.
You are a love, Sue. It's just quite tricky picking largely at random out of Writers Year Book, so it would be good to know of some potentially receptive ears. Writing like the clappers now every moment I can. 17,500 words to date..
Consider yourself both encouraged and gently bullied.
If you require further encouragement you have only to ask.
Thanks
Though gentle bullying may be insufficient. The garden is whispering its siren song in my ear….