Tag: Book

The Time Has Come – Book now out!

“When Times Were Tough”

Today is the 31st of August 2023, and my new Historic Adventure Novel is now officially on the market. The writing is done, the editing has been completed, the cover designed, and the new book has been published.

While a great deal of time, effort, and thought has been expended to get it to this stage, it has been a worthwhile project. I now intend to let the eighteen-month endeavour settle into its own rhythm. I doubt whether the book will ever make a financial profit, but providing it gives pleasure to its readers, I am happy.

Somebody the other day asked me if I would write another book. I paused before answering, “I doubt it.” It was about as much as I could come up with.

Those interested in a late 18th-century adventure based around Portsmouth and the first European settlement of Australia, including sailing ships, conflicts, convicts, military life, daily hardships and life during that period, will find this book fascinating. While the convicts were transported to Australia, I hope this book transports you to a place that assists you in understanding what life was like in 1788.

Here’s to “Enjoyable reading.”

Website: whentimesweretough.com

Email thoughts or comments to: phil.page@beagle.com.au

Check the the other pages on this site to fully understand what “When Times Were Tough” is all about.

When Times Were Tough – The printed proof has arrived!

It is a real experience holding the first printed copy of a book you have created yourself in your own hands. Well, I have done that, and it is undoubtedly something that I shall never forget. The satisfaction one gets after well over 1,000 hours of work, including the doubt that sometimes creeps in, is well worth the effort.

Now that many online bookshops have it displayed in their listings, it is now a matter of waiting to see how the general reading public views one’s efforts. The few that have seen the finished product have commented favourably on the cover’s design, courtesy of Helen Christie, and the ease of reading due to the typeface.

Thinking about the number of hours involved in creating the book, and the relatively small return to an author for each book sold, one would need to sell many thousands for a decent return per hour worked. It is indeed a labour of love, unless it becomes an international bestseller of course. I am certainly not holding my breath on that one.

If you are vaguely interested in a historical adventure novel set the late 18th century, please read the other posts on the production of this book.

Remember – “When Times Were Tough” by Phil Page

Any feed back would be more than appreciated.

Anxiously waiting for printed proof!

When Times Were Tough –

A historical adventure novel by Phil Page (to be published on the 31st of August)

Writing a book can be a real saga in itself, but then editing it, setting up the book itself and becoming the publisher of the same adds a new level of complexity. Last week I went through the electronic proof three times, and after making minor changes, it eventually all looked good. Now I am waiting for the final printed proof copy to arrive. I am trying to be positive, but the wait is killing me.

In the meantime, it is interesting how much work and effort is required to try and get your newly written book before the buying public. There are not only books stores to think of but libraries and other institutions that may find your particular book of interest. There is no easy way and the grind continues.

As I intend to officially publish the above book on the 31st of August I am in the process of working with my local library of having a book launch on that day. I live in a small country town so that should not be a problem, although it is difficult to work out how many are likely to attend. The invitations should go out this coming week, but not until the final printed proof has arrived in an acceptable state and I sign it off. Then it will be all systems go!

My printer and wholesale distributor, Ingram Spark, have compiled the major retail distributors in Australia/New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Europe, and the United States and Canada in a list form. Please find below that list. This will allow anyone reading this post to enquire from their local supplier. Remember that books can be ordered from most locations before publication (mention Ingram Spark and the title or ISBN number – 978 0 646 88019 8.

United States and Canada

  • Libraries
  • Schools
  • E-commerce Companies
  • Amazon
  • Barnes and Noble
  • Walmart.com
  • Target.com
  • Chapters/Indigo (Canada)
  • Book Retailers/Wholesalers
  • Bookstores

United Kingdom

  • Agapea
  • Amazon.co.uk
  • Aphrohead
  • Blackwell
  • Adlibris
  • Books Express
  • Coutts Information Services
  • Designarta Books
  • Eden Intereactive Ltd
  • Foyles
  • Gardners
  • Trust Media Distribution
  • Mallory International
  • Paperback Shop Ltd
  • Book Retailers

Australia and New Zealand

  • Amazon Au
  • Booktopia
  • Fishpond
  • The Nile
  • James Bennett
  • ALS
  • Peter Pal
  • Book Retailers

The above list is incomplete, but it should provide sufficient information for anyone wishing to enquire or order a copy of “When Times Were Tough”. See earlier posts for further details. ISBN 978 0 646 88019 8

In the meantime – happy reading.

When Time Were Tough

A historical novel set in 1788

by Phil Page

This historical novel story commences in Portsmouth, England, in 1787 and finishes on Norfolk Island 12 months later.

Elizabeth lives with here surgeon father, William, and her mother, Ann, in a large house overlooking the outer harbour. She has just finished her homeschooling and is looking for something different in her life. Her father seems to be having difficulty coping these days. After a few awkward business and family situations, she finds out that there is a fleet being assembled that will be travelling to New South Wales, Australia. She convinces her parents to consider the trip.

In the meantime, a Marine Sergeant, Richard, is transferred from one job to another and he experiences several changing situations that make him think of other opportunities. Joining the same fleet seemed a solution.

Elizabeth and her family sail on one ship and Richard on another. The eleven-ship fleet sailed from Portsmouth with about 800 convicts aboard heading for Australia. The actual eight month long voyage is not included in this story and it takes up again when the fleet finally arrives in Botany Bay.

Two weeks after that the opportunity to join HMS Supply sailing on its first voyage from Sydney Cove to Norfolk Island became available. Both Elizabeth and her family, and Richard, joined a small band totaling twenty two on their way to settle the island. The two of them first meet on this two-week voyage and they cautiously become romantically involved as the settlement finds its feet.

Due to be published on 31st August 2023

Email Contact: phil.page@beagle.com.au

Website: whentimesweretough.com