Having launched ‘Secrets Such As These’ on the 1st September, the novel is now being introduced to a second wave of readers. The first wave embraced the novel and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. But then, these were my friends and family. Maybe they were just being nice. Maybe they were afraid of offending me. Maybe the appeal of the novel was in the fact that they actually knew me. Most couldn’t believe that I could have written ‘something as good as this’ – their words not mine – which is one of those ambiguous compliments that I have forced myself not to over-analyse. Some read the whole book in one sitting – one until three thirty in the morning! Some who would not describe themselves as regular readers have been surprised at how they have been drawn into the plot and cannot wait to read on. Thank you to all of you for your encouragement and constructive criticism.

But now those initial readers are recommending the book to a friend or colleague. People I have never met are now reading my novel. People all over the country are completing my survey. These are the people who will definitely not be afraid to say what they really think. These are the people with nothing to lose. I can’t wait to read what they have to say.

And then these readers will hopefully recommend it to their colleagues and friends..and so on…and so on. This is so exciting. My novel gains in value every time anyone enjoys reading it, finds it compelling and is stimulated by the issues raised. I love hearing from you all. Thank you for your feedback. Keep the surveys coming in.

And PS: don’t forget the deadline for the prize draw is this Sunday, September 30th.