My last post was about trying to get my book out in time for Christmas, so I could give a copy to my dad before he died. Turns out it was a really stupid thing to do. Debbie (editor at Beaten Track) had to jump through hoops to finish editing in time, my print copies hadn't arrived and I ended up ordering him one through Amazon - but hindsight is a wonderful thing.
What was I trying to achieve anyway? It's only now I realise it was vanity on my part, a final attempt to make my dad proud of me, which was totally misguided. Close to the end of life, as he opened the present, painfully and slowly, I think he was hoping for a gripping crime novel he hadn't read. He spent a good few minutes staring at the back cover trying to read the blurb, before handing it back to me, disappointed. I understand. When you've only got a few weeks left to live, reading something that doesn't interest you is a waste of very valuable time.
What he really liked was the photograph album I'd compiled for him, and fair enough. In your final days, you're far more likely to want to look at the story of your life in photographs, so you can remember things, family and friends in happier times, than read anything at all. And so at his funeral this week, I've arranged a tribute montage of 40 photographs of his life as part of the service. I think he'd have liked that.
6 comments:
It’s a wonderful book and there’s plenty of time to promote it when you are ready. They don’t have sell by dates on them. Big hugs for your sadness xxxxxx
It’s Karin it put me anonymous for some reason x
It's a lovely post, and I can well imagine your father liked the photos. But I think - even if he might have been expecting/hoping for a crime story - that he was proud of your book.
That last Anonymous was me; I didn't log in before posting.
Thanks both anonymous people (Karin and Nick 😁) x
It was important, because you felt a need to do it. It gave you something to focus on when dealing with losing your father. I lost my dad two years ago and still try to please him. I hope your book does well. Take care of yourself.
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