Let's Talk About A Reader's Trust by Victoria Cornwall

Last week, on the 24th March, I celebrated the release of my sixth novel, Daniel's Daughter. Not only is Daniel's Daughter my sixth novel, but it is the sixth novel in my Cornish Tales Series, which are stand-alone tales set in Cornwall and are linked by family.

I never set out to write a series, it just sort of evolved. I knew, on a business level, it made sense. Well written series, whether film franchises or novels, can build a loyal following to the series brand. This "fan base" (I hate using the word fan as images of screaming, tearful Bay City Roller fans always comes to mind  - which gives away the decade I became a teenager and does not accurately represent people who read books) are more willing to see or purchase the product of a known, trusted brand. They know, from experience or recommendation, what they are going "to get" which greatly reduces their anxiety of completing the purchase. Reducing the anxiety is what all retailers hope to achieve, whether its by boasting about the awards their product has won, displaying positive reviews, investing in expensive marketing campaigns to reassure potential customers their product is "tried and tested", caring and trust worthy etc. etc.

Strangely that precious commodity of trust in a series, does not always extend to the author, screenwriter or publisher who has created it. For example, I have read all of the Poldark series (several times), but have never (to date) read another Winston Graham novel. Perhaps I am strange in that, but I suspect I am not. This is a valuable lesson for writers to learn. If an author takes their readers for granted and assume their fan base (there is that word again!) will buy whatever they write... and whatever quality they churn out, they are surely mistaken. A word of advice to any writers out there... never take the trust a reader has placed in you for granted. Their trust is only loaned to you and can just as easily be taken away.

The trust a reader places in a writer is very precious. I think every writer has some level of anxiety when writing the follow-up novel. I know I have every time I write a new novel for the Cornish Tales series. Writers know, deep down, that the next book needs to reach a certain level of expectation (preferably exceed it) in order not to let the reader down. Once the trust is gone, it is an uphill struggle to regain it. It took me two years to write Daniel's Daughter (quite long for me), as I wanted it to be right. I can only hope I managed to maintain the trust of the readers who have read my others, and maybe even gain a few more loyal customers (as you can see, I am trying to use another word for "fan" here) along the way.

Perhaps this is why the issue of trust plays such an important role in Daniel's Daughter. When the heroine, Grace Kellow, discovers a family secret, the truth destroys her trust in those people closest to her. Can she rebuild that trust? Does she even want to? I can only hope that readers loan me their trust and read the book so they can find out.

As this post comes to an end I have realised something. To the readers who have been loyal to the series and read every book so far (and I know there are many as you have told me so), I have realised that I am a fan of you, as when you tell me this, it is I who is screaming and crying with joy inside to hear from you... just like those Bay City Roller fans who left such an indelible impression on me in my youth.

Sometimes the truth is not easy to say and even harder to hear …

Cornwall, 1895
Grace Kellow is a young woman with a strong sense of who she is and where she comes from. As the daughter of a well-respected Cornish dairy owner Daniel Kellow, her existence in the village of Trehale is comfortable and peaceful.
But then handsome Talek Danning comes striding over Hel Tor, and soon after his arrival Grace is hit with a revelation that leaves her questioning her identity and her place in the Trehale community.
In her hour of need, Talek and his sister Amelia offer Grace sanctuary – but wherever Grace runs, her secret will follow …

Available as an eBook from the following online retailers:-

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Apple iBooks

Nook

Kobo

Google Play

Also coming out in Audio format soon

WHAT DOES YOUR BOOKSHELF SAY ABOUT YOU? by Victoria Cornwall

I have spent the last month undertaking a big clear out of my home. The things I no longer needed (or liked) were either sent to our local charity shop, recycling centre or thrown away. It was hard work, cathartic and a good time to identify what material things really mattered to me. One of the things that had a good sort through was my bookshelf.

I am a Poldark fan. Many years ago I bought the complete series which were twelve books in all. Over time, and after several readings, the pages have become yellow and dogeared. The first six books were very special to me as their covers had the actors from the 1970s TV series on them. However the remaining covers were mismatched, some of which displayed people who, in my mind, had no resemblance to the characters in the books. It was time to treat myself and buy a new complete set, preferably with the up-to-date, gorgeous covers which display the actors from the most recent adaptation. They would look neat on my bookshelf, thought I, make a perfect stylish set and show I was a big Poldark fan. It also accurately reflected my hobby of reading quality fiction with realistic historical facts. The size of the series would show any visitor that I am a serious reader (yes ... I have read all 12 books folks!) and I know a good thing when I see it (it's a classic after all!). This got me thinking, was I trying to project an image of who I wanted people to think I am or would the bookshelf silently show the real me?

I began to wonder if all bookshelves told us something about the reader. Could a chaotic, mismatched, overloaded bookshelf point to someone who is disorganised and unwilling to part with material things? Or did it tell us that the owner just loved books and wanted to keep them to read again and again?

If a bookshelf is arranged alphabetically or by colour, is the person organised and efficient or painfully controlling with too much time on their hands? Are books arranged by genre preferred by people who like to compartmentalise their lives, or does a variety of genres show that their owner is open to trying new things and will have a broad outlook on life?

By now my mind was in overload. Does the actual type of book chosen for display tell us something? Crime, fiction, autobiographies, travel ... there are certainly lots to choose from. Are we showing the world our innermost soul or the sort of person we aspire to be?

The "coffee table book" is a good example of the latter. It is usually large and expensive, with a lot of pictures, specifically designed to be looked at rather than read. Needless to say it is usually placed where people can see it easily, such as a coffee table. Is the owner really saying, "I am a good host as I have provided a book for you to look through while I prepare you a drink" ... or is it less about the guest's comfort and more about the owner wanting the guest to know that they are stylish and can afford a luxurious quality book that they don't really need.

Of course the books that don't make it to the bookshelf are just as telling. Reading an erotic book, but hiding it in the bottom drawer rather than displaying it on a shelf would certainly show there is a part of one's life the reader would rather keep private, despite the enjoyment it may give. Yet if the erotic book did make it to the shelf, it would show that the reader exuded confidence and had a "take me as you find me" attitude. This attitude is admirable, although one's reaction to viewing such a bookshelf might depend on the book ... and the number of them. Too many and too jaw droppingly kinky, one might just be tempted to run ... unless you are into that kind of thing. In that situation you will be delighted to discover you have found a kindred spirit who might enjoy dressing up in black studded straps and leather chaps too.

Does an array of fiction or travel books show that the reader is looking for an escape? Perhaps "real crime" books show a forensic, inquisitive mind? Do self-help books show someone seeking to take control of their lives or are they mere followers of yet another fad? I am intrigued to know the truth and will look at other people's bookshelves a little more closely next time.

Did I bin my original precious Poldark books with the original actors on the cover? No, I did not. My reorganisation and expensive purchase may hint that I am organised (the new book series is complete and in perfect alignment), stylish (they do look pretty and photogenic) and  show my interest in historical fiction with a strong romantic thread, (which is my preferred genre and the type of book I like to write myself). However, sitting neatly beside this spanking new set will be my six dogeared original Poldark books, which I like to think shows my soft nostalgic centre and undying loyalty to something that once played a big part in my teenage years.

Sometimes something which is losing its colour and curling at the edges is every bit as special as something sexy and spanking new ... at least that is what I remind my husband as I celebrate another birthday and spot yet another grey hair in the mirror. 

Victoria Cornwall

What does your bookshelf say about you?

WELLIES AND SHAUN THE SHEEP by Victoria Cornwall

This photo is not what it seems. Yes, it is Shaun the Sheep, but what may not be so clear is that it is made of vegetables. The bricks of his house are potatoes, his wool is cauliflower and the path to his front door is made from rows of onions. To give an idea of the scale, Shaun is the same height as a man. The display was at the entrance of the Royal Cornwall Show's flower tent and provided a bright and joyful way to greet visitors as they came in out of the rain. 

The display gathered a lot of attention, which was just as good at the back as it was in the front.

As a writer, it is easy to get stuck in the creative bubble of fiction, so I was glad to slip away from my edits, put on my welllies and make my annual pilgrimage to the Royal Cornwall Show this week. I have attended the show since the day I could walk (minus the odd year here and there). Although the format rarely changes, there is always something new and interesting to see and experience. This was their 223rd year and if you have never experienced an agricultural show before then I recommend you give it a try as they are a hive of creative talent which is wide ranging, entertaining and, at times, pretty amazing.

The Royal Cornwall Show is the largest annual event in Cornwall, but it originated from humble beginnings. The first event, staged in September 1793 (yes, the Poldark era), consisted of a ploughing match near the Red Lion Inn in Truro. The following year prizes for livestock were added to the awards on offer.

Over the years the show has grown. Local radio and television stations broadcast live from the event every year, while musical entertainment, dancing and the sounds of a thriving fair fill the air. Members of the royal family are regular attenders and can usually be found sampling the local produce in the Food and Farming Pavilion. From show jumping and dog and falcon displays, to parachute jumps and army displays, there is something for everyone. At its heart is the creative talents of the human race, so I took my camera along with me to take some photos, because despite the difficult times we live in, there is still beauty and wondrous things in this world to find pleasure in.

There was a vast array of flower displays and competitions.

Local artists demonstrated their skills and displayed their products. Wood carving and whittling changed natural wood into beautiful designs.

Local traders displayed their handmade crafts.

Individuals and groups worked hard to create eye-catching displays and decorations.

Besides the competitions, demonstrations and trade stalls, there were also a lot of fun displays, music and dancing. 

There are similar events all over the country, so if you have never been to one, why not give it a try? Here are just a few events:-

Devon County Show

Royal Bath and West Show

Dorset County Show

Mid Somerset Show

Balmoral Show (Royal Ulster)

Great Yorkshire Show

Kent County Show

Monmouthshire Show

Moreton in Marsh Show

New Forest & Hampshire County Show

Royal Highland Show

Royal Norfolk Show

Royal Smithfield Club

Royal Welsh Show

South of England Show

Suffolk Show

Royal Three Counties Show

So until next year, thank you organisers, volunteers, traders and  everyone else who took part in the Royal Cornwall Show this year. I had a great time - despite the rain.

Victoria Cornwall

Author of The Thief's Daughter