AUTHOR PETER MULLER ATTENDS LOCAL LIBRARY EVENT

 03 to 08 October 2022 was this year’s National Library Week.  Being a local author, Peter Muller was asked to give a presentation about his novel Farewell Chapelon at his local library in Woolston, Southampton on 04 October 2022.

 Such events always make you wonder whether there will be rows of empty chairs.  For this occasion that was certainly not the case!  A very lively and critical audience from a number of literary groups attended, and an interesting and enjoyable session resulted, keeping everybody entertained for over an hour and a half.

Following formal introductions Peter encouraged an informal atmosphere, inviting his audience to ask questions at any time.  An early query was whether MV Chapelon was based on a real ship?  The answer was yes.  The general layout of MV Chapelon is based on the MV Poyang, a ship that Peter sailed on as a Deck Officer in 1977.  There were differences; the Poyang lacked a Stulken derrick and the bridge layout of Chapelon was based on a different ship!  The Poyang also traded exclusively between the Far East and New Zealand and never went anywhere near Europe.  This lively and entertaining group followed up by wanting to know why Peter had written his novel and how long it had taken to write?  Also, what sort of writing projects had Peter originally cut his teeth on, and had he had anything published before?  Peter explained that he had always dreamed of writing a novel since he was in his teens and had short stories and other articles published in the past.  Next he was asked whether there is another novel on its way and will that have a maritime scenario too?  The answers were yes and no.  The climax of the planned new one will take to the air.

The discussion then switched to marketing and works presentation.  Included within this theme was the role and relationship between both author and publisher.  Peter confirmed that correct presentation is essential given that publishing is a very competitive market.  He also suggested that any serious writer should have a copy of the Writers and Artist’s Yearbook on their shelves.  His own is a few years old, but has a number of well thumbed pages that are carefully marked for easy reference.  He also explained that nothing happens quickly in the publishing world, particularly as Farewell Chapelon came to fruition during the worst of Covid 19 lockdowns.  Following acceptance, Austin Macauley had provided a ‘Roadmap to Publication’.  This was both informative and invaluable and clearly illustrates the importance of having somebody with appropriate professional knowledge about publication matters.  A recent ‘Money Box Live’ radio programme that had concentrated on authors and the publishing world was also debated.  An audience member then made an unexpected and interesting confession.  She explained that the only time she was ever paid for authorship was for forging letters when she had been at school.  These were for fellow pupils who needed sick notes to cover days they had taken off and for those who wanted an excuse to avoid P.E.  With such enterprise she deserved to become a FTSE 100 executive!

 The Woolston Library staff had made a big effort to make this event a success.  This  included a warm welcome and laying on refreshments that consisted of tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits.  Their endeavours were greatly appreciated and a very big thank you to them is appropriate.

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