Wednesday 14 May 2014

So, when am I going to write about Cuba ...

Let's start at the beginning. Yes, I'm going to publish an ebook about Cuba - and it should be ready towards the end of June. The manuscript is currently with a copyeditor, the title is more or less fixed and my wonderful cover-person has been busy.

But I'm more cautious about this book than I have been about the others. Before I went to Cuba I was deluged with advice - everyone, or so it seemed, had been there or knew someone who had been there and knew where I should go and what I should buy. Then there were those with strong political views who seemed to know what I should think (they don't know me very well - telling me what to think is never a good idea!).

On top of that, I have no Spanish. Well, I didn't when I left home - I've blogged about my efforts to learn the language and develop my miming skills. But it means I have only impressions to work with, as my discussions with local people rarely developed beyond telling them where I was from (though I did get Brownie points for not being American).

So I'm biting my nails in launching this book. I might upset those whose advice I ignored. I might upset those who hoped I'm come home a raving socialist or even ready to worship the gods of the free market.

I don't wish to upset anyone - but do not feel a need to compromise. I've written about my experience of Cuba (which was mixed). I hope I've approached the country and its people with respect - that feels more important to me than pleasing all my well-wishers. Only time will tell if you agree with me.

That title: Vultures Overhead.

And it will be followed by a print book which includes all three Over the Hill ebooks, entitled From The Outside Looking In.

That should keep me busy for a day or two.

8 comments:

  1. Well I for one am looking forward to reading the book. But then, I haven't been to Cuba and have no idea where to go, what to buy or what to think. Not that I'm expecting your book to tell me those things....

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    1. I try not to do telling, as you know Miriam. I hope I've managed to show just what a complicated place it is.

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  2. Welcome to the club. Writing about a country other than the one in which you were born is always onerous. When I started writing about my experience of living in the UK I had similar apprehensions to yours. Saying that, I have lived not in Britain close to 17 years, and I mean "lived", So, it's different from visiting another country. As someone born and raised in Cuba I really appreciate you focusing on your experience as opposed to the politics. Leave the politics to right-wingers and armchair socialists.

    In my life I have found that I have more in common with photographers, travel writers, music promoters, artists and other people who go to Cuba with no particular political agenda (even if they still have politicial views) than with people who put their politics before their experience. I really appreciate the contribution of the former whilst I have not got time for the latter.

    Your book should do well if it works along the lines you described. I like the title. That could well describe the hustlers on Malecón. Only that they don't fly oerhead, they circle you like sharks. :-)

    Greetings from London.

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    1. Thank you - I try to share my curiosity without making judgements, but this has been really hard. I just hope I've been respectful, and honest - time will tell. (I'm less concerned about the book doing well that it having some integrity!)

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  3. Good for you, Jo! I'm looking forward to reading your take on it very much, and also to buying your combined books in print form! Yes!!!

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    1. You've nagged me to print for a long time, Val - it will happen, I promise!

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  4. Just write it how you see it..it's your book and I'm sure it will be a riveting read!! x

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  5. What a FABULOUS title! I am sure it will be great and I can't wait to read it!

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