April 2022: Coming Soon An online E-Book of Solva – The Seal with the Orange Hat will be available from this site, new pages coming, and eventually on e-book stores. Covid has changed so much and my plans to visit Pembrokeshire and then Cornwall are on hold. I have a small stock of books.
1st December 2021 Payment options: You may have seen the Square Reader gizmo on TV. Shortly I will be able to offer contactless, chip and pin cash or card payment in person or for card transactions over the phone via the device and their online processing.
22 November 2021 World events have impacted everyone and I have been not able to promote Solva at all. I’m hoping all that will change into 2022. I’m currently making plans for a book launch in Solva: it has to be Solva.
10th September The big news is now a reality, my first big order is on its way to the Cornwall Seal group Research Trust who will shortly have them on their online shop.
22nd August Big news, I have my first order for the larger version which isn’t at the printers yet but this week all being well.
Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust@SuessealsWe are so excited to see John’s beautiful book soon to be available to read…we LOVE IT! Lovely story, beautiful illustrations! GREAT job! We are hoping to be able to sell copies as soon as they are available.
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21st August Lovely meeting up with a couple of very particular friends, like family really, both of whom have been important at getting me to publish my first ever book. They have declared I am now a children’s author and I was a little taken aback because I hadn’t considered that I might call myself that. Good job I have a second story in the pipeline and ideas for several more.
20th August The very first (short) print run for the easy to carry small A5 version is underway, books next week all being well. The larger size will follow on. Do email to register your interest.
![IMG_20200807_135018~2[1]](https://solvasorangehat.club/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_20200807_13501821.jpg?resize=334%2C334)
17th August Off to the Octopress to get my first print run underway.
Rainy day? Stuck inside on your holiday? Head to Cornwall Seal Group website for FREE family activities: Colouring sheets, games, fun facts, and ideas to try at home! Learn about the wonderful world of seals with your friends and loved ones.
15th August Had some lovely comments from those who have seen and read the proof copies. One young man sat and read it out loud and loved it so much he sleeps with it in his bedroom. Been in contact with the Cornwall Seal Group who I hope will be putting the book in their online shop. Will be talking to other people in the week about taking the book too. Getting very exciting.
8th August
The first proof copies are in. There is an A5 size which is convenient to carry around and a larger 10″ x 8″ version for shared reading.
9th July
Big news today, Octopress are producing some proof copies so I can decide on the next phase. Can’t wait to see how they turn out.
See if you can spot the harbour of Solva.
28th June
The book is ready for the next stage. Becky Blake has worked her magic on the illustrations, melding the text into a digital version of the pages and the cover ready for the printers.
I have to say, I couldn’t be better pleased. Just a bit of understatement there. It is very strange looking and reading the results of my words combined with Becky’s wonderful illustrations on screen, then realising we created it.
The pandemic has put pay to any original plans. This website is a part of that rethink.
I’m researching a crowdfunding project, but it is too early to give details. All this is new territory. I’ve been in contact with printers for options and looking at gifts. Will need a chat with one of my step-daughters who happens to be a solicitor working on intellectual property, logos and all things that can trip you up if you get it wrong.
This week will be busy sorting it out. I need to start work on a launch and perhaps a local literary festival in November.
24th June Final proof reading done and the last little corrections being made. Looks like the crowd funding might get off the ground. In the meanwhile this would be a good watch.
18th June Thinking about a hardback copy to start with and crowd funding. Getting prices from printers.
15th June The illustrations are done and now I have to check everything very carefully indeed. Thank you Becky Blake for all your hard work. I know I’m biased, but it looks terrific. You can see Becky’s work on Facebook
13th June New email is now active rjdaniels@solvasorangehat.co.uk The other one solvasorangehat@gmail.com is also still available.
Big moment, here is the first image (screen shot) of the Cover. Back (lh) and Front(rh).
6th June 2020 Email is active solvasorangehat@gmail.com
26 May 2020 The web site is starting to take shape.
solvasorangehat.club 