Joy be Unbounded! Mrs Finnegan’s Book is on its Way to the Printer
Dear, Delighted, Devoted Readers did you think this day would never come? I confess that there were moments when I myself DOUBTED if my small enterprise would ever reach fruition.
But it has! Last Friday I placed my precious manuscript (tied up in sturdy brown paper) into the hands of a trusted coachman with clear instructions to deliver it DIRECTLY to the printer I have engaged (an individual of considerable intellectual integrity who said YES to my book with only the slightest hesitation).
It should have arrived by now, if Tuesday’s rain did not turn the roads into a muddy stew; or the coachman has not been taken ill, or the horse died; or the coach over-turned; or a highwayman attacked.
Of course, I am worrying needlessly. I an certain sure the printer will have unwrapped the parcel by the time you read this. His eyes may already be sparkling with excitement as he scans the pages, his mouth curving into a generous smile. Perhaps he allows himself to nod in agreement as he studies the advice I offer.
Perhaps he decides to take it home to show his wife knowing she will also appreciate it, and one of his 17 children is sick over it, or tears it into little pieces. Or their rat-catching cat has kittens on it or the family dog chews it up.
Of course, nothing like that has happened. The printer is PROBABLY already doing clever things with bits of lead and metal letters the wrong way around. It is in safe hands. I hope.
I am so giddy at the thought of my book in YOUR hands I am ready to burst into song at the least provocation. In fact I have written a little ditty that I believe expresses my personality and philosophy with a certain degree of exactitude.
One step, two step,
Make up a new step,
That’s the FINN-EE-GAN way!
At some point I twirl.
It is still a work in progress, but what do you think? Does it need another verse?
I happened to mention it to a Brighton housekeeper so FULL of envy at my approaching authorship that she no longer has room for breakfast.
She maintains that a close relative has some renown in the song-writing field of literary endeavour and proceeded to sing the said ACCLAIMED song.
That rather put a dampener on things.
Next time, dear friends we shall DISCUSS launch parties. What to serve: tea and cake? Or a fine red wine?
What’s your preference? You will come, won’t you?
Another thought has struck me. It rained last Tuesday. Supposing the sturdy brown paper wasn’t as sturdy as I thought. Supposing it became a damp brown paper parcel.
And the ink has RUN!
Mrs Finnegan is the housekeeper at The Regency Town House in Brunswick Square, Brighton. Make sure you don’t miss a STEP in her journey towards publication by subscribing to her free email service. But DON’T keep it to yourself. ENCOURAGE a friend to sign up too. What fun you will have sharing and discussing her every move.
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13 comments on “Joy be Unbounded! Mrs Finnegan’s Book is on its Way to the Printer”
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yay yay yay!
Mrs Finnegan presumes that is American for How nice and very much appreciates the thought.
In the hope that it has not been ruined by the rain, I wish you every success with your venture.
So, you think the rain may have got to it too…? Mrs Finnegan regrets not wrapping the manuscript in waxed paper
With hindsight, waxed paper would have been better, but …… there goes that little two-letter word of …’if’…again.
Joy is never bound. It leapeth as the sparks fly upward and spreads its radiance o’er all the weary world, which holds itself in solemn stillness awaiting the news that the longed-for book has been released to its expectant public.
OK, I might have borrowed a few phrases and mixed one or two metaphors, but you get the general drift. Glasses – and cups – are being held at the ready.
My dear Miss Joan, you write like an aspiring poet and your general drift is admiral. All things being equal (suitability of the date and time, the possibility of getting a better offer etc) will you come to the launch? Do you live on a coach path to Brighton? All the best places are…
I certainly do, in Patcham, which is not far removed from Brighton. In fact, the horses are already being fed extra oats, so that they can transport me speedily to the auspicious event.
Giddy with excitement is an understatement.
Go Team Finnegan!
Sir! Your fervent enthusiasm does you credit and brings a blush to this housekeeper’s cheek
My humble apologies for the delayed response to your message, unfortunately the coach delivering your letter took a wrong turn on its way to Eastbourne and was diverted via a mire and had to be retrieved by sturdy local workmen. Congratulations, my dear lady, on overcoming the trials and tribulations you encountered on your way to fruition. I wait in anticipation of news of its publication.
The same mire disrupted the speedy delivery of this reply, but know, dear lady, your encouraging words have won favour in the heart of this humble housekeeper. (Perhaps between us we can organise a more reliable coach so you can attend the launch and get home again. More news on that very soon…)
I look forward to your news of the launch Thank you.