31898: Novel published - but no launch party

Five years in the writing, three months in the proof-reading, and the final physical copy arrived today - but no launch party.

Writing my novel took five years. The end result was 100,000 words, wrapped in a nice cover, so why did it take so long?

This was my first book, and those five years were an apprenticeship where I learnt how to give characters goals, how to describe fictional places, how to build tension, and the importance of developing a baddie. I'd hoped to celebrate my graduation from apprentice to author with a book launch party, but this virus came along, so people in IT Services didn't get their invite.

Shame, but I'm working on a sequel, and hopefully there'll be a party.