This past week brought a surreal moment: the very first proof copy of The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier arrived.
I didn’t get to unbox it myself, my daughter did while I was away (at my request, I hasten to add). Through a FaceTime call, I watched her peel back the cardboard, lift out the paperbacks, and hold my story in her hands. I still haven’t touched it yet, but even through a screen it felt real in a way that no Scrivener file ever could.
The truth is, finishing a book is never just about words on a page. In these last few weeks, I’ve been using every spare hour outside of work to focus almost entirely on polishing the novel, preparing the files for Amazon, and getting the publishing details right. Photography and other projects had to take a back seat, because this moment – this first book – matters more than anything right now.
If there’s one thing this process has shown me, it’s that bringing a book to life is a rollercoaster of activity and emotions (including plenty of stress). There are plenty of challenges, but also moments of joy, like seeing your ideas come to life.
📖 The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier will be available on Amazon October 16, 2025, with pre-orders opening a few weeks earlier.
Keep an eye out here on my blog and social media (see links on my website home page) for the official pre-order announcement very soon, although some of you have already spotted that some of the pre-order links are live. 😉
Finally, thank you to everyone who has sent their support. From the friends I’ve made on social media and writing forums, to the fine souls who have already pre-ordered, and the friends I’ve made during years of research for this series of books – The Crier being the first. A mixed bunch including authors, historians, a physicist, a psychologist, and of course a monk. And of course my friends and family, who have stood by me through this very long six-plus year journey. I’m truly grateful!
– Scrib
PJ Scribbans Author 