It has been a busy few months since the launch in October, and I can hardly believe how quickly the time has flown. I am pleased to say that The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier has truly resonated with readers.
What has surprised me most is the range of people who have connected with the story. Younger and older readers, men and women alike. Many have told me it is not their usual genre, yet they were hooked all the same.
From a writing perspective, the story was always going to be multi-genre. It may not be the safest business strategy for an author, but I never wanted to limit it to fit a mould.
If you have read my blog, you will know that The Mereland Chronicles has been forming in my mind for nearly forty years, with The Crier as its beginning. The series exists to tell a story, so that is what I did. I wanted it to remain true to what I had lived with all those years. It needed to be unburdened by external expectations or market conventions.
Life itself rarely fits neatly into a single genre. The goal was never to stay within strict boundaries, but to create something accessible and engaging for a wide audience. Judging by the feedback, the balance has worked perfectly.
A Busy Author Life
Many author friends warned me how busy post-launch life can be, and they were right. Marketing, website updates, arranging distribution through bookshops and libraries, attending book fairs, and creating merchandise all take time.
Alongside that, I have been learning the practical realities of independent publishing. Wholesale terms, distribution channels, stock management, and balancing visibility with sustainability. It is a steep learning curve, but one I have genuinely enjoyed – mostly. Speaking with bookshops and exploring ways to connect the story more closely to the places that inspired it has been fascinating. Seeing copies of the novel on shelves beyond my own desk or website still feels surreal.
Speaking of bookshops, The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier is currently available at Sam Read Books, with other locations to be announced soon. If you are in the area, do pay a visit.
Announcements
There is another announcement coming shortly. If you have read the book, you will know that one character’s favourite treat is honey buns. The sweet detail reappears later in the story in a particular location. It’s at this place that you will soon be able to pick up an exclusive free Mereland Chronicles bookmark.
You will also be able to see what that setting may have looked like through the eyes of Mereland characters five hundred years ago.
If you know the area and have read the book (or read my blog), you may already have guessed the setting. I will officially announce it once everything is in place, so keep an eye on the newsletter for the reveal.
Thank You
To everyone who has left reviews or sent kind messages, thank you. Your support means more than I can say.
I have also received many questions about where scenes are set in today’s world. Some readers have even made trips to explore the locations from the book, which is both amazing and humbling.
The Mereland Chronicles is rooted in real places, but with a fictional twist. Some locations still exist. Others may once have existed, but have been lost to time. Some are entirely imagined.
To help those who are curious, I plan to create a dedicated blog post alongside a supporting YouTube video exploring where fiction meets reality. I also intend to walk the route Henry took in the novel and retrace his steps, which should make for an interesting video feature.
Book Two
It has taken a few months to reach the point where I can now focus properly on Book Two. From the feedback I am receiving, I know readers are eager to see what happens next. There is much more to come!
Now that marketing and distribution have settled into a rhythm, I am fully committed to bringing Book Two to you as soon as possible. Work is well underway.
If you would like early updates, exclusive previews, and announcements before they are shared publicly, you can join my newsletter through the website (see below). It is the best way to stay informed as the next chapter unfolds.
Keep an eye on this blog, the newsletter, or social media for sneak peeks and updates.
Paul J. Scribbans — Author 