The first railway layout that Greg built was when he was 18 on an 8x4ft board and with a 1ft extension in one side and one end. Simple thing that lasted until the family home was sold and the trains were stored for over 30 years.
Then came a day in Perth Australia, 12,000 miles from the first one, came a reincarnation that was 4metres by 3 metres with three levels. The first GWRL or Greg Webber's Railway layout was sold.
Plans for a simpler single level were started and in 2009 building commenced. After about 4 months it was laid and mostly assembled. It's still not exactly finished. The picture at right is board A the industrial sidings side.
The other board, B, is a township Christinahelm with a 6 platform station and turntable with loco shed.
Whilst the design and construction is over, there are many aspects yet to be completed. The installation of a welder with equipment and some steel to be welded together and a flashing light feature is yet to be done.
At the same time as the second layout was being designed I had started to write a short story about international terrorism, political deception, international monetary schemes and middle eastern military covert action. Three nuclear explosions - two in western cities - and terrible retribution all coupled with a supernatural theme and a bit of sex made for en exciting story.
I have a thick file of rejection letters from publishers in Australia, England and the US to whom I'd sent samples for publishing. No one wanted to know. So I decided I'd be pro-active and used some money I'd received to self publish.
In December 2009 "New World Kingdom"
was ready for proof reading and editing which took over 4 months. The printing took a month and by 1 July 2010 I had 1,000 copies in my basement. Now came the moment to approach book shops to see if they'd stock and sell it. Angus & Robertson, Borders, Dymocks all refused as it wasn't from their suppliers. They don't take local independent authors and publishers. Both Borders and Angus & Robertson went bust but Dymocks are still going.Some Collins booksellers were receptive but the publicity and display they gave it was 'zero' so sales were low.
I have had quite some success, though, by word of mouth and have sold quite a lot. My work wrote an article in the in house newsletter and later in the national newsletter and sales around the country have eventuated. I've also sent copies to the mayors of New York, Michael Bloomberg, and London, Boris Johnson. I got thank you letters appreciating the book . The copy I sent to Steven Spielberg was returned un opened as they have legal issues with writers outside their select circle.
The feedback though has been great and the book would make a smashing film I'm told. I just need to have a script written.
www.newworldkingdom.com.au is the link to read some chapters of it, order a copy by post or buy an ebook from Amazon or Lulu. I autograph every copy I sell and I guess one day they will be worth something. Bear in mind that Dan Brown only sold 500 of his first book, 1000 of his second and then had a smash hit with his 4th book The Da Vinci Code. The author of M*A*S*H had 22 publishers turn him down before the 23rd one gave him a go. Ever heard of MASH?
The sequel is under way and 100,000 words are now down with about another 30 to 35 thousand to go before I'll be ready to edit and proof read it. Then there's the fun with publishers again. Do you know how much it costs to send 25 A4 pages to places overseas and the time it takes to find publishers who advertise that they are accepting new work of fiction. All this and a full time job! And a wife! And a train layout!
Anyway, more to come, let's get this up in cyberspace first.
Greg
