Hello, and welcome to my October ‘mini’ round-up. It’s been a busy month, not least because my latest middle grade book, Mountainfell, is due to hit bookshops in only one week! It feels incredibly surreal that, after all the many months of drafting, it will finally be out there in the world and on the shelves. In other news:
My author copies arrived!
It’s always a special moment to get a big box full of your own books, not least because of the panic it induces when you think you’ve accidentally ordered something big, heavy and expensive, then to discover what it really is (and feel the relief at having not accidentally ordered something big, heavy and expensive). It’s truly a joy.
Storytale festival
I had a brilliant time at the weekend hosting a ‘Dream Up Your Own Fantastical Creature’ event as part of Storytale Festival. We had some brilliant chats about animals both real and imaginary, what inspired some of those in Mountainfell, and also a very special technique for inventing your own. (If you’d like me to come along and do a similar workshop or event at your school or bookshop you can contact me here).
Sponsored Write
I’m pleased to say that the Green Ink Sponsored Write raised £1,867 for Macmillan Cancer Support. I was really happy to be asked to take part in it again this year. If you sponsored us, thank you so much, and happy reading! Perhaps see you for it again next time.
Books I’m reading
I’ve just started Kieran Larwood’s brilliant The Legend of Podkin One Ear and I’m really enjoying it. I also have a very spooky (and very adult!) book called Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez to read this Halloween. I saw her give a talk (in an actual crypt!) for my local bookshop, Storysmith, and learning all about her and the book was fascinating. I can’t wait to scare myself silly with this one.
And finally…
Some lovely reviews have been rolling in for Mountainfell, which is so heartening and encouraging for me. Among these fantastically generous reviews are this one and this one. Booksellers, book bloggers, teachers, librarians and everyone who champions books – thank you! You make the world go round.
That’s it from me. See you again for another instalment of the mini-blog in November.