So 2015 is nearly over. It was a year of highs- book deals, publications, meeting lovely people, the Great British Bake Off. There were also lows- family health worries, the general election result. I speak for myself here, of course, but as years go 2015 had more of the former. By far. These are my best bits:
On January 25th, I began writing the first draft of Strange Star. Amazing to think that blank screen is now 56,000 edited words. Eeep!In May I talked adventure stories at the Hay Festival with Gillian Cross, Linda Coggin, chaired by Daniel Hahn. Although I look like I’m eating a sandwich, in fact I was rather star-struck!In July, In Darkling Wood hit the shops- with badges!
Also in July I (finally) gave up teaching to be a full time author. This is was a dream-come-true moment for meIn August, I took part in the brilliant Just So Festival in Staffordshire This was the perfect red chair in the perfect woodland setting for an In Darkling Wood reading.In October, The Snow Sister came out. It was Sunday Times Childrens Book of the Week ! *faints*In November, I hit the road travelling to libraries around the country on The Snow Sister Tour. This is the wonderful display at Coventry Library- and me in a woolly hat just in case of snow (ever hopeful!)Also in November, I visited schools in Scotland. This me outside the lovely Toppings +Co bookshop in St Andrews. There might’ve been a few Snow Sisters in the window…The Snow Sister was spotted at Birmingham New Street holding its own with the big boys!December brought more signings- this time at the Taunton Literary Festival. We had a brilliant evening at Brendon Books, Taunton.It was the first time I’d done an event in front of my mum and dad and it was actually a bit scary!
And the year ends as it began, under the watchful eyes of these two rascals.
Which leaves me only to thank all the brilliant, passionate, dedicated booksellers, bloggers, reviewers, librarians, teachers, and of course readers who make books COME ALIVE.
