Good Day and Will

I had a really good day yesterday as I took the Roaming Roman Tour to Rainow School. I enjoyed my visit very much, a very nice bunch! It was also nice to see because that’s where my girlie went. A very nice school indeed.

For any writers or creative types out there who haven’t got round to doing a Will, Neil Gaiman posted this on his journal, and I think it is well worth a look. And as an aside, I found his post about The Sun (mis)quoting from Good Omens very funny indeed.

Time’s short now (as ever). There’s work to be done. More later.

Fab!

I’ve just got in from a fab day of book signing at Congleton library. Fab, fab, fab! I really enjoyed myself. Great library and great people. The Roaming Roman Tour feels like it’s in full swing.

Dinner now with my beloved and then sleep. Then recharge. Then a school visit on Monday.

Another Review, and thrice well done

Another review of my book, this time without the scary photo.

Reviewed by Casey’s 9 yr old.

This book is about a boy who goes to sleep and travels back in time to meet Romans, Vikings and Celts and has lots of adventures.

My favourite part is when Jack, the little boy, has dinner with the Celts, because the Celts are interesting.

I also like it when Jack goes back in time at the the end of the story and ends up in an air-raid with a girl called Betty. I like it because it is frightening.

It think it is funny when, after Jack has dinner with the Celts, he says he is going to have a little nap and ends up waking up in his bedroom. His dad is trying to wake him and Jack says “is that the Celts?” and he says “No, it’s your dad!”

I’ve learnt that if i’m ever in an air-raid i should go to a shelter.

10/10 because it is really good and funny.

Big thanks to Casey’s 9 year old, Casey and the rest of the Casey family for this.

If anyone else would like to email me a review I’d be happy to post it here.

I think I’m going to call it a day shortly. It’s been a long week and I think I deserve a little rest.

And only two more weeks of the Roaming Roman Book Tour (for now). Sigh. As always, if anyone would like me to visit their school, library or book shop, please drop me a line.

And a reminder that the Wilmslow event, on Nov 11th, will require tickets. They’re free, but to make sure you don’t miss out, please contact them here.

The children’s poetry anthology ‘A Bedtime Poem for Every Day of the Year’ to which I have conrtibuted, should be out any time soon. You can order your copy here.

And finally…

Three things actually. I’d like to congratulate Emma Darwin for being shortlisted for the Goss First Novel award; Anne Brooke for her poem being longlisted for the Bridport Prize; and say a big well done to Roger Morris, whose book has been spotted, en masse, in South Africa. It’s always good to see nice people doing well, and those three definitely qualify.

Added

On the congratulations and nice people front, I should also mention J W Bennett – whose latest offering is available here.

Review

This picture is for anyone who has ever wondered what an author looks like mid-book tour.

Tomorrow (or maybe even tonight) the beard goes. I need to look presentable (or less scary) for my visit to Congleton Library on Saturday.

This review of my book was posted on the website, writewords today:

“I Met a Roman Last Night…

… and a jolly good time he showed me too. This is a rollicking adventure story aimed at children, but it can also be enjoyed by their parents. The main character, Jack, is very strong and is a delight to be with on our journey through different historical periods – which are mainly Old to Medieval, but which also brings us up to the war years at the end.

It’s also a delightful mix of educational content and narrative excitement. On a personal level, it was lovely to have that whistle-stop tour through Anglo-Saxon, Viking and Celtic life. I’ve studied “Beowulf” in the original – for two different degrees! – and I’m always happy to see it mentioned in any story!

I must admit the sudden jump to the 20th century at the end did take me by surprise (I was hoping for Chaucer, but suspect that’s just me being greedy – and it certainly wouldn’t bother any story-loving child …) but it does bring about a lovely turn to the tale, with the focus on Jack and the new girl at school. Here his experience helps him to deal with the modern school situation and is, indeed, a lesson for us all in how to handle the unfamiliar, and relate it to our own lives.

In short, thoroughly recommended for the youngsters in your family, and an excellent and lively introduction to various historical eras. I’m looking forward to the sequel.”

I also got a mention on the reviewer’s (Anne Brooke) blog which was lovely. Thanks, Anne.

Eureka!

I think. I’ve spent much of the day trying to suss out how my new camcorder works and how I can make it work with my computer. I think I’ve cracked it. I hope I’ve cracked it. Next job’s to work out how to upload onto the net – any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I’m glad to have been able to get on with some writing. I didn’t manage all that much today (see above) but I do seem to be getting somewhere (not sure where yet though!).

Must be off. Look out for some reviews of my book as well as a reading – all (should be) coming soon.

Another Baby Post

Another quick one today, I’m afraid. There isn’t as much time as I’d hoped!

The Poynton Library leg of the book tour went really well. My favourite bit was meeting Casey, a fellow writer and Writewords member, and her family. Her eldest has already written a review of my book, so as long as I can get permission and time, I’ll post it here soon.

I’m sure there’s loads more to tell, but it’ll have to wait until I’ve more time. I spent the (ahem) best part of three hours in electrical stores today and have just got back to the office with a camcorder. Watch this space for an exclusive reading…

If I can work out how, that is!

Short(ish) Entry

Nothing of any note has happened today. It’s been one of those grey, not got much done even though I’ve been busy all day days. They happen every now and again. I’ve been mostly busying myself with preparation for tomorrow’s appearance at Poynton Library, for the Roaming Roman Book Tour. All very exciting stuff. I’ll post a report once that’s done.

This site’s worth a nosy. It’s the blog of a very nice writer/journalist/cartoon character/ lady, called Julia Buckley, who’s writing a novel. I must add that I think the premise of her book sounds brilliant. All the best with it, Julia.

I also want to mention M. I’m not going to mention her by name, but I know she had some pretty rubbish news today, news that I really don’t think she deserves. If you’re reading, M, dust yourself down and get back on that horse. You’re really very good.

And that’s about it for this week. More (time permitting) tomorrow.

Memed – 8 Things About Me

Thanks to Roger for this meme – a kind of challenge in which I have to list eight (possibly) interesting things about me that people might not know. Here goes:

1. My name is Nik. Not Nick. NIK. I have not changed it – it’s what my parents named me. The only other people (as far as I know) who use Nik as a name (not as an abbreviation for Nikolai or anything similar) are Native Americans. I like that.

2. In the language of the Ojibwe, as well as being a name, Nik also means goose.

3. I only ever write, longhand, with one pen. It’s a lovely blue Waterman ball pen I received from the love of my life last Christmas. Before that I used anything – usually Staedtler ball points. (I should add, not wanting to mislead anyone, that I do use a red pen for editing).

4. I support Manchester United football team.

5. In all the school visits, book signings and workshops I’ve done, I’ve only once not been able to answer a question. It was: ‘What do I dislike the most?’ I still don’t have an answer but bullying, bigotry and arrogance would all feature highly. And liars.

6. I believe in ghosts.

7. I used to sell cars.

8. I was once told by my headmaster at primary school, after I’d been beaten up (again), ‘to do whatever a bully tells me to.’ I still think that was the stupidest piece of ‘advice’ I’ve ever heard.

On that note I’d always advise that if anyone is being bullied they tell someone – preferrably a teacher or a parent. I’d also advise the teachers to listen and not think that it can be stopped, in any way, shape or form, by shying away from it. Cowardice doesn’t work, David.

So that’s it. The eight things you might not have known about me. I hope that at least one person finds something interesting in the above. I’ll not hold my breath though!

And now I have to nominate some people. I choose: Anne, Julia Buckley, Luisa, James, Kate Long, Belinda, Derek, and Emma Darwin.

Brilliant!

I’ve just got in from an absoultely brilliant afternoon. I took the Roaming Roman Book Tour up to Kettleshulme St James’ Primary School where I spoke with children from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 about writing and about my book, gave a reading and had a Q & A session. And I had a lot of fun. Everyone at the school, teachers, assistants, parents and (most of all) children were all fab, bright and friendly. I hope all the dates on the tour are as good as this. Thanks everybody!

I also want to say a huge WELL DONE to my friend Belinda who recently jumped out of a plane (with a parachute on her back) in order to raise money for an orphanage in Africa. It looks terrifying. She is clearly far braver than me. You can see it here.

I think there’s enough time for me to squeeze in a bit of writing before dinner.

Browsing with Tabs

I downloaded the new version of Internet Explorer from the Microsoft website the other day and I must say that I’ve been really impressed. The new skin looks crisp and clear and I am a big fan of browsing with tabs. My screen is now much less cluttered, unlike my office.

I’ve had a reasonable day of writing (unlike yesterday when, for one reason or another, I got very little done) and am (I think) quite happy with what I’ve written. Looking forward to getting back on with it tomorrow.

And speaking of looking forward to things… I’m at Kettleshulme St James’ Primary School tomorrow for the Roaming Roman Book Tour.

And that’s about it for now. Nothing much else to report that I imagine is of any interest.

Aside from this which I think is a good idea.