Winner

I was told, last night, by the lovely folks at the library where I run my writing group that the event we/they put on for World Book Day (I blogged about it here here and here) raised the most money in the area for Book Aid.

So three cheers for the library. Three cheers for the group who read wonderfully. And three cheers to all my supercool author chums who donated their books to be raffled.

Great Support and Remaining Cheery

The publicity and posters and listings and stuff for the local festival are all out. Which is good for raising awareness and promoting the festival and the great people coming here to read and perform.

But.
It’s also meant that over the past couple of weeks, since said promo’s been out there, I’ve been asked what I’m doing for the festival, more and more, – a question quickly followed by: Why Not?
When I was first asked it was easy to be polite and diplomatic. But as I’m getting the same question more frequently it’s becoming that little bit more difficult to maintain that level of un-grumpiness. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind people asking, I’m certainly not grumpy with them. I just wish I could tell them something more positive. Something other than I’d have loved to be involved and I did try.
Anyway.
On a more positive note, I’m back on the radio tomorrow (at a little after 10 am – you can listen online) via telephone, burbling more about the World Book Day event, which starts at 11.
I want to say a huge thanks to Canalside Radio, especially Nick and Liz, for their fantastic support – they do a terrific job and they’ve been splendid with me.
I also want to say a huge thanks to all those author friends of mine who’ve donated signed books to the raffle – seriously, you’re all stars.
And lastly, thanks to the members of my writing group who’ll be reading with me tomorrow and who’ll be giving up their own time to do it.
Of course, I’ll let you know how it went and how much money was raised for Book Aid. And there’ll be photos too because the lovely Hannah has agreed to do some snapping for us.
Wish us luck!

World Book Day Raffle Books List

Here’s a list (really, for the benefit of those who might be interested in buying a ticket) of all the books I’ve received for the World Book Day/Book Aid raffle – and above is a pic of how I’ve arranged them. Not quite as impressive as L’s classroom displays but I have, I feel, done myself proud. 

A huge thanks to all who’ve contributed and to all whose books are in transit/waiting to be sent. I really, really, hope what we raise does justice to your generosity.
And the books are:

A GENTLE AXE – R N MORRIS

SOCKS, SHOCKS AND SECRETS – LEILA RASHEED

THE DAUGHTER GAME – KATE LONG

MALONEY’S LAW  – ANNE BROOKE

TRADING TATIANA – DEBI ALPER

THE LETTERS – FIONA ROBYN

SAY AHHH, FINLEY PIG – EMILY GALE

SPLIT BY A KISS – LUISA PLAJA

CHANGELING – STEVE FEASEY

HARLEM RIVER BLUES (FISH 2008 ANTHOLOGY) – contributor – SARAH HILARY

I MET A ROMAN LAST NIGHT, WHAT DID YOU DO? – NIK PERRING

WRITING THERAPY – TIM ATKINSON

OUT OF A CLEAR SKY – SALLY HINCHCLIFFE

UNCLE ALONZO’S BEARD – EMMA KING-FARLOW

YUCKETEYPOO –JILLY HENDERSON-LONG

WAYS TO LIVE FOREVER – SALLY NICHOLLS

THE MUSIC OF OURSELVES – HARRY OWEN