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.

World Book Day

Today’s World Book Day event was a success. And it was enjoyable. We had a decent turnout for the reading, which was good. And they all seemed to like my stories and the one, written for World Book Day here in the north west, by Zoe Lambert.

I think the most pleasing thing from my point of view was how well the writing group members read – they were all really great. So well done, them.
It was also pleasing to raise almost £80 for Book Aid – that’s a fair few books.
So thanks to all who came, who gave up their Thursday lunchtimes and to all you supercool authors who donated books.
I think there will be pictures tomorrow courtesy of Hannah.

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!

# 502

Well, my 500th post here slipped by without me noticing and, as a result, with nothing to mark it, which is kind of a shame. 500 posts, eh? Two and a half years. Yikes. Where did that go – and how much has happened in that time? Lots and lots.

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I was really, really pleased to hear that three of the members in my writing group have had poems accepted by W Terry Fox and his editorial team for the Homeage to Cheshire anthology; so huge congrats to Jenny, Betty and Sandy – thoroughly deserved.
***
And that’s it for now, folks. Back to sussing out what to read for my World Book Day Appearance…

WORLD BOOK DAY/BOOK AID PRIZES

Here’s a complete list of what you could win for £1.

All copies are signed – the draw will be drawn on March 5th, and all proceeds will go to Book Aid International.

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

LEADING THE DANCE – SARAH SALWAY



and on their way…


SADOMASOCHISM FOR ACCOUNTANTS – ROSY BARNES

THE WHITE ROAD AND OTHER STORIES – TANIA HERSHMAN

A SECRET ALCHEMY – EMMA DARWIN

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

Turn on, Tune in

So, tomorrow, from about quarter to twelve I will be on radio (you can listen online here). This is a first for me so it’ll definitely be interesting and hopefully fun too. Here’s hoping. I’ll be talking generally about writing and what I do and what I’m doing for World Book Day and Book Aid and things. 

***
And the lovely and talented Sarah Hilary has tagged me with this:

List at least five things you do to support and spread a love of the written word, then tag five people. (If you list something that touches youngsters, you get a bonus letter!)
so I shall oblige.
1. I write stories and publish them.
2. I keep this blog and mention, whenever I can (read: remember) literature of interest, hopefully pointing people in the direction of things they might not otherwise have found.
3. When I can I interview writers here, giving them the opportunity to show readers here their stuff (see the sidebar on the right for links and watch this space for a couple which are due soon).
4. I teach a writing group.
5. I order books through my library. Now, that might not sound particularly great, but (PLR aside) when the titles are obscure/from small presses there’s a strong chance that the library will buy a copy, thus resulting in it being on the shelf for people to be aware of.
6. I teach workshops in schools (BONUS POINTS!!!).
7. I’m a member (and former Site Host) of an online writing community.
8. I read and BUY literary mags and journals.