It’s almost time for my official launch, only two weeks to go now!

Everyone is welcome – Waterstones, West Quay, Southampton, 12th June 5pm till 7pm.

I'm hoping for a great turnout and I’m looking forward to seeing lots of boys and girls there ... although dare I say I didn’t realise until the other day that I’m competing with the World Cup. But just to assure everyone, you can still come to my launch and get home in time to watch Brazil play Croatia ... Brazil beat Croatia ... Brazil thrash Croatia. See you all soon!   

Well, I wasn’t expecting this, but it’s what every author hopes for - an amazing review from someone who enjoyed reading your book as much you enjoyed writing it. Thank you so much, Deborah, for your feedback. This is what Deborah wrote on Amazon:

“I am a slow, fussy reader and was recommended this book by a work colleague. You know when you are reading a good book when you don’t want it to end so I rationed myself to two chapters a night to keep up the suspense. The story unfolds beautifully and is written with great imagination. The characters Gillie the elf and Orlando the Cat capture you fondly and as the plot deepens you begin to wonder if what you first thought is actually true. There are clever simularities to our society and the powers that be. Who should we listen to and what benefits are we really getting from the government and monarchy. Great for all ages especially 7 to 13.” 

Here’s another one for the “Goblin Gallery” from Millie, aged 10. I really like the smart shirt, belt, and trousers that you’ve put on him - your goblin looks just like a real businessman. I like his smile, too - he looks very sneaky. Thank you, Millie.

Please keep sending in your pictures, everyone! 

I've just been sent a fantastic new picture for the Goblin Gallery from a talented young artist called Benjamin, aged 8. Thank you so much, I really love your drawing. The colours are amazing, and you have really captured the goblin well with his bright red braces, it's brilliant!

Click on the image to the left for a full screen view.

This will definitely be going in the Goblin Gallery.

The monthly Hampshire Writers’ Society meeting was on Tuesday night and we were thrilled to have James Wills, Literary Agent from Watson, Little to give a talk. It was titled “Do I need an agent in the Digital Age?” – his answer to which was a very surprising ‘no’.

However, he went on to say that an agent is essential to transform the passion of a writer into ‘possibilities’ – possible film, TV, theatre, and project momentum.  Agents are not just there to push books, but to help the passionate.

James’ passion for what he does certainly came through in his talk and he was a delight to listen to. For a more detailed report of the night, please see the Hampshire Writers’ Society website.

(James Wills, Literary Agent, Watson, Little)

We were also very honoured to have The Right Worshipful the Mayor and Mayoress of Winchester, Cllr Ernie Jeffs, and Mrs Barbara Jeffs attend the evening. I’d like to take a moment to advertise a charity event that they both support:

A Picnic and Grand Concert
The Harvey Hall, St Swithun’s School, Winchester.
24th May 2014
7.00 for 7.30pm
TICKETS £10 each (children £2) from:

Winchester Tourist Information Centre – phone 01962 840500
Winchester Discovery Centre
Rifles Museum – phone 01962 828549, email: curator@rgimuseum.co.uk
Six West, West Street, Alresford

It is in aid of Hounds for Heroes, Network Scouts, Countess Mountbatten Hospice, and a community pot. Everyone is welcome and it sounds like it will be a fantastic day, so please bring the whole family - I will definitely be going.

(The Mayor and Mayoress of Winchester, and Celia Leofsy. Please click images for a larger view.)

Finally, and certainly not least ... well at least not for me ... I was invited to give a brief talk about my book, The Company of Goblins. It was a little strange to be talking to all the members from the speaker’s podium having been on the other side for the last two years. But all the members seemed as thrilled as me that I had made the transition, even the Mayor and Mayoress wished me every success – thank you so much to everyone for your support!

I will back next month to listen to more great speakers at the June meeting. Again, anyone who would like to attend is more than welcome. Lady Carnarvon will be giving a talk about Highclere Castle (known to many as the fictional house in Downton Abbey) and Lindsay Ashford and Steven Lawrence from Chawton House (Jane Austin) will be hosting the event. Lindsay is a crime novelist and will be adjudicating the competition which is to write the first page of a historical novel, so please get writing.

CELEBRATING THE LAUNCH OF THE PROGRAMME FOR THE 34TH UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER WRITERS’ FESTIVAL (20th-22nd JUNE 2014) 

I was thrilled to be invited to the University of Winchester Writers’ Festival launch party. It was held in The Link Gallery, West Downs, Winchester, and I was delighted to have the chance to speak with Judith Heneghan the Festival Director, Sara Gangai the Festival Events Manager, Simon Cowhig, the Assistant Vice-Chancellor as well as special guest, poet Julian Stannard.

(With thanks to The Daily Echo for permission to post the photograph - Karin Groves, Membership Secretary HWS, Simon Cowhig, Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Celia Leofsy and Jenny Knowles)

In Judith Heneghan’s launch address, she said that the pursuit of excellence in creative writing is central to the Festival’s ethos and is reflected in the close bond between the Festival and the Faculty of Arts at the University of Winchester.

That is certainly true, and after years of going to the Festival, both as a delegate and helper, I can vouch for the fact that there has always been a wonderful, almost magical atmosphere at this event. But this year will be truly special. I have been given a book signing opportunity with P&G Wells at the Book Fair on Saturday 21st June, to promote my debut novel ‘The Company of Goblins’.

So if you do come to the Festival, please drop by P&G Wells’ stand – you’ll be very welcome.

I was just sent this amazing review on yelp.co.uk -

“Check out this book on the website, maybe the next Harry Potter ...  Friend has bought 4 copies, 2 for her own kids, the other 2 from an Auntie. I will be buying 3 copies as gifts, as a Auntie & God-Mother. There are another 2 books to follow.

Ask at your Local book store or buy at littleknollbookshop.co.uk.”

Thank you Julie for your brilliant review of my book!

Thank you so much to 11 year old Emily and her mum. I’ve just been sent her amazing picture of The Company of Goblins. It’s drawings and comments like this that make being a children’s author so worthwhile.

 Emily wrote:

“This book is great! It includes adventure, mystery, and all round greatness.”

“Izzy Green is the child of light, but what does that mean? Find out by reading this awesome book.”

(Click on the picture for a bigger image.)

Emily also said that Orlando was a cool character - I think so too, he’s my favourite. As soon as I have some more images, the “Goblin Gallery” will be open!

Well, the last week has been really exciting - World Book Night was amazing, I'm filling up the calendar with talks for this summer's fab Mythical Maze library challenge, and several school visits are to be posted soon ... but just as exciting as all that - my official book launch can now be announced!

The fantastic Waterstones at Southampton West Quay are holding the event, I can't thank them enough. So please come along, 12th June, between 5pm and 7pm for light refreshments and to get a signed copy. Just over a month to go, I can't wait! (Click on the image for a bigger view.)