I'd like to give a big thank you to P&G Wells and the Winchester Writers' Festival for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to promote 'The Company of Goblins'. I was in very good company as well, following signings by fantasy fiction writer, Jasper Fforde, Judith Allnatt, author and teacher of creative writing, as well as Joanne Harris of 'Chocolat' fame. I bought a copy of Joanne Harris' new book The Gospel of Loki - I highly recommend it to everyone, it's highly entertaining and written from Loki's perspective - all the Norse legends retold in a uniquely eccentric way! A lot of fun for anyone, but especially people who love Myths.  

More news when I come back from Norway where I will be carrying out research for 'The Last Idesa', the third book in the Izzy Green series ... now, where is Orlando? I can't find him anywhere.

Hello, I’m Orlando. I was so excited about the book launch that I insisted on having my very own blog … I am the coolest character in the book after all … in fact I think the book really should have been called “Orlando’s Tale”!!!

I’m off on my travels soon, I’m going to visit Norway and my elven friends. I’ve been asked to investigate the Hessdalen Valley and some mysterious lights they have there.

Below is my picture with my transport in the background – I have to travel in luxury, it’s only right. I am Half-Persian, you know. I will be reporting when I get back, but hopefully I won’t see any trolls, they are so stinky. See you all soon!

I want to send a tremendous thank you to Waterstones Book Shop, West Quay, Southampton for a wonderful launch party on Thursday. It couldn’t have been better; Nicky Gale, who organises the author events, was really welcoming and all the staff were friendly and helpful. Nicky even had goody bags for the children who had helped review my book.  

The children - Ellen Medway, 10, Benjamin Young, 8, and Emily Richardson, 11 - were also asked by Nicky to become official reviewers for some of Waterstones’ new titles. I know how excited they are about it!

(The Goblins’ fans with their new copies of the book, and of course Orlando the cat!)

I’d also like to say a big thank you to all my friends who came along to support me, including Barbara Large MBE, founder and director of the Winchester Writers’ Conference, as well as the Hampshire Writers’ Society. And last but not least, thank you to Jenny Knowles, of Little Knoll Press, my publisher, who made this all happen.

(More Goblins’ fans ... plus Orlando again)

All in all the night was a brilliant success, we had over forty people at the event. Lots of amazing messages were written in a guest book that my publisher gave me, some of them are below including the “million million” rating that Paulo gave me!

(Click on the thumbnails above for a larger image)

And last but not least, here it is - my book on the shelf, in stock, and available to purchase at Waterstones.

The goblins are ready and waiting, I hope there are lots more Goblins’ fans out there ...

PS Orlando enjoyed his first event so much that I hear he will be starting his very own blog soon!

I have a new visit just confirmed for the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge - Fareham Library, Saturday 16th August. I will be giving an interactive talk for children on mythology, goblins, and lots more - everyone is welcome. This year's reading challenge is called Mythical Maze, check out the link to find out about this fantastic event.

Please check out my "Visits & Schools" section to find out where and when I will be giving school and library talks. Lots more coming soon.