Hi and how are you? We have blue skies in Hebden Bridge today, and the unfurling green leaves and new spring blossoms are matching my mood!
A special hallo to my German readers, as Waidling (Band 3) Die Verborgene Welt has just come out! I hope you enjoy Rowan's third adventure! (UK readers will have to wait till July!)
Something amazing happened to me this week that I'd love to share with you. I'd already had a fab weekend, taking part in a funny bookshop event last Saturday at the wonderful Ebb and Flo in Chorley, where we had to pitch our books in a minute or less and got honked at by bookseller Diane wielding a very loud klaxon if we over-ran. Then on Sunday, I ran a workshop at the Big DoG children's book festival at Moat Brae in Dumfries - pirate-themed, which suited that lovely spot by the river! I was so impressed by the children's story ideas and their writing!
Then on Tuesday I took part in the Stockton Book of the Year Celebration Day. It was a treat to hang out with librarians and the other authors (we do love to gossip about this strange life we have chosen). I loved meeting Bethany Walker, Alastair Humphreys and Andy Ruffell (sadly I didn't get to meet Kereen Getten as she wasn't well) and I can recommend all their brilliant books 100%. But best of all was meeting young readers and hearing about their experience of reading the shortlisted books.
Stockton Libraries run a wonderful service, with many busy local libraries dotted around the region, offering all the usual benefits of libraries - a warm safe space full of amazing books! - plus loads of extra activities and events. When I was starting to read, I used to work my way along the shelves at Hebden Bridge library. I credit libraries with turning me into a reader - so I know how important and life-changing they can be!
Twenty schools take part in Stockton Book of the Year, with children getting the chance to read all five shortlisted books and vote on their favourite. I remember from when my own children were at primary school what a brilliant impact these events can have. Children get really excited about having the choice and being able to vote and review the books, reading gets a massive boost, and children get to meet the authors (and vice versa!) and ask questions face to face.
There have been many times when I've doubted myself as an author, but this week's fantastic celebratory event was the perfect antidote to that. Hearing that children have loved the books fills me with gratitude, joy and purpose.
I know that events like this take huge effort on the part of librarians, teachers and parents, so I want to say a very heartfelt thank you to you all, as well as to the readers. Thank you so much for choosing my book as the overall winner - I'm honoured and very grateful indeed!
