Phew, it’s been a busy couple of months since my novel Comforts for the Troops came out.
Last year, knowing the book was due for spring 2015 publication, the people at Walsall Libraries kindly booked me to speak at four community libraries between April and July this year. I was only too happy to say yes, especially as my book tied in with their WW1 commemoration activities, more of which are detailed on their website Walsall World War One Commemoration 1914-1918. (My 12-year-old daughter did the following publicity poster in return for a bit of extra pocket money.)
COMFORTS Library tour dates 2015
So far I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Pheasey Library where I gave out some uncorrected proof copies of Comforts. I told them to have fun spotting the typos. That was followed by Brownhills Library where – unusually – there was an equal split between men and women. Finally, at Streetly Library I met members of one of the library’s book groups. Many of you know I’m totally in my element giving talks about the background research and themes of my books – war, women and Cadbury’s chocolate – and then having a natter with folks over a cup of tea afterwards. Selling and signing books is a bonus, but it’s that face-to-face connection that really counts.
I also need to give a shout-out to two more library authorities. Solihull Library invited me to talk about Comforts back in March to their Listeners Circle a fortnight before the book came out. And thanks also to Dudley Libraries for organising a Readers’ Afternoon on 16 May with Samantha Hayes, my writing chum Rob Ronsson and me on a panel chaired by Justina Hayes. We all said how much we enjoyed it.
The display from Pheasey Library
Next week is the final library date on my mini-tour – Darlaston Library on 9 July. All welcome.
Oh, and tomorrow, 1 July, I’ll be at Warwick Library speaking to their Coffee Morning group. Can’t wait.
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