Truth told, Kathy Evans didn’t quite put it like that – but I did get the chance to go with her to the launch of Miriam Halahmy‘s ‘Illegal’ at Blackwell’s Bookshop, Portsmouth University . She mentioned it on Facebook and I blagged a lift – she is a delightful chauffeuse, I have to say (or I might have to go in the boot in future.)
As a writer, you don’t tend to get out a lot. It’s a solitary business – so a bit of human contact is good. Not only that but the outside world provides its own stimulus. Even a change of scenery can prompt better writing – and going anywhere near a place of learning – well…
There is more. I was glad to see Anita Loughrey and Amanda Lillywhite there – more SCBWI pals. Regular readers will know how much I value the fellowship that SCBWI offers. Not only do they understand the obsession you have, they share it too – and encourage you in your lunacy. That’s some support network.
I hope Miriam felt suitably encouraged.
It isn’t just about the friendships, though. There is also a good chance of meeting agents and publishers at launches. You might build up other contacts such as publicists – and it does no harm to be seen.
However, it was when Miriam read the beginning of ‘Illegal’ that I found the most personal reason to be there. People from a fair old variety of decades and types stood and listened. They went into that little world that Miriam had squashed inside the pages of her book. It wasn’t a world that I could make. It wasn’t marketed at the readers I write for – but the story still existed. And that’s what mattered to me – one day it could be me. People might want to enter my little worlds.
I need that hope to hang on to.
Thank you, Miriam and Kathy.
Thank you so much for supporting me today Philippa and so glad that I’ve opened up the book to you. All the best!!
I’m glad I went – and thanks for this too. I do like a comment.
Great piece Philippa…….reinforced for me why I volunteer at the library in Paris…..I love to read their newsletters with details of all the new books which I then can’t wait to get my hands on! Meeting other volunteers who are also ” into books”, gives me a real buzz and each month there is a featurd author evening so you get to meet some very interesting writers. Google American Library in Paris for more information.
I especially love the line under your name….a voyage on the sea of writing…..I will look forward to seeing your name on a book jacket one day soon!! Keep up the great work.
By the way we are relocating to Melbourne early in April…….the contract is finished in Paris…:( We will miss being in this part of the world.
However, we are looking forward to being closer to our family…..our granddaughter is now 7, and she loves books too!
Cheers
Christine
Good to hear from you, Christine. I hope you have a great stay in Melbourne – and I enjoyed reading your comments on Paris here and on FB.
Thanks for commenting.
Good to see you too Philippa. I felt a bit emotional during the reading – immediately drawn into the story and already concerned about Lindy. Hope to catch up with you at future Scoobie events, I too have benefitted from this support network.
I think you’re going to enjoy the book then, Amanda.
I always like meeting Scoobies in the flesh – hope to see you again.
Thanks for the comment.