A Topping evening for Sam

I know, I know: I’ve been very quiet.  But the truth is that I’m not doing anything Plank-ish until I hear back from my beta reader.  I have had a couple of thoughts about “Worm in the Blossom” but I have simply noted them on a scrap of paper and put them in the drawer with my hidden-away Macbook.  It would go against the principles of version control if I were to start making changes now; I’m just having to be disciplined and Zen and patient.

But I do have a bit of news for you: Sam, Martha and I are going to Ely, to speak at Toppings.  For those of you unfortunate enough not to live within reach of this marvellous independent bookshop, just take a look at the pictures on their website.  It is the most marvellous, enveloping sort of place – three floors of books and nooks, and they don’t mind at all if you plonk yourself down and start reading.  In fact, they encourage it, by coming round to offer drinks.  They also have an enviable programme of author events, and on 26 October 2015 I am joining the roster.  (I’m in very elevated company: they’re hosting Brian Blessed the week before and Mary Beard a month later.)  They have asked for a talk that is half about the books and half about self-publishing, which suits me perfectly, and I’m very excited.  Of course, it will also serve as something of a launch event for “Worm in the Blossom” – I’ve not had a launch event before, and Martha has already declared that she needs a new hat for it.