Just got back from my launch in the UK (The Sleepwalker's Introduction to Flight) and thought I'd share my experiences.

I arrived from NZ, having flown straight through (37 hrs).

I hadn't seen or touched a copy of the book at this stage so I sneaked into a bookshop and bought one.

Of course, I had to sit on a park bench in the sun and generally caress it for a couple of hours.

Moved on by the police.

Off to Cambridge to Heffers (Blackwells) for talk and signings with David Hewson and Anne (of) Cleeves.

Publishers arrive brandishing an editor's choice review in The London Paper, which gave me a bit of confidence.

I read three pages or so to assembled nutcases. Surprised to find that my fellow authors didn't want to read (I think it's only us overexcited debutantes who do that). Signings afterwards and a beer or two with David Hewson - who advised me to sign as many copies as possible since they can't be returned (don't know whether this is true or not).

Back up to London for a BBC Radio interview with Andy Crane, which turned out to be live. Bit scary. Then into another studio for more recorded interviews. Not scary at all.

Back to Henley with my Mum.

Back up to London for lunch with publishers. Found out we’ve sold the Italian publishing rights and I still get royalties. Explain very badly the plot for my second novel.

Whisked away in a taxi to my launch. A bit early I think, ‘til I see the pile of books they want signed ‘n’ lined.

Wake up next morning as a published author.

Nobody recognizes me.

Arrive with publicist. Go into make-up for my Bookzone interview.

Spend the day looking like George Hamilton. Attend magazine Interview.

Weekend with sister in darkest Devon. Walk the Tors – or be killed with a blunt axe.

Back up to Henley. BBC Radio Berks Interview with Henry Kelly. 2 seconds to put on the headphones. Gasping conversation, push the Berks connection. It’s live again.

Back to Mum’s. She missed it. Busy farting round in the garden.

That figures.

Ah, well.

Best
Sion

bet you never thought life could be so glamorous - Henry Kelly! Well done... what a marathon. You must be needing some time to recover after all that. I really hope the book does well - what I've read from your website was so good. And do keep us all posted.

What a whirlwind! That was really interesting, Sion, thanks for sharing your experiences. It all sounds very exciting and fun.

Well done - especially on the reading. I'm with your fellow authors on that one - my stomach churns at the very thought.

I hope the book does brilliantly.

Thank you.
Both.
I'm touched.

Best
Sion

Sounds great fun and not a little scary.

Missread:
Wake up next morning as a published author.,
as: 'Wake up next morning with a published author.'
Gave me an extra laugh


- NaomiM

Congratulations! Yes, scary, but I hope you had some moments to enjoy, as well as the essential book-cuddling. It's very intensive when it's like this, but soo exciting.

Emma

Exciting times, Sion...enjoy!

I unpacked a box of new books at the library yesterday - and there it was! I sort of did a double take and wondered why it stood out for me, until the penny dropped.

I'll keep an eye on it's loan history, make sure those PLR guys aren't swindling you!

Best of luck with it, it's obviously an exceptional piece of work.
x
tc

Thanks Naomi, Emma & tc.

Naomi, there were one or two authors at my launch - Len Tyler, Kes Gray and Malcolm Pryce and of course I did try it on but they all point-blank refused to sleep with me. So I did wake up as not with a published author I'm afraid.
tc - keep an eye on those late returns. Fine them without mercy.

Best
Sion

Sounds marvellous, Sion. Congrats!

N

Hey, congratulations! Andy Crane, eh, now that brings back TV memories... And yeah, it's true about signed can't be returned.

I think I might have heard you on Radio Berks. Were you talking about Reading - Caversham in particular?

<Added>

I caught quite a bit of it - Is it a MNW title?

Thanks Nik, Leila & Sarah,

Yes, Sarah, it's MNW and that was me on Radio Berks, pushing the local connection for all it's worth (the book is actually set in Caversham). Glad you caught it. The guys on just before me were a group of knights, for some reason in full medieval costume.

Best
Sion

a group of knights, for some reason in full medieval costume

That's just sensible practice for anyone appearing in the media these days.

Also, congratulations! I loved the website and will look out for the book.

Rod.

Ahhh Sion,
You make me smile.
You also make me want to throw wet tissue at my computer screen due to utter jealousy.
But really, that's amazing.
I'll read your post again tomorrow, and the next day...