This week was World Book Day, my first as a real published author. My write-up comes in two parts – my World Book Day, and yours. First, my exploits . . .
On Thursday morning I visited JAPS in Dulwich. The school was wonderful – they had even set up a display to welcome me (which looked slightly like an altar. I felt very briefly almost famous).
I gave an assembly to the whole school . . .
. . . and then held two workshops with Years 5 and 6.
I was so impressed by the imagination and enthusiasm of the JAPS girls. Workshops always amaze me – the same prompts throw up endless new stories, all of them absolutely fantastic and unique.
JAPS did a brilliant job of hosting me, too – I got a lovely detective bunbreak, and a beautiful bunch of flowers! A huge thank you to librarians Gail and Rachel, and all of the teachers and girls who helped make the day so special.
On Thursday afternoon, I went to Village Books, Dulwich for a very special tea-time event. Village Books have been some of the biggest supporters of my books since Murder Most Unladylike was first published, so I was delighted to finally be doing an event with them. And they made some beautiful displays to welcome me!
Hazel and the rest of the Village Books staff had set up a beautiful (and delicious) tea, and I had a huge amount of fun reading from Arsenic for Tea and helping everyone create their own Wells & Wong mysteries.
On Friday, I visited the lovely St Mary’s School in Cambridge to give a talk to Year 7s.
I had a brilliant time introducing the girls to the books, and I hope I showed them how fun fictional murder can be!
My first World Book Day as an author couldn’t have gone better – I had a marvellous time, and I can’t wait to do it all again next year!
