I always love going on tour for my books, but I think my Top Marks for Murder tour of schools and festivals at the beginning of October was one of my most wonderful author weeks ever.

Going into schools and talking to kids about my books is (strangely, because I think of myself as a fairly shy and awkward person) one of my favourite things to do these days. My first ever author event was to seven people, and I was terrified for weeks beforehand, but on tour this time I stood up in the front of Worcester Cathedral and spoke to over 500 children at once – and I absolutely loved it.

I also talked at Cheltenham and Bath Festivals – and Cheltenham Festival also asked me to be a guest curator, which meant I got to programme some events as well as speak! This was the most incredible privilege, especially as I started off at Cheltenham Lit Fest as a volunteer the year I was 18. To go from working on events to speaking at and organising them feels astonishing!

Below are some of my favourite pictures from my schools tour week. I’m currently finishing up the rest of my October tour dates (I’m in Ireland this weekend, please come see me!), and then I’ll be getting ready for my November tour dates, which I’ll announce next week. I’m going to be visiting towns and cities in the North of England – so if you’re near there, keep an eye on my calendar!