Even the M1 was cheerful on Sunday and we made it to Northampton in good time. Of course, Julia Kavan‘s broomstick got her there early, too (and how does she fit her husband on it? I never knew they came with a pillion seat). We’d expected a wonderful venue and were not disappointed. Being early, we had chance to look around 78 Derngate and it took me back a few years to my student days. A big thanks to all at 78 for having us.
Here I am with the talented organiser, Daniel Burrows, just before my talk on horror and before the public took their seats. Thanks, Daniel, for organising such a great event.
If you’re wondering about the music stand, it served as a lectern, and if you think it’s empty – look again; for this talk I had all my notes and Diavolino excerpts on my Kindle, and I have say it worked a treat, far better than all those cards that slip to the floor or sheets of paper that get muddled up. And I didn’t even need my glasses for most of it due to the font sizer.
When I arrived at 78 my heart sank to find a bunch of workmen right outside the front door – and below the window to our room – digging up the pavement with a pneumatic drill. Maybe Julia put a spell on them and I’m glad to say they’d gone by the time we started. Despite Julia’s glowing introduction, I couldn’t resist having a little go at her – but why she thinks crossing her fingers like that will keep me at bay I have no idea.
The audience seemed to enjoy it as much as I did, and plenty of questions – some quite searching – came from the floor. I’ll blog about some of the issues raised in a later post. Thanks to all who came, to all who bought Diavolino, especially the lady who was prompted to buy 5 copies so she can dish them out to her friends. And finally, another author in attendance who came all the way from Wales was the horror writer Catherine Cavendish. Cat has blogged already on the event and you can visit her here:
http://www.catherinecavendish.com/2012/09/the-devil-and-mr-emmett.html
Julia Kavan’s wicked report lies under this toadstool HERE.
So, who wants me next :-)?
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