That’s the funny thing about doing events and publicity for books – publication and all it entails: launches, radio interviews; writing columns; getting pics to go with the columns taken at odd times like 5pm (kids’ tea time in our house and always a zoo!), Sat morning just before you have to get the kids out to soccer; book events and book tours – it makes you realise how much you actually enjoy a normal writing day.

Some writers love the whole buzz of publication – but most don’t. Most – me included – would like maybe 2 or 3 days of it – just to mark the fact that a new book is actually out – and would then like to be allowed slink gracefully back behind our desks to write again.

But such is the life of a writer these days – you must do whatever you can to make your book sell so that a publisher will actually pay you to write another one. And if that includes telling journalists (who I must say are mostly lovely) what you had for breakfast, so be it.

But the most important thing is the writing – get that right first. Worry about all the rest of the hoopla later.

Here’s something I’ve learned over the last 15 years – if your book is really, really good, word of mouth is the most vital ingredient of all when it comes to book sales. You can have the best cover in the world, be on all the radio and telly shows, have bookmarks and posters coming out your ears, and if the book isn’t up to scratch no one will recommend it to their friends or family.

So heads down and write!

But I must say visiting 8 schools all over England and meeting some amazing girls and teachers was an experience I will never forget. More about that next week . . .

Have a fab weekend.

And remember – heads down, the writing’s the thing!

Sarah XXX

First of all, thanks so much to all the lovely libaries and schools around the country who hosted Amy Green events or workshops or just plain old talks during the Children’s Book Festival – I had a ball.

I just thought I’d jot down some observations on the festival and generally how you can make us writerly types happy – mostly involving food and some TLC. Here goes:

1/ Do have a glass or bottle of water ready for the author – throats do go Sahara after talking for an hour.
2/ Do make sure the authors get fed at the relevant times – lunch is always good! They may turn into pumpkins if you don’t.
3/ If staying over, put them up in the hotel you would choose to stay in – warm, quiet and clean. Remember some of your authors may need to write/work in the evenings – so do take this into consideration – a tiny room without a desk is a no no.
4/ Please don’t expect them to drive 30 or 40 miles between events – remember many authors are city slickers and more used to trains and buses. Cows in the middle of the road disturb them.
5/ Think about the logistics and what’s best for the author – it might be a better use of their time to base them in the main library rather than slepping them all over the county.
6/ Make sure the person at the desk/in reception knows an author is coming and greets them with a smile. Glum = bad, keen and smiley = good!
7/ Make an effort with posters – these can be ordered from the author’s publisher in advance – or at the very least type welcome and the author’s name on a sheet of paper and stick it to the door. Make the author feel wanted – us authors are sensitive souls, be kind (rewind).
8/ A follow up email/letter to say thanks for visiting is always nice. Chocolates are even better.
9/ Do try to have the author’s books in stock – they will look for them on the shelves!
10/ If the author asks for 5th and 6th class girls, don’t give them 1st class boys – there is a reason for their request! In my case involving bra talk and ballet tutus!!!

Some of the brilliant things librarians and schools did for me this festival:

Cootehill made me a lovely welcome poster and book display.

Alexandra School library provided six copies of Amy Green, Teen Agony Queen for the girls to win on the day of the visit. They also gave me a book token and a box of chocolates. And a follow up thank you card. Many Brownie points for Alex!

Bray/Wicklow libraries presented me with a huge box of Dairy Milk and two darling pink candles for my study. Darlings!

Clare libraries put me up in the Old Ground Hotel – which had a desk so I could work in the evening! Yeah!

Much kindness all round!

SarahX