It was an experience that most authors can only dream about. This year, Sweet Cherry invited me to attend the Hong Kong Book Fair with them. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I knew I’d be meeting lots of book lovers and signing lots of books. I knew my Greek-mythology inspired Hopeless Heroes series was being promoted, and that I’d finally get to see the 5-book box set (my new babies). But as I’d never been to a book fair before, there was something mysterious about it. Something alluring … something glamorous … and something nerve-wracking! I needn’t have worried. The Sweet Cherry team were marvellous. They made sure I had everything I needed, and they treated me as one of their own. No author could ask for more. The days flew by and I’m back home, but five memorable moments are still with me.

 1. Meeting the Sweet Cherry team

 This was the first time I’d met the team, and it was great to finally put faces to names. I was dishevelled and brain-dead after my long flight, but they gave me a warm welcome and helped me get settled. After that, I had lots of fun getting to know these remarkable people. I won’t be surprised if some of them end up inspiring book characters one day!

 2. Popping crowns onto heads

 This isn’t as weird as it sounds. We had some cardboard headbands/crowns to give away as promotional material, and I used to roam around our stall finding kids to give them to. I still feel the urge to chase children around and give them a crown. I hope the impulse fades with time …

 

3. Talking to book lovers

I was absolutely thrilled to see how excited the kids were about books. Some literally jumped for joy. I was also amazed by how much they already knew about Greek mythology. That was so special for me, as Hopeless Heroes is my way of passing on the legacy left to me by my Greek parents. And now I’m taking it to the world!

4. Sitting on my sofa

 All right, it sounds rather lame, but I really liked my blue velvet sofa. It was an oasis of peace in the bustling book fair. Thousands of people swarmed around me, but my steadfast sofa was always there. Besides, it was comfy ?

 5. Signing lots and lots of books!

 Yes, I admit it. I love signing copies of my books. There’s nothing nicer than seeing the story that was once in your head in the eager hands of smiling children. Some kids even came back to tell me how much they were enjoying the stories and wanting to know what happens next. For a writer, there’s no greater reward than that!

 Stella Tarakson is the author of Hopeless Heroes. You can find out more about the books here and follow Stella on Twitter here.