It might only be mid-November but Christmas came early for me and some of the Sweet Cherry authors last week. Sporting one of my many Christmas jumpers, I made my way to Birmingham for the first day of the NEC Festive Gift Fair. With thousands of shoppers on the search for unique gifts, this was the perfect place for a few of our authors to pitch up and sign some books!

In dazzling (slightly over-the-top) festive style, Stephanie, Susan and Myra sat on a golden throne, shiny books piled around them. The great thing about events like these is that the authors get to chat to readers. It’s good to get out of the writer bubble occasionally and have some interaction with the people you’re actually writing for.

Stephanie enjoyed talking to shoppers about her grandson’s love for dinosaurs, Susan liked discussing fantasy books with readers and Myra chatted about horses with fellow riders and South Africa with former residents.

 With the twinkly lights, elves on stilts and Christmas songs (not to mention the crêpes) it was hard not to feel the festive spirit – I just hope our authors had as much fun as I did!

Stephanie enjoyed talking to shoppers about her grandson’s love for dinosaurs, Susan liked discussing fantasy books with readers and Myra chatted about horses with fellow riders and South Africa with former residents.

 With the twinkly lights, elves on stilts and Christmas songs (not to mention the crêpes) it was hard not to feel the festive spirit – I just hope our authors had as much fun as I did!