Christmas is coming

Bit of a draughty and long day today. Spent the day chatting to supporters at Barrow AFC and met some people I hadn't seen for a while. Not much in the way of book selling but a pleasant day anyway and time to catch up with everyone. Off to Chetwynde Hotel tomorrow for the Rotary Christmas Fair. Signing again but some nice bits and pieces to sell-merchandise linked to the book-including calendars and mugs. Come down and see whats on offer-I know there a lots of other stalls and a Santa's grotto too. Ill be there from 11am til 2pm-see you there.

Deep thoughts and deliberations

Grey days and self examination seem to go well together. The mood is sombre and I suppose thats what allows negative thoughts to creep into the psyche like little grey maggots! Its been a funny old year-what with huge upheaval in the employment arena, yet offset with the excitement of bringing out a new book. As we approach the end of the year I can't help but appraise the long months of uncertainty and change. Its been a very challenging time but I hope that a stronger forward movement will occur next year! I am more and more sure that writing is now an important and permanent part of my daily life and I probably need to accept that the old life has gone-I doubt will ever rekindle(no pun intended) the old teaching career-where writing was a hobby and teaching my job-I am now feeling that these two will be completely reversed-which is an odd thought!

However, I am delighted with the book's response and look forward to the up coming publication of Guy the Grumpy Gargoyle. I have had many experiences I never thought to have had-the latest one, signing books in the illustrious drawing room of John Ruskin no less at Brantwood. I am still reeling from this-what an amazing weekend -who knows where I'll end up next. Well obviously, I know some places-Barrow AFC on 3rd December, Chetwynde Hotel at the Rotary Christmas Fair a day later and finally on 18th December Furness Abbey Christmas Fair! I have two visits to Barrow Library planned too to the reading group and the Teens book club-can't wait!

It will be a lovely end to the year and I am putting together dates and venues for next year now. If your school, group or society wish to invite me to do a session, signing or visit please contact me via my email, website etc. Dont forget that Out of Time is in a number of outlets-Lancaster, Barrow, Carlisle Waterstones, Tinner's Rabbit Ulverston, Brantwood, Coniston, Abbey Cafe, Furness Abbey and via the usual outlets online and the Dystonia Society website-Oh and of course its out on Kindle and e-books too!

Return to Waterstones Carlisle

I'm on my way back up the M6 to Carlisle on Saturday for my second signing there. I'm looking forward to it because its a lovely store with very supportive staff (and nice coffee).Hoping there will be lots of visitors and shoppers...and hope they are looking for a good stocking filler...which Out of Time is of course! Who wouldn't want one to read over the festive season? Look out for the chapter located seasonably at the famous Dalton tree festival, which if you aren't familiar is when groups decorate a tree and put it for viewing in Dalton St Mary's Church. There is always a fantastic carol service and it certainly promotes the spirit of Christmas.
Later this month I will be at Furness Abbey again for their Christmas festive fair-and in addition to the book I will have some merchandise linked to the book and the abbey-so come on down-you may find even more stocking fillers. There will be lots of stalls, with exciting things to buy and the eminent Abbey Cafe will be providing lovely festive foods.
I am also attending the match at Barrow AFC VS Ebbsfleet-I will be signing books there before the match and at half time, the following day I will be at the Rotary fair at Chetwynde Hotel-So its going to be a busy time.