Last night I had a lovely evening out at the launch of Caroline Smailes' new novel, Black Boxes, at Borders in Oxford Street. Sadly I couldn't make it in time to hear Caroline read, but she looked gorgeous and had a constant stream of customers at her signing table, while her husband and three beautiful children helped out amongst the guests.
It was rather like a bloggers reunion...lots of lovely Novel Racers, of course, including Liz on a flying visit back from the Middle East, but I also met Helen - who has written some great reviews for bookersatz - Sue Guiney and DJ Kirkby for the first time, all of whom were so friendly and it was great to see Sarah Salway again ( for those of you who don't know, Sarah co-edited the book Your Messages in which I got my first pieces published in print earlier this year).
Despite my lateness I arrived before the wine ran out and I came away with a signed copy of Black Boxes, which I am very much looking forward to reading. Having just done the OU E301 course, I now have an even greater appreciation of Caroline's style and how she has brought her linguistics background to play in her novel writing. It is all very clever, but those of you who have read any of Caroline's books will already know that!
Three notable things:
1. My end of course assessment for E301 is finished. I proofread it on the tube into London last night, put a few minor adjustments in this morning, will print it over the weekend and it will go on Monday. Hooray!
2. The results of all the tests my mother has been given are starting to come in. Nothing too awful yet but no firm conclusions either.
3. If you like knitting take a look at this new online shop, Cafe Knit. I think the website design is just beautiful.
8 comments:
I started to read Black Boxes on the train on the way home, and it's fabulous. It was lovely to chat to you at the launch.
Glad you all had a wonderful time and met so many bloggers!
And good to hear your mothers test results are not too awful.
Cathy, I was thinking of you all, really wishing I could've been there too. So glad you enjoyed it.
JJ, we were thinking of you too!
Thak you so so so much for coming to the launch. I felt that the atmosphere in the room was so very warm and relaxed.
x
Caroline you're welcome, honey, and yes there certainly was a lot of love in the room...
I had a great time and am looking forward to reading Black Boxes. I'm just sorry I couldn't have got there in time for your reading. Next time maybe.
Cx
I so wish I could have been there *sniff* but I'm really glad it all went so well.
Sounds like a lot of fun. How interesting to have met all those Novel Racers.
CJ xx
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