All Of The Above by James Dawson

When I was little, a year seemed like the longest thing in the world. Do you know what I mean? Winters, in my head were snowier than they actually were, while summers were all paddling pools and bubblegum ice pops. And then, as I got older, time almost ground to a halt - staring out of window; one Netflix episode rolling right into the next; waiting for my friends in America to come online. 

Published by Hot Key Books in September 2015

Pages - 319

Summary

This is a funny and moving love story about friends, first loves and self-discovery by Queen of Teen 2014. When sixteen-year-old Toria Bland arrives at her new school she needs to work out who her friends are in a crazy whirl of worry, exam pressure and anxiety over fitting in. Things start looking up when Toria meets the funny and foul-mouthed Polly, who's the coolest girl that Toria has ever seen. Polly and the rest of the 'alternative' kids take Toria under their wing. And that's when she meets the irresistible Nico Mancini, lead singer of a local band - and it's instalove at first sight! Toria likes Nico, Nico likes Toria, but then there's Polly...love and friendship have a funny way of going round in circles.

*****

This is officially my new favourite book. I loved this book so much! It made me feel all the feels! From happiness to sadness, I've been on an emotional rollercoaster.  A touch of The Breakfast Club meets Pretty in Pink - definitely a book I want to add to my John Hughes collection.  OK, so it really isn't a secret that I love all of James Dawson's books, but I love seeing how each book just gets better and better. James  has such a distinct voice  that you can actually hear it in the words that he writes. 

The characters in the novel quickly became like old friends and I was sad to say goodbye to them. These are the type of friends you would be damn grateful to have in your life.  They may be a diverse group of teenagers, but they simply represent the YA community of today. Polly is my favourite character. She is like a firework! And Daisy! *hugs self tightly* 

The story revolves around the demise of a crazy golf course, clearly showing that change is the only constant we can rely on in life. What is the point in dwelling on the past or worrying about the future? Live and love in the now. 

This book shows that you can love anyone you want regardless of their gender. There should be barriers in love. Society no longer gets a say about who is the appropriate person you should love. 

This book will raise questions. This book will change people's perceptions. Love is genderless. Deal with it. 

This really is a beautifully perfect book. The question now is - can James Dawson improve on perfection for his next novel?

The Sussex Coast Schools Amazing Book Awards 2015

On Friday, the Sussex Coast School Amazing Book Awards were held. This is an event where all the secondary schools in Sussex get to vote on their favourite YA novel. Last year, I managed to attend. Unfortunately this year I couldn't make it. However Amanda Phelan, the Learning Resources Manager at Worthing High, has kindly allowed me to post her summary of the event along with the drawings from Children's Laureate, Chris Riddell, so that you can see exactly who won. I really think these local awards are important to both the authors and the schools and should be celebrated widely.

I will pass you over to Amanda now.

Well, it was an absolutely fantastic evening on Friday and Chris Riddell definitely stole the show, animating the proceedings as they went along.  Some of it was quite hilarious!

All the authors were there and were lovely, students really enjoyed chatting with them at the end.  Thank you to those of you that attended, I think it was the best year yet.

Here are the results:

Some of the illustrations Chris did of the characters in the books, the authors were delighted!

Zoe from Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher 

Danny from Now You See Me by Emma Haughton 

 Mercury from Half Bad by Sally Green

 Nathan from Cruel Summer by James Dawson

Elsa from Nowhere by Jon Robinson

What do you think of these awesome illustrations? I really think Chris Riddell was a superb choice for Children's Laureate!

Thanks Amanda for allowing us to share these! Some brilliant books shortlisted. Congratulations to James Dawson for winning two years in a row! 

So if you haven't read the shortlisted books, I highly recommend them. 

To find out more about the Sussex Amazing Book Awards, follow them on Twitter at @SussexABA.

Under My Skin by James Dawson

I'm not good enough.

The spotlight shone in Sally's face, blinding her. All she could see was dazzling, brilliant whiteness. It was entirely possible that she'd died of fright and was now glimpsing the glory of Heaven. She dug her fingernails into her palms. Saliva filled her mouth, lubricating it, ready to...

Published by Hot Key Books in March 2015

Pages - 302

Summary

Meet Molly Sue. Once she's under your skin there's no getting rid of her...

Seventeen-year-old Sally Feather is not exactly a rebel. Her super-conservative parents and her treatment at the hands of high school bullies means that Sally's about as shy and retiring as they come - but all that's about to change. Accidentally ending up in the seedier side of town one day, Sally finds herself mysteriously lured to an almost-hidden tattoo parlour - and once inside, Sally is quickly seduced by its charming owner, Rosita, and her talk of how having a secret tattoo can be as empowering as it is thrilling. Almost before she knows what she is doing, Sally selects sexy pin-up Molly Sue, and has her tattooed on her back - hoping that Molly Sue will inspire her to be as confident and popular as she is in her dreams.

But things quickly take a nightmareish turn. Almost immediately, Sally begins to hear voices in her head - or rather, one voice in particular: Molly Sue's. And she has no interest in staying quiet and being a good girl - in fact, she's mighty delighted to have a body to take charge of again. Sally slowly realises that she is unable to control Molly Sue... and before long she's going to find out the hard way what it truly means to have somebody 'under your skin'.
*****
I love the concept of this story. I kept thinking what an amazing idea it was. I love the idea of getting a tattoo and it talking to you. I'm not saying I would want one, but I think it's really cool. I've definitely never read anything quite like this book before. 
The plot is fast paced and full of gasping moments, when I would quickly turn the page to find out how the characters will survive each disaster. This is the first book in years, that has made me desperate to read the end before I've finished the book. I nearly had to glue the last pages together, to stop myself skipping ahead. 
I know I'm supposed to hate Molly Sue, but I can't! I know she turned really rather horrid, but I seem to have blocked my mind to that, because I really liked the idea of her. In fact, she was my favourite character in the whole book. I was definitely swayed by her Southern charm. OK, she does some really wicked things, but she also has strong views on how a girl should be treated and you have to commend her on that. Molly Sue would never be treated like a second class citizen. No man would ever walk all over Molly Sue and still be standing at the end of it. She may be gorgeous, but no one will treat her like a sex object, because of the way she looks or dresses. She is one of the toughest cookies, I have ever come across and she changes Sally for the better in the end. She transforms the shy, scared little girl, replacing her with a fearless and confident woman, who knows exactly what she wants in life. So evil aside, I love this Southern girl. I can imagine any one who  has read the book, is now shaking their head at me as though I have lost the plot. But I don't care! Molly Sue stands for identity - knowing who you are, believing  in your convictions and grabbing your dreams with both hands.
James Dawson is constantly growing as an author. Every time I read one of his books, I think it can't get better than this, and then he goes and writes an even better one. If you like your bedtime tales dark  and scary, then this book is definitely for you. 

Blogger Brunch at Hot Key Books and Piccadilly

Last Saturday I was lucky enough to be invited to the Blogger Brunch at Hot Key Books / Piccadilly. It was an amazing event, where  I was dazzled by an array of fabulous looking books coming out this year  as well as being let loose with lots of lovely authors to chat to and given a lovely lunch too. 

James Dawson signed copies of his book before the event started, as he was off to a festival in the afternoon. James was crowned Queen of Teen last year and it was lovely to catch up with him again.

When James spoke to the bloggers during the event, he actually got me all choked up. As many of you know there has been a lot of criticism about the blogging community recently from an author who will remain nameless. James stuck up for us and talked about how we had supported him since his debut with Hollow Pike, a few years ago. It was lovely to hear such strong support from such a well known author. 

James told us about his new book, All of the Above, which will be coming out in September of this year. It was originally written as a first draft for NaNoWriMo in 2013, yet since then it has taken longer than any other book to finish. James wanted to write an LGBT book, from the point of view of someone who is very much part of that community.  It is a lot different from his previous horror novels and James is nervous about how it will be received. This book is about falling in love, irregardless of your sexuality. I am really looking forward to reading this book. 

Lydia Syson told us all about her new book, Liberty's Fire, next, which is out this May. She described Liberty's Fire as a story 40 years on from Les Miserables. Keep a look out for a review of this book very soon from my new reviewer, Isabella.

Summary

Paris, 1871. Four young people will rewrite their destinies. Paris is in revolt. After months of siege at the hands of the Prussians, a wind of change is blowing through the city, bringing with it murmurs of a new revolution. Alone and poverty-stricken, sixteen-year-old Zephyrine is quickly lured in by the ideals of the city's radical new government, and she finds herself swept away by its promises of freedom, hope, equality and rights for women. But she is about to fall in love for a second time, following a fateful encounter with a young violinist. Anatole's passion for his music is soon swiftly matched only by his passion for this fierce and magnificent girl. He comes to believe in Zephyrine's new politics - but his friends are not so sure. Opera-singer Marie and photographer Jules have desires of their own, and the harsh reality of life under the Commune is not quite as enticing for them as it seems to be for Anatole and Zephyrine. And when the violent reality of revolution comes crashing down at all their feet, can they face the danger together - or will they be forced to choose where their hearts really lie? 

Next we heard from Jess Valance, a debut author. Jess told us all about her book, Birdy, which is out in July. 

Summary

A darkly compulsive tale of friendship and obsession.

Frances Bird has been a loner for as long as she can remember. But when she is asked to look after the new girl at school, the sparky Alberta Black, they soon become inseparable, doing everything together, and even creating their own sign of togetherness - a blackbird. After a while though, Bert wants to do things without Frances, and see other people without her there. And that won't do...No that won't do at all...

Hayley Long spoke next, telling us about the two books she has coming out with Hot Key this year.  Hayley was hilarious and she kept us in fits of giggles as she read from Being A Girl. This book tells you the low down on being a teenage girl and how basically brilliant you are. I can't wait to read this book. 

Summary

Being a girl is not all sugar and spice. How can you possibly survive school and even think about talking to your crush when you have spots in places you didn't even know you had, your boobs are too big (or too small) and the friend drama is off the charts? Luckily, bestselling YA author and sixth-form teacher Hayley Long provides a straight-talking guide to puberty - from cattiness to kisses, and everything in between. With witty black-and-white illustrations by Gemma Correll throughout, BEING A GIRL tells you everything you need to know about surviving puberty, in an honest and humorous way.

Hayley also told us about her second new book, Sophie Someone, which will be coming out in September. This book tells the story of  Sophie and her family, who moved to Belgium when she was little. By the time she is fourteen, she still doesn't know why they left England in the first place, until she makes a startling discovery which changes the whole way she looks at her family. Told in a unique way, with Sophie specially created language, which replaces every day words with code words. Hayley read us a little bit and it was really easy to follow the new language she had developed.

Next up was Julie Mayhew, who told us all about her new book, The Big Lie. This shows what England would be like now, if Germany had won World War II. Julie explained how easily children believe what their parents tell them, and these things become true in their heads. This gives you idea of how the story works. 

Summary

A startling coming-of-age novel set in a contemporary Nazi England.

Jessika Keller is a good girl: she obeys her father, does her best to impress Herr Fisher at the Bund Deutscher Mädel meetings and is set to be a world champion ice skater. Her neighbour Clementine is not so submissive. Outspoken and radical, Clem is delectably dangerous and rebellious. And the regime has noticed. Jess cannot keep both her perfect life and her dearest friend. But which can she live without?

Last to talk to us, was one of my favourite authors, Laura Dockrill. You may know Laura for her performance poetry and her children's series, Darcy Burdock. Laura is always entertaining to listen too and she kept us enthralled with details of her first YA, Lorali, about an extraordinary mermaid in an ordinary town. 

Summary

Looking after a naked girl he found washed up under Hastings pier isn't exactly how Rory had imagined spending his sixteenth birthday. But more surprising than finding her in the first place is discovering where she has come from.

Lorali is running not just from the sea, not just from her position as princess, but her entire destiny. Lorali has rejected life as a mermaid, and become human.

But along with Lorali's arrival, and the freak weather suddenly battering the coast, more strange visitors begin appearing in Rory's bemused Sussex town. With beautifully coiffed hair, sharp-collared shirts and a pirate ship shaped like a Tudor house, the Abelgare boys are a mystery all of their own. What are they really up to? Can Rory protect Lorali? And who from? And where does she really belong, anyway? 

I had a brilliant time at Hot Key Books on Saturday and I want to thank the lovely team for looking after us so well. Thanks to Jen, Rosi, Livs, Monique and Sanne, who made us all want to read everything that Hot Key Books are publishing this year. Also thank you to the authors, who attended, for signing our books and taking the time to chat to us.

Later this morning there will be another post, where I showcase my Hot Picks from the other books discussed at Hot Key Books last Saturday.

Say Her Name by James Dawson

Drip, drip, drip.

Drip, drip, drip.

Drip, drip, drip.

This was really starting to get on her nerves. Taylor Keane tightened the kitchen tap with all her might, even using a tea towel to gain a better grip, but the relentless dripping continued.  Where was it coming from?

Published 5th June 2014 by Hot Key Books

Pages - 304

Roberta 'Bobbie' Rowe is not the kind of person who believes in ghosts. A Halloween dare at her ridiculously spooky boarding school is no big deal, especially when her best friend Naya and cute local boy Caine agree to join in too. They are ordered to summon the legendary ghost of 'Bloody Mary': say her name five times in front of a candlelit mirror, and she shall appear... But, surprise surprise, nothing happens. Or does it?
Next morning, Bobbie finds a message on her bathroom mirror... five days... but what does it mean? And who left it there? Things get increasingly weird and more terrifying for Bobbie and Naya, until it becomes all too clear that Bloody Mary was indeed called from the afterlife that night, and she is definitely not a friendly ghost. Bobbie, Naya and Caine are now in a race against time before their five days are up and Mary comes for them, as she has come for countless others before...

********

Well! Mr Dawson has shown a another side to his prose! And by golly it’s scary!  I knew this book might make me feel a little uneasy, but I wasn’t expecting it to make me desperate for a roommate when I stayed on a writing retreat two days after. In the middle of the night, I was woken by a dripping noise which I actually couldn’t find and spend the rest of the night with the light on. I blame James Dawson completely.

I loved the plot of this book. It has me on the edge of  my seat, holding my breath, with one eye furtively glancing over my shoulder to make sure I was mistaken by the shadow I saw creeping over the mirror.  This book gives a modern twist on a well known urban legend, that many kids over the years have tried out. Not so sure they will be as many volunteers willing to  give it a go after reading this. Bloody Mary reminded me of the  evil character from The Ring, so she only heightened my nightmares while reading this book. She was definitely one of the creepiest characters I’ve come across in a long time.

The characters were strong and their fear really flew off the page. With the imminent threat of something nasty occurring within five days; the pace really was a race against time. I liked the sub plot which centred around the budding relationship between Bobbie and Caine. They were really sweet together, especially as Caine was first portrayed as a bit of a lad.

I love the way James Dawson writes. With each storyline he delivers, he just gets better and better. I honestly didn’t think he could top Cruel Summer, and yet he does.

If you loved the Point Horror books, or grew up enjoying horror legends such as Richard Laymon, then this book  really is for you.  A sensational, super scary spine-chiller that will  make you sleep with the light on!

Cruel Summer by James Dawson

Against the white cliffs, the girl in the red dress was as vivid as a drop of blood. Even by moonlight, the rugged shoreline was visible for miles at sea: two vast cave mouths yawned, black stains scarring the chalk. The tide was coming in, advancing on a dark, rocky beach; the surf sighed over the shingle as the waves crept closer.

Pages - 321

Published by Indigo in August 2013

Book Summary

A year after Janey’s suicide, her friends reunite at a remote Spanish villa, desperate to put the past behind them. However, an unwelcome guest arrives claiming to have evidence that Jane was murdered. When she is found floating in the pool, it becomes clear one of them is a killer. Only one thing is for certain, surviving this holiday is going to be murder…

*****

Oh my goodness! This book blew me away. It’s always a bit hit and miss with me whether  I’ll enjoy a crime thriller, as it isn’t my preferred genre, but this book really knocked me sideways. It had me yearning for my Richard Laymon days.

Within the first chapter, you’ve made Ryan your new best friend. He is utterly adorable, full of humour and sparkles with energy and enthusiasm. The story continues in alternative viewpoints between Ryan and Alisha as they settle in to Katie’s villa. Alisha has come a long way from her drink fuelled days and she really has strength of character oozing out of her pores.  The holiday is the first time the group have been together since Janey died and they are all hoping to be able to finally bury the uneasiness that lingered like a shadow over them.  But as James Dawson says ‘Rylan assumed Janey’s death was the finale. Turned out, it was only the beginning…’ I could not have put it better! I can’t tell you what happens as you just need to read it, but I will say it’s like being punched in the face regularly when you least expect it.   I spent most of the book gasping loudly and screaming ‘NOOOOOO!’ I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I didn’t have a clue who the killer was and to be honest, I was rather shocked when I found out. I actually want to read it again, so I can spot the evidence that had been so carefully planted throughout the book.

The characters jump off the page, exploring their past, their futures alongside their sexuality. Ryan is probably my favourite as he talks about every situation as though it was a scene from his very own reality show. I kept thinking of The X Factor’s Rylan, as I read it, as he is fuelled by flamboyancy and loves to hold the spotlight permanently on himself.

This book could easily be made into a movie. It has all the right ingredients to follow successfully in the footsteps of films such as Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Also if you grew up reading the Point Horror books then you will love this one.

This seriously was a stunning book and I do hope James Dawson sticks with this winning formula, as he just made the 80’s murder mystery / horror style novel so cool again. 

Really Random Tuesday

Really Random Tuesday is a meme created by Suko at Suko's Notebook which is a way to post odds and ends--announcements, musings, quotes, photos--any blogging and book-related things you can think of.

Good news about the fabulous Bryony Pierce who wrote Angel Fury. She has just signed with Strange Chemistry Her  new novel The Weight of Souls will be published in Autumn 2013. 

Now for a with a fabulous trailer! The Crimson Shard by Teresa Flavin is about to be published by Candlewick Press over in America and Teresa has created this beautiful trailer for it. I read this book last year when it was published in the UK by Templar and I would highly recommend it. 

**********

Random House Children's Publishers have launched a brand new website for teens called Totally Random.

http://www.totallyrandombooks.co.uk/

Go and check out what they have going on over there.

********

The winners of the three copies of Hollow Pike are:

Tabby

Katrina Day-Reilly

Laura Ferguson

Emails are on there way to you ladies. Congratulations to you all. 

**********

Exclusive! Deleted Scene from Hollow Pike!

As this week sees the paperback publication of Hollow Pike by James Dawson, I am really excited to be able to feature a deleted scene from the manuscript as part of the blog tour. I really loved Hollow Pike and I want everyone to read it!

Hollow Pike was shortlisted for the 2012 Queen of Teen Award, making James

the only male author ever to be shortlisted in the award’s history.

*******

Deleted Scene: Feathers

This is from a very early draft of Hollow Pike - you’ll even notice than Danny Marriott is still called Jared Blair as he was in early versions. This is also a little bit…erm…racy. I think it went purely because Lis’s dreams were neater (and scarier) if she just had one recurring nightmare.

It was such a strange dream.

‘Lis ...’ the familiar voice called to her. ‘Lis ...’

Rising from her bed, she pulled a blanket around her shoulders and headed across the coal-mine darkness of the bedroom. She pushed open the terrace doors and stepped into searing sunlight, the glare drowned the entire garden.

‘Lis ...’ the raven repeated.

Shielding her face with a hand, Lis looked upwards searching for the bird, but it was impossible to detect in the burning whiteness.

Rocking back and forth, a lone black feather drifted down on an upwind, right before her eyes.

Jared was there too, emerging from the diamond brilliance of the sunlight. He was naked, or rather, he seemed naked - the world was so bright, it radiated from his perfect skin. She was naked too. Sudden, crippling shyness pulsed through her, and she used her arms to

cover her exposed chest.

‘It's OK.’ he told her. ‘I'm here now.’

He reached out and rested his warm fingers on her bare collarbone, tracing it across to the tips of her shoulders. Oh, the friction of another's skin on her own was almost too much to take. She gasped and had to look quickly away.

‘Shh ...’ He pulled her into a strong embrace. They were so close now, Lis could feel his pure, clean breath on her ear.

But then he squeezed much too tightly and she felt her body compress inwards, all the breath knocked out of her.

‘FREAK!’ he growled in her face.

He was gone. Another black feather twirled past her to the floor. And then another. And another. Soon it was raining soft, thick feathers and they rapidly began to settle around her feet.

With a flustered hand, she batted them away from her eyes, but found that no matter how hard she tried, they kept falling faster and heavier.

‘Unnatural!’ was the last sound she heard in the raven's voice before the beep, beep, beep of her alarm clock dragged her from slumber.

What a strange dream.

Do you want more??

HOLLOW PIKE by James Dawson is published by Indigo and available to buy in paperback £6.99, eBook £4.49. Visit http://www.jamesdawsonbooks.com/

JAMES DAWSON grew up in West Yorkshire, writing imaginary episodes of DOCTOR WHO. He later turned his talent to journalism, interviewing bands such as Steps and Atomic Kitten before writing for a Brighton newspaper.

Until recently, James worked as a teacher, specialising in PSHCE. He is most proud of his work surrounding anti-bullying and family diversity. He now writes full time in London. In his spare time, he still loves DOCTOR WHO and is a keen follower of horror films and connoisseur of pop music. James is available for interview.

 Who would like to win a snazzy purple edged copy of Hollow Pike???

I have three to giveaway to UK residents only. If you are not from the UK, apologies, but please don't enter as you will not be eligible.  UK residents, please enter your details below to be in with a chance of winning a copy.
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Hollow Pike by James Dawson

Pages - 405

Published by Indigo, an imprint of Orion in February 2012

Lis knew she was dreaming, although this brought little comfort as the blood ran over her face. It rushed up her nostrils and caught in the back of her throat. The metallic taste choked her, panic creeping in.

Something wicked this way comes... She thought she'd be safe in the country, but you can't escape your own nightmares, and Lis London dreams repeatedly that someone is trying to kill her. Lis thinks she's being paranoid - after all who would want to murder her? She doesn't believe in the local legends of witchcraft. She doesn't believe that anything bad will really happen to her. You never do, do you? Not until you're alone in the woods, after dark - and a twig snaps... Hollow Pike - where witchcraft never sleeps.

**********

Since I first spoke to James Dawson on Twitter last summer, I have been desperate to get my hands on his debut novel,  Hollow Pike. I was beginning to think that  it would never arrive. For me, this is definitely one of my most anticipated books for the year and it did not disappoint me. 

The opening lines saw me hold my breath and I didn't breathe again until the end of the first chapter. I honestly thought I might need medical assistance. What an amazing opening to a book. The intensity of the situation hits you like a fist and knocks you over. Luckily after that it slows to a steady pace, or I may have had to sue for causing damage to my health. 

The book is full to the brim with a chilling atmosphere, that begins to leave you with the impression that someone might just be watching you. I found it to be completely believable and I am  now a  little wary of forests, especially as I live right near one that is well known for its connection to witch craft. 

The book is told from the point of view of Lis, who has moved to Hollow Pike for a new start. Desperate to get away from the uncomfortable situations she found herself in at her previous school, only to dive head first into similar dangerous waters at Hollow Pike. I really felt for Lis, as I was convinced that everyone was out to get her. I couldn't work out who she should actually trust - they all seemed full of devious intentions. I love the touches of sarcasm from Liz; being a really sarcastic person myself, I completely warmed to her straight away. I am impressed by the author's ability to write from a female perspective, something  I have always believed  to be a hard task for a male author.  Danny made a fabulous drool worthy hottie in the book, his hidden geekiness made him even more adorable. 

I fell in love with Sarah's house. It sounded just like a German Huf Haus, which you buy in kit form. I just wanted to live there. Who doesn't dream of a balcony in their bedroom?

The steady pace of the book begins to pick up as the book draws to a close, creating a dangerous situation for Lis at the end. I would never have guessed it would end the way it did and I was left longing for more. I have so many unanswered questions, so I  really do hope there is a sequel. James promised a book with a Twin Peaks feel and that is actually what he has given us. 

I was definitely impressed by this book. Not only was it extremely well plotted, but I also found the writing to be excellent. You can tell the author understood his characters and got into their heads to tell the story. There wasn't a lot of background information concerning all the secondary characters, which I felt added to the tension and suspense of the book, because you had no idea what secrets they had hidden away and whether they were trust worthy or not. 

This was a brilliant debut for an author I think we will be hearing a lot more about in the future. James Dawson is definitely a debut to watch out for.

The Orion/Indigo Summer Ball

On Wednesday the 29th of July, I was kindly asked to attend the Orion/Indigo Summer Ball. A fair amount of  squeeing occurred on receipt of this invitation, especially when I realised how many fantastic Orion authors would be attending. 

The event was held at the October Gallery in Bloomsbury, which I actually struggled to find. After nearly sending myself into a severe asthma attack after climbing 175 stairs at the Russel Square station, I then found myself stranded in the centre of London.  At one point, I was ready to throw my bag on the floor and throw a major toddler tantrum in protest of not knowing where I needed to go. It wasn't until I saw Jenny from Wondrous Reads, my guardian angel for an instant moment, that I sighed with relief at realising I had passed the building several times. 

 On arrival at the October Gallery, Jenny and I were joined by a delightful lady, whom I only realised five minutes after the conversation began was Lucy Coats, who I had spoken to several times concerning the ABBA online literary festival. 

Once inside the gallery, the lovely Nina Rogers led us out into the courtyard where we were served drinks and canapes. The courtyard soon began to fill up and I found myself mingling with lots of fantastic authors as well as bloggers, such as Liz and Mark de Jager from My Favourite Books and Darren from Bookzone.

I also got to meet some AMAZING authors too. 

Standing next to me in the photo, is James Dawson, a new author for Orion who will be published under their new imprint Indigo in February next year. His book is called Hollow Pike and has that Twin Peaks feel to it. James is very entertaining and I could have listened to him talk all night. I can't wait to read Hollow Pike.

 I also got to see Liz Kessler again, who is pictured here with Lucy Coats and Kate Christer, one of the lovely  publicists from Orion.

 For a little while during the evening, I got to sit and talk to Caroline Lawrence, author of the Western Mysteries. As we were chatting, I took a picture looking down on the crowded courtyard. To the right of the picture, you will see Cliff Mcnish in a blue shirt. I spoke to him earlier in the evening, was amazed to find him so relaxed and really funny, especially as he writes horror books for a living.

 Another picture from above, showing Fiona Kennedy, publisher of Orion Children's books and Indigo can be seen in the black and white dress in the left hand corner. She made a wonderful speech thanking all her staff and authors for another successful year at Orion Children's Books. She gave special mentions to Annabel Pitcher ( My Sister Lives On The Mantelpiece) Marcus Sedgwick ( White Crow) and Lauren St John (Dead Man's Cove) who had all had a very successful year with their books.

Apologies for the quality of this picture, but  I took it on my phone. 

Here we have Annabel Pitcher, Jenny Davies from Wondrous Reads and James Dawson.

I had the most AMAZING time at the Orion/Indigo Summer Ball and came away feeling inspired to finish my own writing. The authors I met were so kind and supportive and I wish them all well with their new publications. Thank you to Nina and Kate for allowing me to attend such an exciting event. 

Here are two more posts about the Orion/Indigo party.

http://www.orionbooks.co.uk/news/the-orion-children-s-book-summer-party

http://bookwitch.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/orions-party/