London calling...

It’s fair to say that I don’t really get out much what with writing all these books and juggling various other aspects of family life. So the chance to high tail it to London for the Kindle Storyteller Awards on 13th November was a welcome change from the norm. I hopped on the train to London (or ‘that there London’ as we call it in the west country) on Sunday afternoon and arrived in the Big Smoke just an hour or so later. After a few hours sightseeing and wandering around Covent Garden market, I collapsed into bed to make sure I would be looking fresh and beautiful for the awards ceremony the following day. 


As per the schedule my fellow nominees (Francesca Catlow, Cary Hansson, C J Ogden and M. L. Rose) and I were ushered into the Houses of Parliament for a round of photos, interviews and more photos before the event itself started. Which it did promptly following the arrival of guest judges Baroness Floella Benjamin and Sue Perkins (both of whom were wonderful and lovely, in case you were wondering). A few other authors also turned up including Rachel McLean and LJ Ross, and unfortunately for everyone, the dastardly Alex Smith and J.M. Dalgliesh. Following the consumption of far too many sandwiches and scones (and a couple of glasses of champagne), the winner was announced. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t me 😊 But it was CJ Ogden, who is a smashing chap who writes brilliant science fiction novels. He was a very deserved winner! Once the buffet had been demolished and the wine drunk, we were all bundled off in taxis to a nearby restaurant for some for food and drink. All-in-all, a great day and a brilliant opportunity to connect with fellow authors and the good people at Kindle, and a great reminder of why I love living in the countryside! Roll on next year’s event!




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