My First Book Launch

Living in London and surrounded by a plethora of literary events -- and even having a few books of my own published -- I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit I'd never been to a book launch until last night. What actually happens at those mythical launches, I always wondered.

So when the lovely Caroline Smailes invited me to the London launch of her new book Like Bees to Honey, I jumped at the chance to go. Like the true social coward I am, though, I dragged along my husband with me so I could talk to him if no-one wanted to talk to me.

Luckily, I knew some online friends were going: DJ Kirkby, for one, and Carol from Not Only in Thailand, so I hoped they'd provide a few friendly faces!

Slightly sloshed from an earlier jug of Pimms, I donned my high heels and pranced (OK, tried not to fall over) all the way to Wood Green, North London, to the wonderful Big Green Bookshop. I hadn't been there before but I'd enjoyed reading the bookshop's blog, and owners Simon and Tim proved to be every bit as nice (and quirky) as they were in the virtual world.

Walking in the crowded room, it was obvious the party was already in full swing and my husband and I quickly made our way towards the drinks (as you do). Waiting at the cash to pay for my copy of Like Bees to Honey, I finally met Caroline's publisher, Scott Pack, who had given me such great advice on the cover of my 24 Hours London book and helped me promote it through giveaways on his blog.

The lovely Carol from Not Only in Thailand gets her book sighed by Caroline.

The night quickly blurred into a flurry of meeting Twitter and blogging folk like Liz Fenwick (whose website I stole these photos from - hope you don't mind, Liz!), Sue Guiney , @beecee, @katheastman and the very cool @themanwhofell, whose book my husband bought! I do think that name-tags (can you tell I have a dork inside me fighting to get out) are definitely in order, as Twitter photos cannot be trusted and I missed out on meeting loads of people, namely @GKateB, the author of the Dating Detox, whose book is next on my list to read!

My husband and I (with our heads thankfully cut off so you can't see how sweaty our faces are - it was hot!) wait to get our book signed.

It was fun alternating between my Talli-Marsha identities, as I tweet from two accounts, but I fear as the night went on and my fluid intake increased I became less responsive to either name! By half-nine my husband and I stumbled out and back to the Tube, happy to have made the journey north.

So what does go on at book launches? A lot of wine/ Maltese beer (at this one, anyway), some very nice people, and a very good time!

(Stay tuned for a review of Like Bees to Honey, right after my review of Nicola Morgan's Wasted)