London Book Festival.

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 08 March 2006 20:29:49

OK wasn't sure about this one. Was at Excel, which I have absolutely no qualms about in any way shape or form despite the vast majority of people I speak to who complain about it being hard to get to.... For what reason I have no idea, I prefer it to Earls Court personally, although Earls Court has the nicer ceiling all things considered...

The first thing that struck me was that a large proportion of the crowd outside the halls did not seem like your average buyers/sellers/authors at a book convention. And, for once I was write (:) again). There was a health and beautician show running in parallel to the Book Fest. Which, it has to be said, was an intriguing mix. The q's at the newsagents and sandwhich shops were fun to behold.

Anyhow, I was there to try and sell on a Christmas gift book idea, the US rights to Sylver, an anti-bullying book for small kids and a graphic novel. Despite the fact that all told I probably don't have the time to take on all four at once but most of the projects are ones that have been kicking around the inside of my computer for a while now and it would be nice to release them into the wild.

Part of the attempts to get something out there come from a very slight issue has been growing in my mind: generally if I'm spoken of at all it's as a writer. That's fine, yet it's as an artist (or a youthworker, but primarily as an artist) I feel most comfortable (all the reviews in the world can say nice things about Sylver but I still feel more confident parading a scribble than a book...) So it would be lovely to see something visual out there, showing it's face with my name on it. OK so this prob sounds ludicrously artsy and egotistical, I've had one thing published, soon to be two. Why can't I be happy with that? True, true, can't argue. but when an idea settles in my mind the excitement sets in and I just want to see what happens when it gets form my brain to others.

Last night was aces at the music group, similarly the teaching slots beforehand. This morning the graphic design kids knocked the ball out of the park, to punish a phrase, and between that and monday I'm tired but encouraged... The LBF left me glowing (for a little while at least): nice things said to me by people of influence and a couple of lovely meetings with publishers concerning pretty much all the projects (bar the graphic novel which is a shame as in a way I see it as the one with the most potential.

Anyhow: LBF. Was cool, enjoyed it. Dog tired by the end which carries over into today after another 14 hour sting yesterday (two teaching slots + one music group) and a heavy teaching slot today. Trying to finish off a couple of jobs now and then to sleep for a good long while I hope.

Currently listening to: Real vs Arsenal. Currently playing: work. Sigh. Current socks being worn: Martian from Toy Story on deep blue. Currently prayer requests: For Rob and fam.