Monthly Archives: August 2010

Hastings Book Signing a Sellout!

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I was apprehensive before our second Waterstone’s  book signing in Hastings on 31st July for Jack and Boo’s Bucket of Treasures. This was due to our first signing in the Isle of Wight being a bit quiet because of torrential rain. This time we had a full day slot booked from 11am till 5pm, and despite the weather initially bringing rain (a bad omen I had thought), it turned out to be a great day. Again, we were welcomed by very friendly staff who set us up on a table in the children’s area, provided comfy soft seating, free balloons and, importantly, quick access to a Costa coffee upstairs!

Apart from a lull at lunchtime I spent most of the day chatting to families and children who came in, after an initial nervous few minutes of reticence to approach browsers and tell them about our picture book. I found that families would overhear me talking to others about the book, and then come over to take a look. There was a good mix of Hastings/Bexhill locals and holidaymakers who all responded well to the book, some recognising where the photos had been taken.

The attraction of our free colouring sheets, word searches and balloons soon pulled in the kids, with parents enjoying a brief respite from childcare. I had one very friendly and chatty little girl who sat and coloured in our Jack and Boo sheets for an hour, which really helped attract other inquisitive children to sit next to her and join in the fun. Of course this gave me a good excuse to make my sales pitch to their parents.

I really had some great chats with people and received some very complimentary remarks on the book. In the end I didn’t get around to doing any book readings (or taking photos in the heat of battle) as I was chatting so much. In any case, it didn’t matter as out of the 20 books ordered by Waterstone’s for the signing, I shifted 15 signed copies!

We are truly grateful to Waterstone’s for giving us the slot, and importantly the parents who parted with their hard earned cash to buy a book or two on the day. We appreciate it and hope you’ll tell your friends about it, and want to buy future Jack and Boo sequels.

Looking forward to the next one.

My children (sometimes) annoy me, but I love them anyway

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Most parents of young children will be into the swing of the summer holiday by now, and I am getting a little tired of it already, as keeping the children entertained while trying to work from home is a nightmare. My two angels have already fallen from grace and are causing havoc down here on earth.

As some light relief, I thought I’d list a few of the things that my children do that annoy me (but I love them anyway!):

1) When they insist that black is white. For example, my 3yo insisted a red grapefruit in the fruit bowl was an orange, and pleaded for me to cut it open, so she could try it. I was convinced she wouldn’t  like it, as I thought it would be too sour. To my surprise though, she did like it! This just shows even if you think a child won’t like something, one day they may like it and it’s worth persevering so they try new tastes, experiences, etc.

2) When they ask for something (usually a drink or food) the moment you have sat down. To help alleviate this problem we have found that giving them some independence seems to help, so they can get their own drink. Although this can then result in another annoyance…

3) When they leave the fridge door wide open. We have seriously considered buying fridge locks to combat this, but so far haven’t bothered, as we think that any kind of lock mechanism is frustrating to use on a daily basis. Plus, I’d quite likely accidentally rip the door of its hinges, grumpy and desperate to get some milk for a morning cup of tea.

4) When they don’t bother clearing up their toys. I guess I never did as a child so what do I expect? As a possible solution I’ve tried to either turn tidying into a game or make a “deal” that if they clear up a bit they will get something else. Works, sometimes.

I’m sure there are loads more, but I want to conclude by saying the most annoying person in the house is still me.