'Ginsterpigs' Book launch retrospective

It feels surreal to be writing this a day later, but the book launch night for 'Ginsterpigs' at Waterstones in Bishop's Stortford was an unforgettable experience, filled with nostalgia and excitement as well as the usual bout of nerves. This bookstore holds a special place in my heart, as it was the very place where I used to queue as a child to buy my favorite books including the midnight releases for Harry Potter. Although I had been published in poetry anthologies as a child, to return to the store as an author was a surreal and fulfilling moment; made all the better for the attendance of my partner and some family members as well as fellow writer John Tarrow who came to offer his support.

The evening was well-attended, with the local paper, the Bishop's Stortford Independent, covering the event and the deputy mayor buying a copy. It was wonderful to see familiar faces from the town, alongside new readers eager to dive into the world of 'Ginsterpigs'.

After setting up with Waterstones in the evening, and offering our readers a complimentary glass of prosecco or orange juice, I kicked off the night with a reading of the book's opening and initial chapter, hoping to draw the audience into the story's somewhat familiar world, whilst enjoying the sound of rapt silence as everyone listened with baited breath, only pausing here and there for moments of interspersed laughter.

After the reading, I had the pleasure of signing copies of the book. It was a joy to connect with readers personally, and I was thrilled to offer exclusive author swag, including bookmarks and pin badges. These small tokens seemed to delight attendees and added a special touch to the evening.

The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about my writing process and the inspiration behind 'Ginsterpigs'. Engaging in these conversations was incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to share insights and connect on a deeper level with my audience and provided some scope for an interview with the local paper, which I'm told will be in a forthcoming issue.

Reflecting on the launch night, I am filled with gratitude for the support of the local community and the cherished memories associated with Waterstones. The event was not just a celebration of my book; it was a heartfelt reunion with a place that formed my formative years of both reading and writing. I look forward to more events like this, where I can continue to share my passion for storytelling with others.

Below are some photos from the event.

Thank you for all those attended my book launch and for supporting the purchase of the book on launch day.