I’ve been pretty quiet recently. Not at home, of course (where it’d be much appreciated), but certainly when it comes to social media and any other activity that might help on the promotion front. I’d like to tell you that’s all about to change, and it is, but probably not in a lasting way. Still, later this week, there will be a significant shift in my activities.
If you’ve read my bio, you’ll know I hail from Nottinghamshire – a seriously overlooked county, in my estimation. Newark-on-Trent sits squarely on the junction of the A1 and A46, as well as the East Coast Mainline – all of which makes it very accessible from North or South (less than 90 minutes from Kings Cross, if you’re interested). This Thursday sees the start of four days of the annual Book Festival there, and I’m sorry I’ve not been talking about it before now.
Book Festivals are important. They serve a variety of purposes, from opportunities for readers to meet favourite authors – and discover new ones – to boosting the local economy. As an author myself, I’ve also found attending them has helped motivate me. I don’t mean necessarily as a speaker (though that’s exciting too), but going along to listen to other authors, to meet people who are passionate about reading, and even soaking up the atmosphere, all inspires me – to read and to write.
Newark Book Festival is in its sixth year and has grown from a weekend to a four-day event – and more besides. There are even online sessions for those who can’t actually make it there in person. As Newark is relatively close to where I live, I’ve been able to volunteer in the run-up to the event, and that’s given me a small insight into how much is involved in organising a festival like this. All readers and writers should be grateful for the work that goes into these things. I know I am, and it’s been a privilege to have any involvement at all.
I will be at the festival itself every day – Thursday to Sunday inclusive. I’m looking forward to attending some events, helping out at others, and being part of a group of authors who’ll have a stall on the Festival Market. It’s going to be an interesting and, I suspect, tiring weekend. But I know I’m going to come away from it feeling motivated and inspired.
Why don’t you come along for inspiration too?
For more information about the Festival as a whole, check out the website. For the Festival Programme, check here.
For more information about what I’ll be up to, check out my Events page. Alternatively, if you’re going to be there and just want to hook up, you can contact me by email in advance, or via Twitter or Facebook on the day.
I look forward to seeing you there.