Last night my boys were at the Tranmere match, Littlest was in bed and I sat reading aloud sections from my 3 novels. I was trying to formulate my publishing journey onto nice neat prompt cards to deliver to an audience this afternoon, as part of Chester Lit Festival. The tickets to see/hear me cost £5 (including cake and coffee) and if I’m completely honest, I doubted anyone would pay.
So… you can imagine how I felt sitting in the very trendy Oddfellows, as the room began to fill and then really fill. I mean, really, lots and lots of very welcoming and open people had turned up to hear me talk (yes, me!). I ignored my nice neat prompt cards and I spilled out my thoughts, dreams and experiences. I read from all three of my novels (including Like Bees to Honey) and I signed books.
One very lovely lady came to me and talked about an interview with Eve magazine (an issue with a free umbrella, I seem to remember) that I did a couple of years ago now. She said that she had the cutting of the article on her noticeboard and that my story had inspired her. I wanted to hug her, but thought she might think me a little bit odd. After I finished talking (about myself!), the audience asked intelligent questions, being really engaging and supportive. It was such a really friendly atmosphere, due to the organisers making me (and everyone else) feel at ease. I even came away with a very delicious chocolate brownie.
And now I’m at home, in my posh dress and the puppy has laddered my tights and I’m thinking what to make the kiddies for their tea.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds like a wonderful day, there is nothing more fulfilling than knowing than people get something positive and engaging from what you do, they obviously love our Caroline very much and did you proud.
Great experiences to cherish!
Enjoy a relaxing evening now!
Twitter: @djmacdonald21DJ
I reckon everyone should have champagne for tea - well done Missus!
Twitter: @meganjstaylorTo use FB style:
trousers likes this
Sounds like it was excellent!
Oh I wish I’d been able to go! I haven’t read any of your stuff yet so it would have been awesome to hear some excerpts and to meet you
Maybe there’ll be another time :3
<3
Twitter: @lyraelsonWell done, you! So glad it went well.
Twitter: @pbirch57I even still have the umbrella …
Twitter: @hmhuntHurrah for you. And quite right too. Mwah.
Sounds like a perfect day. How lovely to find out that you’ve inspired a complete stranger too.
Twitter: @DebsCarrHi Caroline
Twitter: @RKCharronI’m glad the event was a smashing success! I know I’d come to hear you talk & read from your books.
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
DJ MacDonald - awww, the ‘our Caroline’ bit made me feel all happy inside
megan - cup of tea will do just fine
trousers - wish you could have been there, if only to catch a glimpse of your tatt.
Lyra - I’m sure our paths will cross
Peter Birch - thank you, lovely man.
Helen M - I do too, eventhough it’s broken!
Roz - mwah mwah mwah x
Debs carr - very lovely and humbling too!
RKCharron - awww, thank you!
xxxx
Ah, I so want to do that….be an author for a day not get my tights laddered by Oscar! Well done chick, I knew you’d do well. x
Your story inspired me, too, just like it did that lady. I’d guess that you have made a lot people feel like RIGHT NOW is where they need start realising their dreams and doing what they have always wanted to do. That is how you made me feel. I just wish I’d of gotten that free umbrella with my Caroline Smailes epiphany. Oh well. x
Twitter: @SpiritfumbleGlad it went so well. I woudl have loved to have heard an excerpt from B to H!
Twitter: @DJKirkbySo sorry I was unable to make it, but not at all surprised that (a) you did well and (b) people paid to hear you (or, in fact, (c) Oscar ripped your tights, but such is the joy of a puppy).
Twitter: @c_withenayWell done!
I am so glad that it well so well!! I was disapointed that I couldn’t make it but I got an e-mail from a friend of mine that went along saying that you were fantastic!!
C x
Twitter: @Mrs_B33Lplate Author - Oscar would ver much like to ladder your tights.
Laura Jane Williams - thank you honey. That means a lot x
DJ Kirkby - it was a sneaky reading out and talking about Like Bees to Honey to end my event. I can’t wait to talk more about Bees… I could talk for hours and hours about it.
Catharine - thank you!
Carol - oh honey, that’s so so so lovely! Wish your friend had come and said hello!
xxxx
Your “road” has been so inspirational for so many. It’s terrific you’re getting this acknowledgement, and that you’re able to really enjoy it. Congrats!
I was very inspired reading this and happy it went so well. Lovely!
(See all you naysayers out there people do still read and love and engage with books and the people who write them- so there.)
So pleased it went well. Full of good intentions to attend, set off, car broke down, went to garage, man couldn’t see me straight away, waited, alternator (?) gone, lots of money and still no car. Furious at missing both you and cake and now sulking. (Also car too old to fix and have to buy another…)
Caroline, I came along to your event and loved every minute of it (despite the fact that the gorgeous log fire made a mockery of the thick jumper I had on…it had been very cold earlier in the day). And I have to tell you, I am now sitting at my laptop and am about to take a deep breath and start the first chapter of my book. I’ve been wanting to do it for ages, but your talk gave me the inspiration I needed, so thank you.
I would have loved to have been there. That Eve article had a big impact on me too. xx
Twitter: @helenreddersThrilled it went well!
Nik X
Twitter: @nikperringSue Guiney - thank you!
Lauri Kubuitsile - I’d hate to live in a world where people didn’t read and love and engage with books and the people who write them!
helen parker - such a shame you couldn’t make it. You’d have had to be standing at the bar if you were there or next to me at the front… that could have been fun
Aly - hiya Aly! Thanks so much for coming along! I do hope that you’ve now taken that first step and started writing… go for it girlie! (and let me know how you get on!)
Helen - one day our paths will cross…
Nik - thanks honey!
xxx
Aaaaaah I can’t WAIT to read LBTH. I am so jealous of those who got to hear!
I still have the Eve brolley too - mine is also broken!