So, publication day happened and it was, without a doubt, my most favourite publication day to date.

A train to London, a tube to Hammersmith and there I occupied my publisher’s desk (as seen on the photo). A Twitter take over, signing a huge pile of books, being interviewed by Bookcunt and then a phone interview with Hubert O’Hearn at Audible Authors, the afternoon flew away from me. Then off to get changed, then off to Belgravia Books. I stood for just a second outside the bookshop, looking in and realising that people really had turned up to celebrate with me.

The launch evening passed in a whirl of smiles, hugs and squeals. It’s fair to say that I took five steps into the shop and then didn’t move for two hours. I signed books and spoke for tiny amounts of time with delicious people. I wished I could have spoken more, I hate that I didn’t have a chance to speak to everyone there. My publisher gave a speech, he almost made me cry. I gave a speech, I was a bit rubbish. And then I signed more books.

Pete Domican was my official photographer, as he snapped away and captured moments that I would have missed. I’m truly grateful to him, I can’t help but look at these photos and smile.

Belgravia Books were amazing hosts, I adore their bookshop and their Gallic Books produce stunning novels. And my gorgeous friend Natalie made an amazing cake - my NOVEL as a CAKE! It was delicious (I have included a photo of me smiling at my cake).

And in the middle of the noise and smiles, I was given very perfect and exciting news. In my head, when it happened, everything went silent and I squealed. I think, in reality, I simply gave the person a hug, took their business card and gave mine. More soon, hopefully, but if you’d like to cross your fingers for me that would be ace.

Then, many of us went to the pub. We chatted, laughed and were the last to leave as the staff practically pushed us outside.

A HUGE thank you to all who have tweeted, retweeted, sent messages, tweeted messages, sent texts and emails, to all who have bought the book and offered to host me on their blogs. A HUGE thank you to those who came to my launches, for the support and for stopping my panic. I’m overwhelmed, I’m grateful, I’m incredibly lucky.

I have some launch photos over on Facebook or check out Pete’s photographs HERE.

Also, since Thursday:

• I’ve offered my ‘Top 5 Writing Tips’.
• I’ve been talking to Jamieson Wolf about Why I chose the Greek myths of Apollo and Daphne, Pollux and Castor, Jason and Medea. And other secrets.
• The wonderful Writer’s Little Helper wrote this ace review of ‘The Drowning of Arthur Braxton’.
• And seeing Gaspard Royant’s Facebook/Twitter post about receiving a copy of ‘Arthur’ made me smile: Reading your own lyrics in the first pages of a book is a strange feeling, but it’s a good one ! “The Drowning of Arthur Braxton” is out in the UK ! Thank you Caroline Smailes!!!
• And an ace mention from Stuart Evers on NetGalley: ‘… I’d recommend you request The Drowning of Arthur Braxton by Caroline Smailes, one of the most unusual and talented writers around (for more info, visit her website). This is a reimagining of three Greek myths and a compelling and harrowing modern fairy tale.’