Tuesday night saw the launch of Elizabeth Baines‘ new novel, Too Many Magpies.  I can’t wait to read it.  It looks like a small-gem-of-a book.  Elizabeth read from the beginning, then took questions, and then read some more from the end.  The audience was so enthralled, we demanded more.

The entire evening was wonderful.  The launch was held in the Calder Bookshop in London, first founded by John Calder, friend and publisher of Samuel Becket.  The small shop is full of wonderful books which you’d only find in a small independent bookshop like this.  And at the far end is a stage, complete with a curtain and lights, where theatrical productions were held and is now the perfect venue for a reading.  Given Elizabeth’s own theatrical background, this space was a perfect choice.

It was great fun for me, too, because I got to see some of my writing friends there, like Tania Hershman and Debi Alper.  And I was able to finally meet Salt Publishing‘s own Jen Hamilton-Emery. I must say, supporting each other’s work in this way is one of the great joys of being part of this community of writers which has come together via facebook and blogging.  Not to mention the free wine.

So do go get Too Many Magpies.  Elizabeth is a wonderful writer, as anyone who has read her short story collection,  Balancing on the Edge of the World, will know.  And to get you in the mood, here’s a song for you.  Not exactly about magpies, but it’s still one of my favourites (thanks to peh74 for this video):