Picture it: Borders on Oxford Street in London. Rows of chairs full of expectant eyes, all turned towards a small desk, a display of books, a microphone. Behind the desk, dressed in a perfect little black dress (couldn’t see the shoes) was none other than that beloved blogger, Caroline Smailes. She smiled, she read beautifully, she made jokes — all in all, despite whatever fears or nerves she may have had, she was the consummate author, professional, fun, and with an easy flourish to her handwriting. And so Black Boxes was finally launched.
It was fabulous to be there, not only to get my own personal signed copy (which is sitting here right beside me, waiting…waiting…), but even more to finally meet Caroline, who I’ve felt has over the past year really become my friend, although we’ve only met via the internet. Actually, the entire evening felt like an internet reunion of sorts. There were many of us bloggers there to support our Caroline: Denyse Kirkby, Cathy, Sarah Salway , a host of “Novel Racers” who I, unfortunately didn’t get to meet (except Kathy I think — forgive me, the wine must have gotten to me). And there was a lovely bluechrome enclave, including the talented and funny Joe Stein.
A wonderful celebration, a warm and supportive sense of community — but enough. It’s time to stop writing and start reading.
Caroline’s shoes were very chic too!
Cx
Hello! Came via the black box blogthatmama
Wish I’d been there! It sounds great!
Cathy – damn, i missed the shoes!
blogthatmama – welcome! I’ll go knowck on your door now!
Last night was lovely…in an overwhelming and far too noisy sort of way 🙂
It was a great evening! Hopefully all things being equal I will post my photos of the launch today!
It sounds great – really envious of you all being able to get together in that way!
It was so wonderful to meet you x
Sue – had I known you were also around on Thursday night, I would have suggested we meet! I didn’t realise it was Caroline’s launch, congrats Caroline! Sue, we must definitely meet soon, I was only flying through London, hope to be a little calmer next time.
Oh Sue, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I so wish I could’ve been there.
Hi Sue, one of my rare internet moments here, so I thought I’d log on and say how good it was to meet you at the launch. And to find out that we are all working around the same writing highs and lows. I don’t know why that’s reassuring, but somehow it is! (Probably a safety in numbers thing…)
Till the next time, Joe
Really wish I could have been there with you …
I managed to meet up with Caroline when I was in Manchester and she told me all about it!! I wish I could have been there and got to meet everyone…perhaps the next one eh??
C x