Autumn's Here!

Hello everyone!

Autumn's here, bringing with it a load of soggy leaves and bloggy musings from me. The last time I blogged was in June. I am truly rubbish at it. Anyway, if you're interested, I'd better catch you up on what I've been doing over the past five months. If you're not, what are you doing reading this?

Back in June, I had a lovely gig in Southampton, organised by Waterstones, followed by a day talking to some splendid children at the Southampton Book Festival. Then I went to Norwich where I was well looked after by the splendid Marilyn Brocklehurst, book lady extraudinaire, and visited some terrific schools.

Then - two fabulous weeks holidaying in Corfu, doing lots of reading and swimming and eating and racing around on quad bikes. Our Ipod packed in after two days, but we still managed to have a good time dancing to the music in our heads.

When we got back, my daughter Ella did a bike ride from London to Paris to raise money for the Big Issue charity. Rather her than me. Her bum hurt A LOT. August was a sociable month, with lots of weddingy birthday sort of stuff. I visited my relations in Devon, which was nice.

In September I went to Italy for a wonderful literature festival held in the town of Mantova. They had over 700 volunteers to help out - mostly teenagers. The sun shone, there was a castle and a Duke's Palace and cobbled streets and fantastic food. I was a bit anxious that no one would turn up to my sessions (I don't have that many books translated into Italian, and the audiences wouldn't speak English.) But I needn't have worried. I was given a great translator and the sessions were hosted by two wonderful guys who got the audiences up and running - it was huge fun. Probably the best literature festival I've ever been to, which is saying a lot. Thank you to all my new friends in Italy.

Then I was on Jury Service for two weeks, which I hated. Lots of sitting around. I was there for ten days and only spent two half days in court. I got a lot of reading done, though. It wasn't a bit like Judge Judy (who I regularly watch on tele.)

I had an enjoyable day at the Barbican Library in October, and two more days in Southampton, where I met more lovely children and had to judge a fancy dress competition. Very difficult - they were all so good! Mostly little witches with the odd vampire/Frankenstein monster thrown in.

I've now finished all my visits for this year. My new picture book with Korky Paul has just come out - it's called Dodo doo-doo. I'm working on the follow-up and also will be starting on a new novel shortly. Crash 'N' Bang, the latest novel, is coming out next March.

I have had some great letters from children. One was from Izzie, who didn't put her address on. I hope she reads this and knows why I didn't write back. Don't forget, kids, always put your address on.

Firework night has come and gone and next up is my birthday, followed by Christmas, hooray! I intend to start on the new book and catch up with emails and letters and phone calls. Mo (my husband) needs to update my website and add on new books. He's forgotten how to do it, I think, so it might take a while.

Many thanks to all fans, friends and readers who post comments on this blog. If I haven't responded, please forgive me - I find this blogging business truly complicated, being pathetic around computers or technology of any sort. It doesn't help that Heathcliff (annoying cat number one) is strolling around on the keyboard.

I think I've covered everything. I won't leave it so long next time - promise. I'll end with saying hello to all the terrific librarians, teachers, bookshop people and kids that have treated me with such kindness and enthusiasm over the past months.

lots of love from

Kaye
xxx