Well it's July! I'm so excited about the release of 'Keeping Mum'... I went around the Dublin shops doing signings with the lovely Ruth from Hachette. Poor Ruth was dying with a cold and managed to soldier on with the help of cold and flu tablets and tea.
As usual it was lovely to meet and chat to all the people who put my book in their windows and on shelves. They're always so warm and encouraging. I'm not sure if that's down to the bribes I always bring.... I think it's called cupboard love! You see I like to bring cakes or baked treats to the lovely book shop folk. This time it was cup cakes and chocolate brownies. I'm up front about it and say that it's unabashed bribery to encourage them to sell my books! I'm so thrilled with the cover of Keeping Mum, it's bright and sunny looking, even though it's raining most of the time in Ireland at the moment. What's new I hear you shout?
I had a rather unexpected incident the other day. I was outside getting coal from the shed. It's smokeless and I hope doesn't create fumes which kill squirrels. But I was getting stuff to light the fire (yes it's that cold here in July). I had a full bucket and was staggering my way up the back steps to the living room door. Our house is built on a height so there are always steps involved in order to gain access to our place. It was a night mare when I had two kids under the age of two mixed with a weekly shop, but that's a whole other moan.
I was staggering up the steps when the heavens opened. The steps are crafted from old railway sleepers. This looks nice. But it's lethal for walking on in the wet. So I slipped and fell. Dear Jesus it was as if I was trying to get to Australia the quick way. I lay there for a minute post thud, trying to figure out whether or not I was dead. Realising I wasn't I spat out the bits of twig I'd inhaled and sat up. I'd come down face first and luckily the only damage was to the underside of my chin. I've a fantastic bruise on one knee and another on the opposite elbow. But I have to say I wasn't the better of it, as Granny Hannigan would've said. It was very odd and slow-motion like falling. That part was mildly scary. But the predominant sensation was mortification. God there's nothing like snotting yourself to make you feel like a total eejit. I wouldn't recommend it. I have a mild phobia of the coal scuttle as a result and haven't lit the fire since. I'll stick with putting on a puffa coat for the moment.
I'd better go now - I'm about to start writing a new book and have ideas coming out my ears. I'm itching to get going! I need to tell you about Cody very quickly and then I promise I'll go. He's our new baby. He's stripy and fuzzy and the cutest little man imaginable. He's so tiny he fits in my hand and yet he's the most clever little pet. He can use a litter tray and his only vice so far is that he seems to think my bed is also a large squishy toilet. Every time I put him on our duvet he automatically pees. So we've had clean bed linen every day for the last week. I know I could just never allow him near the bed - but that'd be far too intelligent. He also sits being all cute and making tiny meow sounds and I have to pick him up and cuddle him. It also takes so much effort for him to make it up the stairs I figure he deserves a little rest on the bed. Even if it also involves a quick piddle.
If you're on summer holidays enjoy! We're having a 'staycation' this year. We're going to Kerry in August and I can't wait. Meanwhile it's nose to the grindstone! I'd love you all to read my new novel Keeping Mum. I miss the characters since it's gone to print. I hope you all enjoy them too.
By the way here's a little pic of baby Cody cat! Isn't he soooo cute?
Have a great July everyone!
Emma x x
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