Spills, thrills and belly laughs

Remember when we all had to stay at home and go to events 'online'? Remember when we all enthused about Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp and briefly House Party? Remember when we all thought it hilariously fun to only get dressed up on the top half, staying in our PJ bottoms?
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Yeah, it sucked didn't it? For all the times we tried to tell ourselves it was exactly the same as IRL, and made a good replacement, for all the moments we raved about how we were saving money by not travelling on the train, all easily forgotten when you go to a real. life. event.

This week I went to not one, but TWO Real Life Events, and woah they were good. A bit like Tulleys Shocktober, scary but good.

Now, this might come as a shock, but us writer types generally (though not everyone), GENERALLY  don't like to leave our cosy writing caves. We're safe here. With our blankets, our copious cups of tea and the absolute lack of having to make any small talk. So, put us in a room where - gasp - it's full of strangers, and we generally want to run a mile. But, if pushed, cajoled, coaxed and cosseted out of hibernation, we can make quite a good fist of being out in the wild/public.
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This week I visited the Society of Authors for their first IRL new member's lunch in two years. I was so sure I wouldn't be able to make small talk with this room of, quite frankly, dauntingly professional people, but, when I arrived the staff went to a huge amount of trouble to make sure we were all kept happy AND all of us managed to hold meaningful conversations with people. I was thrilled to talk to Steve Keogh, who told me of his interview on This Morning (jealous!), and Jane Peyton who spoke about her School of Booze (sign me up for that curriculum), not to mention the very talented Yvonne Bailey-Smith. So many talented people, it was humbling and inspiring to share a space.

The very next day, I had to ditch the slippers in favour of some strappy heels and leave the hoody at home, as I donned a summer frock to attend the Joffe (rhymes with coffee) Books spring party at The Royal Overseas Club (good mojitos). I was the very wonderful Daisy White's plus one at this brilliant event where I got to swoon at the company of uber talented authors, publishers, agents and designers.

One of the things which really resonated with me this week was how passionate everyone is in the publishing industry. No matter what role they play in it, there's a mentality of  'all for one and one for all', which feels comforting and strengthening at the same time. Everyone working towards the same goal.

It comes in a week of articles on burnout in the industry, which I hope will be met with solutions rather than anger, because every single one of these people who work on the books we all consume, work so hard they deserve medals,  not burnout.

I feel refreshed having visited two whole events in two days...and revved up to keep creating for the industry (just need to dig out my slippers again).

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