I had a lovely few days in Dublin last week. As usual, Brenda, from O’Brien Press took great care of me. First we visited Eason’s head office where I was locked in a room and not allowed to leave until I signed thousands of books  –  (well maybe hundreds of books, and everyone was very nice, chatting to me and giving me cups of tea to sustain me as I worked).

On Thursday I visited Our Lady of Good Counsel school, in Dun Laoghaire. I got a great welcome, and was very impressed with the notice-board that was decorated in my honour.

On Thursday evening, I went to an Irish PEN seminar on publishing boooks for children. It was really interesting and informative, and it was great to meet up with a few old writing friends. If you want to know what we learned about writing for children, go here http://sarahwebb.info/sarahs_blog/ where Sarah Webb gives all the details.

On Friday it was Dubray in Rathmines. An enthusiastic group walked all the way from Harold’s Cross (in the rain). Well done guys – I’m impressed and honoured!

Yesterday I drove all the way to Mallow, where I got a lovely welcome from the library staff. Boys and girls came from five different schools, and blew me away with their interesting questions.

I’ve got a few days off to catch my breath, and next week it’s off to Kerry libraries.