Great news!!! Eva and the Hidden Diary has been shortlisted for an Irish Book Award.

Last week I went to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Dublin, for the shortlist announcement. It was a very glitzy occasion, with lots of famous faces, and familiar faces. The hour I was there wasn’t long enough to chat with and congratulate all the people I know.

Here I am with fellow nominee, Derek Landy

The winners will be announced on November 26th, at a gala dinner in the interestingly-named Double Tree by Hilton Hotel.

I’ve been shortlisted twice before. On the first occasion Derek won, and on the second, Eoin Colfer took the prize. Both are amazing writers so no shame in being beaten by them. It’s hard always being the bridesmaid though, so if you’d like to vote for my book, I’d be very grateful.

Here’s the link:    http://www.irishbookawards.ie/vote/

Thanks so much

Last Friday I was on the Today show on RTE. I was there to talk  about writing a novel, with Pat Fitzpatrick, who knows a LOT about how to do it.

Here’s a picture of us before we went on air. I’m not sure why we both look so scared.

The show was great fun, with all kinds of unexpected benefits. We sampled barm brack and Paul Treyvaud’s amazing fancy snack box. We saw Pajo the psychic calf – here he is with Paul Treyvaud:

The bed thing was, I got to spend a few hours hanging about in a studio, with really interesting presenters and crew and guests – much more fun than spending the day at my computer!

If you’re tempted to watch, here’s the link:

http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/10216259/

Hope everyone’s enjoying Children’s Book Festival 2013.

I’ve already had some great events in Cork, Dublin and Meath. I love doing events, where I get to talk a lot about books, and meet young readers. I especially love doing events with other authors, which are usually great fun. This year  Sarah Webb and Oisin McGann and I have done a number of really fun Ideas Shop events, most recently, in Ashbourne.

Here are some pics.

Don’t ask about the box – I think you needed to be there!

I love summer, and always feel a bit sad as it comes to an end. No matter how nice the weather was, it seems that there were never quite enough sunny days, or lazy barbecues, or trips to the beach.

I have to be positive though, so here are a few of the things I like about Autumn:

1. My garden is full of nice things to eat. (They aren’t all growing sideways, but I want to get on with this post, rather than faffing with rotating pics.)

2. School is back, so if I want to write, I can get plenty of peace and quiet.

3. All my friends are home from holidays, so when I want a break from writing, there’s usually someone around to have coffee with.

4. My books usually come out in Autumn. This year, I’m celebrating the arrival of ‘Eva and the Hidden Diary.’

I did an event in Kinsale Bookshop yesterday.  I confess that I was dreading it. I’ve visited before, and it was gorgeous, and welcoming, but I feared that this time, things were going to be very different. It’s the summer holidays, and in case you haven’t noticed, it’s been kind of sunny. Kinsale is surrounded by amazing beaches, and I managed to convince myself that NO-ONE was going to come to my event.

I shouldn’t have worried though. The amazing Mandy and Anne had done a brilliant job of promoting the event, and the shop was packed with young readers and their parents. I read a bit, and talked a bit, and answered heaps of great questions. Then I signed tons of books, and everyone (including me) set off for the beach.

A perfect day!