I won’t be doing much posting here over the next few weeks. October is Childrens Book Festival, and I’ll be busy doing stuff.

October is always a whirlwind. I race around the country, meet hundreds of readers, talk a lot and drink gallons of tea.

This year, as well of lots of events on my own, I’ll be doing my first-ever events with my wonderful illustrator, Woody Fox. I’m also very much looking forward to two big joint events with Sarah Webb and Oisin McGann.

Apart from those, I’ll be doing lots of events in Cork, Clare, Tipperary and Dublin. Keep an eye on my events page for further details, and hope to meet lots of you over the next few weeks.

Now I’m off to pack!

Thanks to ELJA via Tripadvisor for the photo.

I’ve just had another lovely weekend at the Mountains to Sea festival in Dun Laoghaire. As always, everything went like a dream.

First up was the monster book lunch. I was joined at my table by a lovely group of girls who were great company. After we’d eaten, the very funny Guy bass entertained us all, and then the other authors shared stories about their favourite monsters.

That night I went out for dinner with Colette, David and Carrie from the book world, and fellow authors Sarah Webb and Cathy Cassidy. Great food and  a most enjoyable night!

On Sunday it was time for the Monster Book Quiz. David Maybury and I were quizmasters, and it was all great fun. Some of the questions were really tough though, and I was very glad to be holding the answers in my hand.

In between my events I caught Cathy Cassidy’s talk (amazing) and some of Derek Landy’s (hilarious).

As I made my way to the DART to begin my long journey home, I was already beginning to miss Dun Laoghaire. Huge thanks to Sarah, Colette and all the other organisers – it was a pleasure!

I always enjoy the Mountains to Sea Festival in Dun Laoghaire, so am very much looking forward to this weekend. I have a busy schedule. First up is the monster book lunch, where I get to have lunch with lots of readers. That night, I’m going out to dinner with the other writers – always great fun. On Sunday, there’s a first for me, when, in the company of the great David Maybury, I’ll be hosting the monster family book quiz. Unfortunately the lunch and quiz are fully booked. Still though, if you want to come along and say hello, I’ll be signing books in the County Hall at 3.30 on Sunday. No booking required for this, so if you’re in the area, just come along!

On Tuesday 6th September, I’m going to be on Ireland AM as part of their childrens book club month. I’ll be in very good company as I’ll be sharing a panel with the great writers Eoin Colfer and Jane Mitchell. (In fact I;m a bit afraid that I’ll be tempted to sit back and listen to them, and forget to contribute myself).

One of the things we’ll be talking about is our favourite books – so if you want to know what they are, don’t forget to tune in on Tuesday!

The link is here: http://www.tv3.ie/article.php?article_id=62444&locID=1.65.74.155.&pagename=ireland_am

I am very proud and happy to say that Eva’s Holiday is on the shelves at last. It’s my fifteenth book, but the novelty still hasn’t worn off – I still got a buzz when I saw it in a bookshop yesterday. 

I love the cover, and the whole look of the book, so huge thanks to Woody Fox, and Emma and everyone at O’Brien Press for another great job.