My Book Festival 2009 ended on a high note, with my trip to Kerry.

First was Tralee, where I got a lovely welcome from Maria and the other staff members. I spoke to two great groups from the local schools.

Special mention has to go to Aisling who travelled specially all the way from Ballyheigue so that I could sign her Alice books. (And thanks too to Aisling’s mum, who had to take time off work to drive her.) I’m honoured!

I spent a lovely evening wandering around Tralee, and in the morning, I set off for Killarney. It was an incredible drive, with the mountains rising into the blue skies, amidst swirling clouds of mist.

My two readings went really well, with lots of feedback and heaps of great questions.

As soon as my readings were finished, I set off for home. It will be nice to rest, and to have time for writing again, but as usual, I’m half sorry that Book festival is over for me.

One last event though, but this time I’m going as a spectator. Today, I’m going to the Granary, in Limerick, to listen to Sarah Webb reading from her incredible Amy Green Books. Looking forward to it!

Had a quiet week last week and now it’s back to business. Tomorrow (Wednesday 21st) I’ll be in Tralee library at 11.00 and 1.30.

The next day (Thursday 22nd) I’ll be in Killarney library at 10.15 and 1.00.

Hope to see lots of you there.

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.

Not much time for posting these days – too busy travelling. So just a few quick dates:

On Thursday, (8th) I’ll be visiting Our Lady of Good Counsel school in DunLaoghaire.

On Friday, (9th) I’ll be in Dubray Books in Rathmines.

Hope to see some of you there.

Wow! What a great event that was.

A room full of people who love books, delicious food, and all for a good cause – what more could you look for on a Saturday afternoon?

I sat at two different tables, and met heaps of interesting people. Unfortunately, I can’t name everyone, but I have to say a special ‘hi’ to birthday girl, Chloe, and to Gabrielle.

After the meal, Don Conroy, Marita Conlon McKenna and I did short readings. David O’Callaghan did a really funny interview with Derek Landy. Ivan O’Brien, Alison Walsh and Claire Hennessy told us all we need to know about publishing.

Huge thanks to Sarah Webb for organising it, and for asking me to join in.

I brought my camera, but I was too busy having fun to take any photographs. There are some here though http://www.davidmaybury.ie/journal/

Lots more events planned for October – Watch this space!