Waterstones - Saturday, 9th June 2012
Standing at the corner of St Peters Street and Babington Lane in the centre of Derby, the Waterstones branch occupies an impressive and imposing three-storey site, and was 'home' to Rob Eldridge, my editor, and I for seven hours at the weekend.
Sean Heavens, the store manager, provided a constant supply of assistance and advice throughout the day, and is seen here with copies of the only two titles which remained and the end of the event. Maybe we should have taken the picture at the start of play! 'Two Little Dicky Birds' and 'Short Stories Volume One' sold out during our stay, and the event was a wonderful success. Diary dates should be forthcoming from Sean for a return later this year.
A small shot like this cannot give the true impression of the efforts put into the various displays by Jinny, one of the Waterstones staff. The view from outside the store windows was truly impressive, and many passers-by stopped in their travels through town.
Yours truly outside the entrance to the store just prior to
setting up for the day. Rob's efforts as stand-in camerman were, once more,
invaluable throughout the event.
Lynn and I are frequent visitors to Derby, and pass the store
many times on our various shopping expeditions. I've stood outside this window
on countless occasions and wondered what it would feel like to see my books
there - now I know. It's a buzz which you never forget, and sets the hairs at
the back of the neck on end. There I am, at the top of the pile for everyone to
see - amazing!
You inevtiably bump into friends and colleagues at events like
this, and today was no exception. Here, I'm talking with fellow CIMA member
Adrian Randle and his wife Cathy prior to signing their copies of two of the
titles available on the day.
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As a parting comment, I must thank, once more, Waterstones in
general, and the store staff in particular, for making the day such a success.
Jilly I have already thanked for the displays, but she also kept Rob and I
supplied with tea all day. Last but by no means least, Alison - I am very
grateful for all of the preparatory work which she undertook to get the event in
the diary, and for the assistance which she gave me in the weeks running up to
the day itself.
Waterstones - Saturday, 21st April 2012
Bridlesmith Gate branch,
Nottingham
Many thanks to Shane Maxwell-Atkin, Waterstones regional events co-ordinator,
for setting up the book signing session, and to the branch staff who made both
Rob Eldridge and myself very welcome during the day.
Yours truly, ready and waiting behind the superb display which the branch
provided for the signing. The collage to the right was ideal for concealing a
continuous supply of tea provided by the staff.
Promotional poster supplied by Pneuma Springs Ltd, my
publisher, in prominent position in the front window of the Bridlesmith Gate
store. Grateful thanks to Vivian for the artwork.
Up and running with the first copies of the session, and much
appreciation to my editor, Rob Eldridge, for doubling up as cameraman for the
day.
Sally Hindson with 'Two Little Dicky Birds' and 'Threads of
Deceit' to complete her set of the Neal James collection.
A final note of thanks to all of the staff at the branch for
looking after us during the day, and providing support for the event.
