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Post by Lilian Harry on Feb 9, 2011 7:36:42 GMT
In this thread I will tell you things that I've done that might interest you, starting with a 'Libraries Roadshow' which was held in Exeter yesterday (February 8th). This was organised by the ReadingPartners Agency and attended by major publishers such as Faber, Headline, Random House and of course Orion, and by librarians and authors who live in the wouth-west region.
It was the most interesting day. Each publisher had a table on which they displayed a number of their new books, and the librarians went round to each one and had 15 minutes to talk about what they wanted from publishers, such as the names of authors who would be willing to go to libraries, in a kind of 'speed-dating' system. There was tremendous interest and enthusiasm on all sides, despite the difficulties faced by libraries now - as you will know, hundreds face closure, yet the librarians are still keen to put on events and make their libraries vibrant places.
I arrived at lunchtime (always a good tiime to arrive!) and found some other authors to talk to while the others finished their morning sessions. We then had lunch and lots of chat, during which I talked to a number of librarians and publishers, and of course my own publishers, Orion, were very hospitable and looked after me well.
The afternoon started with Publisher Presentations, during which they talked about their forthcoming titles, and then the speed-dating began again. I spent the rest of the afternoon at my publisher's table, talking to those who came to us, and hopefully some of them will be asking me to come and talk at their libraries in the not too distant future.
It was a great day and - -best of all - I came away with a goody bag filled with books!
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Post by Lilian Harry on Mar 23, 2011 9:03:31 GMT
I see I don't seem to have done anything interesting since February!
That's not really true. I have been working on the next book Secrets in Burracombe, for which I received the 'copy-edited manuscript' - this is my original which a hardworking copy-editor has gone through with a fine-toothed comb and put in or removed my commas etc, and made a lot of marks for the printer. I go through this and either agree (most of the time) or disagree (occasionally!) and then it goes back to Orion, who then send it to be set. The next time I see it will be the 'proofs' which I read to make sure there are no printing errors. (Usually one or two slip by but hopefully not many!)
I've also been working on the book for 2012, which is to be called Christmas in Burracombe, and as well as that I have been asked to step into a large role in the local amateur dramatic society's Spring production - the person who was going to do it had to drop out. So I have been busy learning lines and rehearsing several times a week.
And of course, there are all the normal things to do - looking after the house, garden and animals. Puzzle, my long-haired ginger cat has a sore back at present and is on steroids which make her ravenously hungry, and my miniature schnauzer, Tavy, needs two walks a day, which are good for me too.
And hasn't the weather been lovely this March! I have spring flowers out everywhere in the garden, and the new magnolia stellata I planted last autumn is now in full bloom and looks so pretty.
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Post by bev taylor on Apr 10, 2011 15:24:58 GMT
pls advise if u have a newsletter
if so will u pls subscribe me to it?
bev taylor 2 king geogre park christchurch road new milton hampshire bh25 6qj
your books are very popoular with the book club i manager. pls let me know ehen u r next headed our way!
many tks again
bev
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Post by Lilian Harry on Apr 11, 2011 15:00:26 GMT
hello, Bev, nice to hear from you and to know that my books are popular around your area.
I did try a newsletter and may do again, but currently I am hoping that readers will look in here for news of events etc. The next events will be in August, when I am launching the new book, Secrets in Burracombe, at Gosport Library on the 18th. I'll put more news about that and other possible events in the area later, so do keep looking in.
The past few weeks have been very busy, although no so much with writing. I am taking part in a local amateur dramatics group play this week, which has meant a lot of rehearsals, and in the middle of that I lost my brother and spent some time with him and his family, during which nothing else got done at all. Secrets in Burracombe will be dedicated to him and his wife.
Once the play is over, I am going off for a fortnight's much-needed holiday, and after that I shall be back to writing the next Burracombe book.
Hope to see more readers here soon!
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Post by dawnie on Sept 9, 2011 12:45:58 GMT
Hi Lilian, I was at your book signing and talk at the Discovery Center in Gosport. I really enjoyed the talk you gave on your books and what inspires you to write. Thank you for signing my book I am looking forward to reading it and thank you for a most enjoyable evening.
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Post by bobtay680 on Feb 15, 2012 4:37:25 GMT
Hi Lilian. I have just finished the Sammy series, and have to congratulate you on a gripping series. Quite a bit of the story contained so many similarities to my life growing up on Merseyside during the war that I could almost believe you were a fly on the wall of our kitchen. In some ways the books were difficult to read because of those similarities, because they recalled events that had been long buried, but on the whole the books were extremely interesting, thank you for hours of enjoyment for both myself and my wife of 55 years. I would be very happy if your books were more available in Canada
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Post by vickyh on Feb 16, 2012 15:10:07 GMT
Hello Lillian. My mother Pauline has been reading your book Stranger in Burracombe. The story line seemed very familiar to her, reminding her of stories her mother told her. Nearing the end of the book she saw her mothers name Hilda Barrow (who lived around the Portsmouth/Buriton area). Is this coincidence or did you ever meet a lady named Hilda Barrow. My mother would love to know. Thanks
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Post by jacyfish on Aug 11, 2013 21:01:52 GMT
Hello Lilian - Like Janet Steele I have just finished Weddings in Burracombe and wonder if there will be a follow up. It would be great to see Stella return to the Infant school and to know how Hilary & David fair. Wonderful books Hilary, keep up the good work I have read most of your books and now feeling a void until the next one!! jacyfish
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Post by jacyfish on Aug 11, 2013 21:13:03 GMT
Utmost apologies Lilian - in my last post I referred to you as Hilary 😳 .... Got a little carried away!!!
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