Withenay’s Writing Wednesday: Life after Ilkley

Thank you to everyone who came to my talk at the Ilkley Literature Festival last Friday night. I have had some fantastic feedback (and not just from my Dad!) The questions afterwards were fascinating – they have inspired me to do some more research into the publishing process and into how best to promote my book. There will, no doubt, be more here!

The organiser of the event told me there were 27 people there (excluding all the technical guys and volunteer stewards, I believe). As she said, Jeremy Paxman only got 250 people to attend his talk so I’m a tenth of the way there! Maybe next year…

Best of all, I heard that I have inspired one person to get on with writing a book – fantastic! If that is the only benefit of the whole event then it has been worthwhile. I may then get a chance to publicise it through here!

Ilkley has taught me several things.

1. Stay relaxed. My performance was so much better for not worrying about whether the family would arrive in time. After the fiasco with the delays to my daughter’s school residential I was not in the best of moods until I had finally parked outside my sister’s house. At least then I knew I would turn up for my own talk!
2. Not to worry about audience size. Perhaps competing with JP would have been good, but having a smaller number enabled questions and answers to go to and fro across the room. Ultimately I think this helped everyone.
3. That Ilkley has rubbish internet connection. Or mobile phone connection. Or (name and shame) perhaps just Vodafone connection. My communication with the rest of the world will resume in due course (probably after half-term). As an addendum, I do marvel at all my virtual friends and colleagues who manage to find both the time and the connectivity to keep in touch on-line at all times.
4. That Ilkley has some very nice shops. (Least said about this the better. Visa bill due shortly.)
5. That I have the most wonderfully supportive friends and family. All your messages and support, both before and after, gratefully received. Thank you so much – you know who you are.

The one thing I regret? That I didn’t organise anyone into taking any photos.

But I promise I was there!