Over on GirlsHeartBooks

Do you love art shops as much as I do? Check out my post on GHB today. http://girlsheartbooks.com/2014/04/16/on-my-desk-not-just-art-materials/ 

Authors Aloud UK

I've just joined the list of AUTHORS ALOUD UK. Woohoo! Pop over there and check out who I'm rubbing shoulders with. It's quite impressive - Carnegie winners, Children's Laureates, Facebook friends. Excellent!

Edwardian Visiting Author

I've been devising a new workshop to take into schools next term and it's a little different. Usually I visit a school as Cathy Brett author and illustrator, but this workshop will be delivered by Cathy Brett Edwardian writer and artist (who just popped over from 1914 to 2014 in her time machine).

I won't just be dressing up, I'll be attempting to inhabit the character completely, using phrases from 100 years ago and commenting on all the amazing differences I've encountered in 2014 like technology, transport, fashion and girl power!

I can't wait to try it!

Daily Doodle

Scorchio!

Yes, it's the middle of MARCH and yes, that is sunburn!

I've had to come in from the garden as my paler than pale blue skin can't take it!

My Book Group Debut

I visited my first book group last night. Not as a member or reader, but as a special guest, because the book they'd chosen to read this month was 'Everything Is Fine (And Other Lies I Tell Myself). Another first.

I've met adult readers of my books in the past - mostly librarians, teachers or friends - but the prospect of a whole roomful of well-read book addicts filled me with a little trepidation. I shouldn't have worried. They were a lovely bunch...

...and had oodles of excellent and valuable questions and comments for me. Even those who would never usually pick up teen fiction, especially teen fiction WITH PICTURES, admitted to a surprised enjoyment of Esther and her antics!

Thank you Peter (back row, right) for suggesting my book to the group and for inviting me to Barton's, and thank you Barton's Bookshop Book Group for being so welcoming and friendly.

wwww.bartonsbookshop.co.uk

Pop Up Hackney

East London is full to bursting with authors this week. It's an event called Pop Up Hackney and I was at Clapton Girls Academy this morning to talk with year 7s. It was one of my best workshops EVER!

The pupils had already read my book, Graphic, and I suspect they actually knew the story better than I did. We chatted about drawing and how I started writing. They seemed to like my illustrations but the girls pulled faces when I showed them some of the comedy horror books. Clapton girls are not fond of flies, spiders, slime and squished ghost 10-year-olds!

They asked me some excellent questions, particularly about how to get better at drawing. Here is a link to my 10,000 Hours blog for the answer. http://girlsheartbooks.com/2014/02/16/10000-hours/

We then tackled 'what we would draw if our drawings became real' (which was more of an opportunity to draw cats and cool fashion - always My fave activity) and here are some of the results...

I have always wanted to have a pair of wings (it would make travelling so much easier) so this is what I drew...

...and one of the pupils kindly offered to colour it in for me. I think I should give her a job as my assistant.

Before I left I was delighted by a surprise presentation - they had made a card/book with me on the front...

...and their own awesome portraits inside. They'd all signed it too. I've NEVER be given anything so fabulous! Thank you girls! xxxxx

One last picture. On my way from the station I happened to glance upward and saw this...

...cool, huh?

Daily Doodle

Ventured into the garden today. Found it a little overgrown...