I attended the Weymouth MY VOICE Roadshow yesterday and have just about recovered. What an awesome event! I got quite excited on the journey down from London, then more so on the walk to the library in the sunshine, because Weymouth is at THE SEASIDE! Woohoo! A day at the beach! I'd almost calmed down after that thrill when I was led in to the venue via the back entrance where a graffiti artist was creating murals with a young team of Weymouthites, which was totally cool and set the tone for the rest of the day.

I had missed the Meet the Publishers panel where the speakers - marketing, publicity and editorial experts (Commissioning Editor of Teen Fiction no less) from Headline - had been given a grilling by their audience. I hear they gave excellent answers. I already had an audience gathering for my workshop so, after a small technology delay (!), launched in to a short introduction (viewed on a very small screen!) followed by a Cartoon U drawing session. Here are the results. Gr…

Just got back from Petersfield, where I was chatting, signing and sketching at Waterstone's. Thanks to the whole W Crew (you rock!) and everybody who posed for me (click on the 'sketchbook' page). P.S. Terri-Anne, Emma and Brianna: Cool meeting you and don't forget to go back to buy a book! I signed some for you:)

Here's an old doodle I found in my sketchbook. Not sure what to do with her. Next book? A whole book to herself? I like her blue hair and nails. Kinda cool. Any ideas?

Between the showers, I've been working outside, so this is what my temporary Summer Studio looks like. Pretty, huh? It's been a bit chilly and soggy so far - more socks and cagoules than sundress and shades - but, perhaps I'll get more use out of my 'shady writing nook' later in the hols.

Yay! The summer holiday has arrived. No more school for nearly eight weeks! I can now switch my brain from 'art department' mode to 'author/illustrator' mode. In fact, I did it before I'd even left the school grounds and began planning the next chapter of book 4 while driving home. I hope the weather gets a bit better soon 'cause this soggy stuff doesn't feel at all like 'hols', does it? Ick! My damp trainers are where my turquoise flip-flops should be and there's a wet brolly in the hallway instead of a beach umbrella. I might put away that factor 50 sunblock. So much for a sizzling summer.

Spent the day doing sequential art (that's posh for comics) with 60 4th years. Exhausting (it got very hot today) but some fantastic outcomes. Thanks to everyone for making it such a fun day. A particular thank you to Tom and Matt for carrying my very heavy box of books. I thought some of the strips would make brilliant animations, so here's one of mine...