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!

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

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 wing…

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