Notes from a whirlwind tour!

I'm busily touring the country to launch The Madonna of the Almonds, and it's been really terrific so far...(though exhausting) I must say I've been so impressed by how many enthusiastic and intelligent readers there are out there and also how many dedicated, bookloving booksellers who run tiny bookshops covering huge areas of the countryside with wonderful bookgroups and personal recommendations and events. Also it's amazing and heartening how many organisers of literary festivals give their time for nothing. It's been a real pleasure to meet readers and sellers alike; each time I give a talk I've had so many interesting questions about the books and some very lively discussions so although I'm pretty exhausted It's been a great experience and I've met with kindness everywhere. So thanks (so far) to Sara at the Lincoln Book festival, Mark at Mostly Books in Abingdon for a wonderful Italian evening. Thanks to Sara at Simply Books, who arranged a beautiful Amaretto themed dinner in Pocklington church, right down to tiny golden bags of sugared almonds! Thank you Sandy at Kingston Book festival who gives so much of her time to organising the festival, and the wonderful staff at Borders there. And last but not least, to Nash and Cate at the wonderful Much Ado Books in Alfriston, who kindly invited me to their supper club, where I had a wonderful meal (complete with handmade almond bookmarks!) and a very interesting discussion, not just about Madonna but many many other books as well. As I said, I'm having a great time so far...more next week!

Glassblower US

The Glassblower of Murano officially launched in the US on Wednesday - out now from St Martin's Press. Welcome to any readers from the States out there in cyberspace!

MADONNA OF THE ALMONDS NOW IN BOOKSHOPS!

This week was very exciting because I got to sign a bunch of Madonna copies in my local Waterstones in Hampstead. Although the book doesn't officially launch for 2 weeks the distributer has decided to get them into stores early - maybe to catch those bank holiday shoppers? Anyway look out for it... I'm very pleased with the cover - it really pops out and suggests long hot Italian summers!