Paula Harrison, author of The Rescue Princesses, guest blogs about her first event
Posted by Kate on Apr 13, 2012
Being a new author, I approached my first ever author event – the launch of my new series, The Rescue Princesses – with some apprehension. Would enough people come to the event? Would they enjoy it?
I needn’t have worried. My local book shop was welcoming and people were very happy to come and chat to me on the day.
So here’s my guide to enjoying a first event with young readers and their parents.
First, get into your role! I felt a little old to be a princess, but I could manage being a queen! Just don’t expect your other half to let you off household chores afterwards. Apparently, even if you’re royal, you still have to wash up!
Me in my queen costume
Second, connect with your readers! Talking to the children who were buying the book was a joy and a privilege. I even had one baby call me Santa! It must have been the red cloak that confused him…
A Princess Emily look-alike
Third, have an activity planned! The Rescue Princesses characters might have swung from one bookshelf to another, but tiara-making was probably more acceptable to the book shop staff!
Decorating tiaras
Most of all, enjoy the day! Many thanks to Waterstones at Midsummer Place in Milton Keynes for having me along.
Comments (9)
little princesses may have enjoyed making their tiaras too…. but I’m still wearing mine. Really.
Teri Terry Saturday April 14, 2012 #
Positively regal – glad to hear the event was such a success!
Penny Schenk Saturday April 14, 2012 #
Well done on getting through your first event! Sounds like it was a great success and that you gave all your visitors the chance to have a little bit of princess time as well as meeting a real author. Great tips and a great event. I am sure it will be the start of many more to come. Hope those sales rocket.
Nicki Thornton Sunday April 15, 2012 #
Thanks Penny and Nicki! The event was certainly great fun and hopefully I will do many more.
Paula Harrison Monday April 16, 2012 #
We all had a great time, it was a really fun event. My small person, has read book one, and is almost finished book two -she loves them! Thanks so much for a great event, great books, and fab advice!
Sally Poyton Monday April 16, 2012 #
Paula, you looked absolutely splendid! Congrats again.
Candy Gourlay Friday April 20, 2012 #
Big congratulations, Paula!
Ruth Eastham Saturday April 21, 2012 #
Paula, it looks great. So sorry I couldn’t be there. I was off on a magical writing week of my own, but I’ll try and be there for the next one! Huge congratulations! Clare.
Juliet Clare Bell Saturday April 21, 2012 #
Dear Paula Harrison I am your biggest fan ever. I am planning to read all of your books. I think your books are great. You are my favorite author in the world. I really do like your books they are AWESOME. You are really my favorite.
From Connie McMaster.
Connie McMaster. Wednesday January 2, 2013 #