Posted on May 22, 2009 - by MG

A Writer’s Potpourri* (inc Leeds Book Award 2009 update)

As you know, Bob, the blog is commonly used as a vent for the author’s random experiences and emotions.

I’ve been feeling the need for a bit of spillage so here goes. But concise, like. Bullet point-style:

1. Went up to Leeds where Invisible City had been shortlisted for the Leeds Book Award. There were some totally fab presentations by children of Leeds, using display cards, artwork, Powerpoint, music and even a Dragon’s Den format to talk about the books. The winners were ‘Blood Ties’ by Sophie McKenzie and ‘Before I Die’ by Jenny Downham. All shortlisted authors received a totally ace jewel-shaped ornament engraved with the ‘Leeds Book Award’ logo.Thanks especially to the students from St Mary’s Menston who did the Joshua/MG Harris presentation. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen such a presentation about one of my books so was very exciting! You can see a photo of the St Mary’s gang below. Thanks to Abbey for the photo!
   

   Students from St Mary's Menston School in Leeds with shortlisted author MG Harris at the Leeds Book Award ceremony.

2. Writing Joshua #4 and editing Joshua #3 (ZERO MOMENT). My editor must wonder why it[‘s taking so for long for the latter but the truth is that I’ve only had 4 sessions with the manuscript. It’s the lightest edit I’ve ever had, so of course instead of cracking on with it as I should I’m procrastinating. Must finish by end of next week! However Joshua #4 was really humming along, until I hit a hard part yesterday. I wrote the most dramatic scene in the ms so far…but since it’s not even halfway through, somehow I will have to top it. Plot hints? NO WAY! I’m not even telling you the title!
3. Looking forward to the Hay-on-Wye literary festival. It’s my first time there and I’m very honoured to be asked! My event is on Thursday 28th May at 10am and you can book online now.

4. Taking bookings for engagements next year already! Wow. That really makes me feel FABULOUS dahlink!
5. Starting a totally new thing! Yes, I blogged about this and will again. I don’t have much mental space to devote to it yet but right now I am concentrating on the opening and the title. Many decisions to make still, like the name of the main character and the voice of the narrator. Slow progress but getting there…

*Salsa bands love to slap a potpourri song on their CDs; it’s what English-speaking musicians call a ‘medley’. But we latinos as highly prone to whimsy and sentimentality, hence the more evocative term ‘potpourri’.