I’m angry today. I don’t often get angry. Not properly want-to-hit-something angry. But something that is guaranteed to tip me into anger is deliberate spite from people in a position of power. In the last couple of days, it seemed that The Sun had decided to change their Page 3 display. Since 1970, a topless woman … More The Sun behind another cloud
I love the OBAs. I’ve been gatecrashing them for at least three years now. The 2014 ceremony in November had to be postponed, so it took place on Friday instead and I gatecrashed again – only THIS time I felt slightly more justified because Looking at the Stars is actually on the longlist for the … More Oxfordshire Book Awards Niceness
We take so much for granted. Well, it’s natural, isn’t it? You can’t spend every minute of every day going, ‘Gosh, aren’t I lucky to have a roof over my head? Food in my fridge? Money to pay for the heating? A car that I can drive? Education that means I don’t struggle to read … More I (and some friends) launch the Blackwells Giving Tree in Oxford
Last Saturday I popped into Blackwells in Oxford – a lovely bookshop with loads of character and wonderful staff. Books Are My Bag is an annual event that aims to raise the profile of local bookshops and show people just what treasure troves they really are. My friends Susie Day, Sally Nicholls and Julia Golding … More Books Are Definitely My Bag!
Events are like buses. I wait around for ages, and then two come along on the same weekend! On Saturday morning, I was talking at the very comfy and friendly Leaf Cafe in Hertford, as part of the Hertford Children’s Book Festival. Many thanks to Rebecca Pirt and the Festival organisers for inviting me along! … More Fun events in Hertford and Banbury
Books for children are the best; they’re the ones that stay with you forever. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Where The Wild Things Are, the Narnia books, Just William… I think adults sometimes forget just what books MEAN to children, which is silly because they were all children once too. I am SO lucky to be … More How to do books properly: The Story Museum, Oxford
As a writer and mum, I don’t get out much. So to have two massively exciting events in the same week was almost a bit overwhelming for me – which is why it’s taken me another week to recover and feel up to writing this post! First, there was the annual ‘retreat’ with the Scattered … More From retreating to emerging! Charney and YALC
Whew! Let me pause for a moment to catch my breath… …that’s better. I’ve had a flurry of booky events over the past few days; all fantastic! First of all there was my great author pal Susie Day’s book launch at Blackwells Bookshop in Oxford last Friday. Susie’s series of books about Pea and her family … More A booky few days! Two launches and a festival!
“You were so funny!” said a teenager* in some surprise. “You’re like a cross between Michael McIntyre and Miranda!” That was the BEST feedback of the weekend 😉 I love it when people think I’m funny. They don’t expect it. I don’t write funny books, and if you meet me in person, I don’t immediately … More My Wonderful Wychwood Experience!
I am VERY excited to be taking part in the Wychwood Festival this weekend 🙂 No, no, not as a musician – ha! – but as part of the Kids’ Literature Festival. I’ve got two events to do: one informal session on Saturday (tomorrow, eek!) in which I shall be teaching people how to make … More Wychwood Festival, here I come!
Jo Cotterill 