We all like to feel special, don’t we? And sometimes for writers that can be difficult. We work in isolation most of the time; we are now (through social media) more aware than ever of what other writers and publishers are up to (which means we know when we haven’t been invited to launches or … More A wonderful afternoon at the Oxfordshire Book Awards 2015
Joe All Alone, by Joanna Nadin, is written in such a strong voice that for the first half of the book I felt drawn to writing my review in the same style. It would, I felt, have been entering into the spirit of Joe, who is a boy who desperately wants to do the right … More Joe All Alone – review
Whew! What a fab day I had yesterday! 32 (yes, that’s right, THIRTY-TWO) authors who write books for the 8-12 age range got together at Nottingham Central Library to talk about their books to a packed-out room of eager readers! I am still recovering from the awesomeness, so here are some photos to give you … More The Jo Cotterill UKMG Extravaganza write up!
I have spoken of my love for Lockwood & Co before. Let’s just now assume that I devour these books like Tunnocks teacakes, and that when I grow up I’d like to be able to write as well as Jonathan Stroud. The Hollow Boy is the third in the series, and we pick up pretty … More Lockwood & Co. The Hollow Boy – review
I’ve never reviewed a colouring book before. You know, of course, that colouring books for adults are HUGE at the moment (well, not literally, they’re usually sensibly-sized…oh dear, it’s been a long day. I need to unwind with some colouring…) and of course there are billions of colouring books for small children. But what about … More Notebook Doodles – review
The author of Jimmy’s War, Lynne Benton, had trouble getting this book published, so in the end she decided to publish it herself – and I’m so glad she did! Jimmy’s War is an engaging and exciting read, with a lovely central character and a great plot. I have to confess that I did struggle … More Jimmy’s War – review
Today I’m delighted to part of the YA Shot blog tour, hosting the marvellous Ian Johnstone. The YA Shot is an inaugural event taking place in Uxbridge on Weds 28th October, and it brings together 71 (yes!! SEVENTY-ONE!) published authors who write books for children aged 8 to 18. Ian will be there talking about … More YA Shot guest blogger: Ian Johnstone
I have four deadlines to hit in two weeks, so this will be short! But firstly, HOW NICE for me to have so much work on! Really, it’s great to have projects in different stages of ‘production’ and I’m enjoying them all (well, mostly – I mean, when they involve edits, I’m afraid there’s no … More Launching Lockwood and other busyness
Back in 2002, I spent several months on the road with a big professional production of The Borrowers. I was Assistant Stage Manager, and understudy for all three female roles – and I had a walk-on part at the end as long-lost Cousin Eggletina. It was exhausting: a different theatre every week, each with their own … More My return to the stage, after 13 years…
On Tuesday, I was on TV. Well, all right, I was on local TV. Which isn’t quite as grand as the BBC, but still it was my first time in front of the cameras, and although I knew roughly what to expect (I chaperoned a girl to BBC Breakfast back in 2007 – random fact), … More When I went on the telly
Jo Cotterill 