Clara & Olivia out now in the UK
Clara & Olivia has been out in the UK for two months now….
For years, I have dreamt of seeing my novel make its way to readers, of becoming a published author, of finding my book on bookshop shelves.
Now, with my novel finally published, I want to treasure this dream, to capture it and remember it whenever anxiety hits. It is so easy to let external pressures (rankings, competition, reviews and ratings, social media, book lists) cloud that joy – the joy of signing with an agent, getting a book deal, holding the book for the first time, publication day.
The journey to publication has been long, packed with twists and turns, highs and lows. I will write another blog post one day about my experiences, as well as the two previous novels I wrote that are unlikely to ever make it to publication (that’s okay – they were my practice ground, the barre work, as it were, before the performance: ballet metaphors seem to pop into my head a lot these days!)
But today I want to celebrate these highlights.
Opening a box of finished copies of Clara & Olivia for the first time. I love working with Oneworld Publications. The book is beautiful and I remember getting the email with the cover (which I absolutely adore) when I was about to teach a year 11 English lesson. I just about resisted doing an impromptu cover reveal to my class.
A wonderful launch party hosted at the Freed of London flagship store on St Martin’s Lane. The window displays are stunning and so many people have sent me gorgeous photographs of the shop as they walk past – keep them coming!
A radio interview with Talk Radio Europe – it was fun to talk about the book and the history behind the story.
Some exciting reviews, including in The Times, Daily Mail, and Historical Novel Review
Signing books in Waterstones and Hatchards
Clara & Olivia in the Royal Opera House shop. I adore that shop – an absolute treasure trove of ballet and theatre gifts, prints and books.
An interview at my old school - The Royal Ballet School
A book blog tour, organised by Random Things Tours - it was so special to read such enthusiastic and passionate reviews.
