Stray

August 8th, 6.30pm at the Circa Theatre in Wellington, I was delighted to hear my name announced at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults when Stray won the Children’s Choice category for YA. Hoorah! I had about 12 flustered seconds from my seat to the stage to try and think of something charming and gracious to say. I was pink-faced and gabbling and completely chuffed. What an honour.

My 6 days in Auckland were jam-packed with visits, meetings and events. I visited 6 schools, delivered 8 talks, lunched with booksellers, attended the New Zealand Book Industry Awards and had a lovely catch up with some author friends.

I am sooooo overdue to post news. Sorry, team. I can’t think back over all the details I’ve missed this year but here are the recent highlights: Stray is a finalist in the Children’s Choice category of the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

How could I fail to feel welcome arriving at Richmond Public Library this afternoon when Rachel Lord, the wonderful Librarian for Young Adult Literature had festooned the library with posters galore advertising this week’s Mystery Ink Teen Book Club session?