It’s hard to believe that it’s two weeks since I attended SCLHO (South Coast Lesfic Hang Out) in my first event alongside other lesfic authors. There was so much literary talent in the room that I felt a little in awe rubbing shoulders with the likes of Kiki Archer and A.E Radley.
For those of you who don’t know what the heck I’m talking about, SCLHO was the brainchild of the marvellous Claire Highton-Stevenson and it involved getting loads of lesfic authors together in a room in Crawley. Authors got to mingle with each other, readers got to cross-examine authors in the politest way, and we all got to listen to some fab readings from books.
I have to say, I had a brilliant time. It’s always nerve-racking walking into a room when you don’t know what to expect, and I hadn’t met any of my fellow attendees in the flesh before (except my wife, of course). But from the moment I walked in there and got my name badge, I felt at home.
Being situated between Jenn Matthews and Lise Gold definitely helped! They dispensed words of wisdom (not to mention chocolate and sweets – thank you, Jenn), plus they were amazingly friendly to someone who definitely wasn’t sure of her place in the room. The calm corner devised by Jenn worked well too, and I enjoyed hiding for five minutes at a time to regroup!
My stall was evenly split between But By Degrees and Valerie. Gerberas play an important role in But By Degrees, so that’s become the unofficial emblem for the novel. For the other side of the table, I owe the rosettes idea to my wife. Buy a book, get a rosette encouraging you to vote for Valerie Smythe.
The day went so well that we’re already planning on doing it again next year and I’ve already signed up. It’d be great to see some fresh faces there and – hopefully – there’ll be more books and goodies on my stall next spring. See you there?
Photo credits: Marie Keen
YES!