Little Bell and the Moon in 2015 Recommeded Book List

Little Bell and the Moon has been recommended in The Sun's books to look out for in 2015

First three pages of something new

I'm tentatively starting to write again, and this is the first three pages of an as yet untitled novel I'm attempting, written in verse.

I'm a bit anxious about this project, I don't know how long it will take, but I think it's something I feel compelled to try.

Thanks as always for your thoughts.

Physio

The clapping under my arms,

my back,

my chest,

is relentless.

“The infection was really severe” she says

The clapping is percussive, and I close my eyes

The rhythm is somehow soothing, then I ready myself

my position is crucial to make the procedure effective,

to loosen the secretions caused by the infection.

“That's it” she says

“You're doing a good job”

Clap... Cough...

and the cup below becomes stained with Green spit

Each cough removes just a little bit more.

It's been weeks since I started,

I hope it's nearly all gone.

Soon

Dad is in the waiting room.

He sits very still, staring at the space

between himself and the door.

I tried to bring him round.

“How's Mum” I ask,

“The Same” he says

it was a silly question really

“I wish I could see her” I say

“You will soon” He says

“As soon as you are better

as soon as your chest has cleared.

Soon... I promise.”

Every morning is the same...

Every morning is the same,

I get up and come out of my bedroom to be embraced by silence,

before I hear

“Get ready for school” shouted from the kitchen,

as the sound of a plate

smashing on the floor

fills the air.

It's hard for my dad,

he's not used to being a parent.

Always home late.

Always away...

Out and About: Book Events

I'm doing lots of events over the next couple of months, please do come and see me if to

 

Sept 8th - Mini Hay Festival, Dulwich

Sept 26th - Danehill Primary School

October 5th - Wigtown Festival

October 11th - Archway with Words Festival, South London 

October 25th - Southend Book Festival

 

 

Children's Author's Family Photo Booth Pictures Go Viral

The last week or so has been a bit of a whirlwind, after I posted a tweet about my wife and I doing an annual photo booth picture since we first met, all kinds of media outlets have wanted to talk to us!

Anyway here's some of the places we've been, many thanks to all those who wrote to us about it and for all the kind words, we very much appreciated it.

Fat Fox Books acquires a new picture book

 Fat Fox Books have acquired the world rights to my latest picture book Little Bell and the Moon, which is the story of a girl and her relationship to the moon.

“Little Bell And The Moon touches upon a subject that is rarely found in picture books, and is done so amazingly beautifully and positively,” said Holly Millbank, MD of Fat Fox Books “It’s a very special book and we are over the moon (with Bell) to be publishing it.”

Fat Fox will publish in 2015 and is in the process of finding a suitable illustrator.

Interested in School Author Visits?

It's nearly World Book Day 2014 and lots of schools around the country will be holding their very own 'Book Week' to celebrate.

This is a very busy time for many authors and illustrators who visits schools to talk about their books and hopefully inspire some children along the way.

I really enjoy this aspect of being an author, being able to talk to young readers and encourage them to enjoy books and reading is extremely rewarding.

I do sessions with Reception, KS1 and KS2 which include readings, Q&A sessions, character designing and story planning workshops.

If you think your primary school would be interested in an author visit from me, then please contact: gilesfsw@hotmail.co.uk for further details and a fee quote

Laying out the village for The Fearsome Beastie

http://fearsomebeastie.com/the-problems-of-laying-out-the-village-maps-concepts/

A First Look at the Character Designs for The Fearsome Beastie CG Animation

Character Design Sheets For Clyde & Pete (and Character Line Ups) 

http://fearsomebeastie.com/character-design-sheets-for-clyde-pete-and-character-line-ups/

Fantastic Free Video Storytelling App Available Today Featuring The Fearsome Beastie!

Fantastic Free app available today called 'Caribu' it's a video storytelling app, which is great if you are away from home but still want to read a bed time story to your children, it's available here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/caribu/id763451959?mt=8

Two of my books are available on it, including 'Princess Stay Awake' which isn't out in paperback till next week!!

There is also a great video about the app here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCC0OvaLcDA&feature=youtu.be

Book Launch for 'Princess Stay Awake' at Wise Books

Book Launch for 'Princess Stay Awake' at Wise Books on Saturday February 1st 10am-2pm

Princess Stay Awake in The Sun's Top Reads for 2014

 Princess Stay Awake has been chosen in The Sun's Top Reads for 2014