If anything proves how fast time flies, it’s setting a launch date comfortably far in the future and then seeing how quickly it appears under your nose again. Unbelievably, the online launch of Little Quakes Every Day is in three days (this Friday, 20^th November), and I’m doing some prep today. 😊

At the event I’ll be reading poems about dinosaurs, automatons, goddesses, historical figures, mushrooms in love and more. And here I am, reading another one, to whet your whistle. This one was written after attending a photography exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London. One of the photos was a portrait of a monkey, chained to his owner in Indonesia.

If the launch has slipped you by thus far, the whole thing is free to attend on Friday 20^th November and will stream via Zoom. It’s the perfect opportunity to sink into the sofa with some blankets, nibbles, and tipples and listen to a creative mix of talent.

Hosted online by Northern Writers Studio, from 7.30pm UK time we’ll be chatting about the book and writing in general, before being joined by guest readers Jo Brandon and Russell Jones (both of whom write some pretty special stuff) to share some of our poetry. And then, INCREDIBLY, we’ll be joined by award-winning illustrator and author Chris Riddell OBE as he live illustrates poems as they’re read from my new collection! How amazing is that?

Chris has already started doodling around the collection, and I received this one today… Amazing!

I feel as lucky and honoured as can be to have such wonderful guests joining me on Friday.

I always get nervous for these things, but I’m biting the bullet and having a go! And I’m so lucky to have such amazing, talented, and wonderful guests to join me. Will you be joining us too? I hope so!

Book your free ticket via Eventbrite here to join us on 20^th November from 19:30 – 20:30 GMT for an hour of poetry, live illustration, and chat. It’d be lovely to see you there!

C.x

P.S. If you’d like to pick up a copy of the book before the event, there’s still time! It’s available from all good booksellers (though has been selling fast!), but of course to spend your money wisest please consider supporting your local independent bookseller or Valley Press directly!