Early celebrations

I had an interesting-looking parcel through the post yesterday. It came in a bright pink box and the label was handwritten. I was intrigued because I couldn't remember ordering anything, nor is it my birthday or anniversary or other special occasion. What could it be?

I ripped off the sticky tape and delved into the shredded paper to reveal (fanfare) a bottle of Ecover washing-up liquid! There was an explanatory note inside: I hadn't won the chance to be a 'Citizen Journalist' at Glastonbury, but had been sent a consolation personalised bottle of lemon and aloe vera. Still, notwithstanding the disappointment of no free ticket to the festival, it's nice to get a surprise in the mail.

I was watching The Culture Show on Tuesday, which was all about the selection process for the Royal Academy Summer Exhbition (the show is still on iPlayer and well worth a look), during which one of the artists said that she always has a bottle of champagne on hand to toast the results of her submission, whether she's been selected or not. I love that philosophy and will try to remember it next time one of my short stories is returned. In the meantime, I shall raise a glass to the team at Ecover. Cheers! 

I shan't be around tomorrow to Celebrate The Small Things because I'm off to the Althorp Literary Festival - itself a cause for celebration, I think.

Althorp Literary Festival follow-up

I had a lovely day yesterday at Althorp, milling around the beautiful house and gardens, hanging out with Earl Spencer (really - he was just there, tall, handsome and charming, mingling, chatting and signing books) and feeling alternately inspired and overwhelmed.

There were two streams of talks. I chose: Michael Frayn over John Challis ('Boycie');  Gavin Pretor-Pinney over Claire Tomalin; Sir Timothy Ackroyd's performance of Dickens' The Signalman over Jeremy  Vine; and Alison Weir over Antony Beevor. I also went to a very serious and intense presentation by Sandy Gall.

Two themes kept cropping up. The first was how often books had arisen from the question: what if? Those idle musings that we all have shouldn't be dismissed out of hand, but should be pursued and developed. Gavin PP, for instance, was asked to give a talk on his favourite subject, clouds, some years ago. Casting around for a catchy title, he invented The Cloud Appreciation Society and called his session the inaugural lecture of said (at the time non-existent) organisation. The talk went well, and at the end audience members approached him and asked how they could join. So he got himself a website and off he went. Books followed. Simples!

The second theme was the importance of research: how it is essential for solid foundations and credibility, but that it should not be constraining. Rather, it is the starting point for the expansion of ideas. In order words, writing is hard work.

Althorp Literary Festival

The postman has just delivered my ticket for the 9th Althorp Literary Festival, which is being held 15-17 June. I'm only going on the Saturday - I teach on Fridays and Sunday is Father's Day, so we shall be out somewhere blokey, I expect.

Althorp is only a few miles down the road, and is, of course, the Spencer family home. When I first visited it, Lady Raine was in the teashop. I remember thinking how much like a proper home it felt, despite the tourists traipsing through. It will be interesting to see how it compares now.

Anyone else going? I'll see you in the bookshop!