Invited to Hatchards Author of the Year Reception I looked on the web to see what kind of event I was accepting an invitation to. This is what I found, on the website of Terence Blacker:
“The Hatchards Author of the Year Party.
Once a year, the bookshop Hatchards distributes joy or despair among the ranks of authors by conferring or denying them a place at their annual party. Invitations are extended more or less randomly and then, just to make the whole thing more fun, are frequently sent to the wrong address. As a result, guests have to pass through heaving ranks of the uninvited who are pleading their literary credentials to a stony-faced Hatchards bouncer. Sweeping past these also-rans, fanning oneself with an invitation, can be one of the highlights of the literary year.”
This is ‘Literary event no 10. There are 9 other ‘literary events’ not to be missed listed on the site. I have been to none of the above. Does this mean that I am an unambitious author? Or now that I have fast tracked to number 10 could this be a breakthrough?
Whatever, I will enjoy browsing the shelves of a wonderful bookshop and discovering new delights.
Having also been invited to the Hatchards Authors of the Year Reception, I did exactly the same as you and looked up what I could via Google – and found your comments!
It will be a lovely occasion, I’ve signed books there a couple of times and there’s an absolutely wonderful atmosphere….
Will see you there then. Love the shop. Rarely go to any ‘publishing party things’, but went to Hatchards at Christmas. Love the shop. I love that you write for “Fancy Fowl and Poultry Magazine”! I used to have Marins. We can talk ‘country matters’ together in the big city.
Have tried to connect with you via LinkedIn – but with no success. Have booked ferry back to UK especially for the Hatchards ‘do’ … so hope to meet up with you face-to-face at the Event Of The Year!!!
I don’t do linked in, Jeremy. Just one social media thing too many. See you then. I am a bit nervous.