Dear Reader,
I’ve been quiet lately because we were moving into our first home, after fifteen years of renting. At least, we were trying to move into our first home. After a moving day that soared to Noël Coward levels of farce, with building works overrunning, no functioning kitchen, a leak into the downstairs neighbour’s, and substantial items of furniture abandoned in the garden by movers, we were forced to beat a hasty retreat to family. Next week, we’ll try again, by which point we’re hoping the builders won’t be our housemates.
South West A Wild & True Relation Tour
In the meantime, I’ve embarked on the South West A Wild & True Relation Tour, beginning with Penzance Literature Festival. I was lucky to be interviewed by the brilliant Wyl Menmuir (The Many, The Draw of the Sea) who shares my love of smugglers and, indeed, spies. I love any festival where you can get off stage and into the sea. Wyl has now persuaded me to wild swim on one hundred percent of our encounters, which you’ll know is no mean feat if you’ve ever seen me turn blue in the cold. I’m so grateful, because it doesn’t get much more beautiful than this. Thanks Wyl!
It’s a joy to bring A Wild & True Relation home to the southwest of England, where the novel takes place, and where my family lives. Tonight (11th July), I’m in conversation with Cathy Rentzenbrink at the St Ives Society of Artists. My sister is baking nautical cookies and my mum is preparing a glorious banquet for friends and family afterwards. Tickets are sold out but there have been a few cancellations, so if you’re in the area and want to join us, it’s worth enquiring.
And if there aren’t any tickets left, you’ll find signed copies of the book at St Ives Booksellers and Edge of the World Bookshop in Penzance. You can order from bookshop.org. Simply choose your bookshop and leave a note for the seller requesting a signed copy. But act fast because there are limited signed copies available.
Tomorrow, we’ll set off from Cornwall for Devon. On Thursday 13th July, I’m appearing at Kingsbridge Harbour House with violinist John Matthias, who has composed original music for the book. Tickets are almost sold out, but if you’re quick you might nab the last few!
Travelling with James Bond – online event!
While I stand in solidarity with striking railway workers (up the union!), I was devastated that cancelled trains meant I couldn’t make the inaugural 007GB club gala on HMS Belfast this weekend. It looked absolutely FABULOUS – huge congratulations to all involved!
But I’m very much looking forward to gathering with this wonderful community online, at least, on the 22nd of July for Travelling with James Bond. After our successful first venture, David Lowbridge-Ellis (Licence to Queer) and I will be joining forces once again, this time for a discussion of our favourite Bond locations, Bond’s travel tips and more, just in the time for the summer holidays!
Like before, there’ll be discussion, some short readings and time for questions and chats!
Please do join us on the 22nd of July at 8pm UK time. Tickets are FREE to paying subscribers of girl with the golden pen (promo code below) or £9.
Double or Nothing paperback reveal
And speaking of summer reads, I was thrilled to unveil the UK paperback cover for Double or Nothing, out August 3rd – here it is in all its glory…
If you’ve not read it yet, now’s your chance to pre-order a luggage-friendly edition! It was really heart-warming to see the positive response to the cover design, which I just love.
And lastly…
Hope to see you on the 22nd to talk Bond, Fleming and beach reading!
And if you’d like to join me in-person but you’re closer to Scotland than South West England, I’m appearing at Edinburgh Book Festival on the 14th of August discussing A Wild & True Relation with Jenny Brown, the first director of the festival. It should be a very special event.
Wishing you well, and hoping to write to you next time from our new home!
From Kim, With Love x
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