Following up on Michael Miller’s recommendation I went to check out the Super Relaxed Fantasy Club tonight in Central London. It was hosted by Hachette (their headquarters impressed me greatly – see photos).
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For the first half an hour I felt like a complete outsider, seemingly unable to join in any of the conversations around me and was depressed by the thought of how much of an introvert I must be if I can’t even socialise in a “SUPER RELAXED Fantasy Club”! As the evening progressed however I did manage to talk to a few people who were very nice. One of them as it turned out writes a comic called Red Thorn! (Because who else would Mark Lawrence’s beta-reader talk to if not someone writing Red Thorn!)
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The first guest (“reader”!) of the evening was Francesca Haig, who was absolutely lovely and very witty. She read for us from her upcoming book, The Forever Ship, and to avoid spoilers she renamed the character being buried in the scene using a name of someone she said she wouldn’t mind being buried in the character’s place. She called him “Boris”.
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The second guest was Mike Carey, who I was lucky to have met on a few occasions previously (a great guy & true gentleman!). He also read for us from his most recent title, “The Boy on the Bridge”, and just like Francesca answered questions from the audience. He was there with his wife, Linda, who co-authored several novels with him and with their daughter, Louise.
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Unfortunately I had to dash off early and couldn’t stay for the pub session afterwards, but I think I’ll come along next month again. There’s a possibility that it will be held on the roof terrace and since it’s only five minutes walk from work I feel like I really should give it another try.
Mitriel Faywood 