Lump in throat time.
Last Thursday evening, I was almost sick in my handbag. Despite being quite grown up, with the crow’s feet, RHS membership and drawer full of useful bits of string to prove it, I have managed so far to avoid doing the thing I most fear: speaking in public.
But I could avoid it no longer. Last Thursday, my book Gifts from the Garden, was published and Jo, the owner of my lovely local bookshop, offered to host a party for me. ‘Just do a little talk, perhaps demonstrate a couple of the projects,’ she said gaily. ‘Yes, that’s a great idea!’ I said, hoping I could stave off the dry heaves until I hit the pavement.
I asked my pal, grower of delicious things, writer and all-around good egg, Mark Diacono for tips. He’s done loads of personal appearances, and if his career as a Bradley Wiggins lookalike takes off I dare say he’ll do a lot more. ‘Give them something to eat, something to drink and get a joke in fast,’ he said. As this is the philosophy I’ve adhered to all of my life, I started to think perhaps I could do this.
Courgette muffins
Carrot Cake
So I pitched up at the bookshop with a boot full of platters, snacks and drinks, ingredients for my demonstration and, tucked into my handbag, hastily typed notes for a speech. People came. Quite a lot of them. They drank, they ate, they laughed. They also bought a huge stack of books and I got to sign them in a slightly demented scrawl.
I didn’t throw up. I loved every minute and couldn’t sleep until 2am from the sheer exhilaration of it all. Now I know how rock stars feel. Hit me if I become unbearable.
My friend James and I. I post this picture not just because he bought the first book, but also because he’s so damn handsome.
A great crowd at Stoke Newington Bookshop
Debora Robertson 
MDS – Thank you so much! And my lips are sealed… X
Fi – Thank you darling! I hope you enjoy it. Hope you're all very well. X
Marley – I can't afford his appearance fees. I did manage to sneak a nice picture of him in the book though.
Debs – Thank you!
Helena – I hope you enjoy it! And I hope you're marvellously well and thriving. x
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OH congratulations D, this looks like such a smashing book. And quince vodka – yes! Looking forward to getting my hands on this tome xxx
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Wow..you had a full house! The food looked delicious, the book display looked beautiful and you had a handsome chap on your arm. I'd call that a whopping success! Congratulations!
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Hey, Barney not invited? *harummphhhh*
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My copy of this book has just arrived, every page full of gorgeousness. I can't wait to roll my sleeves up and to start making. Well done!
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Glad you posted pick of James! Don;t tell Mr MDS!!
Fabulous and I can't wait to get it. I'm not going to download to Kindle as it is too gorgeous not to have in the hand xx
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Oh Mark, always with the sacre tactics X
Kath, Thank you! Made chopped pecan praline for the top.
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Well done for holding back the sick. God, that carrot cake looks good.
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I so wish I'd been there but then again you kept it quite quiet until v late on didnt you….sneak. If Id known I could've turned up in my cycling shorts, *then* you would have been sick into your handbag x
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