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Spook’s Halloween Webchat: Wednesday 21st October: 5pm BST

The promotional tour of Ireland was organized by Tom Donegan of Children’s Books Ireland and was cleverly designed so that I could meet readers and also see the areas where I intend to set Spook’s Book Eight. So it was partly a research trip.

The first two events were in Dublin libraries and then the drive took me southwest calling first at Tullamore to give a talk there to enthusiastic children. In Kerry I was based in Kenmare staying at Virginia’s Guesthouse, where the food is excellent and I was in a good position from which I could travel to interesting potential Spook’s sites. There in Kenmare, I gave another talk after first visiting the library at Cahersiveen. The whole area has spectacular scenery and it didn’t take long to pick out some excellent locations for the book. I particularly loved the 2,500 year old Staigue Ringfort, the ruined castle at Ballycarberry and town of Killorglin. All three locations are almost certain to feature in the book.

At the moment my own website is being developed which will be a sister to www.spooksbooks.com
If you want to ask any questions about it please email:
linda@spooksworld.co.uk
The site should be up and running before Christmas and you will be able to email me directly and ask questions about the books and my future plans.

Kirkham Grammar School, September 21st

My week started with a visit to Kirkham Grammar School, in the company of Hazel Ferguson from ‘Book Talk Groups’, to launch a new initiative aimed at getting schoolchildren to read and discuss books. ‘Spook’s Stories: Witches’ was the first one chosen for discussion. The event was covered by Lancashire Radio and short extracts from the talk plus interviews were broadcast that evening.

Holy Family School, Warton, September 22nd

Many visits are arranged directly by Lauren Bennett my Random House Publicist others come through contacts, local requests or chance meetings. This one was organized by my nephew, Phillip, who is the school caretaker. This was an excellent junior school and I talked to a very excited and enthusiastic audience of children. It was an enjoyable and worthwhile event and I was made very welcome.

Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School, September 23rd

I really enjoyed the visit and it was great to meet so many enthusiastic girls. I often talk to mixed audiences and sometimes groups of boys but only rarely do I get the chance to visit a girls’ school. It was refreshing to meet so many girls who enjoy the adventures of Tom, the Spook and Alice. I intend to return early in June, 2010, and catch the classes that I missed on this occasion.

Bowland High School, September 24th

I visited Bowland High School in the company of Mary from the Corner Bookshop, Garstang. Usually, I catch trains to events but Mary drove us, avoiding motorways and taking us the scenic route through Chipping – the one that approximated the route taken by Tom and the Spook when they set off to deal with the Pendle witches in ‘The Spook’s Battle’. The school is in a very picturesque setting with an amazing view of Pendle Hill. I was kept very busy and talked to six groups of children, some new readers others veteran readers of the series. There were lots of interesting questions and I spent a long time signing books in the library afterwards.

The Corner Bookshop, Garstang

The following evening I visited the Corner Bookshop to give a talk and sign books. It was a themed ‘witches’ evening with Mary wearing her best pointy shoes and her daughter dressed up as a very convincing witch. It was a great event and I really enjoyed it.

A Request …

I would like a picture of the Pendle ‘Snow Witch’ for my website. I already have one but don’t know who took it and who the copyright belongs to. I would take my own picture but even when it snows the witch isn’t always visible so I don’t know how long I’d have to wait. It seems it depends on how the snow melts. So if you have a picture please send it with permission for it to be used by email to the spooks website.

Thanks and best wishes,

Joseph Delaney