One of Us book launch

Yesterday was my book launch at Daunt Books, Holland Park. It was a lovely experience because it was amazing to see so many friends together in one shop. I wish I could have had more time to spend with people.

Arriving at the bookshop and seeing the window full of my books was a fairly unbelievable and amazing moment. The only thing I can really compare it to was when I went to work in China, looking out of the aeroplane window and seeing the Great Wall winding its way over the hills below, thinking: I knew it existed but I can't believe I'm actually looking at it!

I used to plan my book launch years before I had a publishing deal. It was my go-to way of distracting myself from things I didn't want to think about. So I've had imaginary book launches all over London, but I can definitely say that the real one was by far the best. Daunt Books was lovely with its friendly staff who made us feel very welcome. The shop is beautiful with wooden bookshelves, lovingly arranged books and so much colour.

Photo by Candy Gourlay www.candygourlay.com

Writing is a mostly solitary activity, but before the last edit for One of Us, we had an editorial meeting at Chicken House with Barry Cunningham, Imogen Cooper, Rachel Hickman and Rachel Leyshon. So it was lovely that Barry, Imogen and Rachel Hickman were there last night, and I also felt very lucky to have experienced working with two editors, first Imogen and then Rachel Leyshon.

I'd like to thank everyone who came, and everyone who couldn't come but sent such lovely messages. It was something I'll always remember, to see family, old friends (from when we were 3!), school friends, friends from university, Greenford friends, friends from work, SCBWI friends and friends from my two critique groups (online and real life).