Who launches a gardening book in early February? I mean, seriously, there is snow on the ground, temperatures are plummeting, and we've barely finished the mince pies.
Oh yes. That's right. I do.
On the plus side, there are many projects in Garden Crafts for Children that you can do in the comfort of your own kitchen. There is even one that is downright seasonal - making a sprouting Valentine's Day card. At this point I shall hand over to my daughter because she is vastly more competent than me and looks significantly better in front of a camera.
If you have problems viewing this on the site, you can also see it on YouTube (here) - or even on the book's facebook page. Yes, you read that right. My book has a facebook page. What's more you can "like" it (which quite frankly seems a little half-hearted - I feel Mr Zuckerberg should add a bit more passion to the site and I may well campaign for the introduction of some "adore", "revere" and "would sell my Granny for this" buttons).
'tis half term next week, so your timing is impeccable :)
Posted by: VP | February 09, 2012 at 10:11 PM
Just bought it and can't wait to have a butchers. Well done you!
Posted by: Joanne Roach | February 10, 2012 at 09:38 AM
VP - I wish I could claim that the timing had something to do with me, but sadly, I can't!
Joanne - Thanks Joanne. I would really like to hear what you think. x
Posted by: Dawn | February 10, 2012 at 10:08 AM
Good luck with the book launch I'm sure it'll be a hit!
Posted by: Damo | February 12, 2012 at 12:52 PM
Congratulations!
Hope the book sells really well.
I've written an Esther style review.
goo.gl/Gwmi5
Posted by: Esther Montgomery | February 13, 2012 at 01:41 PM
Damo - thanks so much.
Esther - I have just left a comment - will promise more Star Wars themed projects and less wine boxes next time! Dx
Posted by: Dawn | February 14, 2012 at 09:54 AM
I like the idea of cress light-sabres. My mind wobbles about at the thought. Don't change anything about the approach for the next book. It's not bland - and that's important. It's aspirational as well as inspirational. And it doesn't matter whether your readers know what wine boxes are or not. We understand the principle. The book has set me off thinking all sorts of things about class bias which I doubt are the kind of things most people who buy the book will be bothering about - just me . . . and I find it grippingly interesting. We all bring our particular interests with us when we open a book. The first response one of my children had to it was whether the children in the pictures are all yours - that was his first focus.
I was in Bristol yesterday and came across a bookshop. (Rare enough!)I looked around, then lurked around outside a bit, plucked up courage, went back in and suggested they should consider stocking your book. I wasn't sure what kind of response I'd get but the woman behind the counter said they liked recommendations - and wrote it down to look into.
Hope it's worked!
Esther
P.S. Next time, after the success of this book, you'll have more clout with the publishers - who will then be more assiduous about matching the pictures to the text and you'll be able to fill the pages with old barrows!
Posted by: Esther Montgomery | February 15, 2012 at 07:24 PM
Esther - I think there were about 12 different children used in the book. I have just gone slightly pale at the thought of being a mother to such a multitude. And thank you so much - for the encouraging words but also for your genius marketing techniques in Bristol. I am indebted! Dx
Posted by: Dawn | February 16, 2012 at 09:26 AM
Good luck with the book launch. I like the idea of cress light-sabres.
Posted by: fingertrip pulse oximeter | March 16, 2012 at 05:12 PM