Bubbles of joy were unleashed within me during my recent big interview. Big as in numbers! This Spring I happily accepted the kind invitation to give a book reading from my book ‘The Storyteller Speaks’ to a local group.

An interview was also discussed and agreed – once I’d ascertained that the numbers attending would be around 14. That I could cope with as I’m still unused to talking in public to larger groups.

Imagine my surprise when a week before the event, during a chat with one of the organisers, I realised that I’d misheard and learnt 40 people would be present! Yikes! A pathetic cough failed to mask my shock and fear; then I started to sit straighter as I was awed by this wonderful opportunity to meet so many people interested in my book. I couldn’t wait!

Below is the press release/article I wrote after my visit to Cuppa Club. I had an amazing time and felt honoured by the warmest of welcomes. Furthermore I sold lots of books and it was surreal to sit at the table, feverishly signing books as a queued formed around me! I felt like I was an author at last! In the rush I forgot to give out the bookmarks until halfway through!

Local author Annika Perry was overwhelmed with the warm welcome she received this week during an interview and book reading at a local Cuppa Club.

‘I’m overjoyed with the wonderful reception from everyone. It’s fabulous,’ said Annika. ‘Initially I felt rather daunted as I had misheard and expected 14 people to be present, in the end over 40 attended.’

‘Absolutely fantastic,’ was the verdict of one member, Glenn Chapman.

Annika Perry was interviewed by Ann Chapman, a volunteer at the club and spoke about her life as an author as well as about her debut book ‘The Storyteller Speaks’. Ann declared that ‘the visit went very well and there was such a good response afterwards’.

The members, ranging in age from 55 to 92, heard how Annika has been writing since childhood but took it up seriously three years ago. Her first book is a collection of short stories and poems and explores ‘the belief that there is no such thing as an ordinary life; they’re all extraordinary’. 

Annika is currently working on the last edits of her first full-length novel, ‘Island Girl’ as well as looking forward to publishing her first children’s book next year.

Ann Brown was one of many who afterwards bought a signed copy of Annika’s book. ‘I very much enjoyed the interview and I am buying a book to take with me to dance club,’ she said. ‘It will do the rounds there and short stories are very popular amongst some older readers as they like shorter stories that don’t require so much retention of the plot found in longer novels.’

Graham Sexton enjoyed the extract of Annika’s prize winning story ‘Biding Her Time’. ‘I found it very moving. There wasn’t a superfluous word in the writing and went straight to the point in the least amount of words. Rather like Earnest Hemingway who insisted every word has to do its work.’  

Sheila Allen found the interview ‘very enlightening’. She added that, ’I had no idea Annika was writing; she kept that quiet. We only realised when we saw an article in Halstead Gazette at the beginning of the year.’

‘Cuppa Club was originally started by Sheila and Graham Allen spring 2014,’ explained Ann Chapman. ‘Following the closure of their shop, G & S News, the Club became a way for the villagers, particularly the elderly, to stay in touch with each other.’ 

Annika would like to extend her warmest thanks to Cuppa Club for the opportunity to speak to the group and also for their generous gift. 

‘The Storyteller Speaks’, which has 18 four & five-star reviews on Amazon across the UK and in America, is available to buy at Amazon  UK or Amazon US.

The final published article can be seen below or online here. The headline is inspired!

Finally, before I whither from the heat which has enveloped the UK and reduced me to a constant state of lassitude, I’m looking forward to my imminent summer sojourn in Sweden. With concern of causing discombobulation for you all, I am in a quandary whether to attempt to blog or not. With no wifi in the beautiful retreat in the forest,  I fear my ominous mood at lack of mobile signal will result in colourful vitriol. Therefore, I will only be able pop by to you for quick visits now and then.

The above paragraph is my funny (I hope) response to Pam’s challenge at roughwighting for me to use my ‘Breakfast Cereal Words’ in a piece of writing … I succeeded … barely!

So, I send my heartfelt wishes to you all for a wonderful and peaceful summer! May the sun shine for you and in all your hearts!