Southfest @ Southcart

So, this is my first ever blog post on my website. I have a 'NEWS/EVENTS' page but I mean, a blog is so much better, right? And what better way to pop my "blog cherry" than by posting about a rather special event that took place two days ago at Walsall's one and only independent bookshop, Southcart Books. you may have guessed, I'm an author (amongst other things) and my third book, 'Shout the Call' is out now. Now, even though it's been for sale to the general public for way over a month now, last Saturday saw STC's official release/launch at the aforementioned, Southcart Books. The event was christened 'Southfest' by my very good friend and fellow author, James Josiah, who just so happened to be launching his brand new book too (read on for more info on that).

It may have been our "big day" to launch the books that we have worked so incredibly hard on for the best part of a year, we needed to make this event one that we would never forget. An event that would stay in our hearts and minds forever, and that is why we decided we needed a host of other fantastic writers/authors to get on board, and after asking about a bit, we got ourselves quite the line up (just look at the official poster above to see what we mean).

A Stuart Williams reading from 'Bela Legosi is Dead'.

Rob Cartwright reads from his hilarious blog, The Bearded Messiah

Daniel Oram is one of our brand new readers who mesmerised us with his cyberpunk tale with added Jesus Jones music.

Steve Pottinger, co author of 'City Baby' fascinating us with excerpts from the book and generally being awesome. You can buy the book, here: City Baby

Top mate and fellow author, James Josiah, reading from 'C90' which is seriously, one of the best books I've ever read! If you haven't got it yet, you can, here: C90

If that wasn't enough, the wonderful Scott and Amy Carter, Southcart's loving, caring owners, managed to get the awesome Steve Pottinger, author of City Baby, a book about punk legends, GBH (see Steve's photo above).

And if that wasn't enough, they also managed to drag in Birmingham's own, Balsall Heathens (of which GBH's Jock Blythe is a member) for our listening pleasure.

Ross Lomas (of GBH) and his wife, Nikki were also coaxed in too. (Here are some pics of the other half, me and Amy with them at The Trough).

Jock Blythe, Mr Onions and Ross Lomas.

Jock, me, Mr Onions and Ross.

Nikki Lomas, me and Mrs Southcart, Amy.

Sorry, I digress. Back to the event. I thought it only fair to drag in Black Country grunge/punk/rock band, WEAK13. The multitalented lead singer/guitarist, Nick J Townsend is not only a very, very good friend of mine, he also did the cover art for STC and has plugged the bejesus out of it since it first hit. It was a no brainer to get him on board.

Nick J Townnsend and Wesley Smith of WEAK13

I'm not going to lie, I was more than a little nervous. In fact, I couldn't stop my hands from shaking as I was reading. I felt pretty cool for most of the day but once Balsall Heathens played out their last, glorious note, I realised that this was it. I had to read. In front of family and friends. And I haven't felt that nervous before. This is coming from a bird who gets up on stage, with her band, Soul'd Out UK, most weekends and belts out classic northern soul and motown ditties, in front of hundreds. Now, you would think that the latter would be more nerve wracking but no, not for me. I only ever read out loud to our 5 year old daughter (even putting voices on for different characters), so you can understand why I may be prone to butterflies when I have a room full of like minded authors, avid readers, book lovers, family and friends. This is something I'm already working on; getting my confidence up so I won't look like jelly, wibble-wobbling on a plate.

Nerves aside, the day was a huge success. To be in the presence of such awesome people was a treat indeed. I loved the company of old friends and made new ones too. I sold books. So did James. We rocked and rolled to some bloody good, live music. We drank wine and ate some cracking samosas (and lots of other delicious goodies). We laughed out loud and were fascinated and mesmerised by our readers and their wonderful stories.

I keep pinching myself. Sometimes none of this feels real. It feels like it's happening to somebody else. But it's not. This is all real and it is actually happening and the reason it is is because I am making it happen. I am making my dreams come true, word by word and page by page.

Oh, and I nearly forgot. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to my amazing family and wonderful friends for your much appreciated guidance, love and support. Without you, I would not be where I am now.

Some other photos of the day:

The following photos are courtesy of Squishflash Images: