It’s been a month since the publication of my debut novel (if you missed the final bend of my winding road to publication you can read it here:)
Come on, let’s celebrate
The Perfect Publication Party
A Year Without A Summer launched into the world on 7th May 2026 with a brilliant online event hosted by the multi talented Clare Roberts. Clare worked on the novel as editor so was the perfect person to host the evening. Her enthusiasm for the book was infectious and her questions kept the conversation flowing. I wasn’t the only one who thought so.
Having an online event meant people could join in with the celebration from all over the country (and the world, Rita tuned in from the USA). One school friend whom I haven’t seen for 42 years came along which was very special indeed. I loved every minute of it.
The Library Lunchtime Launch
The following Friday saw my first face-to-face event at Newbury Library. I volunteer at the library where you’ll usually find me making tea and coffee for guests at these author chats, so it was a real honour to be sitting at the front this time alongside librarian, Elizabeth Beverley.
There was a great turn out too, mostly down to the wonderful support from family and friends, in particular a large contingent from my book club – thank you book buddies. The event was made even more special with the arrival of my parents, who’d driven down from Newcastle to be there, conspiring with my daughter to surprise me.
The Book and Birthday Bash
Third on the list was the BIG event. A combined book birth day with my big birthday celebration. It had been my ambition to see my book published before my 60th birthday and I made it – just!
The sun shone, the sausages sizzled, the Prosecco popped and a good time was had by all. Thank you to everyone who came with their laughter too, to help me celebrate these two momentous occasions. To my fabulous friends and neighbours for all mucking in with food and the loan of garden furniture and gazebo. To Kirsty for the Pina Colada and Katy for baking the cakes and Kelly for making me sit down for a moment to eat. I don’t only have friends whose names begin with ‘K’. Thanks also to Steve and Jez for BBQing all afternoon.
My book is published - what’s next?
The coming months are filling up with more lovely events.
Tuesday 9th June I will be guest speaker at Hampshire Writers’ Society where I will be talking about the ideas and inspiration behind the novel.
Tuesday 23rd June I will be speaking to Newbury Friends Together about my writing and journey to publication
Thursday 9th July I will be talking at the Summer Reading Celebration at Hungerford Bookshop
Saturday 18th July I will be joining Emily and Rachel at Treetops Wellbeing for A Chapter of Calm Retreat, combining yoga with book chat, being creative with words and great food for a perfect day away from it all.
August is a quiet month where I’m hoping to finish the first draft of book 2, although I’m open to offers.
September I will be joining the Women Writers Network for a live online Q&A on Bluesky. More details to come.
October I will be appearing on the Brighton Bookclub Podcast, chatting to Anna Burtt about setting my novel by the sea and why Brighton was the perfect location.
Do check out the links and let me know if you’re able to come along or tune in to any of them so I can say Hi!
Thank you for reading my Words & Musings. If you enjoyed this piece, then please Like. If you liked it a lot then please
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If you want to support my writing, you can always buy me a coffee.
Or better still
You can buy my book direct from the publisher.
Until next time…
Oh I love all this Lesley, seeing you make the most of it. ♥️