Betty Birney’s Blog

Marcus Chown, a pirate and me!

The official World Book Day was March 6 . After meetings and signing stock at Faber, Rebecca accompanied author Marcus Chown and me to Stratford Circus, a performing arts venue in east London.  Marcus is a well-known science writer and broadcaster whose first children’s book, FELICITY FROBISHER AND THE THREE-HEADED ALDEBARAN DUST DEVIL, is about to be released by Faber. Marcus also was formerly a radio astronomer at Caltech in Pasadena, so we talked a lot about L.A. while he pointed out interesting sights – he’s very knowledgeable about London’s history and layout.

Several schools were brought in to the theater and some of the kids were dressed up for World Book Day.  Marcus and I spoke and signed books and had a great time. It was probably the only time the lead-in to my presentation including vomit in outer space but let’s just say the audience was paying attention!

On Friday, Frank and I took the train to Basildon in Essex with Emily, who was another perfect handler. We were at the Basildon Towngate Theatre … in the Mirren Studio  – yep, named for that Mirren.One of the school groups didn’t make it due to – well, I’m not sure if it was a bus problem or illness. But the remaining children in the audience more than made up for a few empty seats with their enthusiasm and unending stream of questions!

With Malcolm Burgess at the Towngate Theatre, Basildon, Essex

With Emily at Faber

And … whoa – that was it! No more drivers or helpful publicists to ease the way. We were on our own in London … but the fun was far from over