I launched my book, London Walks!
45 bottles of champage were ordered. I missed most of it as I'm not really experienced enough to do drinking before talking to large groups of people.
(afterwards is no problem, obviously).
Sylvia, Jemma and David of Shakespeare and Company introduced the books (I shared the evening with Mademoiselle London and Gogo Paris).
I had a 'brushing' (French for blow-dry) specially for the occasion. I've never had one before, always having thought there's something a bit wimpy about not being able to dry your own hair - but after three nights in the writer's room at the bookshop I was beginning to look a little untidy...
I talked about 'How to be a Tourist' - a short lecture involving a race between a lobster and a turtle (wind-up only I'm afraid)...
...some rather unpleasant leisure-wear...
...and Psychogeographic games (the pic below may not look entirely like a Psychogeographic game but it is, honest).
After a set from the excellent Paris Sheiks...
...I ended the night sitting under the stars on a quai of the Seine with Shakespeare and Company Tumbleweeds until they switched the lights off opposite on Notre Dame.
This morning I woke up with a pocket full of pens. None of them were mine. I guess this is what happens when you do a booksigning.
***
I'll be doing a slightly longer an even odder version of this talk at the Idler Academy tomorrow, Wednesday 1 June. Book in advance mentioning 'Lobster' (or typing it on the booking page) for £5 off. If you're in London tomorrow, don't miss it!
All photos (c) Lauren Goldenberg of Shakespeare and Company - more of her photos of the event here.



Hurrah! Looks like it was very well attended!
Posted by: MarieP | May 31, 2011 at 05:18 PM
It was fun!
Posted by: badaude | June 01, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Wish i could have been there - looks like it was a riotous good time!
Posted by: liz | June 01, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Will be doing it again on Saturday at Foyles Charing Cross Road - come over!
Posted by: badaude | June 02, 2011 at 12:29 PM
I like you on facebook and follow through google reader!
Posted by: Hermes Outlet | December 02, 2011 at 11:09 PM