About 45 people turned up at Hillhead Library for my book launch. It would have been closer to 60, but a number of folk couldn't make it, mainly due to illness.
   It seemed to go well. I managed to give my talk and I didn't notice anyone falling asleep. I signed a load of books so Sparsile were pleased.
   What was especially nice was that some of my old university friends came up, not only to attend the launch but also to have a reunion of sorts at the same time. They stayed in Ayr (some of them next door!) and we went out for a meal after getting back from Glasgow.
   So, thank you everyone who came to support the book launch and a special thank you to old Leicesterites who made the trip.
   I better start writing my next book.

It's Thursday. On Saturday the launch of Three Into One Does Go is going to take place at Hillhead Library in Glasgow. Might be as many as fifty people there, all intently listening to my every word. Eek. It's been a while since I spoke in front of a largish audience but I'm hoping it will be a bit like riding a bicycle: once you've done it, it's something you don't forget.
   No doubt I shall in due course report on how well (or not) everything goes on the day.

You can't smile words. You can say them, you can shout, whisper or scream them, but you can't smile or (worse) beam them.

'Yes, it's a nice day,' smiled Roger.

No no no. Just turn it around and you can see how wrong that is.

Roger smiled, 'Yes, it's a nice day.'

If Roger really has to smile, that first sentence should be either

'Yes, it's a nice day.' Roger smiled.

or something like

'Yes, it's a nice day,' said Roger, smiling.

I am just reading a best-seller, and someone has just beamed some words. Aaargh. Words fail me.