Looking back to last Friday, I wonder that I was so nervous about my two radio interviews. But I was. No, I wasn’t – I was SCARED STIFF. My first Publication Day was also going to be my first time on the radio. And not once that day, but twice.
To wind the clock back to Friday morning.
Publication Day arrived, and so did a lovely white-flowered plant, box of chocolates and bottle of champagne, sent by my publisher, Choc Lit. I took a photograph – naturally – but sadly it didn’t come out. Alas, by the time that I’d realised that, it was too late to photograph the champagne and chocolate – I’ll leave you to work out why.
My first port of call, if one may refer to a radio station thus, was Radio Marlow. I was to be interviewed for The Book Club. Needless to say, the book I was going to be talking about was The Road Back, but I was also hoping to mention my next novel, A Bargain Struck, which is set in Wyoming 1887.
It was thanks to the amazing, very friendly, very interested interviewers that I instantly felt at ease, and I thoroughly enjoyed my talk with them. It was like chatting to them over a cup of coffee, and I was really sorry when my time was up.
Next stop, Jo Thoenes at BBC Radio Oxford. I was to be interviewed by Jo at 2pm, and was asked to arrive a little earlier than that to be shown around. One hour early proved somewhat over enthusiastic, and I killed time with a coffee in Summertown, which was buzzing beneath a sun that was surprisingly hot for September.
Again, both of my novels were the focus of the interview, but this time, in addition to my novels, I answered questions about some of the things that I’d done in life prior to being published. Back to Californian days, I went, and to my role as a ‘resident starlet’ at MGM. It was great fun talking with Jo about living in the US. She had lived in Arizona, and she, too, had travelled around, and she was able to tell me some facts about Las Vegas that I hadn’t known.
A day I’d been nervous about turned out to be an absolutely super day. Thank you, Chrissy, Clare and Vanessa in Radio Marlow, and thank you, Jo and producer Marcos Young, in BBC Radio Oxford – all of you helped to make my first Publication Day into a day that I’ll never forget.
What fun! So glad you enjoyed your day in the end although these things are always daunting. You look lovely. Also, love the title for the new book. I’d like to listen to the interviews, what is Jo Thoenes programme called? Good luck by the way for your launch!
Many thanbks for your comment, Cara, and for your generous remark about that top. I do not think I’ll wear it again, unless it’s very dark out!
Go to BBC iplayer Radio. Under search: Jo Thoenes. I was on Friday, Sept 7th, a third of way into the programme.
I’m amazed she managed to get a question in – I didn’t draw breath for 20 minutes!!
If I do half as well as you next week, Liz, I’ll be over the moon (and very relieved!). Really well done!
Thanks for that, Chris. You will be BRILLIANT. But first, there’s a wedding, I believe …
You were fine! Roll on Friday.
Oh my goodness. Friday. Now that’s a scary thought, John.
I hope that your holiday in Quimper is going brilliantly.
What a terrific day!
You obviously relished doing the radio shows. And you looked cool and relaxed.
Broadcasting always makes you catch you breath and your heart thump, but sound as if you flew through it. Well done!
Flew is a pretty good word for it, Alison. Once I’d started, there was no stopping me. Had there been a fire, I think I would have Carried On Regardless!!
I’m so pleased everything went well, Liz. The champers and choc can remain a happy memory ’til the next time!
I fear that the memory of the champagne and chocolate may start to fade. I may well have to recharge the memory a few times in the coming months. I look forward to it 🙂
Oh glad I found this. Been out of the loop. Lovely piece and yes, I am interested in your starlet experiences too. Happy Launch Day, Liz, you deserve mega success. Remember as I have read The Road Back I know it is excellent. Well Done.
Thank you very much for your good wishes, Carol, and for the lovely remarks about The Road Back. x
How exciting Liz!
Sounds as if that starlet experience needs to find its way into #3?!!
Alas, AJ, it would have to be so expurgated that it’d be like trying to read a piece of lace! x
What a starlet you still are, Liz! Congratulations on your fabulous publication day and on your launch – which I SO wished I could have attended. Just know I was with you in spirit but I’m sure, if I could have been there, I would have been a blubbing emotional wreck on your behalf (as I’m sure you were not!) as I’m just so thrilled for you.
Janice xx
I nearly broke down at the start of my talk when I looked around the room, and everyone was smiling at me and looking happy. I was really overcome by the warmth and friendliness around me. I am never going to forget that evening. x
Well done, Liz. It’ll all be plain sailing from here on. And TRB is going to be huge.
Many thanks, Liv. Just think, it’ll be you, too, who’s going down this path before too long. x
So much fabulous news, just lately! You deserve your success, Liz. You’ve earned it.
I was momentarily stumped by your ROMNA post about “…. the attributes my red top had given me…” I have a notoriously over-complicated way of looking at the world and was trying to understand some perceived connection between The Road Back and the red top newspapers!!!!! I’m either very slow-witted or (my preferred theory) an absent minded professor type. Now I’ve realised what you meant I can tell you not to worry.
It was obviously a stunningly successful launch and you’re now a practised radio interviewee! gx
Many thanks, Gilli. Hmm, my appearance when I saw the photo slightly stunned me. Katie Price, watch out! x
What a great launch, Liz – and that top is lovely!
Thank you, Rosemary. I haven’t worn it since, but might give it another go, thinking it might have been a bit the effect of the camera, and the angle I’m standing, and the weather outside, the riots abroad …
Yes, like Gilli I was confused by red tops, and under the impression you’d made page 3.
That was a fantastic launch on Friday! A privilege to be there.
I was delighted that you could be there, Jane. I look forward to seeing you at the weekend, when we’ll have more timne to talk. x