Novel Kicks Calls on Avon

Laura, Parastou, Claudia, Helen and Amy.

Recently, Helen and I were invited to attend an author event at Avon Publishers HQ in London (Avon’s Digital event to be more precise.)

With a mixture of excitement and nerves (which always seem to strike when I go to these types of events,) I made my way up to London. As someone who would love and is trying to write her first book, I am always so grateful to get the opportunity to chat with other writers (even if I spend most of the time trying not to gawk at these amazing, talented group of people who have published many novels between them.)

We arrived at Avon HQ which is situated near the Shard in London (The Shard looks both amazing and intimidating up close.) After being led up to the top floor, we were met by the lovely Parastou from Avon. It was great to meet her. Plus, she gave us a tote bag full of books. Always a bonus. We were then greeted by the most spectacular panoramic view of the London skyline. Helen and I couldn’t stop looking at it.

Faith, Helen and Ella

Helen and I also got a chance to meet Ella Harper, (who also writes as Sasha Wagstaff,) and Faith Bleasdale for over an hour. Each had their own valuable advice on writing processes and were very happy to answer all of our questions. (We had a few. Sorry ladies.) We were soon joined by Kerry Fisher and Charlotte from Avon as well as Amy. Helen and I were in very good company and there was a lot of laughter.

The writing community is such a supportive and welcoming one, and it is evenings like this that prove that it isn’t as solitary as it could be. Both Helen and I came away from the evening with renewed inspiration and confidence when continuing with our own writing.

I’d like to thank Avon and their fabulous writers for a wonderful night.

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.