On Monday 30th July, I returned to Cumbria with my novel,
Light Weaver, for an extra special book signing on board the mobile library. It was a momentus occasion for me to take the book back to where it all began some four years ago. It was also, perhaps, a novelty for the mobile library readers as the event was a first of its kind (as far as we know) in South Lakes.
After a quick interview with the fabulous Ian Timms of BBC Radio Cumbria, I travelled north with that familiar feeling of going home. I journeyed under a dramatic sky, with ever changing light, rainbow flashes, and ominous cloud that has been typical of this strange summer.
Upon arrival, I met the lovely library staff. I was treated to a tour of Kendal's stunning
Carnegie library on Stricklandgate before setting off to the historic South Lakes villages of Burton and Holme to meet readers on board the mobile library.
There were moments where I felt as if I'd stepped into scenes from
Light Weaver. I was half expecting the singing psychic to make an appearance, dancing up and down the street as I signed copies of the book. And, perhaps he did!
Time passed quickly as it always does when you're having fun, and I left the mobile library to continue its adventures into the heart of Light Weaver country.
After a walk by the river and a delicious late veggie lunch at Kendal's
Waterside cafe, I made my way to Silverdale, where I often find Light Weaver's Tom and Cali watching the tidal bore. Sometimes, I see the mobile library there, too, although I'm not sure whether it's in this dimension or another.
Thank you to
Cumbria Library Services for making the event possible and to Dave and Sam (either of them could have been mistaken for Tom!) for looking after me on the mobile library. Also, thanks to the lovely Cumbrian folk who gave me such a warm welcome.
