The Other Book now available as The Other Electronic Book

Some nice news today - I've discovered that my first-born child, The Other Book, who was born four years ago, has had a new lease of life on the Amazon Kindle. You can download it from the site below. Naturally it would be nicer if you went and got hold of an actual real-life copy from an actual real-life bookshop... The Other Ebook doesn't have quite the same ring to it, does it - but still.

Bloomsbury Circus: Launch

Will Davis: Author - and aerobatical genius

To Brick Lane, for the launch of a new imprint from Bloomsbury. Editor Alexandra Pringle looked down upon a massy crowd of literary people (including novelists Amanda Craig, Michael Arditti and Lucy Beresford; short story writer Polly Samson; assorted literary editors, journos, publishers, and other types) as clowns, trapeze artists and sundry performers cavorted. The new imprint is a first for Bloomsbury (who published my own two books): and, rather conveniently, one of the new tomes they're publishing under the name is by the excellent Will Davis - who happens to be a brilliant trapeze artist. He stunned the audience with his aerobatic display on silks, tumbling up and down them with grace, agility and speed, drawing gasps of admiration and awe  as he slid about in a breath-taking and daring show. Did I mention he's also written a book? (More than one, actually.)

What was also cheering was that Alexandra Pringle stressed the importance of the midlist - "We love the midlist," she said - it's where they grow authors and look for future prizewinners. She also said that they loved physical books - the new imprint will publish fine editions (with what are called French flaps. Don't ask me.) Their new  colophon is the Bloomsbury Diana swinging in a half-crescent moon. I look forward to seeing many fresh and new talents emerging under its sign.

We were fed, deliciously and appropriately, on burgers and hot dogs. Amongst the guests I spotted Tracey Emin. I wonder what she was doing there? Poet Adam O'Riordan was present and correct, whose novel has been bought by Bloomsbury; alas, none of us could be persuaded to do a handstand, or even a forward roll. Will Davis has set the bar high (quite literally high) for us authors. As if it's not enough for us all to be blogging, twittering, presenting, festivalling and all the rest, we must now all learn a useful circus skill. Anna Stothard and I are going to start a knife throwing team for our next book launches. Failing that, I'll learn how to catch bullets between my teeth.

How to Avoid Being Killed in a War Zone by Rosie Garthwaite: Launch

Rosie Garthwaite, in a non-conflict situation

To the offices of Bloomsbury for the launch of Rosie Garthwaite's (pictured, with flowers) exciting new book, How To Avoid Being Killed in A War Zone. We packed into the (extremely hot) panelled hall and learned of the genesis of the book, which offers down to earth and extremely practical advice for entering conflict zones. Nigel Newton, (head honcho) gave an enthusiastic speech: the book is being published globally. Also present was author of The Junior Officer's Reading Club, Patrick Hennessey, and many of the people who have contributed their ideas and guidance to the book.

Apart from a misguided flirtation, when I left university with some idea of being a dashing foreign correspondent, with the idea of writing for The Baghdad Bulletin (which my parents, quite rightly, vetoed), the closest I've ever come to conflict is probably trying to get a seat on a Central Line train. The book is still great though for non-adventurous types like me, who can dream, and for the real heroes and heroines who bravely enter the liminal territory of war. There is a section on skinning animals; notes on how to catch birds; and information on how to survive a kidnapping, as well as reams of diagrams and tips.  It's witty, earthy and real; it's got a striking cover, and is the sort of book that should be issued as standard to soldiers and NGOs and, well, everyone really. As Rosie's publisher said, Rosie would be the best person to have in a conflict - and now the whole world can have her in their pocket. (Well not literally of course.) Congratulations to Rosie, and may there be peaceful times ahead, as well as adventures.

Christmas Party Season

...is upon us, and the first of the lot was Bloombury's Children's Authors Party, which was for people with books out this year, and took place in their offices last week. I almost didn't make it - there were small matters of riots, the Royal Variety Show, and entire streets in Soho vanishing under enormous blue barriers for Crossrail. But, weary and thirsty, I did eventually make it, and I chatted to the ever-lovely Mary Hoffman, and also to Jim Carrington, whose debut novel was out last year, Inside My Head, which has received good reviews, and Lucy Jago, author of Montague House. Mince pies and cheese puffs were the order of the day.