Next ABCtales evening - confirmed!

I would say it's a retraction of your usual cocky bravado, Alumgoon.

Touson.

dont know cant come

Aw, I read at the last one in Derby, and it was very much a last minute decision and I was dead shy too - but I started off with a filthy joke and after that it wasn't so bad. You shouldn't hesitate - your work is so fab.

Hurrah, at last an event I can attend! I knew there had to be some advantages to living down south.

Oh go on Hayley! I am!

...and your stuff is much better than mine!!!

Touson Arizona, like the Beatles song...

Camilla - we shall announce the line-up shortly - but in the meantime if anyone wants to read then they should email me or Mark Brown.

Oooh, are you Jude...? The thing is, whenever I read in public my top lip starts to do this quivering thing and it is not only unattractive, it is also all consuming and makes me feel about 5 years old. In which case... I'll do it. I'll email Tony right now.

well these events are small and friendly...just imagine you're reading to a group of bossom buddies and close relatives. Even if you are nervous no one will mind!

Living in the north-west (that's up the country a bit and to the left) or the north east if you're living in Carlisle, are there any hotel/b&b recommendations available? I would like to attend, and a Thursday night is just right because that means I can make a weekend of it with the family (see big ben and the palace and that road). Your help would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

Well I emailed him, so it's done. The funny thing is, I think my writing comes from the part of me that isn't so good at saying things out loud. Sooo, it will be interesting to see if I can make the writing sound write in my own voice. I did read at the launch of the UEA anthology, and was delighted when I got some laughs. I gripped the lecturn like a bastard though.

any way im going to britan on the 18

Exactly - your space is reserved! I'm really looking forward to it.

ha! I wrote 'to see if I can make the wriitng sound write' instead of 'right'. silly me. Can't wait - it's only 7 days before my 28th birthday too, so it will be a proper birthday treat. Am looking forward to meeting everybody.

My goodness you are younger than me...just!!!

The venue is slap bang in the middle of the City Lola, as for low cost accomodation in London, can't help. Try the internet thingy... A weekend in Spring London is highly recommended though... there is tons to see and do... but plan it ahead of you. Check out what is happening at the Royal Festival Hall, one of my fav places to while away some hours. There is Modern Tate of course and the whole of that gorgeous riverside walkway, perfect for a family outing.

I know! I thought I was older (not because I'm more mature, obviously).... cos you said I could be like your abc big sister. This means you have to be *my* abc big sister now. Does this mean you'll be wearing pink?

Can't make it. Bum. I hand in ten thousand words on the day after. No sleep for me! Joe x

I will go shopping for a pink shirt before the event!

Looks like there will be lots of new faces for the rogues gallery!

Right, its in London, on the 21st April. Come if you can. Its a great night. Dont bring your cats though, they wont get served at the bar.

i would really like to come ... it is very close to my birthday and i need a treat ... also have a place to stay if i need to now my eldest lives in london ... could get him along too ... what is nice about these events is seeing abc people in the flesh ... i really like that ... (i am looking up the recipe, dan ...)

Ahem - I'm the oldest of us then. Pink??? *coughs* well - you just never know with me do you!?? Would you like your big sister in pink, Jude? I'm certain my fella would like me in pink... ;-)

no, emma, the event is 2 weeks after i join fish and liana as a glamourous fortysomething....

ok ... will DEF be there ... i cant miss ferg's top lip quivering at any price ... i insist on being the abc big sister ... i am older than all of you pupkins including that soppy marty t ... so watch it ...

The buzz for this un sounds really cool! I shall be catching the mail wagon out of Norwich and travelling westward t'wards the bright lights of the big city. Then getting smashed and making an utter imbecile of myself, yet again. Huzzah!

if i can but i will be going to dorset with my parnets

I'm dead excited about going to this.

bugger.

and congrats on the job ferg ... (tho i REALLY wanted that dear little henhouse ...)

I haven't sorted out accommodatin yet either. Post any ideas up here please!! I'm relieved to find that double rooms don't cost any more than singles, but can't decide where to stay. Planning on checking out the TurnerWhistlerMonet exhibition at the Tate Britain the next day too. There's some interesting discussion about it on the Winterson site.

Emma honey, no one would bat an eyelid to see you wearing pink. I have an image to protect.

er...I know I'm not the oldest *double cough* - it's just that Jude once said Hayley and I were like her two big sisters!!! So I'm the oldest of the three - is what I meant to say. Can't wait to see you again Fish and Martin, is Bert coming? x

Protect? Live down!

i don't know if bert is coming, he never tells me anything about his plans

Where in Dorset? Bring them to London, I'll bake them a cake.

the ibis at earls court is unglamorous but clean and reasonable ... they have a HOT RATE on for that night which makes the room £60 for two ... we have stayed there as it's just round the corner from my son's house ... and it's ok... the brekkie was fab ... the ibis at euston is £80 per 2 people ... the brekkie is cheaper and you are nearer the trains ... i'm getting too old to kip on people's floors ... and am seldom sociable the morning after an abc gig ...

Why don't you turn up mykle, and perhaps we can sort our differences out for once and for all?

nor me ... i'll ask him ...

I'm sure we would suprise everyone and get on very well George but it's a bit too far for me at present - much as I'd like to meet everyone.

pink shirt double cuffed with silver cufflinks

Thanks fish - Euston would give the opportunity to dump baggage in hotel on arrival...excellent. I'm too old for floors too.

he says he doesnt mind ... i think he'd look nice in pink ....

byebye have to go

i've never stayed here but it seems very reasonably priced

What does he look like? Any online piccies?

I believe I shall make it, and I shall be with you know who...will be lovely to see you all again, and some new faces too. Hayley.....????

She's gone, desserted us all.