The Diary of a Debut | 8th April, 2011
An awards dinner, and a stupid accident
Hopes and Doubts — The Diary of a Debut
My first book, Before I Go to Sleep, first came out in April 2011. I’d completely forgotten that in the January of that year I started keeping a journal to chronicle things as they happened.
My entries were sporadic, and some intensely personal. I’ve tried to edit it as little as possible, however.
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8th April 2011 - 3 weeks to go!
Took a cab this morning to Knightsbridge where I was due to deliver a quick speech and present some awards at the annual Allied Health Professionals and Healthcare Scientists dinner. Got there and a had a quick run-through with Alison, who’d organised it, then chatted with a few people at the drinks reception before enjoying a really lovely lunch. About 140 people there, but I didn’t even get too nervous, probably because I knew what I was talking about (basically my story and the story of the book) and I was treating the whole thing as a bit of a practice for later in the year.
Had a rock star moment - after Alison introduced me they played the book trailer on the backdrop and, as it drew to a close, I walked onto the stage. Felt very rock and roll. Went well, I think, and then I stood and shook the winners’ hands and presented them with their awards.
Got home to the exciting news that the audiobook was ready for me to download. I did so - it sounds amazing - Susannah Harker has captured Christine’s voice brilliantly - just Northern enough without it being intrusive.
I was listening to it in the bath as I got ready to go out for the evening. I stood up to dry myself but then the buzzer went, with an Amazon delivery. Idiotically I threw a towel around my waist and raced down the stairs, still wet. My legs went from under me on the top step and I slid down to the bottom step. Felt incredibly stupid and bizarrely light-headed. but thought I was OK. I signed for my package then became aware of a pain in my ring finger on the right hand. When I moved it I felt a click and I knew it was broken.
Got a taxi to A&E at UCH. Was seen quite quickly, first by a nurse, then for an X-ray, and then by another nurse who gave me ibuprofen and put my finger in a sort of plastic splint that I have to wear. I can’t shake hands (with three parties coming up), type very easily (with a novel to write) or easily slgn my name (with 2500 books to autograph), plus I’ll have to spend my Civil Partnership day wearing an ugly splint and unable to straighten my finger. I feel so fucking stupid.
Today’s great news is that we got a Sunday Times Culture Interview! Plus reviews in Glamour (chosen as the must-read), Marie Claire (“A truly gripping read’), Woman &Home (‘A taut and terrifying novel, with a grip of steel’), Psychologies (‘compelling, vertiginous thriller’) and Good Housekeeping mentioned it as part of their ones to watch.
