Today was a great day. First, I got to meet my entire team at Andersen Press – editor extraordinaire Charlie Sheppard, amazing copy editor Chloe Sackur, and tireless publicist Sarah Kimmelman. This is what greeted me when I walked into Penguin/Random House UK offices.
I was able to say hello to a bunch of reps from across the country, who just happened to be in for a meeting. And I met the woman who designed my wonderful book cover, Kate!
Publicist Sarah and Book Designer Kate
Then Sarah and I headed off to Colchester (the oldest recorded town in Britain), which was quite a trek, so that I could sign stock at their warehouse, TBS. On the way, there was a woman on the train reading a book called “Freeing Yourself From the Narcissist in Your Life.” We were fascinated by this. Did she read it in front of the narcissist in her life? Did he know she was reading about him? (terribly sexist of me to assume it’s a ‘him.’)
The warehouse was incredible. And boy. Did I sign books. 
I was told I was an “average” book signer, speed-wise. I’ll take that. I’m happy with that. I am really very content with “average.”
I passed out on the train back from Colchester (jet lag and all). Back at Liverpool Station I said bye to lovely Sarah, whom I will see in the morning, and was met by my dear friend Ross King. Ross and I met at the 2012 GG’s in Ottawa (la-dee-da) and he is just a stand-up fellow. He and his wife live near Oxford, and he came into town to tour me around. He took me on a beautiful walk along the South Bank.
Ross outside St. Paul’s
On the Millenium Bridge
Outside the Globe
The London Eye
Big Ben at Dusk
It was great. We then had dinner at a place near my hotel called Umami, then stopped for a drink at a charming pub in Queen’s Mews. Ross headed to his bus and I to my lovely hotel. More anon …
I am enjoying reading about your adventures in London. Terrific. If you have the time, it would be great if you could connect with my friend and former Indigo co-worker, Emily Reddon. She is stupendous. Writes a blog called the Matilda Project and it covers every bookstore you might want to explore and she does it beautifully.
Wow, Susin! It would be a dream come true for me to sign so many books and have such a wide audience. I couldn’t be happier for you. Such fun to read about your visit to England. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Susan, I am over the moon. And keep in mind, this is my fourth – first in UK – but believe me, I pinch myself every day. You must be anticipating the arrival of your “first child!”