I’m sitting with Katherine McManus, the Program Director of SFU's Writing and Publishing. We're at the Writer’s Studio information table at the Sheraton Guildford, where SIWC has been held since 1994.
We’re listening to people who were here yesterday, talking about the tight security measures: George Bush and Bill Clinton were here, and spoke together. Somebody remarks, "I heard it cost $600 a plate. What could they have said that was worth that?"
It’s getting on for lunchtime. Diana Gabaldon wanders by, dressed in her trademark cerulean blue, with a bright shawl. I know she’s working on graphic novels now. But has she written another book in the Outlander series? I must find out.
Katherine has to speak at the luncheon, so she has to go into the banquet room across the hall. She's going to tell the writers about Southbank. There’s a brief lull and I watch the Happy Feet lady across the way. Her client lies in a recliner, cosy in a faux leopard blanket, while Lydia does Reflexology massage on her feet.
Anne Perry is browsing along the booksellers’ tables. Does she have a new one out? I am telling three young people about Southbank and encouraging them to enter the SIWC Teen Writers Contest. While the kids look at brochures, I glance up to give Anne a wave and a smile.
She smiles back. One of the faithful writers who returns here each year, she's an excellent speaker as well as being a great mystery writer. Last year I gave her a Saje aromatherapy fragrance, because when I met her briefly the year before, she noticed the scent and remarked on it.
I figured it was the least I could do for someone who’s brought me so much reading pleasure. Sure enough, she has a new book out: Acceptable Loss (Random House 2011). It's another in the William Monk series. Maybe if I get a chance, I'll ask her to sign it.
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