another me

This isn't another me. It's still me, the same one, unfortunately, but I had a lovely meeting on Monday, and it looks as if the film of my book, Another Me, is going into production early next year! The film rights have been bought for ages, and up till now everything has been moving slowly but steadily. Now, it seems as if it is really going to take off and I am so excited. I am lucky too that I am kept so much in the loop about what is happening. I think I am going to love what they are planning for the film. I've always loved movies. So, if anyone is reading this, keep your fingers crossed it all works out. I am keeping everything that can be crossed, crossed. For me, I am just going to enjoy the moment.

busy week!

I have had such a wonderful week. Since I was last on here I have been on a panel with Ian Rankin and Don Paterson at the Central Libary in Edinburgh. This was for the Tesco Summer Read. My book, "Grass" was shortlisted, one of very few children's books on the shortlist, along with so many wonderful books for adults. I was so delighted to be asked to share a panel with such eminent writers and I was a bit worried that I might say something daft, no change there, but everyone was so nice and it was a lovely evening, And though I probably did say something daft, no one mentioned it. The next morning I was off to Islay for the Islay Book Festival, visitng schools on the island, and doing creative writing workshops with the pupils.  I didn't come back until Monday, and then on Thursday I was back in Edinburgh for the announcement of the shortlist for the Royal Mail Scottish Book Awards, and Grass has been shortlisted for that too! I have known for weeks, but sworn to secrecy, not easy when you have a big mouth like mine. But now, the secret is out, and just being shortlisted is so fabulous. The other writers and books shortlisted in my category are The Witching Hour by Elizabeth Laird, and Crossing The Line by Gillian Philip.  We'll have to wait until next February to find out who the winner is. So for now, I am just going to enjoy being on the shortlist.  Yesterday I was at Forfar and Kirriemuir libraries and for the first time was able to tell pupils about the Award shortlist.  I am writng this in my son's house in Perthshire. That's where I stayed last night and my son and daughter in law took me out for a lovely celebration meal. Not a bad week, eh? And on Monday, I have another important meeting , but more about that next time....

At the Edinburgh festival

I love being a part of the Book Festival at Edinburgh.  It's always so much fun, and I meet so many interesting people there that I haven't seen for ages. This morning, I met Malcolm Rose, who is doing an event with a robotic hand, on the 24th. That should be fun! Debi Gliori, who is always fun, Keith Gray who is just lovely, ask anyone, and ...the list goes on. I had such a great time, and I didn't have to worry about being spooky at 10am on a Monday because the weather was perfect for a spooky tale. Wind and rain lashing against the roof, and such a great crowd of pupils from schools all over Scotland, including a school all the way from Berwick on Tweed! One school from Callander was held up by traffic and weather and missed the event, but I did speak to some of the pupils later.
   Last night, sitting in my hotel room in the dark, with just one bedside lamp lit, I got the idea to give them a first line for a spooky story, and,( because I always like to make them work!) I challenged them to write the rest. Hope I am going to get lots of great stories out of that first line. One of my nephews said, 'oh, I see, you get them to write the story, then you get it published then you sell it back to them...good plan.' Honestly, no respect! What am I going to do with this family of mine! 
   Anyway, want to know what that first line is....?

   ' I'm alone now, and the room is growing colder and something is moving in the shadows. I'm so afraid.
     Somebody help me.....please. '

I asked them to think about what the writer means by ' I'm alone...now'? Have there been other people there before, and what has happened to them? And what kind of room is it? A hotel room, a hospital room, a room in a school, in a house. Is it derelict or is it home? And is this a letter found by someone, or is it an e mail, or a message left in a computer ?
  Goodness, it has got me thinking as well......
  ( and I promise not to steal their ideas!)

Schools event Monday 23rd August

Off to Edninburgh for the Festival. I have a schools event at 10 tomorrow morning, looking forward to creating a creepy ghost story with them!

Kids' Lit Quiz World Final

Had to tell you I was at the world final of the Kids' Lit Quiz yesterday in Edinburgh. What a great day. There were seven teams, representing New Zealand, South Africa, Wales, Northern Ireland , Scotland and the United Kingdom, but it was the team from England, The City Of London School for Girls who carried off the trophy after a nail biting finish!  I was so impressed by these young people. They were so clever, so smart and so quick. There were loads of other authors there, including Alan Gibbons who gave a really funny and inspiring  speech about how much we needed libraries, and stories. Later we were all invited to dinner, and heard about some of the young people's favourite books. Keith Gray and Nicola Morgan gave entertaining speeches too. And then, when it was all over and just as it began to get dark, the authors left in taxis to go to the launch of the Book Festival. A perfect end to a perfect day.

Hello all,

Welcome to my new blog!

I'm Catherine MacPhail - author, tutor and speaker.

Amongst other books, I am the writer of the 'Nemesis' series.

My latest book, 'Grass' is in the shops right now. 'Out of the Depths' is out next, but that'll be the New Year.

I'll be updating you on my news, as well as my many adventures travelling the World, so check in with me soon!