Red Carpet

Well, what a day it was! Somehow, as I write this on the other side of the world in Santa Monica, it seems more than a weekend ago - which doesn't mean that I'm likely to forget it...

It started with hair and makeup (wouldn't it be nice to have professionals like that on call whenever you need them!) and then the press screening of the film (and yes, the report that said I was dabbing away tears was quite right. I suspect that it would have been a lot worse if I hadn't been so conscious of the makeup!) There were simply so emotions: I was curious to see how the film would fit together, anxious to see if it worked, incredulous that it was actually there, and real, but most of all, extremely moved to see my characters and my story brought to life. But the more I watched, the more I was caught up in what was happening on the screen, at the moments of beauty, drama, or comedy. THere were moments when I thought, 'Yes! That's exactly how I saw it!" and other moments when I was transfixed by the screen presence of each of the actors. I badly want to see it again now that all those other emotions can be laid to rest, because the overwhelming feeling was relief and joy - I really like it, and I truly believe it's good.

And then a quick change into the beautiful Argyro Gavalas dress and onto the Red Carpet. It was a heady feeling, like winning an award - admittedly, children's book awards don't tend to have the press clustered around with microphones and cameras - and I think Tom enjoyed it too!

Afterwards, Jodie Foster and I recorded a Community Service announcement for the MS Readathon - a cause I've always supported for both its encouragement of reading and the research into Multiple Sclerosis. However it was ridiculous how dry-mouthed I felt at the recording; I've talked to audiences of up to 5000, and have been interviewed on TV, but this was something new and so I was nervous. Jodie was great, and I felt that I learned a lot in those three short takes. If we'd just had a dozen more...

Then a couple more interviews for me - many more for Jodie - and the day was over. And the next day, Good Friday, I flew to LA.

PremierEve

I said the other day I felt like a kid waiting for Christmas, and then the presents started arriving – a beautiful wrap to match my dress, from the designer Argyro Gavalas; jewellery by Trent Nathan from Fashion Brands, and some lovely, thoughtful things from friends and family. I feel extremely spoiled.

And now it’s The Eve for the Australian Premier… We arrived at Sea World this afternoon, checked into the beautiful resort…and after walking down to the harbour for about the best fish and chips we've ever had, came back to the lobby for a quiet drink – and a few minutes later watched a big free standing cut-out poster of Nim’s Island being set up! What a lovely way to end the day.

WIN EXCLUSIVE TICKETS TO THE PREMIERE OF NIM'S ISLAND AT SEA WORLD | Sea World

I just noticed this competition - and there's still one day left before entries close, so it's worth a try...

I'm really hoping I'll have time to see some of Sea World while I'm there; I don't know if the sea turtle hospital is open to the public, but there's an interesting article on the Sea World site about the work they're doing with sea turtles - and why we have to be careful to NEVER drop plastic bags or other rubbish into the ocean or waterways.

Of course I'm particularly excited about meeting those wonderful Selkie actors, Spud and Friday!

Just 4 days to go....





WIN EXCLUSIVE TICKETS TO THE PREMIERE OF NIM'S ISLAND AT SEA WORLD | Sea World

Premiers and Publicity

Who’d have thought it - publicity takes up a lot of time and energy! I had one whirlwind day starting with Channel 10’s (Australia) ’9 am with David and Kim’, and going on to another 11 interviews or photo shoots. It was a great day; interesting to see how different the questions were from different interviewers. My only regret is that I can’t duck into the station’s hair and make-up studio every time I go out - what a luxury that was!

But now we’re gearing up for the Australian premier at Sea World on Thursday 20th March - very exciting! I’m so thrilled that it’s worked out that I can go to both the Australian and the LA premiers.

I’ll be heading to the USA after the Aus premier, and Canada after the LA premier. My schedule isn’t finalised yet but should take in New York, possibly Washington DC, Minneapolis and LA. The public events definitely scheduled (apart from the CUT conference) are:

MINNEAPOLIS: READING & BOOK SIGNING, 27th March, 1:00 pm: at Barnes & Noble
8040 Wedgewood Lane
Maple Grove, MN 55369

28th March, Book signing at Public Library Conference

LOS ANGELES: READING AND BOOK SIGNING, 29 MARCH, 2:00 pm at BORDERS
3700 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90453

SANTA MONICA: WENDY ORR & PAULA MAZUR IN CONVERSATION RE NIM’S ISLAND
31 March, 7 or 7:30 pm, Santa Monica Library, Main Branch.


More as I discover it...

But at least the most important thing is organised - the house sitters for our dog Bear. He loves this family almost as much as he loves ours, and they love him back. So they’re always the first people to phone when a trip is planned.

3:14 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment - Edit - Remove