I have learnt many things during my time at Fidra, but I think one of the most enduring is that publishing and bookselling mix very well with tea, cake and the occasional glass of pink fizzy wine.

Last night was a perfect demonstration of this: Fidra had the pleasure of hosting a launch party for Vivian French’s new book, Singing to the Sun, which is beautifully illustrated by the amazingly talented Jackie Morris. It’s frankly a little bit worrying how excited I was about ordering cake and arranging canapés, but I think the enthusiasm was justified by how lovely the cake looked (our photo didn’t come out very well, sadly, but it had one of the book’s illustrations on it).  

Viv is one of Fidra’s favourite people and great fun was had by us – and hopefully, everyone else too! I met some more people involved in the Scottish book trade who seem to be a delightful group of people (and I’m not saying that just because I’m applying for jobs at the moment…) and Viv’s reading from the book was a great treat.

Viv mentioned that the book took six years from idea to publication, and after having read it this morning, I can only say that it was worth the wait. Viv’s words and Jackie Morris’s illustrations really compliment each other in their lyricism. I especially enjoyed the ending, but I won’t spoil it here!

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