After a fabulous and super busy time in the United Kingdom, we headed to Hong Kong and Singapore. Our first few days in Hong Kong were pretty exciting as Typhoon Haima blew into town and just as the forecast predicted, all schools and most shops and businesses were closed for the day. Thankfully, the reality was not as wild as predicted – however, hammering rain and strong winds kept us (and most of Hong Kong) indoors. It was surreal to see the usually busy streets all but deserted.
One of my favourite things about Hong Kong is the amazing architecture – there are so many stunning buildings and I’ve included a couple of pictures here.
For me, having to reschedule a school event was an opportunity to work on the edits for Alice-Miranda Holds the Key and marvel at how very well prepared the Hong Kong residents are for these types of weather events. I spent the rest of my time visiting schools and meeting lots of enthusiastic children and teachers. We also had an event at Bookazine in the Prince’s Building which was fabulous – thank you to everyone who came along and to Arti, Shonee, Shrada and their wonderful staff for all your support during my tour. Can’t wait to come back again next year!
We travelled from Hong Kong to Singapore and although the weather wasn’t quite as exciting, we did experience some enormous thunderstorms. It was wonderful to see so many beautiful Christmas light displays and visit old schools and new. A huge highlight was catching up with people who through being a writer, have become very good friends. And how cute is my friend Dave’s Cavoodle puppy, Kobe!
It was fabulous to be part of the amazing Singapore Writers’ Festival too and I really want to thank the organisers for a wonderful series of events. I was also fortunate to have a great signing at Kinokuniya in Orchard Road.
Whilst, we were in Singapore, I was delighted and humbled to receive news that Alice-Miranda at Camp had received the Honour Book Award in the Fiction for Younger Readers Category of the KOALA Awards – you can read all about that on the blog post linked here.
Hi Jacqueline
You have had an amazing time. I am glad the typhoon was not that wild but by listening to all this I feel like I am on a holiday with you. By the way Congratulations !!! you surely deserved that award.
Thanks Anshika,
I know it sounds like a holiday but I actually did 74 different talks or events in 39 days (and had two days off during the whole trip!). I was editing when I wasn’t out working. I’m glad you felt as if you were on my travels with me.
It is very humbling to be in the same company as all those other amazing authors.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Hi Jacqueline,
Your holiday sounds so fun! You must have had a amazing time! I love the puppy – so cute!
Hi Emma,
I know it sounds like a holiday but believe me, it was mostly work (although work in another place is lots of fun). My friend Dave’s puppy is gorgeous. I wish I could have brought him home with me.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Dear Emma,
I think the puppy is really cute too.
From Hattie
Dear Hattie and Emma,
I surely agree with you it is adorable. You two are soo right
Anshika
Dear Jacqueline,
Hope you had fun!
It would have been very interesting.
Congrats, you really deserved to win that award you are a great author you write enthusiastically and express your self witch makes the writing interesting and enjoyable.
You’re my favourite author and you’re my role model.
From Halle