D A Nelson

Dec 08

I cannot begin to tell you how mad November was for me. There were a lot of family birthdays, including my son’s first birthday, and quite a few other events to keep me busy. But, by far the best day (except for the wee one’s birthday) was November 18 when me and hubby travelled to Aberdeen for the Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children’s Books…

We took the train up, enjoying the countryside all the way up. I was really nervous, my stomach was in knots and my mouth was dry and horrid. When we arrived, the butterflies got worse and I couldn’t eat the lovely buffet lunch laid on for the authors and their families. Anyone who knows me will tell you that it takes a lot to put me off food (I love eating), so I must have been REALLY nervous.

The event took place at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom, an Art Deco style building overlooking the beach. I liked the venue, but then again, I love old buildings anyway.

So, this is what happened. Us authors (there were nine of us in total) waited at the back of the main hall. It was packed with around 600 children and adults and the air was buzzing with excited chatter. The auditorium was dark, but the stage was all lit up. The event was hosted by Kirsty Wark and she called us all down one by one. We had seats reserved for as right at the front.

The event started with some Scottish school children acting out scenes from the three books in the youngest age group and the category DarkIsle was in (younger readers, 8-11). Then the teen book authors were interviewed on stage by a 15-year-old schoolboy whose name I now forget (sorry!), but who did really well.

After that, it was awards time and my nerves grew worse. It got to a point that I just wanted to get it over with. Kirsty announced the youngest category prize.

Then it was our turn…

She said: “…and the award goes to…”

There was a hush in the auditorium and then she said: “DarkIsle by D A Nelson!”

There was a huge cheer from the children and I got up and walked on stage. I hadn’t realised that I didn’t think I would win until I won…if you know what I mean. I was so shocked that I went up on stage with my mouth hanging open…I couldn’t believe it. It was a great feeling. I was presented my award by the local MSP and then I had to say a few words.

Oh oh! Nerve attack. I think I managed to get out everything I wanted to say, but here’s a quick resume…
thanks to:
- all the children who voted for DarkIsle…I really, really, really, really appreciate it
- the organisers of the event, which was fantasic
- everyone at Strident Publishing, particularly Keith who took a chance on me as a first time
author (can I also just mention Alison and Graham who have been fanastic too!)
- my family for all their support
- and finally my husband who has been a real support and has encouraged me every step of
the way

After the event, the winning authors where whisked on to the stage to have photos taken and then out on to the beach. Our picture appeared in the Press & Journal’s front page the next day. It was great.

I then signed loads of copies of the book back in the Beach Ballroom and met a lot of young fans. Hello to everyone I met! Special mention to the kids of Robert Gordon’s School who confessed to giving me the biggest cheer. I was lucky enough to go and visit them at their school the following day. Thanks for the flowers guys!

Then it was back to our hotel for a quick drink with Keith and Alison from my publishers, Strident Publishing.

We stayed over in Aberdeen, dining with other authors and the staff from the Scottish Book Trust.

The following day it was a visit to Robert Gordon’s School and then back home by train. Our little boy turned one that day and we were anxious to see him and his sister. We picked them up from their grandparents’ (thanks for looking after them Mum and Dad) and went home, exhausted.

It was a great couple of days, made even better when we celebrated the wee one’s birthday properly the following Saturday with a little party for family and friends.

What a month November was!

Anyway, knowing me, I’ll probably not get round to writing anything new for the next few weeks as I’m busy editing DarkIsle 2 and getting everything ready for Christmas (including writing tonnes of cards…my hands are sore already!). So, I’d like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas (hope Santa is good to you all) and a great New Year.

Dawn xxx

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D A Nelson was born in Glasgow and lives on the west coast of Scotland. She was a journalist for many years before she moved into PR. She is married and has one daughter. DarkIsle is her first novel. Read More...

D A Nelson

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