Adele Parks: Tour Diary - Day Five

Panel events demand a certain level of grace and goodwill; it’s essential that all the authors get a chance to talk about their work and that the questions asked are divided up equally, both for the benefit of the authors and the audience. I won’t work with anyone who wants to hog the limelight and I’m very conscious about not being guilty of that crime. Although some clangers do occur. 

 

I remember being on a panel when one author (I won't name names) announced that she was "publishing royalty"; the rest of us were silenced. On another occasion my husband interviewed me and fellow panelist Kathy Lette. I hadn’t wanted to be the wrong end of her (admittedly hilarious) innuendo so I hadn’t told her I was married to the interviewer. She’s a brilliantly witty and quick woman and my metal was thoroughly tested while trying to hold my own, yet it was a terrific event - one of my favourites of all time. Afterwards, Kathy whispered to me that the interviewer was "hot and charming". Result.

 

On another occasion I was on a panel with Tony Parsons, again my husband was interviewing. After the event many audience members commented on the chemistry between Tony and me - my husband was less thrilled about that feedback!