Adele Parks: Tour Diary - Day One

I’ve been published for 12 years and I’ve toured for ten. Over the decade a lot’s changed. Heartbreakingly, there are fewer high-street shops selling books now and the ones that are still trading and thriving are governed by strict rules as to how they approach an author event. But on the other hand there’s more chance of someone actually having heard of me nowadays, which is, you know…good.

 

I like touring. Many authors don’t. They see it as the necessary evil that publishers insist upon. I see it as an opportunity to get out of my office and talk to real people (as opposed to my made-up ones); people who profess to like me (some say love). I know they mean my books but hey, I take a compliment where I can find one. Theses real people flatter me with their interest. Where do I write? How many words are in my books? Do I indulge in rituals before writing? How much do I earn? And have I done everything that my characters have? I suspect the latter rather personal questions are a result of my encouraging intimacy at my gossipy, open events. I know my fans see me as their friend because they think they know me through reading my books. Truthfully I see them as my friends too. I think I know them because they choose to read my books. The beauty of people is they’re eternally astounding, thought provoking, disappointing and inspiring. A tour always provides something unexpected.