The Tartan of Thyme

THYME RUNING OUT - Now Available!

2011-10-03T21:32:00.005+01:00

"THYME RUNNING OUT" (The Tartan of Thyme, Part 2) has now been officially released - so for all those who couldn't make it to the Cotswold Booklaunch, it is now at last available throughout the UK. Please head into your local book shops and get them to order your copy ... and while you're at it, you might suggest they order a few of the new JUSTIN THYME paperbacks for stock!

If you'd like to find out more about TRO - I've just discovered an excellent review of it over at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books Blog - (scroll down to September 15th). Thank you, Mr R - I'm glad you enjoyed revisiting Thyme Castle after the long wait!

Book Collectors' Database

2011-09-30T15:32:00.003+01:00

News for book collectors ...
The JUSTIN THYME web site now was a Book Collectors' Database. This will ensure collectors get accurate information about the Tatan of Thyme books ... editions, print runs, dates, signatures, doodles and bookplates ... as well as full details of promotional items available for both the Inside Pocket imprints of JT and TRO, and the original Interrobang JT.
To access the database simply enter "book collector" at the password page, or click here.

TRO - The Bookplated 100

2011-09-25T16:23:00.005+01:00

As with the original edition of JUSTIN THYME, the first 100 copies of THYME RUNNING OUT have now been bookplated and numbered.

The bookplate designs are new, but, like the previous bookplated 100, are all double-signed by Panama Oxridge and one of the author's anagram pseudonyms. These are also fingerprinted and stamped with a letter (all 100 spelling out a mystery message).

There are nine different bookplate designs, each limited to a prime number (2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19 and 23 - totalling 100). So, for example, the five bookplated copies featuring Eliza the Gorilla are obviously rarer than the twenty-three showing Nessie.

Each book comes with a matching double-signed bookmark and postcard.

The #1 copy has all 100 anagram signatures, plus a photo of "Panama Oxridge" concealing the author's real name and signature hidden beneath.

If you're interested in owning one of these unique copies, they are available from Anderida Books - although it appears they're selling out quite quickly.

More news for book collectors coming later this week ...

TRO BOOKLAUNCH REPORT

2011-09-12T16:35:00.013+01:00

On Friday morning, still half-asleep, I found myself waiting at the village station, ready to start my two-day TRO adventure. I'm not overly fond of travelling through the single dimension of space, (spatiotemporal transport is more my style) - and, to make matters worse, my reserved seat just happened to be next to some abandoned luggage, creating a delay while "security" examined and removed it! Otherwise, the journey went smoothly, and Tony (from the Cotswold Bookstore) was waiting to collect me.

I arrived at the shop about 3.30 pm. After chatting with Nina and David, who'd been finalising the preparations, I went up to the stockroom and began working my way through the pre-ordered copies needing to be mailed out a.s.a.p. I signed almost continuously until 8.30 in the evening, then stopped for a well-earned cup of tea!

On Saturday morning, the TRO Booklaunch was due to start a 11 am - but when I arrived at 10.30 there was already a queue running the length of the shop, so I decided to get busy right away as it was rather drizzly and I didn't want anyone having to wait outside again like last year.

Signing your name a gazillion times isn't the most fun a person can have - but what makes a signing event special is meeting fans of the books. First in line was Arthur, who, like many of the people I met, I remembered from last year; determined to get the very first copy, he and his sister, Nia, had been waiting since nine o'clock! I also met Josh, (winner of the recent JT competition), so I was able to hand over his prize doodled copies in person. Another young man brought in a sheaf of notes detailing the various hidden clues he'd found ... something that always brightens my day! I wish I could've talked to him for longer.

Another thing that pleased me enormously was the amount of people who'd been loyal fans of JT since the original 2006 "Interrobang" version, some of whom had travelled long distances to get their long-awaited copies a few weeks early. I enjoyed chatting to them all, and regret being unable to spend more time with them ... but the queue didn't seem to be getting any shorter.

I said goodbye to the last customer about two o'clock, after signing for over three hours non-stop. I then dashed upstairs to sign some spare copies in case any late orders came through. By the time I finished, all of Mrs Kof's Banana & Chocolate-chip Cake had vanished, (I blame Eliza), and we all decided that the wonderful Clock-Cake was simply too nice to cut into! Once again, there wasn't enough time to chat to Nina and find out what clues she'd found ... or discuss her theories as to what will happen to the Thyme family next. (After a few years of studying JT's "hidden clues" in microscopic detail, she's now scarily good at deductions (or fluke guesses, as Tony calls them!) Maybe she's starting to see how my brain works ... or perhaps a future version of me has travelled into her past and loaned her book three!

At three o'clock, my time in the Cotswolds was over. I caught the return train "just in time" (with barely 10 seconds to spare) ... and a few hours later I was safely back in good old Drumnadrochit!

I dozed for most of Sunday ... but it was nice to think of all those people busily reading their copies of "Thyme Running Out". I hope they're all enjoying themselves!

My thanks to everyone who came to the event - and extra-special thanks to the entire team at the Cotswold Bookstore; it was a day I'll never forget!

COMPETITION THYME ... The WINNERS!

2011-09-08T13:35:00.002+01:00

Thank you to all the book-bloggers who hosted clues, and to everyone who took part in the JUSTIN THYME competition. I was thrilled by the enormous amount of entries ... far more than I'd imagined.

The names of all those who emailed in their answers were put into my trusty panama hat and Burbage picked the winners out at random. Here's the result:

First place - Josh - winning the hardback doodled copies of JT & TRO.
Runner up - Kim - winning a signed paperback copy of JT.
Bookmark winners - Simon and Kathy.

Eliza has kindly donated both of her bookmarks too ... so I'm pleased to announce a further two bookmark winners : Aleksandra and Hannah.

I'll be emailing you later today to check your snail-mailing addresses!

COMPETITION THYME ... Time Running Out!

2011-09-07T12:06:00.003+01:00

The "Justin Thyme" Competition closes at midnight tonight (Wednesday) so if you haven't entered already you have just a few hours left to find the clues! So, get busy ... the links you need are in the previous blog-post immediately below this one ...

COMPETITION THYME!

2011-08-30T20:22:00.014+01:00

To celebrate the paperback release of "Justin Thyme" I'm running a special week-long competition (open to all blog-readers worldwide), with signed/doodled copies of both "JUSTIN THYME" and forthcoming sequel "THYME RUNNING OUT" as the first prize.

It's a sort of SCAVENGER HUNT! All readers have to do is visit the participating blogs, (links to them all below), note down the letters and numbers on the Justin Thyme Bookmarks, (see photo above - click to enlarge), then rearrange the letters in numerical order. This spells out a secret message, (Justin's description of himself).

Email your answer to me at panamaoxridge (at) btinternet (dot) com - (but don't put it in the comments where everyone else can see it!)

The competition will close on September 7th, when a winner, (picked at random from the correct entries) will be announced (on the 8th).
Here are the participating blogs you'll need to visit:

1) The Tartan of Thyme Blog
Great! You've found the 1st one already

Your letters/numbers are:13-J and 9 - U.

2) Bellebooks

3) A Little Sun Shy

4) Bookzone 4 Boys

5) Readaraptor

6) Floor to Ceiling Books

7) The Cotswold Bookstore

8) Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

9) Lizzy's Literary Life

10) My Life in a Scrapbook

11) The Justin Thyme Website

12) Book Angel Booktopia

13) Eliza's Banana Blog

14) Booktastic Reviews

15) Panama's Flickr Page

16) Teen Librarian

17) Above Average - Below Special

18) Ink Scratchers

19) Comacalm's Corner

20) Inside Pocket Publishing

DON'T PANIC - you have a full week to visit them all!

Here are the prize copies - they have original colour artwork added to the title page. This is a signed hardback copy of "Justin Thyme" ...
And this is the (as yet unreleased) hardback of "Thyme Running Out" ...
The winner's books will be mailed out on September 8th ... so you'll get your copy of "Thyme Running Out" ahead of absolutely ANYBODY!

I also have two of the bookmarks to give away - winners of these will be picked at random out of a) anyone who submits a competition answer, and b) any Clan Member (blog-follower) ... so click to follow the Tartan of Thyme Blog and you'll double your chances of getting a bookmark! Above all, have fun exploring blogland looking for all the clues! Why not leave comments and say "Hello" to the bloggers you visit?!

Competition Disclaimers

Competition open worldwide.
Neither the publisher nor I will be held responsible for prizes/bookmarks lost in the mail.
I reserve the right to end the competition before its original deadline without prior notice, or disqualify an entrant should I see fit.
The winning entrants will be contacted by email after the close of the competition, and will have 48 hours to reply with their postal address. Failure to do so in time will result in another winner being randomly selected.

COUNTDOWN TO "THYME RUNNING OUT"

2011-08-30T19:38:00.004+01:00

With the release of "Thyme Running Out" now one month away (or just 10 days off if you order your signed copies from the Cotswold Bookstore Launch), this is an excellent time to finalise your theories about what happens next.

Longterm readers of "Justin Thyme" may already have recorded any clues they've found in the special notebook section at the back of the book. If not, now would be an ideal time to reread JT, because all the clues and codes you need to know what happens next are right there in book one!

If you're new to the Tartan of Thyme, and have only just ordered your paperback copy of JT, you still have plenty of time to make your deductions. Get reading ... then swap your theories with friends, discuss the various suspects ... and don't forget to keep a careful note of all your ideas at the back of "Justin Thyme". There's an abundance of clues ... why not see if you can crack them now ... and be one jump ahead of genius Justin!

JUSTIN THYME - Competition Time!

2011-08-17T23:34:00.008+01:00

To celebrate the publication of "Justin Thyme" in paperback, there will be a special competition open to ALL blog-readers. The competition will open on September 1st (publication day), running for one week - and many regular book-bloggers will be participating by hosting clues (LETTERS and NUMBERS). To win, simply find all the letters by visiting each of the participating blogs in turn (links will be posted here at the TOT blog) and then rearrange them in numerical order!

First prize will be special hardback copies of both "Justin Thyme" and forthcoming sequel "Thyme Running Out". Each book will include original colour artwork which I've added to the title page, along with a hand-written quote from the book and, of course, the customary author's signature.

Further prizes (of signed limited edition JT bookmarks) will also be available at this blog and at other participating book-blogs throughout the week.

There will be just 40 of these signed/numbered bookmarks, each coming in a hand-decorated presentation card. Each card is stamped on the front with an hourglass design which I've edged in gold and colourised; inside, I've written the first line of the story and even added my fingerprint!Each participating blogger will be sent one of these bookmarks as a gift - along with another to offer as a "give-away" prize to their readers. All the participating bloggers need to do is to upload a photo of their bookmarks on September 1st, making sure the LETTERS and NUMBERS are clearly visible, (or I can send bloggers a photo by email if that's easier!)If you are a book-blogger and would like to take part in this unique competition, email me at panamaoxridge (at) btinternet (dot) com ... there's still just a couple of places left!

Special "Thyme Running Out" Bookmark!

2011-08-10T01:29:00.006+01:00

I've had a few e-mails asking if there will be any promotional items available for the publication of TRO - so I'm pleased to announce that there will be a special signed Booklaunch bookmark.

It will be exclusively available at the Cotswold Bookstore launch event; given away with each of the first 150 copies of TRO to be sold, (up to a maximum of ten per customer). Arrive early to ensure you don't miss out!

More news for book collectors coming soon ...

Spreading the Word!

2011-08-03T15:05:00.017+01:00

With only about 5 weeks to go before the "Thyme Running Out" launch at the Cotswold Bookstore, David, Nina and Tony are wearing special TRO tee-shirts to promote the book. They really do go above and beyond the call of duty. The official release date of the "Justin Thyme" paperback is even closer - and plans are being finalised for a special blog-based competition on the publication date (September 1st).

Also, my special thanks to Darren of Bookzone, who has just written an excellent guest post at the My Favourite Books blog, entilted: Bookzone 4 Boys Recommends Five Books for Boys. One of his recommended books is "Justin Thyme". Click above to read the post, including the nice things he says about JT!

Armando Pixage

TRO LAUNCH TIME

2011-07-26T21:18:00.007+01:00

Although I announced the date of the "Thyme Running Out" launch a few weeks ago, (10th of September 2011), I can now confirm the starting time (different to last year): I'll begin signing books at 11 am.

If you are planning to attend, I recommend arriving early - there will be a special treat for the first few in the queue. More details later ...

If you're unable to come but would still like to obtain a signed copy of TRO, then the Cotswold Bookstore are willing to mail them out immediately after the signing, (so you'll still get them well ahead of the official release date). To enquire, email them at cotsbookstore@tiscali.co.uk or telephone 01608 652666.

Morgan de Paxia

"Thyme Running Out" - Back Cover

2011-07-20T22:33:00.006+01:00

As promised last week, here is a look at TRO's back cover design.

In style and colours the dust-jacket intentionally matches JT - and, once again, has the blurb written in the X/hourglass shape. It includes photos of the Old Thyme Clock and Justin's (converted motorbike) time machine, plus a few other bits and pieces that feature in the story.

Click the picture for a larger view!

Ariadne Gampox

"Justin Thyme" in Paperback

2011-07-16T19:12:00.009+01:00

I had another exciting package in today's mail - an early copy of the "Justin Thyme" paperback! This is due for official release on the 1st of September 2011 ... just a few weeks away.

Compared to the HB, (above), it's smaller - more compact, although with a slightly higher page-count, (because the different size/format meant the internal layout had to be adjusted leading to a few extra pages here and there).

I'm really pleased with how it's turned out; hopefully, it will help bring JT to a wider audience - and might also come in handy for TOT fans who want to pencil any clues they find in the margins (but don't want to spoil their 1st edition HB).

For readers who first discover JT through the paperback there's good news: you won't have long to wait for part two of the story, as "Thyme Running Out" is officially release just one month later - and those coming to the book-launch will get their copies almost three weeks earlier!

I've prepared a special limited edition bookmark to mark the JT PB publication, and have plans for a blog-based competition. More news of that shortly.

Adrian Moxpage

TRO - Advance Copy Arrives

2011-07-13T17:20:00.008+01:00

In the Thyme universe memorable things seem to happen on the thirteenth day of the month - so it was uncannily appropriate that my advance copy of "Thyme Running Out" should arrive today.

It's been great to finally hold a real three dimensional copy of TRO, after having nothing but mounds of type-written pages for eons. I was especially pleased to see the dust-jacket, which, up until now, I've only seen on my computer screen. The front cover, with its reds, blues, purples and gold hourglass looks really vibrant and eye-catching. (I'll probably post a photo of the back cover in my next post).

The book itself - at 448 pages - feels substantial and has a look of quality about it. I'm delighted with it ... and feel sure that readers of JT will not be disappointed. My thanks to Inside Pocket for doing a splendid job!

Dr Eamon Agapix

Posted!

2011-06-30T17:06:00.009+01:00

The Cotswold Bookstore have been busy mailing out hundreds of TRO postcards to last year's mail order customers.

I, also, having been allotted a few cards of my own, wrote and mailed them out today, keeping just one for myself ... and another that will be part of a prize for a forthcoming competition, (watch this space!)

Talking of postage, the nice people at the Cotswolds have kindly offered a special postage rate for customers ordering signed copies of TRO. Their P & P charge for two books will be the same as for one - especially handy for those who haven't read JT yet, or want an extra TRO copy as a gift!

Dorian Pegamax

"THYME RUNNING OUT" - Book-launch Details

2011-06-25T23:47:00.009+01:00

As promised, I am now able to confirm the details of the TRO book-launch. It will take place, (as before), at the Cotswold Bookstore on the 10th of September 2011. That's less than three months away - and is especially good news for those eagerly awaiting the Tartan of Thyme Part 2, as this is three weeks ahead of the official release date of Oct 1st.

I will be there signing HB copies of "Thyme Running Out" ... (and also hardback/paperback copies of "Justin Thyme" for any who might want them.

Better still, if you are unable to make it in person, but would still like a signed/dated copy of TRO ahead of the official release, then you can pre-order copies from the Cotswold Bookstore. I will sign/date these during my visit, and they will be mailed out first thing the following week.

If you would like to get in contact with the Cotswold Bookstore, their address is: 20 High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0AF.
Telephone: 01608 652666. E-mail: cotsbookstore@tiscali.co.uk
Or click this link to their Blog.

Madox Painrage

TRO Official Release Dates

2011-06-21T16:14:00.004+01:00

I now have the official release dates for both the hardback of "Thyme Running Out" (JT2), and the paperback of "Justin Thyme".

THYME RUNNING OUT
Hardback - 448 Pages
Released 1st of October 2011
ISBN13: 978-0956712202

JUSTIN THYME
Paperback - 384 pages
Released 1st September 2011
ISBN13: 978-0956712288

Signed copies of both will be available at the TRO launch in the Cotswolds. I hope to confirm the launch date with the Cotswold Bookstore in the next week or so, and will then post details here.

Gardenia Pomax

ANNOUNCING THE TARTAN OF THYME PART TWO

2011-05-01T17:35:00.014+01:00

What Ho!

I've been hibernating - but spring has arrived, so I guess it's time for me to wake up.
It's May the 1st today - which is an important date in the Tartan of Thyme universe - (amongst other things, it's the date that part one - "Justin Thyme" - begins). Therefore, it seems an appropriate occasion to announce the title of part two, which will be called "Thyme Running Out" ... and to release the cover image.

Further details about the release/launch to follow.

Pam Onixradge

SIGNED & DOODLED COPIES OF JUSTIN THYME

2010-12-16T20:04:00.003Z

I was recently asked to sign and doodle some copies of the new JUSTIN THYME. As before, the "doodles" are really small hand-drawn & coloured original illustrations. However, not wanting to repeat any of my previous designs, I've come up with something different. I divided the castle plan into 42 jigsaw-puzzle pieces, then redrew each of these on the books' title pages. As before, these copies are signed, numbered and wrapped in a brown-paper sleeve - and are sold exclusively by the Doodled Books web site.

I have also hand-colourised the castle plan in one book - making this particular copy a true one-of-a-kind.

If you'd like to see some of the designs in past doodled books, click here and here.

Adrian Ampogex

SUNDAY THYMES

2010-12-15T13:35:00.005Z

It was exciting to see JUSTIN THYME mentioned in the Sunday Times last week, (Culture Supplement 05/12/10). Nicolette Jones featured JT in her choice of the year's best children's books, saying "the story is remarkable" and describing it as the "curiosity of the year". Also listed in the 9 - 12 year-olds section were: Billionaire Boy by David Walliams, The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, Ghost Hunter by Michelle Paver, My Name is Mina by David Almond, Reckless by Cornelia Funke, and A Really Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson.

To read the JT segment, click here.

Dora-Mae Paxing

THE BOOKZONE INTERVIEW

2010-10-20T16:53:00.003+01:00

There hasn't been much time for blogging lately - however, I've just been interviewed by The Book Zone, so I thought I'd link to the interview HERE. If you have a few minutes to spare, please take a look.

Thank you, Book Zone, for asking such interesting and thought-provoking questions; I had a lot of fun answering them.

Edgar Pianomax

AMBIGRAMS - A COVER STORY

2010-09-25T19:41:00.015+01:00

RIGHT WAY ROUND.................................... UPSIDE-DOWN

For those who don't know already, an ambigram is a word or phrase that can be looked at from more than one angle. (Ambi = Both / Gram = Word).

When I first discovered ambigrams, the artist side of me recognised at once that this was something I had to try. As I worked on the "Justin Thyme" logo, I realised that an ambigram would illustrate perfectly how there's more to this book than first meets the eye, (and more than one way of solving the mystery), so I decided to incorporate the logo into my dust-jacket design.

It's a design-concept that's certainly captivated target-age readers (many eager to try creating ambigrams of their own name) - and Book-sellers have found that displaying two copies together, side-by-side, with one upside-down, really catches people's attention.

I think I was perhaps fortunate with my choice of character name / book title; ambigrams are incredibly challenging - and designing one that's legible enough for a book cover is near impossible (unless your book is called something like "SWIMS"). I have managed a reasonably successful ambigram of "Eliza" - but most of the other characters simply don't work! It's fun trying, though. Why not have a go with your own name and let me know how you get on!

Megan Rapidoxa

BOOKLAUNCH PHOTOGRAPHS

2010-09-13T17:15:00.016+01:00

The queue going into the Cotswold Bookstore -

and the old Norton motorbike & sidecar (Justin's time machine).

Tony and David outside their shop.

Tony sneaks a piece of Mrs Kof's homemade shortbread.

Once the crowds of people had disappeared, Eliza (who'd
been busy in the stock-room helping move heavy piles of books),
came downstairs and chatted to this mysterious-looking
stranger hiding behind a copy of "Justin Thyme".

More photos here & here at the Cotswold Bookstore blog

and here at the Inside Pocket blog.

Armando Pixage

BOOKLAUNCH REPORT

2010-09-12T16:31:00.010+01:00

What an incredible day!

It was still dark when I left home in the morning – but after a lengthy train and car journey I arrived at the Cotswold Bookstore just before 11.30 am, and before I had time to put my bags down I met someone waiting with their book to be signed, (even though the event didn’t officially start until 2 pm.) Minutes later I was shown to a table upstairs, where I got my first glimpse of the few hundred orders waiting to be signed and dated.

For the next two-and-a-quarter hours I signed at warp-speed, hoping to stop at 1.45 for a quick lunch-break. However, I was told that the queue already stretched the full length of the (very long) shop, out of the door and down the street … so I hurried downstairs and got started early.

Two hours later, that queue looked just as long. As fast as I could sign the books, more people joined the line. Fortunately, no one seemed to mind the wait – possibly because of the supply of banana cake and Mrs Kof’s Scottish shortbread on offer. I sensed things were going well when I noticed Tony (from the bookstore) looking slightly panicked as he gathered any remaining display copies; clearly, Thyme was running out.

It was great to meet so many people enthusiastic about JT – many of them new to the book; but others already familiar with the story and characters, bringing along their well-read original copies from a few years ago, (eager to know when the second book in the series would be published).

At about twenty past four, the last person in the queue reached the table. Afterwards, I was hurried outside for some photographs next to the wonderful old Norton motorbike and sidecar (just like Justin’s time machine) which had been parked outside the shop all day. Then back upstairs to sign the remaining pre-ordered copies; that took until about 5.15, by which time I was definitely starting to flag.

Out of a stock of 570 books, just those in the window display were left, which meant I’d signed about 550 books in five-and three-quarter hours … pretty much non-stop!

Minutes later I was driven back to the station, and began the return journey, arriving home shortly after 10 pm.

My thanks to everyone who made this such a memorable day. To Tony, David and Nina at the Cotswold Bookstore – not only for all their hard work on the day, but for their ongoing enthusiasm whist taking advance orders during the last several weeks. My thanks, also, to helpers who came in just for the day: Marilyn (who made the banana cake) and Julia in the shop – Sheree busily helping out everywhere – and Anne for collecting me from and taking me back to the station! Thank you also to Christoph and Sarah from Inside Pocket, the gentleman who brought the Norton Motorbike … and anyone else I might have forgotten, (the entire day was a surreal blurr – I remember little but writing my name over and over and over again!)

A huge thank you, of course, to everyone who bought a copy of JT … especially those who came from far and wide on the day. I’m truly grateful you came – I really didn’t expect such an incredible turnout! Writing is a solitary life; authors don’t get the instant response that stage actors enjoy … so it is only at events like this we can experience any audience feedback. The positive response from everyone left me feeling greatly encouraged. A new children’s book by an unheard-of author depends enormously on good word-of-mouth; I’m truly grateful that so many people have had such nice things to say about JT.

Although mentioned already, a special thank you to Tony, whose continual support of JT has been invaluable. It’s about a year ago since Sarah (from Inside Pocket) called into the Cotswold Bookstore whilst on a cycling holiday and Tony showed her the book.

Throughout the day I was too busy to take photos – but I know others did, so if they filter through to me I’ll post some here later.

Ian Madox Pager

FINAL BOOKLAUNCH COUNTDOWN - One Day to Go!

2010-09-10T11:57:00.005+01:00

Now counting down through the last twenty-four hours before the JT launch. All is prepared: Mrs Kof has finished her last batch of shortbread, Eliza has packed her bananas, and I have my pens and train tickets ready.

Thank you to everyone at the Cotswold Bookstore for all their hard work and excellent preperation.

This Thyme tomorrow ...

Adam Rex Gapion

SIGNING SPEED

2010-09-07T23:41:00.012+01:00

With the JT booklaunch now only four days away (Saturday 11th), pre-ordered copies have reached over 370, which is fantastic news.

I've been wondering how long it'll take me to work my way through them all. With a little practice, I've got the date and signature down to 30 seconds; allowing a further 15 seconds to close and pile one book, then open and position the next one ... that means I'll be signing for four-and-a-half hours solid! And that's not allowing for books sold on the day, or those wanting personal dedications. I just hope that if anyone's got a name like Nadezhda Przolwamiczenkof they won't mind helping me with the spelling.

Maxine Pagodar

GORILLAS WELCOME!

2010-09-03T00:57:00.005+01:00

Eliza has asked me to mention that if your family has a gorilla, be sure to bring her, (or, preferably, him) along to the Cotswold Bookstore on Saturday September 11th, from 2 pm onwards.

She feels that although humans are usually well looked after at book-signings, gorillas are often overlooked ... sometimes not invited ... and, occasionally, left in the car. To make sure this doesn't happen at the JT launch, Eliza travelled down to the Cotswolds yesterday, taking a small consignment of bananas - some of which have now been placed in the window display.

Eliza would especially like to make the acquaintance of any hunky male silverbacks aged eight and above, weighing 400lbs or more. Muscular build preferred; computer skills not essential.

Madigan Oxpear

JUSTIN'S TIME MACHINE

2010-09-01T21:32:00.006+01:00

Justin’s time machine is a converted vintage Norton motorbike and sidecar. Actually, it’s the sidecar, (or chronopod), that contains all the time-travelling technology, while the bike just makes it easier to move through the three standard dimensions of space.

I‘m told that this splendid old Norton motorcycle and sidecar, (pictured above), will be on display outside the Cotswold Bookstore for the forthcoming booklaunch. I’m looking forward to seeing it; the bike looks pretty much as I imagined - although the sidecar is slightly different, (Justin’s pod is more egg-shaped and closed-in on top), but it is exactly the right colour.

Anyway, it’s similar enough to make me feel I should check beneath the seat to ensure the negative-energy generator and antigravity units have been wired in correctly!

Pandora Mixage

COUNTDOWN TO BOOKLAUNCH

2010-08-30T16:05:00.006+01:00

Just twelve days to go before the JT booklaunch. The Cotswold Bookstore have now completed a fabulous window display to promote the event, featuring a clock, not only showing the date of the launch - Sept 11th - but also the time that appears on the JT bookcover, (not the time I'll be there - which will be 2pm onwards - although I imagine my train will be arriving at the station around eleven minutes past ten!)

By an odd coincidence, this clock, (borrowed from neighbouring store, Wild at Heart), was already pointing to this exact time when it was collected. JT is no stranger to uncanny synchronicity ... but more about that another time, perhaps.

Dr Paige Maxona

COUNTDOWN TO BOOKLAUNCH

2010-08-27T19:25:00.010+01:00

Only two weeks to go before the official launch of "Justin Thyme" (at the Cotswold Bookstore, 2pm, Saturday September 11th).

I hear the books were delivered to the shop yesterday - and having seen this photograph of the enormous pile, I have to admit feeling slightly terrified! What if nobody turns up? What if Mrs Kof hasn't made enough shortbread? What if my time machine malfunctions? What if Eliza eats all the bananas?

Fortunately, over 275 copies have been pre-ordered ... so I'll be too busy to worry about Eliza.

Meanwhile, I'd better get practicing signature!

Max de Paragoni

BETHUMPED WITH WORDS!

2010-07-23T02:49:00.013+01:00

Writing books for school-age readers is always a challenge. One aspect of this is the need to write characters, places, scenes etc., that will be easily and rapidly visualised - while often having to paint these mental pictures with a limited pallet of words.

This has to be balanced with the fact that teachers usually prefer their pupils to read books that will expand their vocabulary – yet young readers don’t want to be wading through a huge dictionary every time they happen upon an unfamiliar word. Rather than lose track of the story, most continue reading, and guess the definition from the context.

It struck me that the obvious solution was to include a mini-dictionary at the back of each book. Many books already include an appendix of technical terms or foreign words found in the narrative – so why not expand this to include all words in the story that are likely to challenge target-age readers.

This doesn’t mean I’ve inserted sesquipedalian* words into the book just for the sake of it. Rather, I’ve written using a level of vocabulary that, to me, feels right for the intended audience, and brings the story to life – yet without me worrying whether some of the youngest readers might feel out of their depth.

When I was a young reader myself, part of my enjoyment of books was learning new words and their meanings. Sharing this love of language is important to me, therefore “Justin Thyme” briefly defines more than 450 of the most challenging words in the story – all easily accessible in a mini-dictionary at the back of the book.

Diana Oxgrampe

*Sesquipedalian: (of words and expressions). Long and unnecessarily complicated.

COUNTDOWN TO BOOKLAUNCH

2010-07-11T17:41:00.006+01:00

Although the publication date of "Justin Thyme" is October 4th 2010 - the JT book-launch will be on Saturday 11th September. This gives readers the chance to get copies three weeks ahead of the official release.

The launch will take place at: The Cotswold Bookstore, 20 High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. If you can make it, please come along and say "hello!" I will be signing books from 2 pm onwards.

If you can't make it, but would still like a signed copy of JT1 - the nice people at the Cotswold Bookstore are willing to send you a copy post-free anywhere in the UK. To reserve yours, you can either email them at cotsbookstore@tiscali.co.uk - phone them on 01608 -625666, or write to the above address. Ordered copies will be signed on the day, then mailed out the following week.

I'll add more details here nearer the time.

Gideon Paramax

JUSTIN THYME & THE BOOKSELLER MAGAZINE

2010-07-06T17:55:00.003+01:00

It was nice to see "Justin Thyme" mentioned in last week's copy of the Bookseller magazine. It was listed in the Booksellers' Choice (Children's section) as one of the Panel's September choices - chosen by Jake Hope. Thank you!

A week or two before, JT also appeared on the magazine cover. This was unique as it was the first time the Bookseller had printed its title upsidedown (as well as the right way round) ... which really highlighted the JT ambigram perfectly.

Paxman O'Gradie

THE OFFICIAL JUSTIN THYME BOOK-TRAILER

2010-06-22T23:00:00.004+01:00

If you have a minute to spare, please take a look!

Feel free to share it with friends.

Max Dorian Page

TARTAN OF THYME

2010-06-21T22:47:00.003+01:00

"Justin Thyme" is the first book in the Tartan of Thyme series.

It will be published by Inside Pocket on October 4th 2010.

I'll be using this blog to keep clan members up-to-date with

all the latest THYMES NEWS - (far easier posting it here than

updating my website). Which reminds me: if you haven't already

visited the Justin Thyme website please take a quick look!

Panama Oxridge