Kit spent a very intensive four days in London at Robert McKee's famous event, on a bit of CPD! Robert is world-renowned for his amazing teaching on the art of creating story in screenplay, drama and novels. Kit met some really interesting people and learned so much - Robert is approachable and friendly, despite being such a huge name and packing the 200 seat auditorium for the four days. He was interested to hear of Stonewylde and the potential for films, as he says the film industry is very much in need of exciting new material.

After the lit fest in Poole, Mr B and Kit nipped up to Glastonbury for this lovely Samhain event. A whole group of Stonewylders were dressed splendidly for the fancy dress ball. Everyone enjoyed dancing to the music of Wendy Rule and especially The Dolmen, who always give a wonderful set. Kit and Mr B were really pleased to see Josephine Wall and Linda Ravenscroft (and their husbands) again - their last encounter was at the Elf Fantasy Fair in the Netherlands. This was a fantastic event and there are plans to organise an even greater Stonewylde contingent for next year.

Kit was delighted to speak at this brilliant new literary festival held in the wonderful Lighthouse Arts Centre in Poole. She was in excellent company as other speakers included Michael Morpurgo, Gervase Phinn, Carol Ann Duffy and Minette Walters! Kit was part of the Dorset Delights section and Stonewylde was well received by the audience. Many thanks to Sue Luminati and Tracy for looking after Kit so well - and providing delicious Dorset Apple Cake!

Kit and Mr B spent a fantastic evening at the Gollancz fancy dress party in a smart London art gallery. They enjoyed meeting many members of the publishing team, and other authors, journalists and agents. Kit was officially welcomed into the Gollancz family - a wonderful, spooky evening!

Kit was honoured to be the opening speaker at the second ever lit fest in Charmouth, and to run a workshop as well. This festival was free and aimed particularly at people wishing to write or trying to get published. It was great fun, well attended and the organisers Wendy Knee and Anne Orchard are already planning next year's event! Mr B particularly enjoyed the walk on Charmouth beach with local writer and expert fossil hunter Dr Colin Dawes. Many thanks to the Stonewylde readers who came along especially to meet Kit.

Mr B and I spent a wonderful weekend at Quest in Newton Abbot, hosted by our friends at Mercury Rising Books. I gave two talks about Stonewylde and Reconnecting with Nature, and caught up with many Stonewylde readers and friends. The weather was lovely and we had a great time.