Only Ever Always by Penni Russon Launch

Today was Penni Russon’s Only Ever Always launch:

‘Twas very packed when I got there. I immediately bumped into Michael Pryor, and it was excellent to catch up with him.

Then Mike Shuttleworth wandered over and it was excellent to see him too.

Kate Constable launched Only Ever Always:

(Thanks very much to Mike for taking the above picture!!)

She talked about the early days of the book (it’s four years in the making!) and how her and Penni take long walks and talk about bookish things.

Then, so cute, Fred (Penni’s eldest daughter) and Penni got up and read a conversation they’d had which was the genesis of the book.

Penni spoke about writing it, and was very complementary of everyone who had played a part: Melbourne Uni, friends, her writing group (“All good writing groups should have wine,” she told us), her family (“Avery managed to worm his way in,” she laughed) (You know what? I just went on Penni’s blog to find a post about Avery and it’s been over an hour because I JUST KEPT READING ALL THE POSTS BECAUSE THEY’RE AWESOME) (You kids remember the four part series I did on Penni’s blog, right? Because her blog is awesome? (parts one, two, three, four) READ HER BLOG).

You should really buy it, now, because it promises to be awesome and passes of all Michael’s preliminary tests (good cover, good blurb, good supporting quote from another author) . Also, the title is lovely and so nice. Also, I love the cover. And I just noticed the little key with a heart on the spine. Lovely!!

Also, I may or may not have purchased three classics at Readings before I left the launch (Tess of the D’Urbervilles, The Scarlet Letter, The Handmaid’s Tale) as well as Penni’s book. Who said I needed to eat this week?

For more information,
Allen and Unwin
Penni’s blog

PS: I just discovered a video of the launch! Enjoy