She Speaks: The Silk Tree – Launched in Style!
Just returned to Devon after a whirlwind two days in London for the launch of The Silk Tree. The launch party was held at Goldsboro books and with wine flowing and spirited conversations all around the room, the guests spilled out into Cecil Court. Fortunately it was one of those lovely balmy evenings, unusual for this time of year in London. As I find I have a bit of RSI after signing so many books I’ve invited Kathy to share her thoughts on the night.
Over to Kathy…
Goldsboro Books hosted the launch
I always love visiting London – who wouldn’t! We took the train to Paddington on Thursday and came back yesterday. A shame we couldn’t stay longer but deadlines loom for Julian and he has more interviews and signings in Devon in the coming week so we had to get back. The main purpose of this trip was the official launch of
The Silk Tree at Goldboro books on Thursday night. Both Julian and I have a great fondness for Goldsboro Books, and always visit their shop in Cecil Court when we’re in London. They’re now the UK’s largest specialist in signed First Editions and are run by two
real book lovers, David Headley and Daniel Gedeon and their team. Cecil Court is charming in itself, a picturesque Victorian walkway full of antiquarians and map shops. You could browse there for hours!
Tom & Ishbel Stronach
At the launch Julian gave a short speech thanking the many people who had made the evening possible – his publisher
Allison & Busby for the truly splendid production,
Goldsboro’s David and Daniel for hosting the event and his literary agent
Carole Blake. And of course the many guests who filled the room. Some were familiar faces and old friends; others he knew well but hadn’t seen before in his life! But these from the Twitterverse that he finally met, like fans Tom Stronach and his charming wife Ishbel.
Julian went on to speak about having in some ways come full circle that night. When he first started writing he’d immediately gone out and bought a number of writing manuals published by Allison & Busby – I guess they must have worked! We thought we still had a few on his reference shelves but then we remembered they’d been donated to a library writers’ group a few years back.
And here’s that scarf!
I was wearing a rather special silk scarf – actually
the scarf that was the genesis of the book. When we were in Istanbul on location research I was haggling with a wily merchant in the Grand Bazaar while Julian was patiently standing back in husband mode. He got that glazed look in his eyes that I know very well and I realised that he was following through some train of thought. It transpired that he was wondering just how it was the secret of silk had been brought from China to the West. Well, the rest, as they say…
The Silk Tree will be available in both hardback and ebook
UK : Waterstones / Foyles / Amazon and other independent bookstores around the country
Australia
South Africa
Book Depository
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Julian Stockwin 
Walked into our local library earlier in the week and The Silk Tree was sitting waitng to be borrowed – so I did. A great read, many thanks.
Alan Cohen
Delighted you enjoyed it, Alan. Which library out of interest?
Truly honoured to have finally had the opportunity to meet with you and Kathy and of course the many others who attended this wonderful evening, participating in the launch of this latest book.
To be personally greeted by the delightful Kathy who must surely be tired of seeing my face on the screen was so special for us and particularly Ishbel, and then she immediately shepherded us in making our first introduction to you, dear Julian, was, to use my grandkids vernacular, awesome.
Speaking to both you and Kathy and then later with the lovely Carole it soon became clear to us just how much more a successful author has to do, to be successful and remain so, other than just sit down and write such magnificent stories that have drawn me, and all those other like minded folk attending the launch, and into your wonderful world of fact and fiction, that you have to do, in terms of marketing and publicity, truly remarkable. The number of books you have signed across the country is remarkable and a reminder to us, just how much you care too, for your, readers and friends….. No wonder your hands are so sore, I think no more signing for a while, my friend, take a rest…….
It was just annoying because of you know what, that we couldn’t stay longer that we did, but then that wouldn’t have been good either as we were so taken with you we would probably have tried to monopolised your time as you really were such a charming host. on the other hand every person and ‘friendly fan’ we spoke to during our short time there had an interesting story to relate and although our visit was briefer than we wanted it to be, we did chat with many of the ‘Stockwin Club’ and found them to be a delightful well read and interesting eclectic mix of folks. Oh! Ishbel says the ‘wine’ choice was excellent too, sheesh.
Finally, Julian and Kathy too, it has been and continues to be a bit of a difficult year for Ishbel and my family and when I am reading, when I can, and they see the joy I get from so doing and how it cheers me up and then to be giving the opportunity to meet and greet with you, making it a special part of my year and then to see me so perky, we and they owe you a debt of gratitude for now being part of our lives. many thanks my FRIEND….. I am determined to outlive Kydd and dear Renzi……..
Tom & Ishbel
Just received The Silk Tree and unfortunately am reading another book so waiting to finish that before starting it. Why do books seem to go on forever when you just want it to finish. Hey ho will make The Silk Tree all the more enjoyable.
Question Jules when are you coming up to North Wales Wrexham or anywhere near. Would love to meet.
No plans at the moment for a visit there but I do keep author appearances details up to date on the website and publicise on Twitter and Facebook etc. Hope you enjoy THE SILK TREE when you finish your current reading.
J
Just finished The Silk Tree. Lots of twists and turns. Well done Julian and your good Lady for egging you on. Best wishes, MIKE.xxx