I’ve only just had chance to sit down and write about the fantastic launch which took place last Saturday. Luckily, I’ve had some fabulous guest bloggers to keep you entertained!

So, 27th October brought the Smut and Magic Launch to Sh! Hoxton. And what a night it was! Myself, Victoria Blisse and K D Grace shared the launch, with myself and Victoria launching Smut in the City, and K D launching Lakeland Heatwave Book 2: Riding the Ether. There were readings, there were prizes, there were laughs, and of course, goodies and fizz!

It all started out with a mad dash across London which always happens, no matter how early we set out! We managed to get into the hotel room and back out again in around 20 minutes which is amazing considering I had to get changed and put makeup on. Then we headed up to Hoxton and the Bluu Bar where we all converged, and I lubricated my throat with a couple of vodka and cokes 😉

Then it was over the road to Sh! where we had a lovely warm welcome from the Sh! Girlz, as always. Jo quickly took charge, handing out balloons (which I’ll explain later) and helping us give out smutty sentences for the giveaways. Fizz and whoopie pies were consumed and soon it was time to begin.

The lovely Jo introduced the launch and the books in question, and then it was time for the readings to begin! My fellow Northern Bird and partner in crime, Victoria Blisse read some of her story from Smut in the City. It’s set in Manchester and is all about a dull conference and what a couple of attendees do to liven it up. As usual with Victoria’s writing there were funny parts which brought laughs from the audience.

K D Grace then went all spooky on us by reading a passage from Lakeland Heatwave Book 2: Riding the Ether. It was sexy, saucy, ghostly and demonic, and that’s all I’m saying. I’ve read the book so I, of course, knew what happened but it was still fab to hear it read out by the author in her usual engaging way.

Then, a break. Sh! Lady Renee (who sadly couldn’t be there with us that evening, and was sadly missed) had arranged a Sh! giveaway, whereby we all had a balloon each. Each balloon contained a raffle ticket. Jo drew a ticket and the corresponding ticket popped from a balloon was the winner. And would you believe the winner was…. me! I won a gorgeous Sh! pack with love balls, lubes, massage oils and other luscious goodies – thanks Ladiez!

I honestly don’t remember if we also drew the other raffle at the same time, so I’ll tell  you about it now anyway. Victoria, K D and I all contributed prices to two giveaways, as well as sponsorship from our publishers (thank you Xcite Books and House of Erotica!) which enabled us to also giveaway some Sh! vouchers. We’d all selected sentences from our work, which Victoria kindly printed and brought with her. One sentence was given out, and the other popped into the draw bag. Jo again drew sentences and two lucky winners were presented with their prizes; vouchers, sex toys, books, author swag and much more.

Next, it was time for my reading from Smut in the City. My tale is set in Rome, which I visited in May. I told the audience this, and the fact that the story was further proof that I’m getting to the stage where I can turn almost anything into a story. I also emphasised that although the story is based in truth (i.e. the setting), I did not, in fact, have sex in the Colosseum. I don’t think anyone (except for the one person that can verify the truth) believed me, but oh well! Anyway, I started to read my tale and although I definitely had not intended certain parts of it to be funny, the filthy minded audience giggled anyway, which of course started me off. Then almost any word or sentence that could be construed in a naughty way, was! I punished my misbehaving listeners by stopping before I got to the sexy part 😉 Ha!

Finally, K D gave the audience the choice of two readings. The majority voted for the demony part, which I thought was rather fitting, considering how close it was to Halloween. She wrapped it up and then we had a Q&A session. We had quite a few questions from the crowd, which was great. And also lots more laughs! I also signed several copies of Smut in the City and Smut by the Sea (which Sh! also have in stock, as well as Uniform Behaviour, if you’re in the area and want a copy!) which always makes me smile.

Then it was off for dinner and more drinks in Byrons burger bar, just down the road. The fun didn’t end until the wee hours of the morning, and I think everyone was glad that the clocks changed and gave us an extra hour to sleep!

So, to wrap up, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Victoria and K D for being my partners in crime. Many, many, thanks to the girls at Sh! for being such wonderful hosts. And last but not least, thank you to friends, husbands, partners and new friends for attending and supporting us. I appreciate every one of you.

P.S. More thanks to R, especially since I stole some of your photos to add to this blog post 😉