I was finally persuaded. I didn’t really want a book launch. A few months ago there was a minor riot here in Jersey when Katie Price did a book signing. If I was to arrange a book signing in Waterstone’s the only riot would be one of customers trying to leave.

But my wonderful employers have given me use of our building here in old St Helier. The atrium created by an imaginative redevelopment of an old merchant’s house and courtyard makes an ideal venue for little events such as this. And with my creative colleague Lucy in the driving seat arrangements are well under way. Tess of Portelet Manor will make her public debut on 30 April.

Portelet Common

Flyers have been designed, printed and distributed around town. Email invites have been sent. The greatest fear of course is that no one will come but we’ve had a nice response so far.

This is most definitely not a money-making exercise. The wine, nuts and crisps will  cost more than likely book sales but (to me) that is pretty irrelevant. It will be a pleasant opportunity to meet a few people, chat about books and writing, and to showcase our offices.

As well as Tess I’ll have copies of A Jersey Midsummer Tale for sale and Barry as a giveaway, whilst stocks last.

Doyenne of local authors Daff Noel will be saying a few words and I’m delighted about that. Among the glitterati that are expected to attend are the Bailiff Sir Philip Bailhache (Jersey’s no.1 citizen) and Steve Pallett, Connetable of St Brelade in whose parish the novel is set.

My reluctance is gone and I’m rather looking forward to it. If you’re local and haven’t received an invite please do rock up from 5.30 a week on Tuesday and have a glass of wine, no obligation to buy.

In any event I’ll report back here and let you know how it all went and if anyone turned up!