Early morning call
I’m going to sneak this blog up while many of you are still asleep. It’s because I’m off out now, and it’s conceivable I will not get back till late, and then not fancy blogging, and to cut a long story short I can see it getting to one of those tense situations where the prospect of the Blogless Day looms. Rather that put you through that twice in a week, I’m posting even though I don’t have much to say (since I’ve only just finished wittering on about the Pope and Pornographers). I suppose if I allowed ‘not having anything much to say’ to debar me from blogging, there would be quite a lot of gaps in this.
As this is going to appear at about 9.30am your time, I’m going to revive the convention whereby the first person to leave a Comment has the right to name a subject they’d like to be discussed in tomorrow’s blog. If they don’t take up the option, the privilege passes to the next person to leave one. (I am using ‘privilege’ here in a rather tongue-in-cheek manner). I’ve not got anything much in mind for tomorrow – although I will be returning to Can I Help You? pretty soon – so the chances are I will take you up on your suggestion in quite a bit of detail. Unless the request is something like ‘write about your most shameful secrets’ or ‘bitch about ten comedians you hate’. Tempting as that sometimes is.
Melbourne readers (I think there are a few): I will just mention for the last time that I’m doing readings from my book on Sunday at the Cinema Nova, in Carlton, from 6pm. It’s free. Ooh, and if you are in Sydney, I’m doing an event there on Tuesday. It’s a kind of invitation-only thing organised by the publishers, but if you want to come, I can get you an invitation. Let me know. At both of these dates, I’ll be reading (Aussie-specific) passages from ‘Eleven’, making rambled remarks about Australia, and answering questions from the audience in my usual way, i.e. talking about something almost entirely unrelated for ages, and finishing with ‘I hope that answers your question’.
And as to the London launch: we are STILL trying to nail a date that works, since I’ve got a tour starting ever so soon and also this ITV4 series and some other business coming up. (If you still haven’t bought tickets, by the way, for the tour, I would love it if you did. This link works I think: www.tinyurl.com/watchwatson . Some of you used ‘I don’t know which university I’ll be at’ as an excuse when they first came out. IT IS NO LONGER AN EXCUSE.) So – yes, London-wise, it’s starting to look like we will do something small-scale-ish, which may have to be a midweek night (sorry) around the end of this month, but then when the paperback comes out next summer, stage some epic adventure like the one in Edinburgh where we visit sites from the actual book. I was hoping to do the running-round-London one sooner, but in a way, for publicity it does make more sense to wait for the paperback – and also it will take some organising and I’d like to make it really really special.
I’ll keep you posted as soon as the smaller one is set up, though, because it might still suit some readers who live in/near London or are mad enough to come for a weekday night. It would probably be finished quite early, if that helps.
Right, I’m off to watch/perform comedy about football. What, normal football where you kick the ball? No! Australian Rules, where you kick the ball AND PICK IT UP! That’s right! My life is amazing! See you tomorrow!
Posted by Hannah on September 18, 2010
Watson! You’re teasing me with Sydney book launch events when I’ve already committed to go away for a few days; the ONE time I’m actually going away. I was already jealous when Cat (CatOnAHorse) told me she was getting to go; then when I possibly could I’ll be away from Sydney, even more that I already am. : ( Planning ahead self-fail.
Posted by Ally on September 18, 2010
Exciting news! I was in a book shop yesterday talking to a friend when out of the corner of my eye I spied Eleven! I squealed in a rather embarrassing fashion and rushed to grab it and buy it
My friend was rather confused.
I’d love to get an invitation for the event in Sydney, it’s perfect timing too as I’ve just started on my mid-term holidays. I have a friend who I think would like to go as well if that’s at all possible.
I’m looking forward to reading Eleven anyhow!
Posted by lisan66 on September 17, 2010
I second the comment made by fuzzy_ducky (Laura)
Posted by fuzzy_ducky (Laura) on September 17, 2010
I would really really really really love it, if you managed to stop by Ireland just for one night on a weekend and do a show
Posted by Heather Jones on September 17, 2010
I’ve been a bit quiet and not commenting for a while now, but I’m still reading blog every day. Just wanted to say ‘hi’ while you’re on t’other side of the world. (Impressive conjuring of a ‘something’ blog out of supposed ‘nothing’, by the way.)
Am aiming to attend the mid-week London launch.
Posted by Rachael on September 17, 2010
Football where you can pick the ball up? That is just craziness. Also, I saw Stephen Fry today, only for a second and I had to queue for about an hour but I would recommend it to all those people that wanted to meet him, look out for book signings I think he is probably doing quite alot of them at the moment.
Posted by Someone on September 17, 2010
Oh was looking forward to the September launch, but mid-week may not be possible because of new-found responsibility in a job-type situation. Sucky. I do hope I can come to the big regular-sized paper-back event. I’m worried I may not, but I do hope! How about make it Edinburgh late August, or London in the September? Otherwise I just do not know. I should be more optimistic though eh. Glad Ozzyland is promoting happiness for you!
Posted by Lydia on September 17, 2010
It’s not for ages but I’m really looking forward to seeing your Torquay gig. I don’t have an actual TYSIC thing yet (I keep putting it off because I think I’ll fail… lol) but one of the things I wanted was to actually start seeing people live that I always go on about. You are the first person I actually went ahead and booked tickets for. So yay for that.
I would love to come to your London thing, but whenever it is it’ll be a little difficult for me because I am in Devon. Although having said it’s not like I don’t have enough time to save money.
I hope today went well.
Posted by Tibbs on September 17, 2010
Do you happen to know what month the paperback will be out? I really enjoyed the Edinburgh book launch and would love to be able to come to another one!
(And not that my schedule has any bearing on the decision, but if it could be sort of close to August but not actually *in* August, that would be lovely, as I’m hoping to fly up a bit early and spend some time in and near London before the Fringe.)
Posted by Hannah Mae on September 17, 2010
You sound very happy in Australia. I have so many friends who’ve visited and ended up emigrating that I’m concerned about going, in case I never want to come back!
Bit confused about the paperback thing (I’m sure my copy is a paperback…), but nonetheless very much up for a small scale weeknight launch at the end of the month. I’m leaving for Bristol at the beginning of October (seeing you at the Hippodrome, hurrah) so I’ll jump on any excuse for a London jaunt while I’m kicking my heels in boring, miserable Kent. Is there such a thing as small scale when you’re off the telly, though!? Probably not. Are you going to advertise it on Twitter etc? Presumably it’ll have to be properly arranged, or else some unsuspecting branch of Waterstones will be inundated with ardent fans taking over! I’m just thinking of Stephen Fry’s latest book launch that I went to the other day. It was amazing and I got to meet him (lifetime ambition fulfilled; I nearly died when he said hello to me), but it was also crazily overwhelming and alarmingly military operation-like. He has reasonably composed fans, too; I can’t imagine the stress if someone like Johnny Depp were ever to write a novel.
Anyway. Enjoy the football!
Posted by Steph on September 17, 2010
What’s this about paperbacks? My copy of Eleven is what I would call a paperback…
Posted by hornseygirl on September 17, 2010
…and how could I forget to mention that I was given a copy of Eleven for my birthday!
I am really looking forward to reading it; I am saving it for a fast-approaching weekend away in Cambridge. : )
Posted by JontyLarr on September 17, 2010
I’ve got tickets for the tour, but would also be interested in watching the filmings of this new show if it’s to be studio audience based?
Posted by SamJJ on September 17, 2010
My sister lives in Sydney but she has a baby to look after so unlikely she’d make it anyway. I still need a sitter for your Brighton gig, better look into that!
Posted by Carl on September 17, 2010
Cheeky morning blog, I like it.
Good luck with the gig!
Sorry to keep pestering you, but I couldn’t reply to your DM asking for my email address in regards to the possible Sky Dive. So here it is carl_burkitt@hotmail.com
Posted by Mariam on September 17, 2010
Thanks for sparing us the stress, Mark.
The last week of September would be brilliant for the book launch in London since it’s the last week I’m at home! Er, providing it’s not Wednesday the 29th, since I’m going to be getting my geek on at the Royal Albert Hall that night.
I really want to come and see you on tour but I’ve got a bit of a problem. You’re playing Aberystwyth, which is only an hour away from where I’m going to university by bus, but I’d have to leave during your show because the last one back to Lampeter is at 21:05 or something equally as ridiculous. Now if I were going to see anyone else live, I wouldn’t mind leaving part way through, but I’ve seen you chase after a man and drag him back to his seat to find out why he was leaving early. You can probably see why I’m concerned.
Posted by Misha on September 17, 2010
Now that i’m at uni (although I have a ticket for Cov) I might see if any of my new “friends” (I have spoken to a whole 7 strangers so far!) will come.
Or I might just ignore them, book myself a ticket and go alone. The latter being the more likely.
As for a mini london launch, I believe I come into the category of “stupid enough”. With a bit of warning, and timetables permitting, I can probably be there. I promise not to get lost this time.
Posted by Suzanne on September 17, 2010
… and another thing!!! Then I really WILL be gone …
Absolutely loved “Eleven” … read it in two sessions … exceptional for me … any other book takes a week … at the very least!!
You owe me a few days for the wonderful time spent buried in the pages and world of Eleven …
Posted by hornseygirl on September 17, 2010
I’ve only just really caught up on your Blog (belated congratulations to all Watsons on the Half Marathon), having been away in a remote part of this island, nestled between the Pennines and the Lakeland Fells.
I have a habit of finishing with, ‘I am not sure that answers your question’. Not that I’m being competitive, you understand.
I saw your good friend Tim Minchin walking in N8 today. I was sorely tempted to shout something along the lines of ‘get running’, but I restrained myself.
Posted by Suzanne on September 17, 2010
Oooops … “I’m bet” should read “I’m betting” … yep, that WAS a tyop … hmmm, must gte a new ste of fngiers …!
Posted by Suzanne on September 17, 2010
Hi Mark-down-under! Sure you’re having a great time …
Enjoy the Aussie Rules footie … I’m bet it still makes we Brits giggle every time they score a behynd – not a typo … just a poor attempt to convey the way it’s said in Oz!!!
How about “Weird images conjured up by run of the mill expressions …”??? With your wonderful imagination, you should have a field day!!!
Well there are a couple already (who’d have thought it??? [is that another???] {I’ll stop before this gets TOO silly})
When you decide to include Adelaide on your itinerary, I’ll see if I can come along! I’ve not been back since living there for 3 years and that was very nearly half a century ago … ouch!!!
I will see you in Bristol which, as you know, is a wee bit more practical from where I live now …
Have a great tour … see ya! x
PS Btw, very well done re the Bristle Half … loved seeing you and the family on film!!!
Posted by Emily on September 17, 2010
The problem with the Watch Watson link is that is still says Dundee on Nov 13th is cancelled and doesn’t mention Dundee on Nov 14th. Whilst this is good for me because I’m still waiting on a friend to reply saying if he’ll go or not and I’d really quite like to get tickets before I have to end up at the back, it’s not so good for you. I’d imagine people in Dundee will look and be disappointed, not realising that you are in fact coming to this great city.
Posted by heatherooo on September 17, 2010
Very considerate of you to post early, to avoid #MWblogwatch going crazy. However, would I be in trouble if I admitted that sometimes I enjoy the initial suspense?
I think I may be the first to post a comment, unless someone else has sneakily got in there before me as a type. But, because you regularly make mentions of bands I am quite partial to (Arcade Fire, New Pornographers, Spoon although that was at your show, and I never did get my £500!), maybe something sort of music-related? Of course, this might be a rubbish idea, but even so.
Posted by Kathryn on September 17, 2010
Being both mad enough to be up this early and student-y enough to have nothing better to do, I think I have (possibly) the opportunity to post the first comment and pick a topic for tomorrow. Unfortunately I can’t think of anything as it is still too early for me. I shall defer to the next person.
I was a “university excuse” person. My ticket has been booked for weeks.
Posted by Nuala on September 17, 2010
Heard on the news that people are going to try to outrun zombies today, in Bristol! Is it less weird in Melbourne?