London Film and Comic Con

October 03, 2024

London Film and Comic Con

Recently I was at the London Film and Comic Convention at Olympia to promote my debut novel The Song of Dawn. The atmosphere was amazing with many cosplayers making a real effort across the three days. But the most exciting opportunity happened while I was there. I asked one of the organisers if I could give them a copy of my book to give to Rupert Grint who was making an appearance on the Saturday as a gift. They said they would check and ask if that was allowed and I thought no more about it. Later on the Saturday afternoon one of the Green screen crew came out to my stall and said that Rupert would love to read my book and would I like to go round to present it to him as he was taking a short break. I was overwhelmed by his kindness and warmth. He asked me all about the novel and why I had decided to retire from teaching to write it. He then asked me if I’d like a photograph with him— as if I was likely to say no thank you. After the photograph which was done in front of the green screen I realised that he was holding my book and I blurted out, ‘Oh no, I wont be able to use the photo on my social media as you are holding my book.’ His reply, ‘No go ahead, I will be reading it.’ I can not believe I got to meet him let alone that he promised to read my novel. This is a memory I will treasure forever.