Yes. Happening. The old hippy word for an event. Yet it
means a little more than just an event. It has added extra. Its success depends
to a large extent on the energy that both organisers bring. It’s not just a
matter of deciding a time, finding a venue and inviting folk.
Venue found
I’ve successfully found the venue for the 2016 joint
Bridge House / CafeLit celebration. Or rather my daughter did. It’s a pub in
north London, Primrose Hill. It has a very pleasant upstairs room, a nice selection
of gins and real ales. There is even free on-street parking on a Saturday.
Next steps
So, I’ll be putting together my Eventbrite invite. I’ll
initially be inviting the writers who are included in the two new anthologies.
Then it will be open to other Bridge House, CafeLit and Red Telephone writers.
After that it will be the general public.
That particular general public is likely to be one that has a vested
interest in the imprints.
Energizing the events
So, what will go on? How will this become a happening?
There’ll be books for sale, readings, speed-dating, where we all swap tips
about marketing. We’ll give the latest news. There’ll be a book exchange. Most
importantly we’ll get to put names to faces.
Oh. And try the real ales and gins.