Friday's Terror Scribes gathering at the beautiful Victorian pub the Princess Louise started later than expected and we had only just gathered when it fell time to join in the British Fantasy Society's meeting, which was the original plan. Three books were launched by Rainfall and, judging by the number of people clutching copies and seeking out the authors for dedications, I'd say they sold very well. Stuart young was there for his book Spare Parts, as was Mark Samuels with Black Altars.

For my part I took my little self published title, Chalice along and sold enough to cover my train fare - actually that was three fares, since Morgan and Nat came along to keep me company.

To begin with the atmosphere was a little strained. Two groups thrown together in one room gave it the feel of a wedding reception where the families each take control of one side of the room. That soon evaporated and mingling commenced in earnest. I love a good mingle and had some really enjoyable conversations with complete strangers. Joe Rattigan [Ghosts Far From Subtle], Mark West [Strange Tales] and Steve Lines [Nightmares From Infinity] read excerpts from their books, which clearly did not harm sales. Joe sat with us and was in a quietly witty mood, exchanging quips with Morgan and pointing out people to me whom I would not, otherwise, have recognised. I wish my memory would come back properly so I didn't have to rely on others to tell me who I know and who I don't. I'm sure I missed a good friend simply because I did not know for sure he would be there and was therefore not looking for him.

Oddly enough, there was one man there we both recognised but could not place. Joe approached him with the "Haven't we met somewhere?" bit, but was rebuffed politely - apparently the man was sure they had not, but neither of us believed that.

Over the latter part of last week I had been approached by an Italian editor who is planning an international anthology of women writers that he plans to publish in Italian. Two other lady writers at the event had also been approached and we had a chat about this rather unexpected invitation. We have all accepted and are looking forward to seeing our work in a language none of us speaks.

Today I looked again at the cover of Chalice and have decided to tone it down a bit. My artist created a superb, but very sexy illustration and I have decided that it will be easier to sell with this on the inside, but retaining the border, which is a work of art in itself on the cover with a stone like insert for the titles. It looks good. Anyone want to buy a copy?????