White Water Landings for Christmas?

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. I’ve been attending Craft and Gift Fairs run by Mynt Image in the south of England this year. This weekend sees the start of the run up to Christmas, although in truth many people who visit the fairs are always interested in presents for friends and family.

Sea planes and Sunderlands

The banner which I use to promote White Water Landings attracts a lot of interest. Since I realised that, I generally face it towards the main entrance to the hall. There are few other banners so it can be seen across the room.

Many people talk about remembering seeing ‘these planes’ on the Solent, where they were based in the 50s. I gently correct them and explain that Sunderlands, which were based at Calshot, were built for the war, and the Empire boats were their forerunners. I don’t think it makes a lot of difference, really, they like the whole idea of the book.

There are also people who stop and ask about sea planes, and sometimes I’ll explain the difference, and sometimes not.

But most importantly, many people like the look of the book, which they can pick up and read if they like–I have a ‘sample’ copy. And they often buy it as a gift for someone. Often the more elderly men in the family, but you might be surprised how many women my age leap at it!

Christmas presents

I’m hoping that a fair number of people are tempted to buy the book in paperback for a loved one this Christmas. It’s currently my best selling book, although very closely followed by the first in my young persons’ fantasy adventure series.

As well as in paperback, I can sell it as an ebook on the stand now, but I’ve recently made some Gift Cards which will help people who use eReaders to download the book, especially as a present.

I have several conversations with older people about reading on Kindles and iPads, and I recommend it because you don’t have to worry about the size of the print, or whether you have a good reading light handy! I think I’ve persuaded a few people to take the plunge by simply picking up my iPad (which does all the sales transactions for the show). I tap on the Kindle app, which comes up with whatever I’m reading, and just show them how to make the font bigger. Judging from the reactions, I think I ought to get commission from Apple and the like!

So if you’re in Lyndhurst, Salisbury or Romsey between now and Christmas, look out for the Mynt Image Craft Fairs, mainly on a Saturday, but Salisbury is Sunday at the Guildhall.

I’ll also be doing these shows in 2023, in Lymington and Chichester as well as those three venues. Maybe I’ll see you there.