I'll never wash these eyeballs again!

Today I went to see Isobelle Carmody and Justine Larbalestier talk about the rules of invention--and then I got to meet them afterward and get books signed! I won't lie to you. I gushed.

That's Larbalestier in the middle and Carmody on the right. They were both such good speakers, describing how they came up with their worlds, what fantasy means to them and how they feel about their characters as they write them. The session was part of the schools program so there were lots of kids in the audience, including some from my old high school! I looked for one of my old English teachers but all the faces were unfamiliar.

I brought up with Justine how pleased I was about the new US Liar cover, and here's the "edit" she did for me on one of her promo cards :)

After I picked up a copy of The Stone Key and How to Ditch Your Fairy, I got them both signed! My first author autographs since I went with my mother to meet David Attenborough at the launch of The Private Life of Plants.

For those of you anticipating the release of The Sending, book six in the series, last I heard it was due out in February next year, but Carmody mentioned as she was signing my book that it will probably be later. She also mentioned an Australian tour to celebrate its release, and a masquerade ball! How do I get on that guest list?!

I just got home from seeing District 9. More on that tomorrow, plus thoughts on the trailers I saw for 2012 and Surrogates. Dystopian movies galore right now!

Today was a good day.