Looking for Daphne

My second foray into a Green Room. The hallowed inner sanctum for "Writers", I felt a bit of fraud but stuck with Justine and braved it.
So I'm drinking in the atmosphere and not feeling in the least bit nervous which can't be right and what happens?
The fire alarm goes off that's what, and we have to leave the Green Room, it's the St Paul's £10 thing bouncing back to remind me again.
I'd re-read Daphne in the run-up to the event and so was completely zoned-in and with new and exciting insights. Second time around there's even more to find but if there was any doubt about getting into the zone, ten minutes talking Daphne with Justine and you're at Menabilly and hearing the voice of Rebecca before you know it.
Obviously I couldn't take notes so I haven't a clue what I said but Rachel had really done her homework on dovegreyreader and I'm very grateful for her very thoughtful introduction. Rachel may be better known to some as Rachel Trethewey author of Mistress of the Arts, the book which recounts the history of Georgiana Duchess of Bedford and the building of Endsleigh and we had a great chat about history and houses and atmosphere.
It's quite odd to be sitting in front of the audience instead of onlooking and when the sound chap said he'd flash a light if I wasn't projecting my voice into the microphone I made a mental note to watch out for that, but was having such a good time I completely forgot. Also there was a money spider crawling across the fresh air in front of me, I'd normally assist it to another bit of air but didn't feel I could under the circumstances.
Fortunately Rachel keep things moving, Justine held the fort and I chipped in with a reader's point of view as appropriate (hopefully) and the time just flew. I don't know what an audience think but I think a reader's point of view (not necessarily mine) definitely adds something.There was a question about the significance of the pink cover on the book, we tactfully steered everyone round to understanding we thought it was red, and pink would have to send us all back to the drawing board.
Offspringette flew into town unexpectedly which was a lovely surprise and handed me a bag full of Canadian goodies which was another lovely surprise and then smiled supportively from the back row. I was reminded of all those hours spent watching school plays and gymnastic displays and smiling supportively from the back row too. It's always a good idea to send your camera off with someone with an eye, so thanks to her for the photos too because I would have forgotten.Lots of other friends came along to support which was very kind, I'm very grateful and a big thank you to all of them.I could feel the good vibes.
Justine signed books and chatted for ages, and I'll send those pictures to her to post over on her own blog. I didn't sign anything but just chatted, and all in all I think we all felt we'd been part of a lovely, warm, relaxed and uber-friendly Dartington event.
Busy few days coming up, lots of events, just look at all the books I've brought with me!