I was in Birmingham last Saturday, signing copies of 'The Wonderful Demise of Benjamin Arnold Guppy' at Borders in the Bull Ring. The signing was a special one for two reasons. Firstly, I was born and brought up in Birmingham, so going back was like going home. I've moved around a fair bit and currently live in Weston-super-Mare, but Birmingham will always occupy a special place in my heart. It's changed a lot since I left; I didn't recognise some parts at all. A couple of things will never change though... Birmingham is a very friendly city, and Brummies have an excellent sense of humour. It certainly was good to be back there.

Secondly, I broke my own signing sales record. My first signing with Benjamin Guppy was at Waterstone's in Bath (another city in which I once lived), and I broke the store's non-celebrity sales record. I was thrilled, of course. I thought it would be difficult to match that level of success, but the Birmingham signing went far beyond it. It seemed so fitting really... doing so well in the city I grew up in. I had high hopes, and I'm pleased to say that they were surpassed.

I'm currently working on the sequel, and I very much hope that it is as well received as the current book has been.