Signed James Oswald Giveaway

Now that my blog hiatus is consigned to the past I thought I'd like to do my very first giveaway but wasn't sure what I would giveaway. On Wednesday an unexpected opportunity popped up and my decision was made.

The author James Oswald is one of my current favourites with his Inspector McLean novels which are an Edinburgh based police procedural series with a supernatural twist which adds interest to the story. He was appearing at an author event in Dalmuir Library as part of West Dunbartonshire's Booked! Festival and I thought a signed set of his books would make a great giveaway gift especially as I know his books have been popping up with bloggers joining in with Laura at Circle of Pine Trees Year in Books and elsewhere.

It was a bit of a scramble to buy all three books as each shop seemed to have only one or other, which was annoying, as I hadn't realised there was a bookseller attending the event with piles of his books! Dalmuir Library was bright and welcoming and the audience was small and cosy enough to feel relaxed and engaged. They even laid on tea and biccies!

James, who I hope doesn't mind me calling him by his first name, was a fabulous speaker. He was well prepared and spoke with great clarity, humility and humour as he shared his 20yr journey to becoming what the press insist is an 'overnight success'. He's had an interesting career pathway including being a wine merchant and sheep poop collector as part of research and came to farming unexpectedly rapidly due to a family tragedy. I was impressed that he farms Romney sheep and my absolute favourite the Highland 'Big Ginger Coo' specifically because these breeds are hardy and as low maintenance as possible to allow him time to write. The best news for the audience was that he is writing away furiously, and in addition to Dead Men's Bones which is number four in the series, he is contracted for a further two books. Afterwards James was most kind in signing everyone's books, chatting and even kindly posed for the photos here for me.

I'm keeping it simple as this is a celebratory 'thank you' giveaway to the lovely bloggers I read who share their lives and to anyone who reads my blog. Just leave me a comment to let me know you would like to be involved. Anyone can enter from anywhere as I read international blogs so everyone should be able to enjoy the fun. Make sure you leave me a way of contacting you if you are a winner. As this is a Bank Holiday weekend and half term in places I'll keep this open till 8am on Saturday morning 31st of May 2014. Good luck everyone.