
For the second year running I’ve fallen foul of the literary police. Yes, I know; I didn’t learn my lesson from 12 months ago did I? They’ve only gone and charged me with crimes against literature and the written word again, haven’t they?
Ssshhh. Don’t tell my new publisher, because the paperback edition of In Shadows Waiting is due out very shortly.
So the bell will toll for me at Moat Way, Barwell, on the afternoon of Saturday August 22nd, where my jailer and guard, Emma Lawton, will apply the handcuffs and march me barefoot through Mill Street, High Street, Top Town, Kirkby Road, Byron Street, Moore Road, Forest View Road, Queens Way, Oxford Street, back down to Kirkby Road, Top Town, and Church Lane, where I will be duly locked in the stocks for the duration of Barwell Carnival.
With my head and hands secured in place I will be going nowhere, and completely helpless to prevent the punishment and humiliation that I know so many of you are keen to inflict on me, with buckets of water and sponges.
And you’ll be able to indulge in this sadistic pleasure for the ridiculously cheap fee of just £1 for three sponges (and if a sponge misses, you get another go!). Also, I’m sure Emma will be open to negotiations regarding a price for dousing me with a full bucket.
I suppose it’ll be fun of sorts…as this picture from last year shows...but the important thing is that it all helps to raise funds for good causes locally, as decided upon by the Barwell Carnival Committee.
Talking of raising funds for good causes…watch this space. I’m currently working with Irene and Sue, from West Leicestershire Mind, on doing a sponsored event for them.