A Big Day for my New Book: Poppets and Magical Dolls

Today is a big day for me. My latest book, Pagan Portals - Poppets and Magical Dolls, goes on sale in a shop for the first time. Although the official publication date isn't until August, Treadwell's Bookshop in London is hosting the very first launch event this afternoon and so this is the earliest opportunity for people to buy copies.

I must admit, I am a bit nervous. I put years of thought, research and writing into the book. This time last year I was finishing off the final chapters - with the help of two new kittens. You can see one of them, Tommy, as he was back then, "helping" me with my writing.

Tommy and his sister, Tuppence, also used to like "helping" me try out various poppet-making techniques. They developed a particular love of pipe cleaners and balls of wool...

Pagan Portals - Poppets and Magical Dolls finally made it to publisher Moon Books last autumn; then there was a nine-month wait while the book went through the publishing system until it reached the shops.

I really hope readers will like the book as much as I enjoyed creating it. But I know I am always learning. Since I finished it I have seen lots more examples of traditional magical dolls, Some of them I have blogged about, including the little Fums Up! doll, created as a good luck charm about a hundred years ago. I think I could do with some good luck today - and I will be taking one of my own poppets with me to give me a little magical help.

If you want to come along to see the book and say hello, I will be at Treadwell's this afternoon, Saturday 14 July, from 3.30pm to 5pm to chat about poppets and sign books. It is completely free, just turn up. Stay as short or long a time as you like. Treadwell's is at 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7BS. https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Before that I am running a workshop on poppet-making, also at Treadwells. It starts at 1pm and ends at 3.15pm. There might still be one or two places left if you are interested. Tickets for the workshop are £20.  Call 020 7419 8507 or book online: https://www.treadwells-london.com/event/poppets-in-practical-magic/

Links and previous related posts
http://www.moon-books.net/
https://www.treadwells-london.com/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/07/magical-dolls-wwi-lucky-fums-up-doll.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/07/magical-dolls-folklore-wishbones.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/07/potato-dream-night-cramps-and-poppet.html