Anywhere but here

I mentioned in a recent post that Otago writers seem to be very productive at the moment, and last night I got to throw on my glad rags and head off to enjoy another book launch.

This time it was the turn of Ella West, and we celebrated the launch of her second young adult novel Anywhere but here. This is the sequel to Thieves, which I loved, and which was a finalist in the NZ Post Book Awards.

The event was hosted by Dunedin's Longacre Press, which is continuing its tradition of publishing strong fiction for children and young adults, and the Mosgiel Public Library.

The book was launched by Rhiana MacKay-Stewart, who is a pupil at Taieri College, and I thought it was a special touch for Ella to invite one of her fans to launch the book. Rhiana was clearly excited and honoured to do the job. Ella's popularity was well evidenced with lots of her target audience enjoying the evening. It had a lovely community feel, with plenty of Mosgielites and Dunedinites out to support and celebrate the success of the local girl.

I can't wait to read Anywhere but here and more of the challenges for Nicky, who has the ability to travel using mind power, and her extraordinarily gifted friends. I know teen fiction is supposed to be for teens, but I'll let you in on a little secret - it's great for adults too.