A couple of months ago, when England was still enjoying a glorious hot summer, author Kate O’Hearn swept into Seven Stories. She was not alone. Hot on her heels were an amazing crew carrying the most incredible set of props and costumes I’ve ever seen. All at once the office was filling up with the delicious aroma of animal hide as these people eased themselves into intricately detailed leather armour. I watched from behind my computer, mesmerised, as they transformed themselves from ordinary mortals into warriors of myth and legend.
Kate and her entourage were visiting as part of the tour to promote her latest novel Valkyrie. It’s a story that mixes Norse mythology with a contemporary tale that ends up releasing the Midgard Serpent into Chicago! It’s a great book and if this was a book blog I’d tell you more. But it just so happens that my faithful hound, Mischa SkinnyDog, DOES have a book blog so check out her review here.
Anyway, back to Kate and her gang. They were so much fun and delighted both staff and visitors as they brought the story of Freya the Valkyrie to life.
The attention to detail on the costumes were incredible, in particular the dreaded Dark Searcher who took great delight in frightening me at every opportunity.
Kate O’Hearn herself was not adverse to a spot of dressing up either and was sporting the most fabulous red velvet Steam Punk coat complete with an ostrich feather festooned top hat.
Kate being entertained by a young fan
It was probably one of the most fun days I had at Seven Stories this summer. They were such a delightful bunch of people with a great sense of humour. I was so sad when they left and when I returned to the empty office all that remained was the intoxicating scent of leather armour.
However, Kate being the crazy person she is, agreed to being elfed. She is the second author to undergo such a transformation. The first being Gareth P Jones who funnily enough was also wearing a top hat.
Ok, I wimped out of drawing the feathers but Kate still makes an impressive elf.
I would recommend Valkyrie to confident readers and teens…..or any adult that’s still in touch with their inner child.
Ziggy Shortcrust 
That’s a brilliant illustration – amazing! ❤
it was one of my favourite days too. xx
Oh thanks Louise. It was fun….but thinking about it makes me miss you 😦
I miss you too. Hopefully get back north for a visit next month.
New job doesn’t have quite the same adventures!
Where there are books there are adventures 😉
What a fun post and what a coincidence that both authors were elfed in a top hat.
Are you familiar with the work of Anna Branford? She is my favorite children’s author and
would look great as an elf with a Top Hat!!
If you wanted to “elf” her I reckon I could almost guarantee her written permission. 🙂
Also I would rather like to send you some emails of some serious “elfing” my son and friend’s did.
I thought I could send it to your Ziggy’s elves page and I see you work with childrens art.
Childrens art has always been a pure joy for me. 🙂
I would love to see your son’s elfing. By all means email them over.
Wonderful drawing as ever Ziggy 🙂
Thank you.
Terrific
AW, thanks.
The kids don’t look scared but I must say I would be a little nervous. They all look a bit intimidating in their leather armour! I love your drawing.
They rather enjoyed staring at you and because you couldn’t see their faces it was really un-nerving.
What a wonderful day for you all. I love all your Elf drawings! There has to be a book in them now!
It really was a fabulous day.
Being a product of the 60’s, I always preferred “Knights in White Satin”.
Exquisite drawing.
I’m glad someone got the reference in the title. And thank you 🙂
Cool Post! Great event! Great outfits! Great Drawing!
… oh and I think I read another post somewhere about this book 😉 … it must be good!
Do you know….you’re just too kind 😉
An Elf! Yay!
Ziggy, I’m sure your job is too much fun to be legal. Somehow something doesn’t seem right about it, surely having so much fun at work isn’t actually allowed….
“Too much fun to be legal” that is the best comment I’ve had about work. I shall pass it on to my colleagues. Funnily enough I’ve just had an illegally good day at work today. Will reveal all soon.
Fantastic elphing of Kate! You are amazing, Ziggy!
She made a great elf. A couple more authors have agreed to this transformation. They are such good sports.
A really haunting drawing Ziggy, sorry I lost you in the blogsphere, Russell.
Don’t worry Russell, I think I may have been lost to myself. Nice to hear from you.