So, last night I went up to Bedford, from work, to go to an event at the very Rogans’s Books.

For those of you that don’t know – and why would you if you don’t live in Bedford, or attend Children’s Book Festivals (i.e. Booktastic, also run / curated by Rogan’s Books impresario Rachael Rogan, and others – I don’t have names, but I know that their contributions are huge), or indeed simply never have met anyone who has been to the shop. Of course, if you have met someone who has been to the shop, then chances are that sooner rather than later you will also go to the shop and then you’re “in”, forever…

This is Rachael

Portrait of a woman wearing a multi-coloured scarf, standing in front of a display promoting women in STEM.  The woman is Rachael Rogan
This is a portrait of Rachael Rogan in her natural habitat, her own bookshop.

Rachael has started to organise events at the shop, and the inaugural event for adults was last night, Wednesday 20th February 2019, with a visit from Sunday Times Bestselling Author of “The Binding”, Bridget Collins.
This is Bridget:

Portrait of a woman signing copies of a book at a bookshop counter.  The woman is best-selling author, Bridget Collins
Bridget Collins, signing copies of “The Binding” at Rogan’s Books, behind the counter.

The evening began with informal mingling and chatting, as well as nibbles and wine – the most amazing vegan “cheese” straws I have ever tasted – and then was followed by a short reading from “The Binding” given by Bridget herself and then a lively Q&A which offered some really interesting insights into her process as a writer, her career, her inspiration for the book and the way in which it has all come together.

Bridget was really generous with her time, offering entertaining and insightful answers in the Q&A and then really taking time to talk to the attendees while signing copies of her book for us.

It was a real pleasure to meet her and in particular for me that she was kind enough to let me take some photos.

Here are a couple of photos from the Q&A:

A photograph of Bridget Collins and Rachael Rogan sat in front of bookshelves, and before an audience, engaging in a Q&A
Bridget Collins & Rachael Rogan “on stage”
A photograph of Bridget Collins and Rachael Rogan sat in front of bookshelves, and before an audience, engaging in a Q&A - they are both laughing, as are the audience.
Bridget Collins & Rachael Rogan “on stage” – laughter ensued

Rachael informs me that there are going to be more events to come, so keep an eye on the website, or consider following the shop on Facebook, Twitter and / or Instagram.

You wouldn’t want to miss out on meeting someone really interesting and fun, right? And at the same time, what better way to support reading and books than by supporting an independent bookshop, better still an independent bookshop run by a passionate entrepreneur with a deep love of books and bringing reading to life for kids and grown-ups alike.

P.S. I started reading “The Binding” on the train back to London – expect a review, soon.