It’s not every day you get to see a book you’ve written be released into the wilds of society, humans and ultimately, shops. My book - Catch Your Breath: The Secret Life of a Sleepless Anaesthetist, came out on August 26th and up until that point, it was a personal journey shared with only a few. Strangely, I wasn’t nervous for the big release day, instead excited, like a childhood birthday where I kept waking every hour in the night to see if it was time for present opening.
The launch party was made by Milly and her fantastic staff at the Colombia Coffee shop in Summertown, Oxford. I’ve been getting coffee beans from Milly for years, and the chalkboard advertising my book launch described me as ‘...our most loyal customer!” “THAT’S how much coffee I drink” I thought.
Nelly (our dog) and I trotted down the road and arrived to do my first EVER book signing in the glorious sunshine, and it was so much fun. The only other time I get to write my signature so often is during the constant writing of drug charts in hospital, so this was a joy.
My mum proudly received a copy, and then ribbed me constantly as she didn’t feature on the first page of dedications (apparently the acknowledgements just aren’t good enough). Later after reading though, mum calls me again.
“It’s ok I don’t mind anymore, there’s too much swearing”.
I loved writing this book. I loved the fluid, hysterically funny moments that left me smiling to myself, but also the tough, dark moments where I re-lived emotions that kept me awake. The ups and the downs made it the honest piece I put out to the world. Now, it is fantastic hearing how people are enjoying it. Please do tag me on Twitter or Instagram if you are, I’ll give you all my likes.